What in the world is a Zaky?

No, Elaine didn't get tired of me taking pictures and decide to cut-off my arm.

What you see above (the yellow hand and arm) is none other than the Zaky!

The Zaky was invented by Dr. Yamile Jackson from Sugar Land as a way to provide comfort to her infant son when he was born prematurely. Her main interest was finding a way to connect with her child through touch as he stayed at the Memorial Hermann NICU for 5 months. Based on her professional training and research, the Zaky is commonly used throughout hospitals for preemies, term babies, children and adults.

Needless to say, Jack Henry loves his Zaky as he is able to sprawl out on it while also keeping him warm. The natural cradle-effect provides him comfort and soothes him too.

Thank you to Dr. Jackson for turning her worries into blessings for other babies and their families.

Thank you, come again!

Thank you to each of the 700+ people who have visited the blog from over 20 countries. I am including the map above (which only reflects a rolling representation of 500 visits) as a reflection of the smallness of the world.

I really look forward to showing this blog posting to Jack Henry down the line so that he can truly understand the power of prayer and, while we are spread apart by thousands of miles, how there is an easy closeness in love and support.

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Elaine and I are humbled by your compassion and encouraging messages. As those of you who have visited Jack Henry in the Level III NICU have noticed, there are many, many beautiful, yet sick or developing babies here at Memorial Hermann. This is true at other hospitals in the Texas Medical Center for babies that are in Level II or Level III NICUs. We ask that you continue to pray for Jack Henry as well as those other babies receiving care, their families that are full of anxiety and hope, and the medical professionals who are so diligent and professional in their loving care.

Thank you for receiving Jack Henry to this small planet

Thank you to everyone who has helped to receive Jack Henry into this world.

All of your expressions of love and support - emails, phone calls, text messages, and gifts - have been so overwhelming. In the last day we have received 300 hits to this blog from a dozen countries as far as way as Sweden, Argentina, and Singapore.

We know that Jack Henry would not be here or in such wonderful shape if it was wasn't for your prayers and well-wishes. He has quite a road to still travel down with 3 more months of hospital care so we really appreciate your prayerful intercessions to the Lord.

Tonight, we are hopeful that Jack Henry will be stabilized enough to be able to hold him for the first time since his birth. If so, we will hold him for at least an hour using Kangaroo Care. Please check out the March of Dimes website for more information on preemies.

Please keep the comments rolling - a comment from Guatemala with a Kiche' welcome has been incredible.

Last, but not least, Elaine and I are very thankful to our enthusiastic and loving neighbors. The picture of the balloons above is a thoughtful gift from them amongst many of their wonderful gestures.