I believe that the time is right for Catholic parishes everywhere to come together and finally agree on the requirements for parents and sponsors of children at Baptism. Honestly, it's our third parish and our third set of rules! We can do this!

If you don’t pull over for emergency vehicles, you’re just a jerk.

Forecast in the mid-60s for the next 7 days. I guess I survived winter.

Eight years ago, I sent a late-night random email with virtual flowers as a joke to the woman who would become my wife. 💐

After almost a year of procrastination, I’m finally wrangling my Evernote library.

When autocorrect keeps changing “tall” to “y’all,” you’ve assimilated.

In memoriam fidelium defunctorum

Maddux Rose

May her soul, and the souls of all of the faithful departed, rest in peace.

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

My biggest goal for 2017 didn’t start out that way at all. It started with a few days in a row of closing all of my activity rings on my Apple Watch. Two weeks ago, I wrote about how I had closed all three rings for 365 consecutive days.

Somewhere along the way, I made it my goal to close all three rings every day in 2017. It was not easy. There was vacation, sick days, a cross-country drive, and nights of exhaustion after chasing the kids around all day. Regardless of how sick or tired or completely unmotivated I was, I pushed through.

Next year I’m going to go further with higher activity goals, and maybe even completing a year of the new iOS 11 challenges. It’s a different game, but the same objective. To be the healthiest that I can be to manage my migraines and ensure a long life with my family.

Every time I open the Activity app on my phone, I now have a little reminder of just how tenacious I can be. Hopefully I’ll be inspired to keep on pushing.

Here's to 2018.

Sunday morning before the kids wake up

If it’s not Prime, what is it doing on Amazon?

Wife reaches into MY stocking and pulls out a piece of candy for herself. You know that ain’t right!

Last December, I was a mess. My migraines were worsening, almost becoming a constant cycle of pre-migraine, migraine, post-migraine. I decided to focus in on my lifestyle factors in an attempt to get myself back on track.

For 365 days, I closed all three of my rings on my Apple Watch. That means that I was active during at least 12 hours of the day, I spent at least 30 minutes exercising, and I expended at least 450 calories per day. My calorie goal fluctuated between 450-650 active calories, usually not dipping below 500.

From December 17th, 2016 until August 1, 2017, I walked 4 miles every single day, usually taking me about an hour.

I did watch my food intake, but overall, I just focusing on hitting those goals. The net result, I lost 18 pounds.

In the end, my weight loss was just math. When you put in the work, it pays off.

I’m going to close my rings each day for the rest of the month so that I can close all of my rings each day in 2017. Next year, I’ll try something different to challenge myself even more.

It’s been a great year.

BREAKING: Son terrifyingly adds "spider" to list for Santa without further explanation.

First Day of Winter! Aaaaaand it’s 74 degrees

My niece, Maddux Rose, was born on December 9th. Maddux is my brother and sister-in-law’s third daughter. The next day, Maddux displayed trouble breathing. Hours later, she was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the area children’s hospital.

We learned last week that Maddux has [Edwards Syndrome](https://www.trisomy18.org/what-is-trisomy-18/). Also known as Trisomy 18, it’s a genetic disorder that causes developmental problems across many systems of the body.

Edwards Syndrome is terminal. Most children who have this disorder don’t make it to birth. Heartbreakingly, Maddux will not be with us for very long.

The outpouring of support for my brother, sister-in-law, and Maddux’s two older sisters has been unbelievable.

In the midst of this great sadness for our family, we’ve found many blessings. Maddux was welcomed into the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. She was able to do her own newborn photo shoot. She also took plenty of pictures with her parents and big sisters. Many family members have traveled to the hospital and gotten to meet our newest addition.

I invite you to join me in praying for Maddux’s peace and comfort as well as for her loving parents and two older sisters.

There’s something really special about the light of a Christmas tree

It’s nice to be home.

Good night, New Jersey

I love this town at night

Beautiful night