And Baby Makes Three

Wednesday we celebrated Jackson's first month since his grand entrance into the world. Never could we have imagined the joy and love this little man would bring into our lives. We are so grateful that God has blessed us with such an incredible son and has turned our household of two into a family of three.




You've already missed out on a whole bunch but we'll try to fill in the gaps as well as we can. Here is an update on Jackson's first month.


Jackson Duane Parchert made his debut at 11:04 pm on Sunday, August 16th at Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, SC. He weighed 8 lbs., 11.3 oz. and was 21 inches long (Wow-wa-Wee-wa!). He is named for both of his grandfathers (Karen's father is Jack and Jason's father was Jerry Duane) and his daddy who also shares the middle name Duane. We had arrived at the hospital at eight in the morning and at 9:30 that night Karen was given the okay to start pushing. Overall things went very smoothly. Jason was there to witness the whole event. The doctor was even there for the last few minutes before the actual birth! Immediately we knew we had been given a precious gift- ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes (actually, the boy has some big ol' feet, but they are still tiny in perspective), a healthy baby, everything we had prayed for. Jackson was already opening his eyes and taking in his new surroundings when the nurses had cleaned him off. He gave us a big smile and showed his dimples that night as well!

We had a very pleasant stay at Waccamaw Community. Jackson's Aunt Laura was in town from Sunday until Tuesday, so we had time to visit with her while we were in the hospital. We had many other visits from friends and family during our time there. We came home on Wednesday, August 19th. On our way out of the hospital we got to visit with Robbie and Lisa Taylor whose daughter Hannah was born that afternoon. Jackson was not crazy about his car seat the first time, but once he got settled in he enjoyed the ride home to Jackson-ville.

It was after five in the evening when we arrived at home and we soon realized that when you have a baby it really doesn't matter what time it is. There is no set schedule or routine and that became our new routine. Karen's mom, Susan came into town in time to bring his going home outfit and help us move out of our hospital room. She stayed with us for a few days to help with Jackson and help us get adjusted to our new life. On Saturday Jackson's Papa, Uncle Jake, Great-Granny and Great Aunt Onie came to visit.

Jackson's first doctor visit was the Friday after he came home. He was not fond of the cold stethescope, but Dr. McCabe was very quick in her assessment. She informed us that we have a perfectly healthy baby boy. Jackson had lost a little weight (he was down to 7 lbs. 14 oz.), but Dr. McCabe said that was normal and we just needed to return the following Monday for a weight check, which he passed with flying colors. The doctor wanted to make sure he was gaining an ounce a day. When we returned after three days he had gained seven ounces. Did someone say linebacker?

For the past four weeks we have just been spending a lot of time at home getting used to life with a baby in the house. We've had lots of visitors and hve gone on a few road trips. The young traveler has already been to High Point and Carolina Beach. Jackson is very loved by a lot of people. Last weekend his Grandma Shirley got to visit for four days and get to know the little guy. Here he is modeling one of the outfits she bought for him. Now I lay me down to sleep...