A lot of parents probably hear me talk, or read my blog and think ‘What does he know? He’s not even a Dad yet’. That’s true in many ways and my learning and development experience has barely even begun, but I’ve considered myself a parent from almost the minute me and my partner found out we had fell pregnant. I thought myself to be a parent, from that moment because my outlook had already begun to change. I’ve been making life changes and preparing for the arrival of our child for months, and although I admit to knowing very little, I still see myself as a parent.

Everything has changed in the last handful of months! The biggest change I’ve noticed so far on this journey has been my outlook on life. I look at almost everything differently now. The way I shop is different; the way I watch the news is different; the way I look at myself and those around me is different – the way I watch movies is different! This week, I watched an old childhood favourite movie. Hook.

If you haven’t seen it, then watch it... I love it. Its Steven Spielbergs take on the Peter Pan story and features Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts to name just a few. I’ve seen the film countless times, but it wasn’t until watching it this week that I even took notice of this specific scene. Caroline Goodall turns to Robin Williams as  the mother of their children in the movie and says

“Your children love you, they want to play with you. How long do you think that lasts? Soon Jack might not even want you to come to his games. We have a few special years with our children, when they're the ones that want us around. After that you're going to be running after them for a bit of attention. It's so fast Peter. Just a few years, and it's over.”

I’d never paid any mind to this scene in the past, but this time around it really got me thinking. I remember my own childhood and teenage years well enough to know how true the quote is. I don’t want to be one of those Dads that doesn’t give his children real, quality time and miss out on all of those important moments and bonding opportunities. I won’t be able to physically hold my son yet for almost another 2 months and already he has me. I can’t even watch an old favourite movie anymore without realising that life has already changed.

The viewing experience of Hook wasn’t all serious though. It made me realise how I can’t wait to have the excuse to dress as pirates with him and cause havoc around the house. The story is a favourite of mine. Becoming a parent means many a change, but a lot can be said for keeping a little piece of the Peter Pan story in mind – Is there ever really reason to fully grow up?

Dad's nowadays are that much more involved than they used to be it seems- Or at least for the most part anyway. Men are expected to attend the birth and even play a role in the delivery process; paternity leave laws have changed and roles throughout the entire relationship have practically merged in terms of what's considered the social norm. Everything is considered to be a team effort, as opposed to the old fashioned expectations of 'bread winners' and 'housewives'. I think the modern changes to our society are changes that have been for the better too - And it's because of these changes that us men get to join in the party pre-baby style!

More and more baby showers are becoming coed lately; Unisex Baby Showers, Couple Showers, or as we billed our shower last weekend, Celebration of Life Party. We had a fantastic afternoon socialising with friends from both sides of the relationship. We ate, drank, chatted and of course received ample gifts for our future arrival. Anyone who is still hung up on the idea that the events are for the Mother only (I was of the same opinion just a week ago) should think otherwise. It's great to be able to socialise in a relaxed atmosphere for what may be the last time. Any future parties that we get to attend together now, will more than likely be with a baby in tow and one or both of us being unable to let our hair down.

From a mans perspective it was great! It was barely recognisable as a baby shower (besides the gift section, when it looked like a Mothercare bomb had detonated in the centre of the room). There was beer, pizza, jokes and went on well into the evening unlike the expected traditional day time hours of the usual girly affair. It was simply a party with friends, that also happened to result in us receiving countless gifts and in turn easing some of the financial burden that planning the baby's arrival  naturally comes with. 

The conclusion? Coed baby showers are awesome! We both helped create this baby that we're celebrating and preparing for; we're both in the journey together and therefore we decided to have a unisex party that we both enjoyed. I felt blessed by the fact that so many of our friends made the effort in poor weather conditions to let us know they truly care.  Thank you to anyone who helped make the day a success. Here's some photos…

 (The cake we had made went down really well. I stayed true to the diet and didn't have a piece though)

 (Probably the only time it'll be ok to take a knife to a babies butt!)

 (My wife looking beautiful even 31 weeks into pregnancy!)