Update long coming...

Before I (Joe) head home for some rest this evening I wanted to be sure to post an update for everyone as you all have been so diligent in praying for Jackson. I certainly do not want to leave you hanging in suspense of any news that may have occurred over the course of the day. So, do you want pictures or an update first?...I thought so...

Tummy time with dad!

I just had to post another one of these!

Have you every felt like this?

OK...for all of you who think that Jackson is sooooooo cute (which of course he is), I thought I'd show you the other side that you've been missing all this time!!
Check out the mullet! He's also sporting the bird comb, which always gives us a chuckle. I think he looks like Sloth from the Goonies from this angle (I, of course, being Joe because my wife would never say that about our son...hehe). And of course you can tell which way he likes to turn his head when he's sleeping (a result of ECMO).

OK, that was a good warm up. Now for some updates and pictures. Can you tell what is different about this picture? That's right! No more feeding tube! Whoo hoo! Jackson got his feeding tube out on Monday and is taking all feedings by mouth now. This also means the Jackson is 100% tube free for the first time in his life! As you know if you've been following the blog, the one thing that has been holding us here in the hospital is Jackson's feedings.

So...can you tell what is different about this picture?

..OK, so we haven't gone home yet. :) But, the hospital does like to check the car seat setup prior to discharge, so we figured why not knock that out of the way in hopes of good news. :) So on that note, we did receive word today that they are planning to send us home this Friday or Saturday barring any issues between now and then. Yeah!! We may actually be going home! This Friday will be 6 weeks and we are more than ready to settle in at our own house.

A couple more updates. As you know from past blogs Jackson has been having high blood pressure readings the past few days and has caused some concern. Yesterday they tested his urine to check for any signs of kidney problems. The results came back good. No signs of problems from those tests. So a Renal Ultrasound was order (ultrasound of the Kidneys) to be done this morning to check the blood flow in the kidneys and vessels. In case you are not aware (I certainly was not), high blood pressure in infants is often attributed to kidney issues. Since the blood is filtered by the kidneys if there is a lack of blood flow the kidneys will send a message to the brain to increase the pressure, resulting in high blood pressure. So the ultrasound was done this morning.

We were very pleased when the doctors came back and told us that they did not find anything that alarmed them at this point. They did find that there was a slight difference in flow from one kidney compared to the other, but this was not of great concern at this time. Because all signs point to Jackson doing well other than some of the blood pressure readings, they told us that they would continue to monitor the pressures but that it could just be the equipment and taking readings at times when he is less settled.

Tonight we are still having high blood pressure readings even when he is sleeping, so please continue to pray for Jackson's blood pressure and that there would not be any issues that have not surfaced. We are quite ready to go home and are trusting the Lord for complete healing of Jackson in Jesus' name.

....oh, and one more update....Jackson had his circumcision this afternoon....but who wants to talk about that...let's look at another cute picture!! Nice job working the camera, Melissa!

We continually give thanks to our God and Creator for the blessing of our son. And we thank Him daily for our family and Friends across the country - around the world - who have been there to support us. We thank you for your comments, support, and continued prayer for Jackson.

Joe, Melissa, and Jackson