Brilliant dad feature week 4

This week our brilliant dad is Jason from Tasmania, Australia, who blogs at Tassie Dad. Thank you very much for taking part


1. Have you always wanted to be a dad? 

For sure! For a number of reasons. I was heavily influenced by my father growing up, as he was a stay at home dad while my mum worked. I’ve always had a special connection with my father. Not that I don’t have a special connection with my mother, however much of my personality and sense of humour I get from my father. We can make each other laugh uncontrollably and have my mother look at us completely oblivious to what was funny. 

I appreciate my father a great deal and have always wanted to have that special connection with my own child. Also, in terms of my family lineage, I was the last one in my family to have the Arnold surname. My dad didn’t have any other children, and his brother didn’t have any kids. His sister had two kids, both with a different surname. For that reason also, I’ve always wanted to further the family name (one that can be traced back generations to the first colonisation of Australia. 

2. How did you feel when your children were born?

I had so many different emotions when my son was born. My wife had complications with the childbirth and required an emergency C-section. She then had complications during the C-section, so I was both overjoyed to have my son in my arms, but also terrified and worried about my wife. I wrote a blog post about it titled “Birth Story”, where I go into that day/night in more detail. 

3. What have been the most rewarding experiences been so far?

The look of joy on my sons face when he sees me enter the room. It makes me feel so loved and special. It really is the greatest feeling. 

4. What are some of funniest moments to have happened to you as a dad?

We’ve all had it happen, the pee-during-nappy-change. I’ve worn it, dodged it, and shielded myself from it. I’ve found that using a dry nappy makes a better shield than the palm of your hand. Also, light carpets show up baby urine like coal in a snowfield. My son always pulls weird faces and makes strange noises that crack me and my wife up. He is the funniest little kid out there. 

5. Have there been any situations with your children that you found difficult to cope with? 

My son is teething at the moment, and its pretty tough. His front teeth came in so quick and without any sort of grumpiness from him, so this time around its heartbreaking to see him in pain. His cheeks get all puffy and he cries so hard with large full tears. Its tough to know that there isn’t anything more than I can do to ease his pain. 

6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children?

I hope to have more kids. I want them to grow up with a thirst for knowledge, and a wicked sense of humour. Most of all though, I want them to be happy. I want them to know that they can do anything they put their mind to. And no matter what, I want them to know that their dad loves them more than they could imagine.