One week old Today......

On one hand, I can't believe Finley has been with us a whole week now and on the other hand, it's as if he has always been with us.

Since he has been home, life has adapted accordingly to make space and time throughout the days and nights for his feeding and nappy changes.

I'm amazed how quickly as parents, you adapt to handling a baby from not being sure how to hold him and the first fiddlie nappy changes, to being able to change nappies within seconds of one coming off and a clean one going on. Being able to carry him and make a coffee at the same time.

In Finley's first week of being here, we have learned many things about being parents but I would have to say the nightly cluster feeds took both Zoe and me by surprise. We couldn't believe how this calm, contented baby all day turned into milk monster for hours and hours. As Finley isn't being bottle feed or having a dummy, this all falls onto Zoe to be constantly feeding him, as the dad you can feel quite helpless during this time. All being useful for is changing nappies and trying to give mum a few previous minutes before he starts craving more milk by nursing him. Then all of a sudden he falls asleep and is once again that contented and calm baby.

Finley is a huggy baby, never happier than lying on mummy or daddy's chest. He obviously gets a lot of comfort from being in such close contact with his parents. I love this, he is only going to be this size for such a short time and I want to be able to cuddle him as often as I can before he gets bigger.

Finn sleeps everywhere except the two places he should sleep! He sleeps in the bouncer, carry cot and car seat but doesn't like the moses basket or his pod. The mid wife says this is natural for breast milk babies and over the coming weeks, will be more content in the basket and pod. We have noticed even of the last two days he is getting more content with lying in them for short periods of time.

So, anyways that is week one and Finley is getting bigger, stronger and more alert with each passing day.

Becoming Dad......

Day Two......

Today is 'Home Day' for Finley James & mum and I can't wait to get them both home.
He is currently lying in my arms, sleeping after a feed. He's as alert as a button and has a good set of pipes on him, to tell us when he's ready for something new.

Getting on well with the nappy changes, he certainly knows how to fill one and there's plenty of trumpting happening to warn us of the imminent arrival of a fresh delivery.

The Drs and nurses at CAH, have been unbelievable. Constantly on hand if ever mum or baby needed anything. While mum and Finn have been in hospital, I have been allowed to spend most of the days with them, which has been brilliant, that I didn't have to wait to certain times of the day to see them both.

Granny's, Grandad's, Uncle and Aunties got to see the newest member of the family yesterday and it's safe to say they were as overjoyed as we have been to see him.

When I got home, I had a few bits of baby clothing for the pups to smell, so that they get used to Finn's smell before he arrives home. All tails were wagging as they had a good sniff. I'm sure they'll be more excited once he's a little older and food comes flying towards them from his table!

It's awfully hard work this growing!

Just look at him! He's bloody perfect! 😊❤❤

Follow him on Twitter- @becomingdadni

Becoming Dad......

Becoming Dad......presents

Well after keeping us in suspense for 11 days longer than he should have. My beautiful baby boy was born on Tuesday 24th May at 5:15pm. Mother and baby are doing well. 

Finley James is a fighter, who has already stolen my heart. My wife is amazing, she has given me the most amazing gift that I could have ever been given. I love him so much.

Zoe did the most amazing job today, the strength she showed, even when she must have been completely shattered to deliver the wee man. 

I can't describe the happiness and joy that is coursing through my veins at this time but I wanted to tell the word of this joyeous event! 

Isn't he just gorgeous. I'm pretty sure everyone is going to get to know Finley James a lot more, if you stay with us on the Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram!!

Becoming Dad......

Due Date + 1week......

So we are a week over due now and baby is doing fine, very chilled and in no hurry to make an appearance.

Everything is on hold, until this little bundle of joy makes their grand appearance but we have had a few other deliveries this week. We got our new kitchen parts from B&Q and they were delivered on time and with excellent customer service, not only from B&Q but also from the delivery team at DHL. Also, the La Hacienda Multi-Function Garden Oven cane from Tesco's.

Again this had excellent service from the delivery company. They phoned a few days before to confirm delivery and then again on the day of delivery and it was early morning, which freed up the rest of the day.

Last night, Zoe and I went down to the local chippie for an easy dinner and we were told a sure fire trick for delivery was a pot of peas. We were told that this should kick start everything but alas it hasn't started but always worth a go! 😊

I have to say I didn't think my older brother's would be as interested as they have been in the arrival of baby M but to my surprise they have been in regular contact to see how everything is going. 

So......that is due date +1 week done. We'll see what tomorrow has to bring!

Becoming Dad......

Due Date +3......

Here's another thing on a huge list of things I never thought of when becoming a dad......the emotions you feel just before you meet your new baby.

I know that by this time next week, when I blog to all you guys, I should have my baby boy or girl next to me and I start thinking am I as good a person as I think I am? Just how much will my life change? Even more than it has already......

I'd like to think people see me as an honest, fun loving, relaxed sort of guy. Who is willing to give hugs out for free, to having a listening ear for anyone who needs it and to be never too busy that work gets in the way of living.

I know I'll cry when I see this baby! Any one who knows me, knows that I wear my heart on my sleeve and I know there is no shame in this but I didn't think that already I would be so protective over this little one and when I am having my quiet times, that the only thing I think about is this little one, what they look like? What they will be like? Here's hoping they have my wife's beautiful looks, brains and compassion, with a small scattering of things from me. This all tears me up, I can feel it coming over me and there is little I can do about it. I could be walking the dogs, driving, anything and all I think of is already I would give my life for this little one.

So......am I a good person? I am. Ofcourse I could be better and I will strive to be the best I can be, never to busy to play, help, listen and give hugs & kisses when needed to this little one.

Each day gets me closer to being the man I want my baby to grow wanting to be or to have in their life.

Enough of this rambling, I could be here all day waffling. We are now +3 and hoping not too much longer to go.

Becoming Dad......

St. Totteringham's Day......

Well...Arsenal took this season's St.Totteringham celebrations to the last day but for the 21st year in a row we were able to enjoy it.

Don't get me wrong it's been a very disappointing season, were we started so well winning the Charity Shield and being top of the Premiership at the turn of the year only to throw away the championship as well as going out meekly in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. But to finish second when so many had thought we would struggle to finish there has made my day.

Here's hoping for a productive transfer window,so that Arsene Wenger can retire at the end of next season with atleast the Premier League trophy and another cup would be lovely.

I'm going to enjoy my first sober St.Totteringham Day for quite a few years as I am on baby watch.

Here's hoping it's the best one yet with an appearance by Baby M, but even if baby waits awhile yet, I'm still going to enjoy today and raise a glass to The Arsenal!!

I'm off to read what the one's on twitter are writting about today and to get ready for Match of the Day later. There hasn't been too many times I've enjoyed saying that this season.

The guys on twitter are - @thegoonertalkyt @arsenalfantv @arsenalmoh8 @memz_dogi @arseblog @goonerblog

There are many more but these guys will be putting on a show tonight!!

On a side note: shame what happened at Old Trafford today. Glad that no one got hurt or even worse. There is no place in this world for terrorism and to bring it into football is disgusting. I hope they find who was involved.

Follow me on Twitter- @becomingdadni

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#HappyStTotteringhamDay

Becoming Dad......

Day One post Due Date & still no baby......

Well......it's now Saturday 14th May and baby didn't show up on Due Day. To be honest when we woke up yesterday morning we were pretty certain there wasn't going to be a birth today.

We did our fair share of walking to help get the baby moving but even this was limited because of my hip improvements. It has been feeling the bite in recent days and we didn't want to push it too far as to hurt me again.

I did however buy myself an outdoor pizza oven and I'm looking forward to the delivery of this but hopefully baby m will have made an appearance before it arrives.

So, Zoe had to spend the rest of the evening bouncing on one of them exercise balls the midwives etc.. say to use.

We watched The Five finale on Sky One last night and if you haven't watched this drama, you need too. I'm not normally one to watch dramas and not serial one's at that because I normally miss a week or have them on record and have so many to watch, that by the time it's finished on television, I've found out the ending but this one got me gripped each week.

We were thinking that if baby was to come yesterday it was orimed to come during this programme, so that we wouldn't find out the ending but baby has stayed where it is.

Today, we'll carry on as normal, going for walks as the weather outside is already lovely and hopefully will keep getting warmer.

So, have a great Saturday and we'll be putting any new news up on my twitter page - @becomingdadni

Becoming Dad......

Hair today, gone tomorrow??

Whatever could this be about??

Leave a comment if you can guess!

Becoming Dad......

Twitter- @becomingdadni

One Day to Due Date......

Well......D day is almost here but baby M looks to be in a relaxed mood in arriving to see us.

Apart from a few wee twinges there have just been the normal baby movements.

To keep up to date on the big day and beyond, follow me here on Twitter- @becomingdadni

Becoming Dad......

Four Days to Due Date......comicstrip

I'm thinking that Zoe is ready to see her baby. The sudden heat as well is starting to make it feel uncomfortable for her and just the actual nine month wait.

Ine of the great things with the blog is that you get to see which country your viewers are from.

I have had viewers from the UK, Ireland, Portugal, France, Norway, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Denmark in Europe. The USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong which is amazing.

Can't wait to see more of you guys on here and many more different countries.

Well, that's all for today. If there are any developments with the due date, you will be able to keep up to date with them on my Twitter. I'm of to drink coffee in the sunny garden.

Becoming Dad......

Twitter- @becomingdadni

Five days to Due Date......comicstrip

So, the days are passing faster and faster and we are now well into the final week. So baby could be with us any day now. It's like waiting for Christmas Day but not knowing just when you are going to get to wake up and see that special gift.

Two of my friends have had babies in the past two days and I would like to congratulate them both and I hope they get to see this message. The pictures I have seen of their babies are amazing.

To keep up to date from due date to after the baby is born, keep an eye out on my twotter feed as I will be tweeting any news from there as it will be the quickest way for me.

Hopefully, I'll get another strip up tomorrow, all being well unless a certain someone makes an appearance.

Becoming Dad......

Twitter- @becomingdadni

One week to Due Date......

So we are now down to the final week to Due Date and seeing as it was a nice day outside, I thought I'd get a ball out for Oscar, one of our four pups. 

Then I thought it would be a good idea to get the camera working on my phone and decided to click click click away......

And here are some of the pictures I managed to get.

Amazing how still and transfixed JR's can be on tennis balls or anything in general.

Camera seems to have got a great one here.

Artistic one of Oscar contemplating life over the fence into the garden......

Our very own 'Clown' puppy!

Contemplating life back in the yard. As the grass may not be greener on the other side......

He does pose very well for the camera.

I was actually amazed that he stayed long enough to get this picture.

The end of the tennis ball is nigh......

Having a sniff about......

Zoe taking a photo, of me taking a photo of the star of the pictures......

What a smiler......

Hope you like today's blog and we get another day closer to DD!

Becoming Dad......

Follow me on Twitter here- @becomingdadni

Nine days to Due Date......

Zoe has been working hard to get the baby moving down. She has been everywhere around the house cleaning, to get the house ready for the new arrival and to help with getting the baby lower.

When we lay down last night, the bump was moving about more than we've ever seen amd Zoe is sure the movements have progressed lower down.

I think with all the working Zoe has been doing rocks the baby to sleep during the day and once she settles down in the evening the baby wakens and is ready for a play.

Today we have a new baby boy in the family, Zoe's cousins partner gave birth this morning. So lot's of congratulations to them guys. Zoe is iching to get up and see him but we'll give them a few days to settle in.

Nothing much else to report, so all being well, there might be a new comicstrip ip tomorrow, if I get the chance to finish it.

One great thing with the blog is uou get to see what countries the viewers are from. I get people from the UK, Ireland, USA, Norway, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, and even ones from Singapore and Australia.

I really enjoy seeing all the countries and all the new countries still to see the blog.

Becoming Dad......

Twitter- @becomingdadni

Ten days to Due Date

Well we are about to hit single figure days to the biggest day of our lives. Baby M doesn't look like he or she is any mood to move out any time soon but hey you just never know...

I have bought a few more things on Amazon for this little one and here is a picture of our newly arrived gift for them...

Fortunately for this little one they have already been brought into the Arsenal family as a little Gooner or Goonerette!

Hopefully they get to see this team before the season ends in a couple of weeks time. I had hoped The Arsenal would have won a trophy for the little one but sadly not this time but on another side Northern Ireland have got to the Euro Championships and they will get to see the Green & White Army in France this June! 

So it is Tuesday 3rd May and no sign yet of the little one but I'll give an update report on my Twitter feed throughout the days on the run up, as well as a new blog each day to keep you in touch!

Find me on Twitter here- @becomingdadni

Becoming Dad......

Comic strip - Antenatal appointment

Well I did say that if I got over 100 views on the Blog yesterday I would put up a new comicstrip. Well guys you blew that number out of the window and I had to get this completed toute suite.

So while watching the Chelsea vs Spurs match last night and seeing the mighty Leicester City win the Premier League, I got this all done.

These antenatal appointments just go to show how much you amazing women go through for the miracle of giving us men our little Prince or Princesses!

I know man flu is one of the worst illnesses anybody can suffer (jk) but what Zoe has been through so far has showed me just how amazing women are and how strong you all are.

Thanks for all the continued viewing of the blog and the follows on Twitter, keep on following and I hope you enjoy the strips and anything else I put up here......

Becoming Dad......

Ps....I just have to congratulate Leicester City Football Club for their mighty achievement. I isn't easy being a football fan and to go through the season and end up at the top is fantastic.
As a Gooner it's hard to say this but hard luck to the Spurs fans and team, being an Arsenal fan I have gone through suffering for my love of the team and it's not nice but they have had a fantastic season.

Pregnancy moods......page 2

Page two of pregnancy moods, unfortunately I have no more drawn of this series as yet but if I get a chance over the next few days I'll see if I can sketch some more out.

Who would like to see another comicstrip up?

Maybe if I can get the blog shared and viewed over 100 times today and get my twitter to 100 followers I might put a new one up tomorrow!!

So get viewing, sharing and following.

Twitter- @becomingdadni

Becoming Dad......

Pregnancy Moods......page1

Pregnant ladies seem to go through a wide range of moods through the course of the nine months. 

Zoe has shown some of these moods, not all but some but I have read that some women can go through many of these moods which I will sketch out over a few more pages.

I hope you all enjoy and if you can think of any more, please leave a comment below.

Becoming Dad

Twitter- @becomingdadni