September 2020: A shot of Jack

Meet Jack Anthony Janiec. I just met him a week ago so I don’t know him all that well yet, but after spending some time with him he seems like a pretty chill dude and the ladies think he’s adorable. So if you’re a little stressed out right about now, I’m here to give you “a shot of Jack” that will ease your mind and bring a warm sensation to your heart.

Jack has already brightened my world. Jordan and I began September 10th with a depressing breakfast conversation about Covid, the west coast wildfires, and Breonna Taylor. On the contrary, we ended that same day on a completely different planet of emotions with a healthy newborn baby boy snuggled up in our arms. While Jack hasn’t yet solved all of the challenges in the broader world, the peace and quiet he brings to my lap makes everything feel ok for that particular moment in time. And he makes me optimistic about the future.

There are not many feelings like the one I felt with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart when my voice cracked, “It’s a BOY!” I selfishly needed a son in time for the start of football, and the Chiefs and Texans were about to kick off the NFL season in an hour. There might be empty stadiums this year, but I’ll gladly trade the traditional atmosphere of sold out crowds to watch the game with my little man. And as luck (and an incredible wife) would have it, I watched Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes do their thing with my new little “football” swaddled up and tucked in my arm. When the Eagles fell apart on Sunday during Jack’s first experience as a Philly sport’s fan, we squirmed and whined through the disappointment. Nevertheless, it was comforting to know that we’ll get to go through the Eagles and Nittany Lions’ highs and lows together for many years to come. As my boy struggled to sleep on our first Monday together, it served as an excuse to stay up and watch Monday Night Football with my bud. And now Big Ten Football is back?! LET’S GOOO, Jack! If our future is half as good as Week 1 has been, I will cherish all of the father/son time in the days, weeks, and years to come. I look forward to creating memories, capturing experiences, teaching each other important lessons, sharing values, and watching him grow, think, and evolve on his own unique path. I can’t wait to see who he becomes, but until then, I’m just enjoying who this 6 pound wobbly ball of love is today.

And Jack’s not just changing my life. I’m seeing the buzz he’s giving others too.

Jordan powered through her grueling pregnancy with the unwavering hope that she was carrying someone special enough to make it all worth it. Jack came two weeks ahead of schedule and Jordan delivered him in record time with no epidural. I guess she just really couldn’t wait to meet the little “Mama’s boy” that she always dreamed of.

After Jordan has watched Charlie and her “#Girldad” dance around the kitchen in their pajamas for the 300th time, she was ready for that same special bond with her little guy. And she definitely got it! I melt when I see the way Jack looks at his Mom. I mean, he hasn’t opened his eyes much and when he does, he’s like a cross eyed bobble head doll, but I’ll admit that he does seem to focus and hold her gaze when he locks onto her. Maybe the gaze and snuggles are just a sign of his hunger, or maybe he’s sorry about peeing on her during the previous diaper change. But either way, I’m staying tuned for the relationship they build through the years, and I’m grateful to have a front row seat for it all.

Charlie needed a baby brother, and I think she’s starting to accept it. She will be the sweetest, coolest, and funniest big sister ever. She’s already transitioned from denying his existence and acting out for attention on Days 1 and 2 to singing “I love you, Jack,” writing his name in chalk, sharing her toys, riding with him in the stroller, and giving him morning kisses on Days 3, 4, and 5. In a quarantined world that revolved around the Empress Charlie Bear, the spotlight needed to be shared at some point and thus far it has been a relatively peaceful transition of power. I see a future of them sharing secrets, being each other’s biggest cheerleader, playing 1on1, giving each other advice, plotting against their Mom and Dad, and having each other’s backs in school as partners in crime. Charlie is lucky to have a little brother like Jack, and Jack’s especially lucky to have a big sister like Charlie. Jordan and I cherish the fact that we both hit the sibling lottery, and I’m glad that we were able to share the winning numbers with our kids.

Jack is Pop Bonder’s 5th grandchild and Mimi and Pop Pop Janiec’s 4th. Although both sets of grandparents have already built a Hall of Fame resume, Jack might just take their game to even higher levels. I’m looking forward to the day that Jack looks at his Grandparents the way that Charlie looks at “Mimi” and Cole Bonder looks at his Pop. I’m looking forward to seeing my Dad push Jack on the tree swing, teach him how to play tennis, build him a sandbox, and feed him tomatoes from the garden the same way my Pop Pop did with me. Jack will learn about the importance of faith, family, friends, and fitness from his grandparents. He will adopt their outlook on life that centers on humility, kindness, personal growth, positivity, and gratitude. When it comes to Jack’s nature vs. nurture, I feel like between his family tree and the village that comes with it, he has both concepts covered quite well. But even more than what the Grandparents do for Jack, I’m most looking forward to the joy that he brings to them. Because they certainly deserve it.

With the arrival of Jack, his Great Grandmom “Gigi” now has 7 great grandchildren (and counting).  Every Holiday with my extended family seems to get more cute, crowded, and filled with diaper bags.  And while it makes me sad that my Pop Pop is no longer here to witness the baby boom, it makes me happy that my Grandmom is seeing her and Pop Pop’s legacy continue to get bigger and bigger.  I love seeing Gigi get this precious quality time with the newest branches of the family tree (even if it is from a safe distance).  

But despite all of those great grandchildren and all of their second and third cousins, the continuation of the “Janiec” last name was endangered until last week.  I was the last opportunity in all of the extended family to have a boy that would ultimately keep the “Janiec” name going into the next generation.  Little Jack is officially here to carry that torch.  In addition to the continuation of our last name, Jack’s middle name “Anthony” which honors both of his great grandfathers, will continue a legacy of grit and family-first values that he inherited from these two legendary men. After all, we learned from my Pop Pop that it’s not about what you build or how you build, it’s all about who you build with…so Jack plans to keep on building.

And for the rest of his family and friends, at a time when we all need a little spark of joy, hope, love, and positivity, Jack’s here to bring it.  He hasn’t said much yet and I think he must be just resting up, but the kid is pretty destined to be a social butterfly. Between this guy’s parents, his aunts and uncles, his grandparents, his cousins, and his parents’ friends, he’ll be raised to be one heck of a good time.  He has a position waiting for him as Rush Chair of Pi Kappa Alpha at Penn State in 2040.  He has teachers from East Goshen through East High School already gearing up for the next generation of “Janiec” in their classroom.  He will bring that extra spark to backyard BBQs, locker rooms, family gatherings, and everything in between.  And I’ll be damned if he doesn’t bring out the famous “lasso” and “Backbend” move on the dance floor alongside his Daddy at weddings in our future. 

Again, I don’t really know the guy all that well. He hasn’t said much and often just lays and looks around until it’s time to eat. Nevertheless, I have a feeling he’s going to be something special at a time when we need something special. And as 2020 continues on and we could all use a shot, we might as well reach for the top shelf. So now, with the leaves beginning to change, the air beginning to chill, and the future beginning to brighten, raise your glasses for a shot of Jack.