Written the night Jackson was born...

Amazing how a single moment can change your life. It is 2 am on Thursday morning and I just finished putting Jackson back to sleep in his crib. He is peacefully sleeping at my bedside. We have been trying to breastfeed for the last hour. I think we wore each other out and can no longer function. Since I woke at 330am on 1/21, my son’s birthday, I am now approaching being awake for 24 hours, with only on 2 hour cat nap in the whole time. Tired is my new best friend and of course, I am so wired thinking about my blessings, I can’t sleep.

Jaime is the most amazing woman I know. Her strength is a testament to womanhood. She labored with such a vigilance and determination; I am so proud and so amazed at what she can do. I am overwhelmed with love and emotion this morning as I think how she selflessly gave of herself to bring Jeff & I this little miracle. She volunteered her body and her spirit to bring Jackson to our home… Just being a front row witness to the miracle of life yesterday, to watch Jaime push my son out into the world and be with him as he took his first breaths… words fail me. I am so proud of Jaime, for the woman she has become, for the love in her spirit, for the dedication to family, for being on this journey with us. She is a trooper and a miraculous gift.

Of course, now there are tears stinging my eyes with gratitude for my blessings. I am grateful for Jaime for helping bring this darling angel to our lives. I am thankful for Jackson and the love that fills my soul at first site. I am grateful for my supportive and loving husband and for the journey we are on together in this life, without his unending love and support we wouldn’t have our new son. I am grateful for the family and friends that stood by our side, both literally and figuratively yesterday as we labored and worked toward our son. I thank God every day for Jake, for the man he has become, for the joys he brings to our lives, for the loving young man that brings immeasurable joy to our lives. I am grateful for our church family who sustain us and for the clergy that come to our side with every trial, joyful or sorrow. I am blessed, truly blessed and my soul sings gratitude this morning for the gift of life and how God has blessed us…

Jackson James Endresen entered our world on January 21, 2009 at 1902 (7:02pm). He weighs 7 pounds and 12 ounces and is 20 inches long. He had a bit of trouble breathing in the beginning, bringing me a little panic, but was able to reverse that within a short time. We owe a debt of gratitude to the nursing staff at MHHS Katy Hospital Labor and Delivery; they are the most compassionate and understanding souls that graced our lives yesterday. Our physician was awesome and understanding and a great coach for Jaime with her soft spoken and loving nature. Thank you to Kellie, Shelley, & Cheri for being the phone tree and calling those who were anxiously awaiting news. Thanks to the Panahi’s for bringing us dinner at the hospital and for everyone that offered kindnesses. And I am sure Jeff could agree, thanks so much for the Starbuck’s Shelley, some things are a necessity and for Jeff, coffee tops the list. There will be more to come. For now, I close in love and remembering Jacque while welcoming Jackson. xoxo