Growing Griggs: Jackson's Arrival

Our sweet little guy decided to join us a little early! He was born on January 27th, 2009, 5 weeks before his due date! We had almost nothing ready for him! I had just quit my job and had not been feeling well. After a trip to the ER and a couple stress tests later, I was assured that everything was fine and nothing was changing. I knew that couldn't be right, as I could hardly walk around the grocery store and was having so much pain! Sure enough, the morning after my doctor appointment Jackson was well on his way as we were frantically on our way to the hospital! Never have I been more scared! I was so excited, yet extremely worried about our baby being born too soon. We couldn't have asked for a better hospital to have Jackson! Magee Women's is one of the best in the country and it eased my mind knowing that we had a whole team of top-notch doctors in the room waiting to check him out immediately after birth. I was informed that babies born at 35 weeks sometimes act like term babies and go home with their parents with no issues, while some show symptoms of their prematurity. At 4:19pm Jackson Dan was here, weighing in at a healthy 6lbs, 6oz and 20" long. Despite his healthy size, he decided to act like a preemie, having breathing problems at first. After only holding my little guy for a few short minutes, he was taken to the NICU to begin his treatment. We were told he would only be there for a day or two. It was disappointing, as I had always pictured him being born and us getting to spend time with him in my hospital room, bonding with him. I had very mixed emotions. It felt like Jackson was a stranger and I wanted to badly to see and hold him. I was worried that being separtated from him would prevent me from loving him as much as I should. I worried that he wouldn't know who I was. I knew, however, that he needed a little help and I was happy that the NICU doctors and nurses were going to make him better.

What a sweet little blessing!!!