The New New Adventure (NNA) is the much anticipated sequel to the Next Adventure blog where we tracked our predictions and journey into parenting when Lila was born (November 2019). Now she’s a big sister. The NNA continues the fun and antics with the addition of blessing #2, baby Ciara. Two is a whole new ball game…
Get the full ‘New New Thing’ Series here: charleskunken.com/season8
NEW NEW ADVENTURE #1
[Everybody great]
We dashed off to the hospital as a precautionary measure a few days before the scheduled date. The doctor had a very simple remedy: let’s have the baby now.
The blue fabric onesy from the delivery room is a more than adequate substitute for a change of clothing. It greatly simplifies the day. I would be ok with this on a regular basis. Jerry Seinfeld has talked about this before—people from the future. I’ll see if I can snag a few spares.
On the subject of being prepared, I think the main difference in the experience of baby #2 is that you have seen once, the beauty and come ready to embrace every second. Probably like winning your second Super Bowl. I wasn’t even tongue tied trying to yell out the gender (a girl!).
Lila (#1) and I spent the first paternity leave, 15 months ago, binge watching heist movies (Ocean’s 11, Heat, The Great Muppet Caper) in preparation for writing my first novel—a heist that takes place at Amazon. When Nikki and I broke for the hospital this time around I was in the midst of googling spy craft terms to insert into the completed first draft manuscript. Ciara’s night time feeding gaps will be prime editing sessions. How far we’ve come. I hope these musings will help the girls understand the crucial roles they are playing.
What words can be said of Mom in all this? I don’t have the writing skills. I did read a Jeff Bezos speech about Blue Origin recently. He referenced the Jim Lovell quote (Apollo 8): “People often say, 'I hope to go to heaven when I die.' In reality, if you think about it, you go to heaven when you're born." Lovell was watching the Earth rise over the moon. Could have been watching Mom with her newborn. There, I tried. Heroes.
And as little Ciara purrs like a Keurig, I fully embrace the transactional nature of dad’s role until more skillsets come into demand (drumming? getting buckets? using TurboTax?). I stand at the ready.
I’ve noticed more of the little things this time around, like you can individually order a milkshake, a banana, cookies, and peanut butter from the commissary. Which is why I didn’t return the spoon from breakfast and set aside a couple extra paper cups.
We are scheduled to go home tomorrow (Friday). The only downside is that my streak of having a milkshake everyday of Ciara’s life will likely come to an end. But new new adventures await, namely the first meeting with big sister Lila.
Let the games begin!
Have some thoughts? Feel free to drop a comment or hit me up: charlie@charleskunken.com
Other Posts In The ‘New New Thing’ Series
The twinkle in his eye made it clear that he was sincerely happy for me. Before he turned his back he said, “Congrats again on the pressure washer.”