Hello, 3 AM. We meet again!
The TV guide seems so foreign to me right now. As I scroll aimlessly up and down, nothing is catching my eye.
At any other time, I could find an old reliable to land on and casually watch. Law and Order SVU? Maybe. House Hunters? Perhaps. Hell, even The Shawshank Redemption is on a lot.
Not tonight. Not at 3 a.m.
Wait, there’s SportsCenter. Boring. I’ve already checked the scores and highlights on my phone. Martin? Maybe. But I’d have to turn the volume up and I couldn’t “laugh laugh” because I’d be too loud. NCIS? I don’t even like NCIS. I’m a Criminal Minds guy.
Over to Netflix I go. On this particular night, The Town catches my eye. Sure, I’ve seen it a million times but pickings are slim. And plus, those little brown eyes are still open and looking right at me, so it’s going to be a long night.
By the way, welcome to Dad Notes. I hope you enjoy!
It’s 3 a.m. and I’m exhausted. I haven’t seen this hour in a long time. On Dec. 27, 2021, my wife gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Eden Noelle. In an instant, I became a dad of two. My son Emory was born in 2018. As I wrote in a recent piece for the City Dads Group, going from a father of one to two would surely be an adjustment, but some of the basics wouldn’t be unfamiliar.
After all, with a three year old, I’m not too far removed from dealing with a newborn. But I was far enough along my journey in parenthood that my wife and I had reached the stage where we were getting a good night’s rest. Most of the time, at least. If you notice, I’m using the past tense on sleep. Having to deal with late nights/early mornings was something I knew was coming, but honestly, I forgot what it felt like.
Up on the Samsung, Ben Afleck and his crew are preparing for their next bank heist in Charlestown. On the couch, Eden and I are locked in an intense staring contest —one that I’m sure going to lose. On one hand, I sit in amazment at another gift we’ve been blessed with in her. That’s the beautiful part. On the other hand, my brain struggles to remember what worked with Emory. Should I just wait it out to see if she eventually falls sleep? Maybe I should walk around a bit to see if that works. I pick up my phone and, sure enough, the old lullaby playlists are still there.
I have to remind myself that this is only temporary. That’s the frustrating part in this moment. After all, me and 3 a.m. haven’t hung out in a while. On the TV, The Town is nearing its climatic scene at Fenway Park. It still reels me in every time. The eyes that were so bright and engaged with mine have faded. I think she’s out. I carefully, and nervously take baby girl to her basinet, hoping these noises from walking on the floor don’t wake her. I’d hate to have to start this process over again. Thankfully, she stays asleep and I get to get some rest before we’re back at it tomorrow.
It’s good to see you, 3 a.m. I’ll be back soon.