“@jordancooper It's a bit scattershot, but I chronicled the learnings of the first 26 weeks of fatherhood https://t.co/B6Y9Kvv6XU”

Last night I was picking through my stack and started composer Philip Glass’s memoir, Words Without Music. I wound up reading over 50 pages before I passed out. (That’s a lot: I’m a slow reader, especially at

Whenever someone says, “You should do a parenting book!” I think of this tweet.

“That’s how he got started. So: model, see if there’s interest, and then offer up the time, space, and materials.”

I came in from my 10-foot commute once and my 3-year-old looked up from his snack and said, “What did you make today, papa?” It took me by surprise, as I had always assumed that when I was out of sight I was out of mind. (I now know that children seem to be most interested in you

and spoke two words that will dramatically change my life. ​ I know that, on my death bed, I would regret not giving this a shot. I know that I would say “why did I work, rather than just trying to make it by myself”. I don’t want to make that mistake. ​ The well-traveled road brings less surprise, but is paved with the regret of poorly trodden forks not taken. ​ I would be remiss to write this post without mentioning you. It is expressly because of the people that read this website — like you — and the people that listen to my podcasts — like you — and the people that watch my videos — like you — that I’m able to make this leap. Without you giving me your attention, my family would not be afforded this amazing opportunity. ​ I can think of only a couple other pairs of words that have had similar impact on my life. Coincidentally, they were both spoken by Erin: “I do.” “I’m pregnant.”

With about a minute to go, I opened up my AirPods, ensured they were connected to my iPhone, woke Erin up, and handed her one. She popped in the left, me the right, and we were able to share New Year’s together. We did so silently, with Declan sleeping between us, none the wiser. ​ I’ll forget AirPods one day. I won’t forget the opening of 2017. With my little family, all huddled in one hotel room bed, celebrating together, each in our own little way.