Wrapped in the arms of love...

Sorry, we are still a day behind on the posts. :) So yesterday...

We got to hold Jackson for the first time! What a feeling to finally hold our son!

...and, oh yes, there were kisses galore!!

...and...

We fed Jackson orally for the first time! Although he didn't fair so well his first time with the whole swallowing idea, he did start to feed well today. Being intubated for so long will make the whole "suck, breathe, swallow" idea a little difficult for him, but he is starting to get the hang of it. So, hopefully, we can continue to increase the amount he is taking by mouth until he is eating well enough to remove the feeding tube going through his right nostril (that's the yellowish tube you see pictured above). We're starting to get the hang of working around all of his wires, tubes, and attachments to change his diapers, hold him, and feed him. It can be a challenge! :)

Today was fairly uneventful. Other than his first real bottle feeding, there's not a whole lot to report. :) Although I guess he did have his first real burp today. I'm sure that you all wanted to know that. :) Again, it's the little things that now get us very excited. All of those little things that seem so remedial are things that Jackson is just now learning- while on ECMO and until this point, these things were all done for him so he has to learn how to swallow, cough, etc. So the little things are very exciting steps for us and one step closer to our little man coming home and finally being home together as a family.

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support! I (Melissa) am starting to finally feel a little better and able to spend some time with Jackson again so that has been a big encouragement for me. I was able to be at the hospital for a few hours earlier today and then in the evening as well. It was so hard being home and longing to be there but knowing that I just couldn't do it. Although the progress feels slow, I am thankful for every day of feeling better! I didn't realize how awful I was feeling until I got on meds and started improving. :) At this very moment, while I am typing this, is the first time I have not had fairly intense pain since the birth several weeks ago, and it is so wonderful. :) Praise God!! Woohoo!! I think I just got used to it and thought it was normal. :) Fortunately, my dr.'s office is wonderful and they were looking out for me! (Thanks Angela and doc!) :) And thank you so very much to all who were praying! If you wouldn't mind continuing to pray, just that I would continue to heal completely without any other setbacks so that I can fully be there for my son and hubby, and that Joe would stay healthy as well. The whole daily grind of the NICU can be somewhat exhausting at times as accommodating and wonderful as Children's Mercy is.

We will keep you all posted on his progress- sorry this post made it out rather late! We love you all and continue to thank God for His blessings in our lives. We are so very grateful. :) Love to all!