Emily and I have enjoyed parenthood more than we ever thought we would. In fact, for a long time, we didn’t want to have kids. We enjoyed our freedom and doing anything we wanted when we wanted. But there came a time when even sleeping in on the weekends and traveling didn’t fill us like they used to. After seven years of marriage, we were ready to try for a child.

Emily got pregnant in the summer of 2020, and with children at a somewhat older age, I had many resources around me to ask for advice. John Fidder, a friend of mine that I’m grateful even to know, gave me the best advice. I was working to help John and his wife Glorymar find a home during this time that Emily was pregnant, and I would pick his brain a lot. John’s advice carries a bit more weight than others because he’s a guy I look up to. He and his wife do life right and have four great kids, which we all adore. Something a new father would strive for as he’s getting ready to start a family. And as of not too long ago, Glorymar and John became grandparents! Boy, did that little guy hit the jackpot for grandparents, or what? But John’s advice to me was to always make time for myself and Emily, no matter how challenging it can get.

I couldn’t help but think of John’s advice tonight when Emily and I went to Jags Steak and Seafood on an actual date night, maybe for the first time since June was born. Sure, we had been out to eat, but not a good date night planned to do something special.

Neither of us had been there before, so we didn’t know what to expect other than that we had heard the food was delicious. Because the table we sat at was next to the fireplace in a dimmer-lit room, I got to sit next to my bride for two hours and have conversations we hadn’t had in a long time. We talked about how far we had come from when we first started dating to becoming parents and even moving to Florida and back. It was sweet and relaxing, and we look forward to doing it again.

Most of you don’t need to hear me tell you how the food was terrific. You know that already. But let me pay it forward from what John gave me. And maybe Jags isn’t the perfect date night for all new parents, but I’d strongly consider it if I were you. I’ve been to Ruby’s, and I’ve been to other very nice restaurants and never felt so chill from the vibe Jags gives by sitting back in the dining room area. And an enormous credit goes to Adam, our waiter, who did a fantastic job taking care of us. So, to you new parents. Make time for yourselves. Plan a date night to Jags and sit back and relax or do whatever it is that lets you take the time to appreciate all the good things you experience with your partner.

My grade, you already know—a perfect 10.