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This blog is created for friends and family to follow the journey of Jackson as he under goes surgery to correct his little heart. This site will be updated frequently over the next few months to make sure that loved ones are updated on Jackson's health and recovery. Please take time to read Jed and January's story as they go through this difficult season. Support our dear friends by leaving a comment of encouragement (at the bottom of each entry click on the word "comments"), passing on the blog to others, and praying daily for little Jackson's heart.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

First Smile...


Jed and I are so happy to announce that Jackson gave his first beautiful smile, since the surgery, on Saturday night! I have to admit, I was a bit jealous, because Jed was the lucky one who witnessed the blessed event, but my envy subsided quickly as overwhelming happiness consumed me because my precious boy was showing signs of feeling better. Jackson's smiles then multiplied as soon as he was transferred from the Intensive Care Unit to Immediate Care Unit late Saturday evening. Since then, he has quickly been showing more and more signs of his adorable self (i.e., smiling, giggling, grabbing his cute, chubby feet, and trying to put anything, within reach, into his mouth!).

Yesterday (Sunday), Jackson's first chest tube was removed and the second remaining tube was removed this morning. Praise God! Removal of the chest tubes is a great indicator that Jackson is healing as he should and it gives him much needed comfort as those chest tubes are not comfortable in the slightest! The nurses reported that even grown men who have had heart surgery complain about how uncomfortable the chest tubes are. So Jed and I are very thankful that the tubes are gone. Jackson has also had numerous other tubes and such removed with each passing day. Presently, he only has one connected I.V., has been breathing on his own for two days now, and had his pace maker wires removed (which they thankfully never needed to use, because his heart was beating properly on its own). Yeah!

Jed and I want to thank each and every one of you who have prayed for Jackson's surgery and his recovery (as well as for Jed and I!). You have no idea how much it means to both of us. We have truly been so blessed by the outpouring of support we have received from all of you. Words cannot possibly express the gratitude we feel. THANK YOU!!! With that said, please continue to remember Jackson in your prayers for his recovery. We know God is doing great things through all of your faith and prayers.

God Bless,
January, Jed & Jackson

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

January, this is Denise (Caroline's friend). I just wanted you to know that we have been praying for little Jackson through all of this. I can't tell you how happy we are to hear the good news about his recovery and progress. I've never even met him face to face but I feel like I know him. We will continue to remember you guys in prayer. Love, Denise

Lori said...

Love you all!

Shaun said...

I'm so happy for you three. What a relief to know that he's doing better.

Anonymous said...

Praise our healing GOD!!! What wonderful news about little Jackson. We prayed for him this morning on our walk.
Love, Paul and Toni Fleischmann

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo!!! Smiles are a great sign!!! Glad that he's getting better and that you guys are rested some! Can't wait to hear that Jackson will be going home with you guys. We continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

I am back from Canada. I have been praying for you (along with my Canadian family) all week. Praise our wonderful God everything is going well. We love you and will continue to pray for you!
JoDawn & Matthew

littlemissmk said...

how wonderful it must have been to see that first little smile. we are so overjoyed that Jackson is healing so rapidly. you three continue to be in our prayers- love you- a, k, and mk ;)

Alton said...

Praise God for the healthy little boy

Robyn Wood said...

His smile is too sweet! Thanks for posting such a beautiful picture of little Jackson! Praise God that those chest tubes were removed!

Michelle said...

we're praying for your family and for Baby Jackson each night. we are so thankful that he is doing well.

Brian and Julia Davis said...

This is so good to hear! Praising God with you for Jackson's quick recovery.

Jessica Jordan said...

My friend Leonie M. sent me the link to your blog. I am so happy that Jackson is doing so well. I am a pediatric acute care RN in Portland, OR. Jackson sounds like he is recovering fabulously ... so great to have the tubes & pacer wires out!!! I have a 6 month old son ... the entry January wrote to Jackson before the surgery totally made me cry. My prayers are with your family. ~ Jessica Jordan

MeganLive said...

God is good! Smiles are such good indicators, your little guy is feeling better and that must allow you to smile more too! Please know that our family has been praying for your family and for Jackson's speedy healing. Love, Megan, Bob and Erica (friends of The Kerns). www.ericalivesey.com