When Carley Shimkus, a beloved co-host of Fox News’ Fox & Friends First, and her husband of nine years, Peter Buchignani, welcomed their first child—a baby boy named Brock Edward Buchignani—the news sent waves of excitement through their fans and colleagues alike. On February 3, 2023, Shimkus shared a heartwarming snapshot of her newborn on Instagram, captioning it, “Welcome to the world sweet Brock. You have unlocked a place in our hearts we didn’t even know we had. Your dad and I love you so much!” The announcement, paired with Brock’s adorable debut photo, melted hearts across social media. Fast forward to March 24, 2025, and Brock is no longer the tiny infant from that initial snap—he’s grown into a charming toddler who’s capturing attention with his striking looks and undeniable charisma. Alongside this family milestone, curiosity swirls around Peter Buchignani, the man behind Shimkus’ radiant smile. Who is he, and what does Brock look like now? Prepare to be surprised as we dive into their story.
The Arrival of Brock: A New Chapter Begins
Brock Edward Buchignani entered the world on January 30, 2023, weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce—a healthy, bouncing baby boy who instantly became the center of his parents’ universe. Shimkus, then 36, announced his birth live on Fox & Friends First, where her co-anchors Todd Piro and Ashley Strohmier beamed with pride, dubbing Brock the newest member of the “Fox family.” The Instagram post that followed showcased a tender moment: Shimkus cradling her newborn, his tiny face peeking out from a soft blanket. Fans flooded the comments with well-wishes, with one writing, “He’s perfect—congrats, Carley and Peter!”
Shimkus had first revealed her pregnancy on air in August 2022, unveiling blue-frosted cupcakes to signify she was expecting a boy. “I’m gonna be a mom!” she exclaimed, her joy palpable. “I’m so excited to see my husband, Pete, with the baby. He’s gonna be the best dad!” The anticipation built over months, culminating in Brock’s arrival—an event that marked a triumphant personal milestone for the couple after nearly a decade of marriage.
Who Is Peter Buchignani? The Man Behind the Mom
Peter Buchignani, born September 21, 1986, in Bloomington, Illinois, is more than just Carley Shimkus’ supportive spouse—he’s a accomplished businessman with a story of his own. Standing at 6 feet tall with an athletic build from his days as a collegiate athlete, Peter exudes a quiet confidence that complements Shimkus’ vibrant on-screen persona. Raised in a close-knit family with two siblings—an older brother, Leo Jr., and a younger sister, Lainey—Peter grew up under the influence of his father, Leo Buchignani, a respected lawyer, and his mother, Mary Edna, a homemaker. His Midwestern roots instilled a strong work ethic that’s carried him far.
Peter’s academic and athletic journey took him to Princeton University, where he graduated in 2009 with a degree in political science. At Princeton, he shone as a defensive end on the football team, earning All-Ivy honorable mentions in 2007 and 2008. His 34 tackles in the 2007 season remain a highlight of his athletic career, though he also dabbled in basketball during high school. After college, Peter traded the gridiron for the corporate world, kicking off his career as a sales analyst at Barclays Capital in New York from 2009 to 2011. He later joined Deutsche Bank before settling into his current role at Amherst Pierpont Securities in Chicago, where he’s worked in securitized products sales since March 2015.
Despite his professional success, Peter keeps a low profile, preferring to let Shimkus shine in the spotlight. His LinkedIn and rare social media glimpses reveal a man passionate about his work and an avid Michigan Wolverines fan—a nod to his love of college sports that even made its way into their wedding with the team’s fight song. Together, Peter and Carley form a power couple balancing high-flying careers with a grounded family life.
How Carley and Peter’s Love Story Unfolded
Carley and Peter’s romance is a tale of timing and tenacity. The two first crossed paths in November 2009 at Shimkus’ 23rd birthday party, where Peter, then a budding financier, caught her eye with his charm and athletic vibe. “I was drawn to his diverse job and upbeat personality,” Shimkus once recalled in an interview snippet shared by Heavy. However, sparks didn’t fly immediately—they remained friends until 2013, when their bond deepened into something more.
What followed was a long-distance courtship, with Shimkus based in New York for her Fox News gig and Peter in Chicago for his finance career. Despite the 700-mile gap, their commitment never wavered. On August 8, 2015, they tied the knot at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and a few Fox News colleagues. The wedding blended personal touches—like that Wolverines fight song—with elegance, cementing their status as a team built on love and mutual support. Nine years later, their partnership remains rock-solid, now enriched by parenthood.
Brock at Two: A Toddler Transformation
As of March 24, 2025, Brock is just shy of his second birthday, and the transformation from newborn to toddler is nothing short of astonishing. Shimkus has kept fans updated via Instagram, where her nearly 200,000 followers eagerly await glimpses of her son. Gone is the swaddled infant from that first photo—Brock is now a lively, curly-haired boy with big, curious eyes and a megawatt smile that’s unmistakably inherited from his mom. Recent posts show him toddling through parks, apple-picking at Hacklebarney Farm in October 2024, and even sporting tiny sneakers that hint at his growing independence.
One standout moment came in August 2023, when Shimkus shared photos of Brock’s baptism—a milestone that showcased his growth at six months. Dressed in a white christening gown, he gazed calmly at the camera, flanked by proud parents and grandparents. “Brock’s baptism was the most special day!” Shimkus captioned the post, which drew comments like, “He’s gorgeous!” from co-host Dana Perino and “That smile!!!” from fans. By September 2023, followers noted he was “about to crawl,” and by early 2025, he’s clearly mastered mobility, chasing after adventures with the energy only a toddler can muster.
Brock’s looks—a blend of Shimkus’ blonde locks and Peter’s strong features—have fans buzzing. “He’s the most precious,” one follower gushed on a Labor Day 2023 post, while another predicted, “He’s going to break hearts someday!” His growth hasn’t just surprised fans; it’s a daily marvel for Shimkus, who balances her 1 a.m. wake-ups for Fox & Friends First with cherishing every moment of motherhood.
Life as a Family of Three
For Shimkus and Buchignani, welcoming Brock has redefined their dynamic. Shimkus, who joined Fox News in 2009 and rose from production assistant to co-host, thrives on structure—a necessity for her early-morning gig. Peter, meanwhile, brings a steady presence from Chicago, often traveling to New York or meeting Carley for family getaways like their 2021 Montana trip. Instagram offers snapshots of their life: Peter pushing Brock’s stroller, Carley beaming at her boys, and the trio enjoying quiet moments amid their busy schedules.
Fans have begged for Shimkus’ return to full-time TV after her maternity leave, but she’s savored the slower pace of early parenthood. By May 2023, she was back on air part-time, sharing park selfies with Brock and Kentucky Derby party pics—proof she’s mastering the juggle. Peter, ever the supportive spouse, adapts to her demanding career, a trait Shimkus credits for their lasting marriage. “He understands how my job works,” she’s said, per The U.S. Sun. Together, they’re raising Brock with love, laughter, and a touch of Fox News flair.
What’s Next for the Buchignani Family?
As Brock approaches his second birthday, the future looks bright for Carley, Peter, and their little star. Shimkus’ career continues to soar—her 2023 cookbook, Cooking with Friends, reflects her knack for connecting with audiences beyond the news desk. Peter’s finance career remains steady, and Brock? He’s already a mini-celebrity, charming followers with every milestone. Whether he inherits his mom’s TV charisma or his dad’s business acumen, one thing’s certain: Brock’s got a fanbase ready to cheer him on. For now, this family of three is basking in the joy of today—surprising us all with how fast love can grow.
