This last year has been a continuous flow of difficult circumstances. I spent the first few months of the year learning in the waiting. As soon as I had found peace there I became pregnant and experienced a physically challenging pregnancy. The physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion and pain continued for nine months to varying…
Family
The First Six Weeks, Part 5: To Iowa and Utah
The rest of Wednesday, December 16 was spent in preparations for going to Iowa AND flying to Utah. Andrew ran errands with the kids while I packed. We had a late dinner and went to bed. Thursday we finished packing and cleaning and drove to Iowa. The kids settled right in playing with toys while…
The First Six Weeks, Part 4: Jackson Family Christmas
We were planning on spending Christmas in Iowa with my family so we had our own little Christmas on December 16. The night before was our pretend Christmas Eve and the kids opened their pajamas. Once they were snuggled in bed, Laura and I got the presents set up and Andrew finished a few last…
The First Six Weeks, Part 3: The Christmas Season
At the end of November I put together a short list of things to celebrate the Christmas season. The very first thing we did was decorate the Christmas tree. My first solo day with three kids we had 10 hours to ourselves to make ornaments out of cardboard. We made a few that helped us…
The First Six Weeks Part Two: Grandma Jackson Visits!
On Dec 4 Grandma Jackson arrived to spend a week with us. Her timing was perfect. I was worn out after a week of taking care of the three kids while Andrew was busy trying to get ready for finals. When she arrived I slowed way down and focused on recovering and Andrew focused on…
The First Six Weeks, Part 1: At the Hospital and Adjusting at Home
Laura was born just after midnight Monday morning. As soon as my mom saw the text in the morning she gathered her things together to join us in Indiana. We decided to have Andrew take care of the kids for the afternoon and have my mom come straight to the hospital. She ended up staying…
One Month Old
Dear Laura, We are so grateful you are in our home. This last month has passed so quickly and yet it feels like you’ve been with us forever. Emily and Nathan love you so much and are fantastic older siblings. Emily makes sure you have warm wipes at diaper changes and new clothes every morning….
Mr. Jackson Goes to Washington
A lesson I have been learning over and over again this last year is that divine help is readily available. God will walk with me daily. He will guide and magnify my thoughts, efforts, and abilities if I ask. He is the source of all success and strengthening. It is a very humbling, joyful learning…
Laura’s Birth Story
Laura Carolyn Jackson was born at 12:22am on Monday, November 20, 2017. She weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 19.5 inches long. She shares a birthday with the labor and delivery nurse that was with us. But her birth story really starts on Tuesday, November 14. After weeks of contractions I hadn’t felt a single one…
One Week Old
Dear Laura, Life with you here is so so good. Emily, Dad and I walk around all day saying things like, “I love Laura so much. I’m so glad she is here.” You are a sweet girl and heaven feels so close right now. I cherish the time I have you snuggled up on my…