Father’s Day came early for Michael Cronan Jr., 26, who welcomed his first child into the world with his wife Tori, at the Newton Medical Center last week.

Tori, who was due to have the couples’ son Mason Harrison on Saturday, just a day before Father’s Day, went into labor before her due date. She delivered their 8 pound, 20 inches long bundle of joy at 5:42 p.m. on June 6, and the Eastside High School sweethearts, who have been together for eight years and married for three, are now nestling into their new roles as parents. Michael, 26, said so far, he has been enjoying fatherhood and that Mason has been a really good baby. 

While the infant is sleeping a lot right now, his father sees plenty of hunting and fishing in his son’s future. He said he also hopes his own father Michael Sr., will be instrumental in helping Mason to develop a love for the outdoors. It’s a family tradition.

“I’m sure we’ll do a lot together,” he said. “Baseball, football or whatever he wants to do. I’m excited about all of it.”
Michael, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, said he received both his birthday and Father’s Day gifts with the birth of the couple’s son. Tori, 23, said she’s thrilled the baby came just in time for Father’s Day.

“It was special for him,” she said.

For Father’s Day, Michael said the family most likely will cook out at home and not get their little one out. There are plenty more Father’s Days to come.

“I’m really excited and happy about it,” Michael said.