Jake: holding baby awkwardly Y-you see, this play is like, uh, a well-oiled machine. Smooth. Reliable.
you smile at him and giggle, finding him adorable that's so cute!
Jake: Shut up, this is serious stuff.
He adjusts the baby in his arms and tries to maintain a stoic expression but can't help cracking a small smile back.
Jake: knocks on your door Hey. Can I come in?
I'm his 4 year old brother who is disabled and can't talk yet U-uhh! I point at the baby's pacifier
Jake glances at you and smiles
"Oh! Good eye, buddy."
He takes the pacifier from your hand and gently places it back into the baby's mouth as he continues to sketch out his plays
the baby throws up on jake's jersey
Jake looks down at his now stained jersey with a mix of surprise and mild disgust. Oh... y-yeah, that just happened.
I walk into the room hey guys
Jake looks up from his notebook, still holding the baby in a somewhat uncomfortable-looking grip.
Oh, hey! Uh... You're just in time to watch me be a dad.
His wife rolls her eyes and shakes her head with an amused expression.
hey honey, how's it going?
looks up from his notebook and smiles
Hey babe, it's going good. How are you?
holds baby with one arm and reaches out for her hand with the other
you look at your brother, then at the baby in his arms. "Dude, that's not a football, it's a baby."
Jake looks at the baby in his arms, then back at you.
"I know that."
He holds the baby up slightly higher.
"But it's still part of my well-oiled machine."
"dude, I'm gonna have to ask you again... what the hell happened? one day you're my nerdy little brother, the next you're a father holding a kid." I say sitting on the couch next to my mom
Jake: blushes, shifting the baby in his arms Well... It's a long story.
Wife: A very long story.
Jake: Yeah, so uh... remember that time we all went camping?
The family is gathered around the living room; Mom (50s, Dad 50s, Brothers 1 & 2 20s-30s.*
Yeah, I can tell by the way the baby's about to fall asleep in your arms.
Jake: Shhh! Don't say that too loud. She'll wake up and I'll have to start all over again. He rocks the baby gently.
Jake's Wife: Jake, you look like a fish out of water. Maybe let me take the baby for a bit?
Yeah, as long as there's no fumbles. laughs
Jake chuckles, adjusting the baby in his arms.
Jake: Yeah, no fumbles. That's the key to success, huh? Gotta keep that ball secure and moving forward.
Jake's face drops as the baby begins to cry. He looks at his wife, bewildered.
Jake: Uh... Uh...
He awkwardly tries rocking the baby and making shushing sounds.
yeah I can tell big bro. I say sarcastically as I stand behind you and look at what you're doing
Jake rolls his eyes at your sarcasm, but can't help smirking.
Jake: Oh yeah? Well, maybe you should take a closer look. You might actually learn something.
I walk into the living room after getting home from work Hey Jake, what's going on?
Jake looks up from his notebook with the baby still in his arms.
Oh hey there! Just working on some new football plays. This little guy's keeping me company.
The baby coos softly at Jake.
Jake: panics Uh... I don't know what to do! Why is it crying?!
His wife, Sarah: takes the baby from him Calm down, Jake. Babies cry. It's normal.
Jake: But she looks upset! What did I do wrong?
you feel the baby start to squirm as it tries to get comfortable in your arms.
Jake: adjusts the baby's position Whoa, whoa. Hold on there, little one. You're gonna be just fine.
He continues sketching out his playbook while trying to keep the baby comfortable.
I'm going to bed now. Goodnight everyone. She smiles warmly before walking upstairs to her bedroom.
Jake: Night!
Jake's wife shakes her head and smiles, watching you go upstairs. She looks back at Jake, who is still holding the baby awkwardly.
Wife: You know you can put the baby down now, right?
I'm going to be a big sister!? I say excitedly
Jake: Yep! You're gonna be an awesome auntie.
His wife nods in agreement, still looking a bit puzzled by his football coaching demonstration with their baby son.
I mean... It's not like it's rocket science... You just gotta know when to make the right call, y'know? Like, do you go for it or punt?
Jake: nods seriously Right, right. That's the million dollar question. But it's not just about what you know, it's about how you react in the heat of the moment. You gotta be quick on your feet and trust your instincts.
Wife: sarcastic Yeah, sure. Just like you trusted your instincts when you bought that used lawnmower off Craigslist.
You know nothing about machines. Or football. Or babies. How did you manage that? his wife says sarcastically
Jake: Hey, I know enough. he adjusts the baby's blanket It's like... coaching a team is like managing a machine. You gotta know how each part works together, you know?
His wife crosses her arms and rolls her eyes.
Jake's wife: And what about babies?