Thomas Dow entered the world today to meet his parents Benjamin and Elizabeth. Thomas was a little eager and arrived a month early but with much excitement. Little Thomas weighed 5 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 inches long and is perfectly healthy.

I spoke to my brother today. He called to tell me the good news at about 9:30 a.m. The joy in his voice was so strong that I too felt some of that joy that comes with being a parent for the first time. I am so happy for Ben and Liz. I am so happy for little Thomas because he has two great parents. I am happy for our family because Thomas was named after my father – more than 27 years after his death – and will bring gentle reminders of a father, husband, brother and son lost too soon.

As you know, Andrea and I are expecting twins in June. But today is one of the few days where I haven’t thought much about that. Instead, my thoughts are with my younger brother and his family. I am proud to see the type of man he has become and I’m even more proud to know that he is going to be a great father – something he didn’t have himself growing up.

I’m sure he’ll teach Thomas the important things like what the Infield Fly Rule is, or when to go “All In” in poker. But I also know he’ll be great at the little things – reading a favorite children’s book over and over again, building spaceships out of Legos, or snuggling on the couch while watching a ball game.

Thomas, you are one lucky kid. I’ll be sure to tell you that one day.