This is one man’s veiw of  being a father for the first time:

At last, he’s arrived. For nine months we’ve been waiting and worrying. Planning and hoping. The time seemed to drag on forever. How much longer would we have to wait? Suddenly she went into labour and it was panic stations. Drop everything; get to the hospital, everything moving in a blur. More delays, delivery lasts eighteen hours, she must be exhausted, I know I am!

First things first, I need to check him out. Twenty fingers, twenty toes, everything seems to be there, in the right place and moving in the right way. That’s what we didn’t talk about. Probably we didn’t want to tempt fate by admitting our fears. Big sigh of relief. OK, she’s resting now so I can get on to the practical things. Phone both sets of parents first. Then the other close relatives and lastly the close friends we promised to ring straightaway.

Been home two weeks now, forgotten what sleep is, but he is worth it. They say he can’t smile at this age it is just wind. Rubbish! When I first saw him this morning I swear he smiled at me. I have done a lot of thinking since he arrived. Realised I can’t put myself first anymore. There is now someone who is totally dependent on me. They come first. Surprisingly I want to put them first. Maybe I am growing up at last!

Hey, you know I had something to do with this. I know he is gorgeous, I told you that but you might at least acknowledge me when you all come in the room. Just discovered I am jealous of a three-week-old baby. I seem to have become invisible in the last three weeks. Maybe I am not growing up at last.

A month old now and we are all getting settled into a routine. I have realised that she has all the same feelings I have but at least she seems to get some sympathy when visitors call. Still being ignored in the main but don’t care anymore, just happy to hold my son and cuddle him (and hold his mum and cuddle her – when time and tiredness permit). Suddenly realise I am happy. Just discover I haven’t thought about putting myself first for at least a week. Maybe I am growing up at last!