As Father's Day approaches, three members of Wayne State's public relations team in the Office of Marketing and Communications will enjoy the day as relatively new dads. Over the last two years, Mike Brinich, Matt Lockwood and Shawn Wright (and their wives) all had breaking news in the form of new babies.
The children - two girls and one boy - range from age 7 months to 2 years old. In addition to commiserating about sleepless nights, 2 a.m. diaper changes, dreaded ear infections and teething, the three PR dads and officemates have also shared their tales of love and wonderment in the little humans who now hold a special place in their hearts. Below is a little more about the dads, kids and a few Q&As on what fatherhood means to them. Happy Father's Day.
Dad: Shawn Wright (pictured, left), Public Relations and FOIA Coordinator
Son: Quinn Austin Wright, born Nov. 6, 2015, 7 months old
Mom: Meredith Wright
How has fatherhood changed your life?
I never thought I could love anything as much as I do Quinn. He is my world. It's been a major adjustment, for sure. Sleep, for one, has become a word I hardly recognize anymore. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm excited to celebrate my first Father's Day.
What do you like most about being a father?
I love to see his beaming smile in the mornings. Even if we've had a rough night of waking up a few times, he is always the happiest little boy when he wakes (and in general). I also love feeling part of something bigger than myself. Here is this beautiful child that depends on me - and my amazing wife - for everything. This is the adventure of a lifetime and I cannot wait to see what's in store.
Best advice you were given (or have learned during your time as a parent)?
Not to wish this time away. Too often, the lack of sleep and other frustrations that come with having an infant make you want to fast forward to when they can feed themselves, talk or walk. I do not take the little moments such as when Quinn falls asleep on my shoulder for granted, letting him lay there for hours so I can enjoy every second. After all, he's only this little for so long.
Dad: Mike Brinich (pictured, center), Associate Director of Communications
Daughter: Eloise Ray Brinich, born May 21, 2014, 2 years old
Mom: Anne Brinich
How has fatherhood changed your life?
It's made me more curious. Eloise is experiencing so many things for the first time and I want to be able to nurture her interests. So when we spend an evening walking and talking about birds, I want to be able to tell her where they live, when they sleep and how high can they fly. I don't know what parents did before the internet.
What do you like most about being a father?
The energy and enthusiasm that she starts everyday with is such a special way to start each morning. It's invigorating and renewing for me.
Best advice you were given (or have learned during your time as a parent)?
In my limited time as a dad, I've learned to be more patient.
Dad: Matt Lockwood (pictured, right), Director of Communications for Wayne State
Daughter: Josie Bridges Lockwood, born Nov. 28, 2014, 17 months old.
Mom: Maria Lockwood
How has fatherhood changed your life?
Entirely. My priorities and activities are vastly different than before Josie was born. It's no longer about me; everything is geared around making sure she gets what she needs, and I'm good with that.
What do you like most about being a father?
I love watching her learn new things. When I see a look of recognition in her eyes and she smiles, it's the greatest thing in the world. I also think she has a great sense of humor. We laugh a lot.
Best advice you were given (or have learned during your time as a parent)?
To embrace each phase and moment because they grow up so fast. I hear that so much that it seems cliché, but it's true and I try to be present and let it all soak in.