Early Medevac for this Jackson Family

We are a week behind our updates and there is a good reason for that. On Wednesday Sept 19 we had decided we’d waited around risking fate long enough so we started the ball rolling with getting Kiersten and Mackenzie back to the United States. Scott spoke with many different people in DC and Kiersten went to several more doctors appointments and on Sunday Sept 23 we boarded a plane. The next afternoon we arrived back on home soil. We saw her doctors in the afternoon and her regiment of bed rest was confirmed and more properly defined. No lifting, minimal standing, walking and even sitting upright. The next 5 weeks will see her in a reclined or laying position until the glorious release of October 30, the designated delivery date. She was also warned that anymore bleeding will result in her in the hospital on bed rest until delivery, no questions asked so we are trying very hard to avoid that.

Scott was a huge help during the flights. He took care of the bags and Mackenzie and made sure Kiersten was resting as much as she could. At each airport we had requested a wheelchair but in Dallas there wasn’t anyone to push so after waiting for over 10 minutes, Mackenzie rode on Mommy’s lap, Kiersten helped with the rolling suitcase and Scott pushed. Getting through customs was long as usual but we eventually made it to our gate with minutes to spare.

Scott stayed around getting us settled at Kiersten’s parents house until Wednesday afternoon when he headed back to the airport to get home. Two weather delays and 4 hours later he finally made it to Dallas and got a hotel until his rescheduled flight out the next morning. He arrived in Asuncion late Thursday evening.

Since his departure the girls have begun settling into their new routine. Kiersten’s routine hasn’t changed much, just the location. Mackenzie is spending some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Hammond and other local family. Friday afternoon she got picked up by Aunt Carey to play and spend the night with Grace. Saturday she played all afternoon with Ashlyn at Grandma’s house.

She's becoming a regular virtuoso!

Pretending to be sleeping.

Pregnancy update: currently 33 weeks at the time of this entry. Kiersten took the one hour glucose test last week and failed so is set to take the dreaded 3 hour glucose test this week. This same thing happened during her pregnancy with Mackenzie. She is not pleased. For some reason being reclined all day long is also causing her some very uncomfortable reflux, especially at night. Thank goodness for Tums which brings some relief.

Projects:

• During the finally days in Asuncion, Kiersten managed to finish the quiet book for Mackenzie. The other book has most of the pages complete so it shouldn’t take long to put it all together but that can be put on hold for several months. It turned out better than expected and she feels extremely accomplished.

The Mackenzie update:

• Right before we left, Mackenzie participated in a Spring Festival at her school. It was in fact her last day before we flew out. We were supposed to help her make a hat for the parade. Mommy made it out of felt and Mackenzie helped color it with markers and a painted hand print.
  
  
  

  

  They gave her this adorable sign to take home.

• More songs! Eensy Weensy Spider, Happy Birthday, and Daddy Finger are all in her repertoire.
• She is really into making a big frowny face and then a big goofy grin and having us take a picture.

  

  "Sad face...."

  
  

  

  "Happy face!"

• She’s getting better at repeating Spanish words. It used to be she would understand them and respond in English but now she’s answering in Spanish too. English is still dominant. 
• This happened months ago but she has all her teeth. Thought you’d like to know.

That's all for this week. Pray nothing changes and everything stays the same and safe for us.