Tuesday, October 12, 2010








Hello friends and family,
On 10/10/10 we welcomed not twins as Kai continually predicted, but our 9 1/2 pound, 21 inch long son to the world. Isaac Augustus Jackson! He is a big boy and deserves a big name.
I started feeling slight contractions, more like cramping, around 5:15 am. I timed them for a half hour before waking Jeff to see if it was for real and they were 8 min. apart. A little after 7:00am, I called our midwife and let her know that I was feeling fine, and just wanted to give her the heads up that things were starting. I told her I would call when it felt like I needed her to come. I then called my friend Meg to let her know and told her to take her time with her children, shower, eat, etc. and I would be in touch. At around 8:00am I called them both back and let them know it would probably be a good time to come over.
I went outside to get out of the house and away from Kai and the morning commotion. I was starting to have to breath heavily through the contractions and didn't want to worry Kai. I kept walking outside by the chicken coop and saw George, our midwife, pull up around 8:20am. I did break down when I saw her asking why my labors always seemed so intense (I was referring back to Kai's 36 hour labor and the way I was feeling just then). We walked in the backyard and I breathed through each contraction. Each one ran into the next. No real break in between, it was more like a wave of strong and kind of strong. George looked at me and said, "I think we should go inside now and check you." We made it inside and my friend Meg showed up around 8:45 am. George checked me as the birthing pool was still filling. I was waiting for her to say, " You are doing a good job and you are 4 cent. dilated." Or something like that. Instead she said, "It looks like you are ready." I couldn't believe it. I got the biggest smile on my face and high- fived George. Minutes later I stepped into the warm pool and my body took over. I was in the pool 10-15 min. and Isaac was born. I was blown away to say the least. It all was so surreal and quick. I am forever grateful for such an amazing experience. I had a great team that helped me (Jeff, George and Meg) and am so glad to have shared the experience with them.
Kai was excited to meet little Isaac. Now he is struggling and just today said, "I don't want Isaac here anymore. I want him to go back in your tummy!" Poor little guy. We are all giving him lots of love and telling him little stories with fun characters that relate to and mirror his experience, hoping to help him process that way. If only he knew what it would have been like with twins.
We will keep you all posted, but wanted to get out a little something to introduce Isaac.
Lots of love,
The Jacksons

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Well, we are all waiting in excited anticipation for this new little one to arrive. Every day Kai asks if the baby is coming today. Very cute.
All is well and so beautiful. Fall has arrived. We have had Indian summer days until yesterday. The temps dropped pretty drastically with thunderstorms. I thought for sure the change in weather and pressure would bring this little one out.
Kai is so excited about pumpkin carving time and Halloween. He is fascinated with costumes and has many. His real Halloween costume is a dragon costume, however, he has been dressing up as a pirate, cowboy and wizard too. We shall see which costume wins. His imagination is endless and truly entertaining.
He loves to climb - trees and rocks are the favorite right now. In our front yard, he has a tree that is his hot air balloon and he takes us on rides. The hammock is attached to this tree so it makes for a good hot air balloon basket (inspired by our visit to the hot air balloon festival in Snowmass. A beautiful and favorite event). In the back yard he has an excavator tree. This can be seen in the pictures.
Hannah's mom, Unchi has been here 2 weeks and will be here to help with Kai as the new little one comes in. Jeff's parents arrive on the 20th and everyone is very excited about our new addition.
We thank you for all your warm thoughts and look forward to sharing the news of our newest family member soon.
Lots of love,
Hannah, Jeff, Kai and Badger
Mama's belly at 40 weeks and 1 day. Will 10/10/10 be the birth day? That would be lucky?

He is rough and tough with his patch, sword and golden earring.
Up in the canyon behind our house.
39 weeks pregnant.
Climbing. Kai is a natural.
A glorious autumn day hike.
Pirate Kai on his ship.
Thumbs up for trying out the hot air balloon.
Kai turning the fire lever.
Mama and Kai.

Rainbow balloon sky.
The rat balloon was Kai's favorite. He has a rat face to go along with it.
Papa and Kai with the cowboy balloon.

Oliver, Kai and Solomon in the star hats mama made.
Kai's new love - climbing trees. He calls this his excavator tree. He climbs up in it and moves the branches around as levers to control the excavator.
Three pregnant mamas. Francis due in November with twins, Liisa due Oct. 27th and Hannah due now!