Jackson's Journal

Jackson's last surviving paternal great-grandparent, Lessie Reaves, passed away last night in Memphis, Tennessee. She would have turned 100 on May 16th. She has been ready to go for a long time, though, and finally left us after a long illness.

Grandma Reaves was a faithful Christian, a devoted wife, a loving mother and a wonderful grandmother. Please pray for our family through this time of loss.

Friday, 5th December, 2003

Good news as well

Dr. Piper gave Christie her weekly checkup on Wednesday and found that she's much more effaced now, getting closer to delivery. Dr. Piper also noticed that her blood pressure was slightly elevated, so she put Christie and Jackson on monitors for about half an hour and did a blood workup as well. After Christie started relaxing for the test, her blood pressure came right back down to normal. Jackson never relaxed, though--he did NOT like that monitor belt around him, and kicked at it for the duration of the exam.

Cindy (one of our favorite nurses!) called the next morning (Thursday) with the results, and everything looks good. Jackson looks fantastic, she said! We've been so very blessed throughout this pregnancy, both with the health of Christie and baby Jackson, and with the love and support of our family and friends.

Christie's resting at home now, and ready to take a slow and easy weekend. Christie's folks are planning a trip up from Texas early next week, and we're thinking that Jackson may be coming sometime next week as well, so please continue to keep us all in your prayers.

Thursday, 11th December, 2003

Jackson's on his way!

We went to Christie's weekly checkup yesterday afternoon, and Dr. Piper said that it was time to have the baby! We're just a week from our due date, but Jackson's ready to get here now.

Christie's Mom and Dad had already left early Wednesday morning from Stephenville, Texas to come up and visit a while, so the timing was perfect. By the time they arrived in Nashville we were settled in a Labor & Delivery room at Baptist Hospital, getting ready for a December 11 delivery.

Everything looks great so far. Christie started having very mild contractions last night, and this morning they started her on Pitocin a little before 5am. The contractions are now 4-5 minutes apart and still pretty mild, and Christie's still napping a little in between.

Further updates as events warrant and circumstances allow--please keep us in your prayers today!

Epidural is in

Christie's doing very well. Dr. Piper broke her water about an hour ago, and that went perfectly. She had her epidural put in later, and afterward Christie's blood pressure dropped a bit, making her nauseous. They gave her ephedrine to bring it back up, and she soon felt better.

The contractions are stronger now, coming every 2½-3 minutes. Her epidural is working as advertised, though, and she's handling them very well.

Christie's folks just walked in. "There's about fifteen babies in that nursery!" was the first thing Bobby said. I guess they'll just have to make room for Jackson somewhere.

Afternoon update

Christie's coming along well. She's dilated to two centimeters, so Dr. Piper put in an internal contraction monitor (called a pressure catheter) that gives a much better measure of the strength of her contractions. She is now in "active labor," and should be dilating a centimeter every hour. If she isn't dilating that quickly, it means her contractions aren't strong enough to do a natural delivery.

Dr. Piper just examined her and she's at now three centimeters and 90% effaced. She's going to check again in an hour and if Christie is not dilated to four centimeters, she'll know that Jackson's just too big to come this way and we'll have a C-section. Though we'd rather not have to do that, we're okay with either way, as long as it's what's best for Christie and the baby. Please keep us in your prayers as Jackson Samuel Campbell decides how he'll make his debut!

Cesarean planned

Christie had only dilated a fraction of a centimeter more at the last check, so Dr. Piper said they'd check again in another hour. They just did, and Christie hadn't dilated any more since, so it looks like Jackson's made his decision--we'll be having a cesarean section.

Dr. Piper just called and said "We're not getting anywhere" with the contractions. Christie's at three centimeters when she should be at seven, and her temperature is rising slightly. She says her primary concern is waiting too long and then having a complicated delivery, so to guarantee Christie an easy birth we're going to have a c-section.

Dr. Brown, the anesthesiologist, just came in and told us about how the anesthesia will be handled--Christie will be mostly awake, but won't have memory of it. There are a couple of other c-sections ahead of us, so it looks like ours will be scheduled for around 6:00pm.

It may be a while after that before I can post another update, so please keep Christie and Jackson and all our family in your prayers.

5:43pm CST, 19 3/4", 8 pounds 4 ounces

HE'S HERE! The c-section went wonderfully, and Jackson Samuel Campbell looks great! More photos will come later, but until then enjoy this:

Settled in post-partum

We've moved out of the birthing suite and into a post-partum room. Christie's doing very well, and Jackson's bathed and sleeping in the nursery. Bobby and Mary Jane have gone to the house to sleep, and we're just relaxing from the events of the day and basking in the glow of being a family.

Thanks again to everyone for their prayers and support and please continue to remember us in your prayers!

Friday, 12th December, 2003

A busy morning

We've been very busy these past few hours. Christie had blood drawn this morning for some tests, and she handled that well. Dr. Piper came in after that to visit with us (just Christie, really; I was asleep on the couch) and gave her a silver spoon for Jackson, which we're going to hang on the Christmas tree when we go home.

Our pediatrician came in afterwards and visited with us, and then the the pediatric urologist came in and explained about the circumcision. They then took Jackson in and did that, and it went fine. They brought him back to us immediately after that, and he seemed fine, and fell asleep almost immediately. Christie said that she was more upset than Jackson was!

After that Jackson got to stay with us for a little while until the audiology group was ready to do his hearing tests. Those went fine too, and Jackson tested normal in both ears. Now he's back with us for a little while, and sleeping soundly.

Christie's feeling better but is still in quite a bit of discomfort. We're very fortunate that she's doing so well, as we had a bit of excitement during the c-section; Christie had a strong allergic reaction to the antibiotic they gave her. She turned beet-red for several minutes, and her vitals took a little turn. The anesthesiologist held her hand and prayed the whole time (he always does that, we're told), and she and Jackson came through great. We have really felt God's presence throughout this experience as He continues to bless us in every way.

We've gotten lots of calls from friends and family, and we've appreciated them all. We also appreciate your prayers and good wishes for our growing little family.

Saturday, 13th December, 2003

Friends, family, flowers and foolishness

We've had many phone calls and visits today, and enjoyed each one. My SW/GA coworkers Maggi and Tanishia came to visit at lunchtime, and oohed and aahed over Jackson. It was really good to see them, and Jackson enjoyed all the attention.

Dr. Brown, our anesthesiologist, came to visit for a while and gave us some good advice about taking care of Jackson and ourselves, and praised God for how blessed we've been. He was a great comfort to Christie and I during the operation, and it was wonderful to see him again today.

Christie's friend Melanie came after work and visited for quite a while, spoiling Jackson completely in the process. Our dear friends Jen and Dennis visited as well; Jackson really took to Dennis, and vice versa.

Christie wore herself out a bit today, but she's coming along very well after yesterday's surgery. She and Jackson are taking to the nursing routine quite well, and if you ever wondered whether Christie had any hidden talents, you should see how great she is as a mom!

We've had lots of calls from friends and family, and enjoyed every one. Christie's sister Kendra sent her a really cute "It's a Boy!" hanging via Bobby and Mary Jane, and the gang at TSCPA sent Christie a beautiful bouquet. All the attention was much appreciated by our clan's newest mom.

On a sour note, I had my first experience changing Jackson's diaper today, and was surprised by his ability not only to fill a diaper to capacity, but also to thoroughly douse the length and width of a bassinet (including himself!) when that diaper was removed. Several minutes and a lot of fresh linens later, he was presentable again, and I'd learned a few important things about changing a baby boy.

Thanks again, everyone, for your continuing prayers and good wishes!

Day Three

Everything's going great with our little family. Dr. Rachel Ricafort, our pediatrician, examined Jackson this morning and said that he looked good. Christie asked her about the two-week pediatrician visit and the current flu epidemic, and Dr. Ricafort said that their clinic is handling newborns very carefully, keeping them isolated from all other patients during their visits. She was really nice, and a great comfort.

Jackson's eating well, and is awake more and more. He has a really good disposition, and only cries when he's hungry or dirty or gassy. Most of the time he's either napping or looking around at everything. He's a really great kid, and we're so blessed to have him.

A prideful note: I went down to the cafeteria this morning while Jackson was in the nursery for his doctor visit, and when I walked past the nursery there was a woman holding a little girl and looking at all the babies. As I walked up they got to the end of the row and the woman pointed and exclaimed, "Look, isn't that a pretty baby!" I came up and looked, and said "That's my baby!" That was a very proud moment, but of course we've had a lot of those lately.

Sunday, 14th December, 2003

We're going home!

Dr. Ricafort has released Jackson, and Dr. Piper has released Christie, so it looks like we're heading home! Lauren, our day nurse, will give us a post partum briefing before we go, then we'll sign a bunch of paperwork, load everything in the car, and go home. We've been thanking God all morning for how well everything has gone so far!

Christie's still in a lot of pain from the c-section, and we'll have to be very careful for a while, but it will be so good to be home together. Christie's mom and dad have been helping a lot, getting things ready at home that we haven't had time to do. Everyone has been such a blessing, and we've been so grateful for everything that everyone has done for us during this time.

Home at last

We finally made it! Mommy, Daddy, Baby Jackson, Nana & Grandpa Mangrum, and Maggie are together at the family home in Smyrna. Jackson seems very content to be here, and Maggie (who missed all the excitement) is glad to be home from the kennel.

We had quite a bit of excitement getting here. Christie and Jackson rode with Bobby and Mary Jane while I followed in the Saturn. Close to the Harding exit on I-24, the car started running roughly and the CHECK ENGINE SOON light came on. I phoned Christie and told them I was pulling off, but go on home and I'd call them if I needed a ride.

I pulled off at the Shell station there and filled up whilst I checked under the hood. Oil: fine. Trans: fine. Coolant: fine. Plugs: WAIT! One sparkplug wire was a little loose. I plugged it in, unhooked from the gas pump, tried the engine and took off in pursuit of my wife and child.

Sadly, I missed Jackson's homecoming, but I'll just have to make up for that over the next 18 years or so. (As my parents will gladly tell you, it's the "or so" that'll getcha!)

Then I went to the kennel to get Maggie and found that she'd developed an infection in both eyes over the last four days. The vet treated her while I was there, and gave us some meds for the next few days. She also said not to worry about bringing her home with the new baby, since this kind of bug doesn't jump to humans. Good to know.

So we're all home safe and relatively sound now. Thanks so much for everyone's prayers, calls, letters, cards, support and good wishes, and thanks to God the Father for all the blessings we've had these last few months--and that includes all of you.

Monday, 15th December, 2003

Monday update, and a new album

Everything's going well today. Jackson's getting into a nursing routine, Maggie's accepted her tiny (and sometimes loud) new sibling, and Christie's feeling a bit better too. Everyone's just happy to be home!

We opened a lot of presents from friends and family in Stephenville last night. Everyone was so thoughtful, and sent lots of stuff that we'll use and cherish. Thanks, all!

Oh, in case you haven't noticed the new link above, I put all the pictures up to 3:30 Sunday afternoon (over 200 images) into Jackson's first photo album. There are high-resolution and low-resolution versions for dialup and broadband users, respectively. The thumbnail images may take a bit to load, so please be patient--the many photos with Jackson in them are worth it!

Wednesday, 17th December, 2003

Decking the halls for Jackson's first Christmas

Christie and Jackson are doing well. Jackson's getting into the day-to-day routine of nursing, pooping, cuddling and sleeping; Christie is continuing to recover from her c-section, and really enjoying motherhood.

Diaper changing continues to be a challenge for the new dad. I had hoped that Jackson would be a high-tech baby (you know, the kind with the "Yes, I'm done pooping!" indicator light on their forehead), but he takes just as much guesswork as the 1966 production run that I came from. Mom still tells stories of my thrilling impersonation of a hand grenade, and based on last night's experience, I'm sure I'll have tales (no pun intended) to tell about Jackson.

The holiday spirit is upon us! Bobby and Mary Jane put up our Christmas tree yesterday, and last night I applied the lights and the topper, decorated our front porch with lights and garland, and hung ribbons on the bannister. All the holiday stuff cheered Christie considerably. And since the porch lights are on a wireless remote control, my penchant for gadgetry was appeased as well!

Last night we had a great meal prepared and delivered by Mike and Shannon Waggoner from our church. If you've never met them, they're really great people. If you have met them, you already know that.

Christie's folks have told us they'll be able to stay until this weekend, which will be wonderful. They've been a huge help and comfort during the last week, and it'll be great to have them as long as we can. Christie's sister Kendra, her husband Travis and their two children will be coming on Friday, so we'll have ten in the house (counting Maggie) this weekend. Christie and I can hardly wait.

The house will get emptier again on Monday when Travis, Kendra, Kassle and Trinity head back to Stephenville, but I'm sure we'll have friends dropping in over the holidays, and of course we'll have our hands full with Jackson's first Christmas.

All continues to go well--thanks so much for everyone's good wishes and prayers!

Friday, 19th December, 2003

Full house!

Jackson's doing great. He slept last night from about 11:30pm until after 5:00am, which is a new record. He's growing more alert and aware every day--you can already begin to see the little person that he's becoming.

Christie's still having a difficult time recovering from the labor and c-section. The doctor told her yesterday that, based on her symptoms, she's been "overdoing it" and should try to rest more. Christie's already spending almost all her time lying down, but we're just going to have to get her to take it easy when handling Jackson and such. All your prayers are, as always, deeply appreciated.

Christie's sister Kendra, her husband Travis and their daughters Kassle (2 years 10 months) and Trinity (11 months) got to our house a bit after 1:00am after a loooong drive from Stephenville, Texas. Kassle's been looking forward to the trip all week, carrying her little suitcase full of toys around the house with her. Yesterday, though, her enthusiasm flagged a bit and near Little Rock she announced, "It's too far, let's go back." Fortunately, Kendra and Travis were able to persuade her to finish the trip.

Now the whole group is awake again, and the family's three youngest cousins are getting to know each other. Photos will come later in the weekend!

Thursday, 25th December, 2003

Jackson's First Christmas

Merry Christmas! Christie, Jackson and I spent the day quietly at home, exchanging gifts, watching Christmas movies, and eating. In the evening we bundled Jackson up in his car seat and Cozy Cover (thanks Tim & Debbie!) and set off on our first annual Smyrna Tour of Lights™. We rode around for an hour and a half oohing and aahing, while Jackson snoozed peacefully. It was a nice ending to the day. All in all Jackson endured his first major holiday quite well, though he did have to suffer through a few flash photos.

Bobby and Mary Jane headed back to Texas on Sunday morning, and the Packs hit the road early Monday, so the house has been significantly emptier for the last few days. We've been busy though, and have gotten more than our fair share of Christmas cards and Christmas wishes from every corner of the planet. Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. God bless you all this holiday season!

Monday, 1st December, 2003

Sad news