Making my comeback, ready for summer

This week marks my return from paternity leave. My wife and I welcomed our second child to the world on June 21. Reese, our baby girl, was 7 pounds, 0.5 ounces and arrived happy and healthy at 1:16 a.m.

Our son Wesley was born on June 14, 2022 and was the same length, less than two ounces lighter. Each kid arrived 10 days early, and for my money, they look like identical twins. Funny how similar everything went.

Although Arynne and I feel a bit more prepared, a bit more settled, there are plenty of challenges ahead. First and foremost, I don’t think you ever get used to operating with little sleep. Sure, you develop some toughness and acceptance, but it never gets easier. Taking care of a newborn with a toddler running around – a wild toddler at that – has also kept us on our toes.

We’re excited to grow our family and to have another summer of new adventures the way we did in 2022. Wesley is adjusting great in his new role as big brother. He is proud, that’s for sure.

I enjoyed my two weeks away while getting everyone settled in. It is always nice getting a breather from the every day routine. I’m back, though, and am excited to tackle another summer of fun.

We are right in the thick of the Little League district tournaments as well as American Legion baseball and Connie Mack. There are also some youth leagues, camps, golf tournaments, tennis tournaments, rec leagues. As much as I enjoyed the hiatus, I am refreshed (minus the lack of sleep) and anxious to get back out in the field.

As always, you’ll be seeing plenty of me on the sidelines following our baseball leagues and tournaments, which occupy the majority of our summer coverage. That said, I am looking forward to hearing your stories and encourage everyone and anyone to reach out. Nothing is off the table.

I do apologize for being short-winded this week as I get back on my feet. I promise that next week I will be back to my long-winded, chatty self. For this week, my focus is to, well, refocus.

Anyway, thank you to everyone that has reached out the past few weeks and many thanks to my teammates here at Beacon Media RI for allowing me the opportunity to be fully present for Reese’s arrival. I look forward to catching up with you all, and again, please keep me in the loop as we get into the meat of the summer schedule.