Samuel loves camping!

We went to Pisgah, NC with a group from our church for the weekend. Samuel slept better then he sleeps at home!

We hardly had to hold him all weekend. =)

Samuel was also one of the few people who actually stayed dry all day Saturday.

The Bachellors had tarps that we stretched over picnic tables and so we got to hang out with them and the Faders for the weekend.

The Bachellors also have a baby Samuel and here they are sharing a stroller =)

All bundled up to stay warm and mosquito free:

He also got to meet his other great-grandparents, who had their honeymoon in that area 60-some years ago:

First Bath

A couple weeks ago we gave Samuel his first - and second - bath. He wasn't too excited about it (though he's started to enjoy them more). After his first bath he decided to give us a little present before we got him back into a diaper, so he got his second bath within a few minutes. At least we got to use both of the cute hoodie towels that we have.

Samuel in his Lion hoodie towel after his first bath - also our favorite photo

Apparently Samuel doesn't like being clean

Samuel's second bath

Samuel in his cute duckie towel

This Time in History

Samuel is a strong, healthy two week old baby. That, in and of itself, is a miracle. His tiny hands, the quiet sleeping noises, the bright light in his eyes - it's obvious why they call it the miracle of life. All that knit together by God in Heike's womb over the past nine months. That means so much more when you realize that word, "knit" means an active work in progress, an intentional handiwork.

It's even more amazing to realize that it's a miracle Samuel's alive because he lives here and now. Because of such a "simple" problem of meconium inhaled into his lungs, Samuel ran into some serious problems when he was born. He's alive right now because there were four amazing, well trained specialists and nurses standing by when he was born.  They intubated him, pumped oxygen into his lungs while deep suctioning them, and set him up on a CPAP machine to force oxygen into his blood stream. Because of another issue his blood volume was seriously low, forcing him to be on IV fluids for two and half days.

If Samuel was born any other time in the past thousands of years of human history, if he was born in most parts of this world today, he would not have lived for more than a few minutes after birth. I can't even understand what a blessing it is to have him with us now, so strong and healthy.  Or how devastating it must be for families across this world and throughout history who didn't have the medical care we have today.


All that to say, we have been blessed by God, and are thankful for that blessing and all your prayers. It's great to have this miracle in our lives.

Samuel with Opa

Samuel with the great grandparents

With Grammy

On the way home from the hospital

Getting checked out by Eddie

He's finally here!

Samuel Clark Riddle was born August 16th, at 11:24PM on his official due date. He shocked everyone by being 9 lbs 1.5 oz, and 21 3/4 inches long!

Samuel had a rough start, having swallowed a lot of meconium in utero and requiring some oxygen when he did finally come out. He had to spend several days in the special care unit on fluids and antibiotics. Thanks to many prayers, he recovered quickly and is now home with us and thriving.

We are adjusting to being new parents and the lack of sleep, but are so thankful that Samuel is healthy and doing well. He brings us joy and wonder each day.