Jackson Dean is One Week Old!

Well, Jackson has been a part of our family for a whole week now, and we are so blessed! On the whole, we've had a great week, and the help from Shawna (sister-in-law), and Jayna's mom has been wonderful! Despite one rather 'gassy' night, JD has been sleeping well, and doing all the things that newborns should be doing. He pretty much eats and sleeps, and at times graces us with an awake period every now and then. We love it when his eyes are open!

We know there will be days of adjustment when all our help goes home and reality sets in, but we trust God that He will go before us. We marvel at His goodness to us in placing Jackson in our home. And as always, our greatest prayer for our children is that our Heavenly Father would turn their hearts to Him.

Jackson, Day 3

Jackson doing what he does best, snoozing.

Ready to go home!












This is our neighbor and friend, Monica. Madeline affectionately refers to her as 'Aunt Mamaka'

Jackson, Day 4

Snoozing with Grammy















Snoozing with Dad

Jackson, Day 6

Jackson, Day 7

Madeline (or Elton John?)

Madeline's Aunt Shawna brought some special gifts for Madeline. On this day Maddie received a purse full of trinkets and things that will occupy her for days to come. Perhaps our favorite are the Elton John sunglasses.

Swaddle for All

Madeline has been very observant to how we take care of Jackson. She wants in on the attention, too. When I was done swaddling Jack, she took his place and laid down, ready for her own swaddle!

Introducing Jackson Dean!

Jackson Dean Heath has Arrived!

Jackson Dean Heath was born today at 5:05pm. He weighs 8 pounds 4 ounces and stretches to a future basketball player at 21 1/4 inches. He seems extra muscular in his pectorals - a Heath trait. He's feeding like a pro and and seems tough like his old man. The doctors came in at 4:55 and he was born 10 minutes later. We believe this portends a decisive, no-nonsense personality. He also seems content and warmhearted, which means he'll like long sunset walks on the beach, and will enjoy reading the poetry of that Russian master, Pushkin.

PS: We'll post a pic soon! But let's just say he definitely looks like a Heath....

Here He Comes!!!

Jackson Dean Heath is officially on his way! I've been coaching him for the past two weeks to "swim towards the light." He's need a little help from his friend Petocin, but he's finally taking my advice...

We arrived at the hospital today around 11 am after our doctor mercifully encouraged us to come in for Jayna to be induced. After another night of tossing and turning, hot flashes, and contractions, Jayna was more than ready to head to the hospital. Contractions are getting stronger and more frequent. So, we'll keep you posted...

BABY UPDATE

We are just over a week away from our due date of Sept. 19. However, if baby boy Heath doesn't mosy his way on out, I'll be induced on Monday, Sept. 18th. We are VERY READY for this baby to join us! Chasing after a toddler with the equivalent of a watermelon strapped to your belly is taking its toll on everyone. Men, you should try it to see how you fare!

As we wait, I (Jayna) continue to have quite a few Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing that seems to be causing much progression (to my disappointment), and sleep continues to be a challenge (as I post this at 4:44 am). At this stage I can see how God is causing me to be patient and trust that His timing is always best!

Note for Shawna: I tried eating spicey Thai food tonight to get things going, and all I got was indigestion. For that bright idea, you get to potty train Madeline when you visit in a few weeks!

We would appreciate your prayers this week as we anxiously await the birth and blessing of Baby Heath:

• Pray that we would be patient, for the baby's arrival, and with Madeline throughout this next week
• Pray for a safe and healthy delivery
• Pray for the transition of our growing family. We foresee the next few weeks and months being rather difficult for Madeline, and need wisdom with how to guide, shepherd, and love her through the process.
• Finally, if God decides the baby should come before being induced, pray that we would know when it is truly 'time' to head to the hospital!
  

Maddie's Favorite: Up and Down, Up and Down

Father, Daughter bonding

Still a bit apprehensive about the Giant Puppy

Running free!

What's with all this water, and where does it come from?

View of the Capitol on our evening stroll

Breakfast at Panera

Proof-positive that life doesn't end when we have kids (though it can change the routine a little)

Madeline Turns Two!!!!

Ok, so we're a month behind with a posting about Madeline's second birthday, but we did have a celebration with a few friends, candles and cake! It's amazing to see how she has grown this past year, and she continues to bring us so much joy. Despite the typical challenges in discipline, we still decide to call this stage the "Terrific Two's". So here are a few things that Madeline is up to these days:

1. Eating Crayons
2. She loves yogurt (or 'yogurk', as she likes to call it)
3. She's starting to sing along with a few songs, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", being one.
4. Maddie LOVES to run, though she doesn't always watch where she's going with bruises to prove it. We still can't believe we haven't visited the ER with a head wound!
5. She enjoys family worship at bedtime where we read from her story Bible, sing a hymn and pray
6. She's fascinated by Blue's Clues and Elmo
7. Hugging and kissing on Mommy and Daddy. Hugs and kisses from Maddie are the best!

We thank God for giving Madeline to us, and pray that she would grow in the grace and knowledge of Him as we continually pray for wisdom as her parents!Abby, Madeline and Josh. Sorry we missed Ava in this pic!