The first two years of my son's life my pinball playing and collecting ground to a halt. Now that he's 3, and sleeping great and able to entertain himself its easier on everyone in the family. I'm now playing more than ever, although budget wise I can't afford many new games so once a year I'll pick one up. What has helped is that I consciously chose to have less hobbies and take deeper dives instead of keeping myself busy with tons of stuff like I used to. I used to sport shoot, and play poker, and a bunch of other stuff. Now I am focused on pinball when I am not focused on work or family.

I'm really lucky to have a super supportive wife. She is gracious enough to take over childcare when I traveled to Dallas for nationals or Pittsburgh for PAPA. I am also embarrassed to say I get 28 days of vacation a year and its use it or lose it so I use every day of it. I also work remotely so no commute.