4/22/2017
Update on Jackson:
We are still waiting for him to get his breathing tube out hopefully tomorrow. Next Tuesday they are preforming an esophagram, a test using contrast to make sure the his esophagus and trachea are function correctly after he has healed a little bit. He has a PICC line giving him nutrients, a feeding tube in place for when he is ready, and a tube in his surgery incision to make sure it is draining.

After his test and we start feedings, he needs to pass all of the preemie tests like eating/gaining weight, breathing with no problems, heart rate keeping steady, etc. So he's got at least 2 more weeks up here. **Doesn't he look cool in his shades? And I'm pretty sure he is getting a tan from his Bili light

We are so grateful for all of the support, thoughts and prayers that have been coming our way. This is definitely a rough start for our little family but Jackson is doing amazing through it all. So we know that God has great plans for this little guy and we can't wait to see him grow and prosper

If you have donated to our Gofundme account we would like to say how thankful we are and how much love we feel from everyone. I am speechless when I think about everything that has happened but we are getting through it.

PS, the picture makes him look a lot bigger than he is lol!




Kelsey and Brandon Mills welcomed their baby boy a little earlier than expected.

4/14/16:
Hey everyone, most family and some of y'all know already but my water broke last night (33 weeks and 4 days). Went to the hospital and they started magnesium for contractions, steroids for Jackson's lungs, and antibiotics. We are going to try to keep him cooking until Sunday and then they will induce me and we will be meeting our little stinker on Sunday!!!!! I am feeling good today just bed rest at the hospital and as we wait. I will keep everyone updated as we learn more.

Jackson was born on Easter! While he was premature, he was doing well:

4/16/17:
Happy Easter from Jackson Arnold and our family. 4 lbs 9 oz 17 1/2 inches and came out hollerin!! More pictures and info to come we are just waiting for my legs to come back and us to be able to see him in the NICU!!! Everyone have a blessed day ❤


4/16/17:
Update on Jackson: Our little man is resting comfortably in NICU under the care of an awesome neonatologist, Dr Siddiqui. He is breathing more easily and we all feel a lot better. Tomorrow we will try to feed him again. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers, we really appreciate all the texts and messages #smallbutmighty #thelordismysheppard

When the NICU tried to feed him the next day, they ran into unforseen difficulties and Jackson was transferred to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.  

4/17/17
Update of Jackson:
Monday morning we were transfered to Texas Children's. After some imaging studies at Texas Children's hospital it was determined that Jackson's esophagus was not completely formed. Instead the segment coming from his mouth is closed off and the segment from his stomach was leading to his windpipe. Surgery was scheduled after a few more tests had been done. He still looks great and is doing well with the exception of some minor breathing difficulties related to his preterm arrival.

4/18/17
Surgery was a success and lasted only about 2.5 hours and had no complications. Jackson will have a tube to help him breath for a couple of days and a tube for food for about a week. And he will be staying in the NICU at Texas children's for at least a couple of weeks.
**For all my medical friends out there Jackson was born with an Esophageal Atresia with Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula.This also had nothing to do with being premature, it was something that formed in utero.

Through this his parents continue to remain strong, grateful, and cling to their Faith in the Lord for continued strength.

4/19/17
Everything's looking good at the moment though. Thanks for all of your prayers. Our little man is #smallbutmighty and he is on the road to do great things. So grateful for the excellent surgical staff and hospital staff at Texas Children's. And so grateful for family and friends that have helped out taking care of Emma through all of this. We still have a ways to go but with have put complete faith in God and his plan and know that everything will be right through Him. Please keep the prayers coming for our little man and our family

Kelsey and Brandon have been traveling from Victoria, Texas to Houston, Texas almost daily to care for Jackson and their daughter Emma. Jackson is expected to spend a few weeks there in treatment. Brandon has been unable to return to work at this time. They will need immediate funds to continue supporting Jackson. This immediate expense includes food, lodging, and travel support. They have contacted Ronald McDonald House to help.  Long term, they know that they will be expected to find a way to pay for medical expenses that they encounter as their son spends continued time in Texas Children's Hospital. 
All funds gathered will assist Kelsey and Brandon with their immediate expenses. They also ask for prayers for Jackson as he contiunues to heal.