Hi there, little one!
Today, with a heavy heart, I bring to you sad news. Your second cousin, Bennett Stephen Vanderham, who was born on July 25th, passed away today. From his daddy, Zach:
"As soon as Bennett was born he was rushed to NICU for not breathing. Bennett had seizures and brain trauma. After a few days we were air lifted to Cook Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the last couple of days the doctors and nurses tries their best to take care of our little boy. He incurred severe brain injuries during birth and after reviewing the best options for Bennett we decided that it was in his best interest to take Bennett off life support. With heavy hearts our son passed away this evening. He fought long enough for us to sleep with him one night and hold him all day. He will be forever loved and remembered. Thank all of you that knew for all your thoughts and prayers."
Baby Bennett's organs will be donated to other children in need, and his purpose in life, as short as it was, is far greater than many of us can hope for in our own. Although you never had the chance to know him, I pray you can live by his example, taking advantage of every single breath to show love and care to others.
This whole process has been scary and eye-opening. I am thankful for your health, Annabelle, and I pray daily that it continue throughout the pregnancy, birth, and well into your life.
We will forever remember and love this lost family member, and be grateful for his short life.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
3D Sonogram
Hi there, little one!
A lot has happened in the last couple of months. You have been growing and moving like crazy. However, I joke that you are going to be shy because everytime you are moving and I put my or your daddy's hand on my belly to feel, you stop! And somehow you know when we are watching your belly because you stop moving then, too. That's okay! We still keep trying, and occasionally your daddy gets lucky enough to see or feel a movement.
Also, we have decided on a name for you: Annabelle Cherie Jackson
I wish I had some really cool story about how we came up with it, but I don't. We were stuck on your first name for a while before finding a middle name. We would drive down the road, reading signs and pairing names with Annabelle. Your daddy accidentally misread a name on a sign, and we liked it! That was that!
Today we set up an appointment for a 3D sonogram. We invited your grandparents to come, too. In attendance with us: Grandmama Kim, Grandpops James, Uncle Nate, Aunt Brittany, Papa Sam, and (to be renamed, possibly) Pocka Pat. The room was set up with couches and the sonogram was put on a large flat screen, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone there. I think they all enjoyed it. Seeing sonogram photos is cool, but this makes it that much more real, and we wanted to share that with them!
You were, as usual, very shy at first. You kept your face hidden, but over time, we were able to convince you to show most of your face. And what a beautiful face you have!
A lot has happened in the last couple of months. You have been growing and moving like crazy. However, I joke that you are going to be shy because everytime you are moving and I put my or your daddy's hand on my belly to feel, you stop! And somehow you know when we are watching your belly because you stop moving then, too. That's okay! We still keep trying, and occasionally your daddy gets lucky enough to see or feel a movement.
Also, we have decided on a name for you: Annabelle Cherie Jackson
I wish I had some really cool story about how we came up with it, but I don't. We were stuck on your first name for a while before finding a middle name. We would drive down the road, reading signs and pairing names with Annabelle. Your daddy accidentally misread a name on a sign, and we liked it! That was that!
Today we set up an appointment for a 3D sonogram. We invited your grandparents to come, too. In attendance with us: Grandmama Kim, Grandpops James, Uncle Nate, Aunt Brittany, Papa Sam, and (to be renamed, possibly) Pocka Pat. The room was set up with couches and the sonogram was put on a large flat screen, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone there. I think they all enjoyed it. Seeing sonogram photos is cool, but this makes it that much more real, and we wanted to share that with them!
You were, as usual, very shy at first. You kept your face hidden, but over time, we were able to convince you to show most of your face. And what a beautiful face you have!
With your arm covering your face
You literally covered your face with your hand!
You let us see a little bit of your face!
You even put your foot up to hide your face!
But we were determined, so the paparazzi continued...
And continued...
Until we got about 30 of the same exact picture!
Now the debate starts... do you look like mommy or daddy? We have had split reviews so far. I can't ever tell anyway, but I think you will look like your daddy. The first one always does! Only time will tell!
Loves you, baby Annabelle!
Mommy
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
3rd Sonogram
Hi, baby girl!
Today we had our sonogram at the doctor's office. Even though we just had one a few weeks ago, we still enjoyed seeing the changes. Plus, since this one was more for medical reasons than vanity reasons, it was a whole different experience. We got to watch them measure your body proportions, count fingers and toes, look for specific facial features, etc. They have confirmed you are a girl (again, you know that) and told us that everything about you looks healthy.
This week, the baby app says you are 10 1/2 inches long and weigh about 3/4 of a pound. You are growing leaps and bounds, and we could even see differences from the sonogram 3 weeks ago.
Today we had our sonogram at the doctor's office. Even though we just had one a few weeks ago, we still enjoyed seeing the changes. Plus, since this one was more for medical reasons than vanity reasons, it was a whole different experience. We got to watch them measure your body proportions, count fingers and toes, look for specific facial features, etc. They have confirmed you are a girl (again, you know that) and told us that everything about you looks healthy.
This week, the baby app says you are 10 1/2 inches long and weigh about 3/4 of a pound. You are growing leaps and bounds, and we could even see differences from the sonogram 3 weeks ago.
Nothing between those legs... still a girl!
Look at that leg!
Sucking your thumb (maybe)
Your spine!
With each sonogram, it has become more and more real to us that there is a baby inside there! We can't wait to meet you, little one!
Loves you!
Mommy
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Gender Reveal Party
Hi there, little one!
Your Grandmama Kim and Grandpops James hosted a gender reveal party for you today at their home. We had quite a few people there, from friends from work to family from all over. Some of our out-of-towners included Gay and Kevin from Lubbock; Aaron, Kristen, and little John from Shreveport; Rayla and Morgan from Ruidoso, New Mexico... all came to find out if you are going to be a little miss or a little mister.
Highlights:
Your Grandmama Kim and Grandpops James hosted a gender reveal party for you today at their home. We had quite a few people there, from friends from work to family from all over. Some of our out-of-towners included Gay and Kevin from Lubbock; Aaron, Kristen, and little John from Shreveport; Rayla and Morgan from Ruidoso, New Mexico... all came to find out if you are going to be a little miss or a little mister.
Highlights:
We asked guests to wear pink or blue to cast their vote. It was a pretty even split.
Your dad wore a blue shirt with pink shorts (a last minute addition, I might add), and I wore pink.
Baby John, along with the rest of the Atkins clan, wore pink
The Jackson side (except Uncle Darren and M'kenna, who he dressed) wore blue. The entire Lucas side (except Uncle Nate) wore pink.
We asked guests to guess how many pink and blue M&Ms were in a jar for their chance to cut the cake. After we played a silly wives tale game to see what the old wives tales would predict you to be (boy, by the way), it was time to cut the cake. Your Grandmama Kim was the closest guess at the M&Ms, so she got to wield the cake knife. Drum roll please....
It's a girl!
I know you already know that... but that sliver of pink icing in the cake was our exciting way of finding out alongside our friends and family today. And how much fun that was...
Now, we have a name to choose, a nursery to decorate, and plenty of pink outfits and accessories to stock up on! Let the fun begin!
Love you, little GIRL!
Mommy
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2nd Sonogram
Hi baby!
Today was an exciting day for your daddy and I... we scheduled an 18 week sonogram with an imaging company, Stork Vision (our doctor wanted to wait a few more weeks since he is looking at other developmental characteristics, whereas we wanted to know the gender as soon as possible!). Although we will have the ultrasound technician determine your gender today, you father and I will not know. It will be securely sealed in an envelope, not to be opened until it is in the safe hands of our baker, who will be making a reveal cake for our party this weekend, where all guests will find out the gender with us!
After taking a few photos for the company's medical director, she started giving us the grand tour of your mommy's belly. The difference between the last sonogram and this one is astounding! You have grown so much!Last sonogram you were the size of a grain of rice; and now you are curled up to about the size of a large bell pepper. You were so active; we got glimpses of every part of you.
Today was an exciting day for your daddy and I... we scheduled an 18 week sonogram with an imaging company, Stork Vision (our doctor wanted to wait a few more weeks since he is looking at other developmental characteristics, whereas we wanted to know the gender as soon as possible!). Although we will have the ultrasound technician determine your gender today, you father and I will not know. It will be securely sealed in an envelope, not to be opened until it is in the safe hands of our baker, who will be making a reveal cake for our party this weekend, where all guests will find out the gender with us!
After taking a few photos for the company's medical director, she started giving us the grand tour of your mommy's belly. The difference between the last sonogram and this one is astounding! You have grown so much!Last sonogram you were the size of a grain of rice; and now you are curled up to about the size of a large bell pepper. You were so active; we got glimpses of every part of you.
Fronts of both of your shins, top of your head
Two tiny feet!
Good profile of your face
Waving hello to your audience...
Another profile view
Your first recorded smile... creepy, huh?
We got to see your heart beat! Music to our ears!
BIG stretch! You can see your heart in this one, too.
Sneak peek at 3D imaging. Notice how skinny you are (fat builds up later).
Your Great Aunt Eve said that if you don't continue to grow in there, we will have to invest in a bunch of hats! :)
We can't wait to show off your fashion shoot to friends and family, and your daddy especially can't wait to find out your gender at the party on Saturday.
Love you, little one!
Mommy
Saturday, February 18, 2012
First Sonogram
Hi there, little one...
Thursday, February 16, we had our first sonogram. For the first time, we got to see your tiny body (at that time, you were barely the size of a grain of rice). When the doctor first started the sonogram, only your daddy could see the screen. It was really special to be able to watch your dad’s facial expressions as he got to really experience the pregnancy himself. While I have the benefit of knowing you are there by sporadic nausea, more frequent trips to the bathroom, and extreme tiredness, to your father, he only has an idea that you are there… his only proof of your existence was a faded line on a pregnancy test. But now, at the sonogram, he could see you for himself. He just smiled a very sweet smile, almost as if he was holding you in his arms for the first time. He was getting acquainted and enjoying every split second of it.
My favorite part:
When your daddy saw movement, he asked the doctor, “Is it fluttering its little arms?” The doctor and I smiled, and the doctor replied, “No, that’s its heart beating.” He then turned on the sound so that we could hear your tiny heartbeat. That was a pretty awesome sound, if you ask me! Your heartbeat was 113 beats per minute, which is healthy. Since it is lower than 140, some not-so-scientific people suggest that it means you are a boy. But, who knows! We will just have to wait and see!
Judging by your size, the doctor guesses you are a little younger than we originally thought. He moved your due date back to October 11 or so. This is your official first portrait:
You are the white spot on the screen, and that circle thing above your head is a yolk sac. You measure 4mm from head to rump. This is essentially what you are looking at:
To most, I’m sure this sonogram is a boring black and white roadmap of my insides, but to me, I see a beautiful baby, growing at amazing speeds (you have grown 10,000 times in the last month), proving to be one more of God’s little miracles. I look forward to the many more blessings you have in store for me, little one.
Loves you,
Mommy
Monday, February 6, 2012
Discovery
Hi there, little one...
We just learned of your existence this week, and what a week it was! Our dreams of you far precede your existence, so we have a little catching up to do.
Here's how we got here:
Your mommy and daddy have wanted you since before their marriage. We have dreamed of you, prayed for you, and planned for you. After close to a year of no baby, I went to see a doctor. For nine months I worked with the doctor, trying many methods to get to you, including weight loss and loads of medication.
After another month of treatments, I contacted the doctor's office to find the results of my tests, to see if my body prepared itself for conception. That was last Tuesday. The doctor's nurse practitioner informed me that the results of the blood tests suggested that the dosage of medication failed, that it was another month with no pregnancy. She called in the next month's round of prescriptions. That morning I took a pregnancy test just as a precaution before starting another month's medications. To my surprise, there was a faint second line, an indication that I was pregnant. While all of my insides wanted to jump for joy, I was skeptical. So I took another test: result positive.
I made an appointment with my doctor on that Thursday to confirm. Yup, I was definitely pregnant! After than confirmation, your father and I were jumping for joy! :) Our dreams were coming true... just in time for my birthday!
At this point, we were bursting at the seams to tell our family and friends, those that have been with us throughout our struggles to have a baby. But... true to our nature, we wanted to make it special and fun!
We had already made plans for both sides of our family to go out to a dinner/murder mystery on Saturday. Everyone would be there: both grandfathers, both grandmothers, both uncles, both aunts, and of course, your great-Gurney. What a perfect opportunity! But how? Your daddy and I got to work on our plan:
Considering it was my birthday, we knew everyone would expect a cake. But this cake... this cake would be special! We went to the local cookie cakery and presented our cake design. It turned out just how we had imagined:
Depending on your level of biology when you read this, you may not get it. But, one day you will, and you will laugh.
During one of the intermissions at the murder mystery, we had the waitress come to set down the cake on the table. We opened the box... you could definitely tell the cake was unexpected, and it took some time for everyone to figure it out. Your daddy slyly videoed reactions:
Some remarks...
- Granddaddy James reminded me that he didn't care for cookie cakes before we opened the box. You can hear me tell him that this one is special.
- Your grandmother Kim laughs in the background like she gets the joke then suddenly realizes she doesn't get it.
- Your grandmother Pat is the first to put it together, but only a split second before your grandmother Kim does. From there it sounds like little girls at a Justin Bieber concert. I doubt Justin Bieber will still be around when you are reading this, but you can probably look it up on YouTube for perspective.
- You can hear your uncle Nate tell me that I lied to him. Two nights before at a dinner, Nate almost busted me! He asked, and I told him I wasn't pregnant. His reaction then was great: "Bummer, I was about to be so excited."
After the family knew, we could share with our friends. It didn't take long for the word to spread. Text messages were flying from almost every phone at the table. Facebook was buzzing! It seemed like the whole world knew within about half an hour. Everyone was so excited for your future arrival!
Yesterday, my birthday, was also Super Bowl Sunday. If you are a girl, you will recognize my full sarcasm when I say: "yay..." But, in all fairness, it worked out nicely because I was around some more Jackson family friends that I could share the news with.
All in all, this was a wonderful birthday. I cannot think of a better gift. Since my mind is in baby-mode, I have been reading like crazy. I think I have 6 pregnancy apps on my phone. As it turns out, best guess says you will arrive around October 3 and you are approximately the size of a grain of rice. You aren't technically a baby, yet. You are referred to as a fetus. The sketches of your development indicate that you look much like an alien at this point. You have been kind to me and not infected me with morning sickness, heartburn, etc., and I am too excited to be tired from pregnancy anyway. So far, I feel great. Thanks for that, little one! Keep it up!
Upcoming events:
First Sonogram, where I will hopefully hear your little heartbeat :: February 16
Loves you,
Mommy
We just learned of your existence this week, and what a week it was! Our dreams of you far precede your existence, so we have a little catching up to do.
Here's how we got here:
Your mommy and daddy have wanted you since before their marriage. We have dreamed of you, prayed for you, and planned for you. After close to a year of no baby, I went to see a doctor. For nine months I worked with the doctor, trying many methods to get to you, including weight loss and loads of medication.
After another month of treatments, I contacted the doctor's office to find the results of my tests, to see if my body prepared itself for conception. That was last Tuesday. The doctor's nurse practitioner informed me that the results of the blood tests suggested that the dosage of medication failed, that it was another month with no pregnancy. She called in the next month's round of prescriptions. That morning I took a pregnancy test just as a precaution before starting another month's medications. To my surprise, there was a faint second line, an indication that I was pregnant. While all of my insides wanted to jump for joy, I was skeptical. So I took another test: result positive.
I made an appointment with my doctor on that Thursday to confirm. Yup, I was definitely pregnant! After than confirmation, your father and I were jumping for joy! :) Our dreams were coming true... just in time for my birthday!
At this point, we were bursting at the seams to tell our family and friends, those that have been with us throughout our struggles to have a baby. But... true to our nature, we wanted to make it special and fun!
We had already made plans for both sides of our family to go out to a dinner/murder mystery on Saturday. Everyone would be there: both grandfathers, both grandmothers, both uncles, both aunts, and of course, your great-Gurney. What a perfect opportunity! But how? Your daddy and I got to work on our plan:
Considering it was my birthday, we knew everyone would expect a cake. But this cake... this cake would be special! We went to the local cookie cakery and presented our cake design. It turned out just how we had imagined:
Depending on your level of biology when you read this, you may not get it. But, one day you will, and you will laugh.
During one of the intermissions at the murder mystery, we had the waitress come to set down the cake on the table. We opened the box... you could definitely tell the cake was unexpected, and it took some time for everyone to figure it out. Your daddy slyly videoed reactions:
Some remarks...
- Granddaddy James reminded me that he didn't care for cookie cakes before we opened the box. You can hear me tell him that this one is special.
- Your grandmother Kim laughs in the background like she gets the joke then suddenly realizes she doesn't get it.
- Your grandmother Pat is the first to put it together, but only a split second before your grandmother Kim does. From there it sounds like little girls at a Justin Bieber concert. I doubt Justin Bieber will still be around when you are reading this, but you can probably look it up on YouTube for perspective.
- You can hear your uncle Nate tell me that I lied to him. Two nights before at a dinner, Nate almost busted me! He asked, and I told him I wasn't pregnant. His reaction then was great: "Bummer, I was about to be so excited."
After the family knew, we could share with our friends. It didn't take long for the word to spread. Text messages were flying from almost every phone at the table. Facebook was buzzing! It seemed like the whole world knew within about half an hour. Everyone was so excited for your future arrival!
Yesterday, my birthday, was also Super Bowl Sunday. If you are a girl, you will recognize my full sarcasm when I say: "yay..." But, in all fairness, it worked out nicely because I was around some more Jackson family friends that I could share the news with.
All in all, this was a wonderful birthday. I cannot think of a better gift. Since my mind is in baby-mode, I have been reading like crazy. I think I have 6 pregnancy apps on my phone. As it turns out, best guess says you will arrive around October 3 and you are approximately the size of a grain of rice. You aren't technically a baby, yet. You are referred to as a fetus. The sketches of your development indicate that you look much like an alien at this point. You have been kind to me and not infected me with morning sickness, heartburn, etc., and I am too excited to be tired from pregnancy anyway. So far, I feel great. Thanks for that, little one! Keep it up!
Upcoming events:
First Sonogram, where I will hopefully hear your little heartbeat :: February 16
Loves you,
Mommy
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