The short version of Jackson's Journey:
My pregnancy was never supposed to happen (without fertility treatments at best). We got a HUGE surprise in June of 2004. This was the beginning of what would be a high-risk pregnancy. I had visits to my OBGYN every other week that included an ultrasound at every visit until 28 weeks. At this point everything was better than anyone could have hoped for.
4 short weeks later---at 32 weeks---we learned that baby Jackson had stopped growing. After many tests, 3D and 4D ultrasounds, a maternal fetal specialist (who had no beside manner)....we learned that Jackson's body was shutting down and we were slowly losing him.
It was decided that the doctors could take care of him outside of the womb better than me trying to carry him for any longer. After 3 long days at GHS, 2 rounds of steroid shots, and constant monitoring.....
Jackson Brice Meares was born on December 15, 2004. He weighed 2 lbs 11 oz and was 15 inches long. He spent 32 days in the NICU, including his first Christmas. Darron and I did not get to hold or touch him with a protective gown and gloves for 29 days. We brought him home on January 16, 2005. He weighed barely over 4 lbs, had a heart monitor, and supplemental oxygen.
Jackson is a healthy, spunky, almost 7 year old due to the grace of God, excellent medical care, and the efforts of the March of Dimes.
I am wearing purple tomorrow in honor of my Jackson and personal friends who have been affected by prematurity. (Brice C., Abby C., Bryce and Blake W., Ellis T.). I am wearing purple for all the children I have taught who were born premature. I am wearing purple for all my friends who are pregnant or will be pregnant in hopes that they are not affected by the things we were. I am wearing purple for all babies who born too small, too soon.
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