JESSE WIGGINS: I’m Ready to Become a First-Time Dad

I found out this week that I’m going to be a dad! Well, really, I found out a while ago, but we didn’t want to announce anything until we knew for sure this week. My girlfriend, Haley, and I are having our first child together that will be due in April of 2020.

I have two younger brothers that already have five kids between the two of them so I’m a little behind them on the whole family thing.

It was such a surreal moment finding out that I was going to be a dad. The first thing that popped into my head was, “Wow, now I have someone else to care for.” My entire life has really just been about me and chasing my dream. Now, I have someone that I made that is a part of me that will be looking to me for guidance and as a father.

I don’t know if I was more nervous or excited when I first found out, but all I know is that it’s a good thing to be either.

No Changes…Yet

So far nothing has changed a whole lot for me since the news came. I obviously know those changes will be here before I know it, but for now, it’s just about getting prepared and ready for the life-changing moment that is coming in April.

I think what I’m looking forward to most is just having the baby. I know that sounds simple, but I’m really just ready to share my life with the baby and Haley. I can’t wait for all the firsts: first steps, first words, and, hopefully, first fish.

If I had a choice, I would want a boy because I would love to have a little fishing buddy. If we have a boy, he will be fishing as soon as he wants to hold a fishing pole. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, I might see if Haley will let me strap a Baby Bjorn to my chest and take the baby out fishing with me (I’m somewhat kidding). But really, the most important thing is that the baby gets here happy and healthy.

Bass Pro Tour Baby

We’re expecting the baby to arrive in April of 2020, and that’s already well into the 2020 Bass Pro Tour season. It’s definitely going to be tough leaving the baby and going on the road, but I have a great family who supports me and will be there to help out whenever I need it. Not to mention that Haley’s family is also fantastic and can offer the same kind of help. The old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and we definitely have a village of our own behind us.

I’m prepared to call in every favor I need to make sure that Haley and the baby have all the help they need.

I hope that the two of them will be able to come to some events next year, but right now nothing is written in stone. This upcoming season will be a new experience for me as now I’m not only trying to compete and win for myself, but also for the little baby whom I’m now responsible for.