10 fingers. 10 toes. Two tiny ears. 2 bright blue eyes.
He’s laying on the couch right now making cute little baby sounds. He’s discovered his hands this week! Jax weighs 8lbs 5ozs and is 20 inches long – if he would have been born today, those are the stats that would be on his birth certificate. It’s been completely amazing to watch his entire third trimester unfold right in front of our eyes!
On Saturday, we had his “newborn” pictures taken. We know an incredible photographer. Angeli took our engagement and wedding pictures! She offered to do Jax’s newborn photos as a gift (see, I told you she was incredible!). She does fantastic work and we are so happy with the pictures! You can see more on her blog: Lissarrague Images.
I know I say all the time how lucky we are to have Jaxson in our lives. But did you guys know that we are literally lucky to have him? Some hospitals and doctors have a policy for 23 weekers: do not resuscitate. Some hospitals and doctors do not provide life-saving help to babies born at 23 weeks or sooner, even if they are born breathing or if their hearts are beating. If I would have been airlifted to one of those hospitals, they would have handed Jax to me after delivery to hold while he died. My heart breaks for the families that have to do this. Thankfully, many hospitals and doctors are rethinking this policy and are giving every baby a chance regardless of the challenges they will face in life.
So, today I am even more humbled than usual when I look at our miracle baby. Yesterday, I grieved for the pregnancy that I did not get. But today and all the days forward, I will celebrate the life that I have! Next week, we can all wish Jax a “Happy 4 Month Birthday!” Today, we can wish him a “Happy Due Date!”
An Early Start 