Jackson Kendell Heflin

Jackson arrived on Monday, June 14th at 1:31 pm weighing in at 7 lbs, 14 oz and 19 inches long. Apparently, I like to have babies on Monday morning when we have to drive to the medical center in Houston traffic. I began having contractions at 5:15 am at 5 minutes apart. Around 6:00 am, we loaded up Austin and headed to the hospital. We arrived about 7:00 am and it was only a matter of time before the contractions were 2 to 4 minutes apart. I was still not dilating past 5 cm however, so they got the epidural started and the medicine to bring the contractions closer together. I love that hospital because you are given one nurse that is by your side through the entire process. We learned upon arriving that we were randomly assigned to the same nurse that I had 4 years ago with Austin, which was so awesome. Our doctor did not get to deliver Austin because she was delivering babies all weekend at the time so she did not want to miss delivering Jack. She had a surgery scheduled at 1:00 pm at another location. She postponed her surgery and came back to the hospital when she found out I was ready to push. She made it just in time. I only had to push 4 times and Jackson was out. It all went by so fast. Austin was completely giddy when he saw his brother for the first time. That was the most exciting part.

Surprisingly, we were released from the hospital the next day. Things have been going really well. Jackson loves to sleep! Breastfeeding is also going well. I have persevered! I didn't know if I would make it and several times I wanted to give up but it is a nice feeling knowing that I can provide all that he needs. It was also nice to know that when we went to his first doctor appointment on Friday, we didn't have to pack and bottles or formula.

We have always liked the name Jackson even though I have several friends with the same name. His middle name comes from my dad, Kendell Ables. I love family names. Austin is named after Waylon's Grandfather.

What an amazing blessing! I am so very grateful for this healthy, beautiful addition to our wonderful family.