Christmas this year for Dustin and Jilly McGowan promises to be more memorable than most. Thats because the major league pitcher and his wife recently welcomed an addition to their family. McKensy McGowan was born Oct. 7 at Candler Memorial Hospital in Savannah. The bundle of joy has become the center of her parents lives. We dont get as much sleep any more, said a smiling Dustin. But in all seriousness, shes the best thing to ever happen to us. The McGowans have been able to enjoy their offseason home in Long County for a lengthy period of time because of the right shoulder injury Dustin suffered in early July. After surgery later that month, the Toronto Blue Jays right-hander has been in rehab since August. According to Jilly, the time at home has allowed the major league couple to be normal again. When we are here, we have a pretty normal life, she said. Were able to do everything that everyone else does spend time with our families, go to church, do things like that. During most offseasons, Dustin said he goes golfing or is in the woods hunting. Not this year. This time, the focus has been on McKensy and rehabbing his shoulder injury. Once the couple moves back to their home in Toronto, the pace of their lives picks up. When we are in Toronto, we are at the ball field everyday, Jilly said. I go to all the home games and we work with other families on several charities. The McGowans charity work includes donating their time to local hospitals, reading to schoolchildren, supporting a food bank, and working with the local Ronald McDonald House. Dustin and Jilly said that they love being in Long County but they miss baseball especially the players and their families. This year, Im really ready to get back, said Dustin. Dustin said he pre-Christmas plans included a visit to a trainer and physical therapist in Savannah, where he hoped to throw a baseball for the first time since his surgery. McGowan went 6-7, with a 4.37 ERA, in 19 starts before suffering his injury. He and Jilly will leave for spring training in about a month. Until then, they plan on enjoying the holidays and their family. We want to wish everyone a merry Christmas, Dustin said, and for everyone to have a safe holiday. Remember the real reason for the season, added Jilly. Next week, the Coastal Courier will run a story on McGowans recovery from shoulder surgery and his outlook on the upcoming season.