Brilliant dad feature week 13
Al Ferguson, 27, is married to Jen and has recently had a baby boy called Ted. He comes from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. He established The Dad Network UK early in 2014 and it has grown to now have 180 dad bloggers, 200 parent bloggers and 760 dads as members throughout the various Facebook groups. The Dad Network has been described as a ‘one stop spot for all dads’ and an online hub and support network like never before.
1. Have you always wanted to be a dad ?
Yes, I’ve always liked children, which is why I ended up as a teacher, but having your own was something I’d always wanted. The thought of playing catch in the park or going swimming or whatever with my kids is lovely. I’m working on Ted to learn to catch but at 9 months, I might be pushing my luck.
2. How did you feel when your children were born?
Blimey! Seeing Jen go through so much pain and so much hurt for something so good was something I am still unable to get my head around. The moment the midwife plopped Ted on Jens tummy, her face lit up in the reflection of Ted’s first sight of the world was awesome. Relief, joy, love, bewilderment, fear and so many more emotions flash round your body like nothing else.
3. What have been the most rewarding experiences been so far?
Each milestone seems to outdo the one before. Ted’s just started to crawl and walk with some assistance and it’s just amazing. I think though, it’s those occasions when I’m feeding him, holding him, playing with him, making him laugh or whatever and he looks at you with his deep brown eyes as if he knows that the relationship we have is special, even though he can’t articulate it; in some ways, he will never have to.
4. What are some of funniest moments to have happened to you as a dad?
Obviously capturing Ted pooing all over me at age 4 days old was hilarious, but it was made even more hilarious and overwhelming by the world wide media attention that we both received! You know you’ve gone viral when you’re nicknamed ‘The Dad With Poo on Him’ by someone in Indonesia!
5. Have there been any situations with your children that you found difficult to cope with?
Sleep deprivation is worse than anything else. How my wife got through the first 8 months with a baby who slept so terribly that he’d wake 10 times a night is beyond me; testimony to her strength though!
The truth is, every situation is difficult when you’ve never done it before.
6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children ?
My hope is that Ted knows who he is and loves who he is. I want him to be happy and know that he is loved by me and his mum, no matter what.
I’d just like to say thank you to Al for taking part in the Brilliant Dad Feature.
