The newest member to be welcomed to Barry County in 2019 is 8 lb. 15 oz. Reese Michael Pratt, son of Leslie and Keith Pratt of  Lake Odessa. Reese made his debut at 1:59 p.m. New Year’s Day at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s  Birthing Center.

 

 

The second child of the Pratts, Reese has an older sister, Sylvia, 22 months. She understands babies and is warming up to Reese nicely, mom said.

Dad became a stay- at-home dad when Sylvia was born, and continued to work.

 

Now, with the addition, he will devote all of his time to taking care of two very small children. Mom will be on six to eight weeks leave from her job at Karl’s Market in Lake Odessa. “I’ll need a little help at night at first,” Keith said. Pretty typical of parents who go from one to two little ones, but he’ll do fine. “He’s pretty good at it,” Leslie said.

 

They are both excited about having a both boy and a girl in their family. “One of each, the best of both worlds,” Leslie said. Reese’s due date was Jan. 1. Her doctor told the couple that being born on the predicted date happens only five percent of the time. They had talked about the baby possibly being the first of the year.

 

“He’s a happy New Year’s Day present,” dad said.

Photos; (upper left) Leslie Pratt holds new son Reese close one day after his New Year’s Day birth.

 

 

(left) Leslie and Keith Pratt pose with their 24-hour-old son Reese.  He gained weight overnight and eats every two hours.