Welcome Jack Lionheart!

I know this is somewhat belated but I think a new baby is the perfect reason to take a little time off!  Our son Johnathan Lionheart Wade Neuneker (known to all as Jack) arrived to join our small family back in the middle of January.  We named him for his wonderful Daddy and both of his Grandfathers.  I very much hope he grows up with something for each of the three men he was named for.

Jack was 11 lbs and 3oz!!!  I will be grateful to my wise and caring OB Dr. Tim West for the rest of my life.  In the last weeks of pregnancy he helped us make a thoughtful, prayerful and medically informed choice to go ahead and schedule a C-section when it became clear Jack was not going to be able to make a safe arrival in the traditional way.  I expected it to be one of the hardest things you could go through but in the end recovery was easier than I expected!  I am feeling very well these days and have been easing back into cooking and creating some great new recipes to share with all of you!

The last two months have been a joyful adventure full of some amazing firsts.  Yes, we are getting some sleep at night.  Yes, the cats are ok with Jack though they find him loud.  Yes, we love being new parents.  Yes, Jack eats well.  Yes, we are having at least a dozen more kids!  (Well, maybe 3-5…)  Any more questions 🙂 ?

I have had quite a few e-mails asking for updates and pictures so here you are:

Brand new in my arms at the hospital.

10 days old having our first family adventure at the McCall Winter Carnival.

Two weeks old.

Celeste likes the new hairless kitten!

We enjoy him just a little bit, in case you wondered.

14 months before Jack’s arrival we were told it was likely we would never have children.  Jack is the answer to our prayers and a wonderful gift from a loving God.  We are so thankful for what we have been given to steward.

Jack’s first trip to the Oregon Coast, about 1 month old. (By the way, for you parents we LOVE this baby carrier!)

5 weeks.  Soft blankets and nightly showers with Daddy are now his favorite things.

The little superhero at 7 weeks, thinking about how he will find a way to make the world a better place!

Age two months with my father, Wade.  Jack is full of smiles and loves snuggling with all of his grandparents.

Jack’s first trip to the zoo (Portland, OR), age 2 months.

Motherhood has been full of new adventures and experiences.  I feel like I’m the 2.0 version of myself, but it is a positive experience of being stretched.  Here Jack is having his lunch at the zoo in the rain!

Our handsome prince at two months posing quite cooperatively for me!

Thank you all for your wonderful e-mails and words of encouragement through a difficult pregnancy and the first few months with Jack.  We have very much enjoyed hearing from readers all across the world!