The countdown to welcoming a baby is always brimming with excitement, anxiety, and countless daydreams about finally cradling that little miracle.
For Andrew and Lacey Jackson, who are already parents to two boys — Elliott and Devin — the thrill of expecting their baby girl was nearly overwhelming.
Couldn’t help but feel anxious.
When baby Natalie finally made her entrance into the world, their hearts were filled with joy. However, that joy quickly turned to fear when the doctor’s expression shifted.
“Hearing her first cry was incredibly special,” mom Lacey reminisced back in 2018.
“Then the nurse held our girl up, after my C-section, and I noticed the large black mark on the left side of her face.”
“She was absolutely beautiful, but it resembled a bruise, and I was concerned it was something I had caused during my pregnancy.”
Even though they felt a sense of relief, Lacey and Andrew couldn’t shake off their concerns about how others might perceive their daughter.
“As I held our beautiful baby girl close, completely smitten by her, I found myself worrying that people would only notice her birthmark, rather than the wonderful person I knew she would become.
“In that moment, I resolved that we would shower her with love and instill in her all the confidence she needs, ensuring she recognizes her own beauty – and that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.”
Natalie’s older brothers were immediately intrigued by their sister’s distinctive appearance.
During Natalie’s first year, some strangers looked on with curiosity. However, there were also those who took a moment to express to the Jacksons just how beautiful and unique their little girl truly was.
“We’ll always remind her that it’s an integral part of who she is and who she is meant to be. People will always recognize how extraordinary she is with her birthmark and how wonderful she is both inside and out.”
Natalie’s story gained widespread attention right after her birth. Her father, Andrew Jackson, hails from Hull, England, and is employed at a software company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her mother works as an autopsy technician.
It was discovered that Natalie was born with Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN). These are moles that are either present at birth or develop within the first few months of life. They are quite common and typically do not lead to any health issues.
Fortunately, all of Natalie’s test results came back normal. The dermatologist mentioned that while Natalie might have a slightly increased risk of melanoma, they reassured the family that it was merely a birthmark and nothing to worry about.
“Before her birth, we had no idea about this condition and that she was one of the rare cases. She is even more unique because her body has somehow lightened her nevus significantly and eliminated the satellite nevi she was born with, with no new satellites appearing in her four short years. She is truly one of the lucky ones,” Lacey wrote a few years back.
Natalie Jackson today
Since Natalie’s arrival, Lacey Jackson has been candid about their family’s experience and continues to provide updates on Instagram, offering us a peek into her daughter’s development. From the photos, it’s clear that Natalie is flourishing and enjoying a happy, normal life.
Since the day she entered the world with that little birthmark, her parents have showered her with love and encouraged her to embrace every aspect of who she is. And now? She’s enjoying her wonderful little life — full of joy, playfulness, and truly, the most adorable little superhero you could ever imagine!
