#in parenthood when chim's about to become a father and he's worrying about it and they get that call to the kid and he's like

[chronicowboy]

one thing i think is missing from the show atm is how well they used to do the calls that would resonate with the main characters and influence their decision making in that episode. and it's not like they've forgotten how to do it because they did it with chimney and the brothers in the well call (if a little heavy-handed). it's more like. idk. because the synopsis for confessions said something about the divorce call opening up old wounds and we, rightfully so, thought it was going to spur eddie into dissecting the reality of his relationship with shannon and finally coming to terms with it and then it was just a silly ha-ha he sneezed his guts out LOL call where the old wounds were his and his wife's which. is just such wasted potential. and it's just. they're missing so many opportunities where they could have used calls to further the story or they chose the wrong story to further (looking at you hotshots plot) and idk it's so frustrating and i'm hoping the midseason finale car crash disaster will maybe lean into that with all the different victims. but yeah. it's just such a missed opportunity.

[crazybagelbitch]

Chim asking Bobby some advice right after Jee-yun birth? Cause he definitely did. And Hen?

It’s with a sigh that Chimney walks into the station-- he’s still on paternity leave and there’s a definite bitter sweetness that comes with the familiar sights and sounds when he’s not there to work. Of course he’s grateful for every second with Jee-Yun but he misses his his job and he misses his work family. 

And there’s the sadness and residual bitterness over the fact that he might as well be working since he can’t even be with Maddie or Jee-Yun at the moment. He understands, he really does understand why with COVID that only one parent can go to Jee-Yun’s check up and since Maddie has a post partum checkup in the same building right after... of course it made sense for her to take the baby to the doctor. Albert’s not allowed visitors in the hospital yet so he had shown up at station of 118 just to take his mind off of how the pandemic had stolen certain time and memories from him.

“Chim!” Hen’s delighted voice calls, followed by the sound of her footsteps carrying her towards him, “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Just felt like stopping by,” he replies and his smile is genuine but Hen knows him far too well to not pick up in the slight sadness to his voice. She frowns and seems as if she’s just about to ask him a question when Bobby’s voice interrupts.

“Hey, buddy! Didn’t know the newest parent of the 118 would be stopping by today.”

“Maddie and Jee-Yun, they’re umm, at appointments I can’t go to right now,” he sighs, not really wanting to talk about it but also not wanting his friends to think he just abandoned his newly post partum wife and their one month old for fun, “so I thought I’d come hang with you guys so it wouldn’t feel so lonely.”

“You’re always welcome but I’m a bit surprised you’re not taking the absence of a crying baby to sleep.”

“How do I stop feeling like a bad dad because I’m not at her doctor’s appointments?” he blurts out, the anxiety finally bubbling over as he hasn’t talked about it with anyone yet because he knows Maddie would be sympathetic but it would also make her feel guilty about something that isn’t her fault.

“By remembering that it’s not by choice and that we’re in a global pandemic?” Hen offers, eyes narrowing with concern, “Chim, Jee-Yun is a month old. She’s not going to remember who did or didn’t take her to doctor’s appointments.”

“I know it’s stupid, I just... I already lost so much time, you know? Because I stayed away too long after quarantine and then I came back but... couldn’t go to any ultrasounds and I know she won’t remember any of that but... that’s important dad stuff to be there for.”

“It is, when you have the choice to be there or not,” Bobby says gently.

“I know, I know,” he sighs, looking down at the ground in embarrassment because he feels like he’s having a hard time putting his feelings into actual words.

“You’re going to make a great dad. You are a great dad, Chim,” Hen tells him, stubbornly craning her neck to meet his eye, “there are just somethings I can’t control.”

“But what does being a good dad even mean? It’s not like I have any experience to go off of. You both know what my dad was like.”

“Well, knowing what not to do is valuable information,” Bobby says with a sad smile, “and having a bad parent doesn’t mean you’ll become one, just like having good parents doesn’t always keep someone from being a bad parent. I had great parents, Chimney, and you-- you know how it ended up with my family.”

“...Bobby,” he whispers, “that wasn’t... you w-were sick, that wasn’t--”

“But it still kept me from being a good father,” he murmurs, wiping quickly at his cheeks, “and I had a great childhood. What your father was like to you? That doesn’t define what you’re like to Jee-Yun. You are very kindhearted and not closed off-- both very good traits for a father to have. And the fact that you’re worried about not being a good dad means you’re off to a good start.”

“I was worried about parenthood when I adopted Denny, too,” Hen adds, rubbing his shoulder with her hand, “and I don’t think the fear of majorly screwing up ever goes away. But you just do the best you can each day and learn from your mistakes. Be present for your kid when you can remember that no one is perfect.”

“I’m just scared... I talk to my dad maybe four times a year over Skype. I don’t want that to turn out to be me and Jee-Yun.”

“So don’t let it,” Hen says simply, “let your daughter know you love her and care for her no matter what. And for what it’s worth? I don’t think that’ll be a problem for you at all, Chim.”

“You have waited a very long time to be a good dad. Some worry is healthy because it means you care about your child and want her to be happy, but don’t let your anxiety over all the million what ifs ruin this time in your life, because it goes by quick.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I know,” Bobby nods sympathetically, “but just one day at a time, buddy. There’s a learning curve so give yourself some grace.”

“You’re already great, trust me,” Hen assures him and he can’t help but laugh at that.

“Hen, because of the pandemic all you’ve seen of me and my daughter thus far are pictures.”

“A best friend knows,” she scoffs, slapping his chest lightly, “and I’m brilliant, remember? Don’t start doubting me now.”

“I could never,” he grins, “thank you-- both of you.”

“Anytime, Chimney. But if I may, I’m going to again suggest you go home and get some sleep while you still can.”

“Yep, solid idea. Thanks, Bobby.”