Guest Post: Being a Dad is Not Scary. Much!

Here at A Lauren to Herself I love hearing from men. But apart from my Dad, my chap, my pal Joel and the very writer of this guest post (the lovely Halit Bozdogan), male ALTH readers are few and far between.

But let's try and change all that; or at the very least invite some men (shock horror) to share their views here on the site. With that in mind, here's Halit talking about impending fatherhood. So I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing Halit all the best for his new life....

I'll hand you over to Halit, now...

So Lauren asked me to write a little something about being a dad for the first time, which is something I was more than happy to do. Although her site is much more about beauty and fashion, I thought what could be more beautiful than a newborn baby? Well, apart from Christina Hendricks.

You see, I’m going to have a son in July. A bright bouncing baby boy. And I couldn’t be happier. My partner, Michelle and I have been living together for a couple of years now. And I guess that’s the thing. I’m not scared in the slightest about having this child. I mean, I always saw the big three as being marriage, a house and kids. But the house was always the thing I considered as being essential first.

Pictured: Our home. Hopefully it's not built on an ancient Indian burial ground

 Once you’ve got that security, I think the worry slips away a little when it comes to children. So when Michelle told me she was pregnant, I was actually pretty calm. I mean, we had a spare room. Which to be honest was going to be my entertainment/gaming room, but it looks like those plans are out of the window.

Anyhow, we’ve been decorating the nursery and I was kind of pushy about finding out the sex of the child. I don’t know, I guess I’m just a little more practically minded when it comes to this sort of thing. I need to have a plan. I want all the facts available before so I can make an informed decision. It just makes things easier when it comes to buying clothing and items that are gender orientated.

Almost finished. Just need to add some more handles and the giant rolling boulder from Indiana Jones

I’ve also accepted that the trade-off of finding out the sex means that she can lead the way in naming the baby. This is proving to be difficult as we can’t seem to agree on any name it seems. She likes Oliver and Mason. I’m aiming for Hurricane or perhaps Brixton.

Only joking.

But if naming the baby is the most difficult thing we’re dealing with at the moment I consider myself to be very lucky. Sure there are a million thoughts going through my head in the meantime. The classic “Will I be a good role model?” is swirling around most days.

But I’ve done things. I’ve been places. I have some wisdom to share. I only hope that I raise my son (my son! I can’t get used to saying that) to grow up respectful, polite and hopefully gain his father’s razor sharp wit. I certainly hope he doesn’t inherit my cheese storing gerbil-like chubby cheeks during his formative years.

I could fit as much Edam in those bad boys as I wanted

I’ll teach him that moisturising with a good daily cream is essential to maintaining a smooth complexion. (Obviously whilst drinking a beer of course, because I am MAN :-). He’ll learn that softening the beard bristles with warm soapy water before shaving will reduce irritation. He’ll even know that you should ALWAYS circulate your facial products in an upward motion to prevent stretching the skin (Blimming eck, Halit - you can have a residency on my beauty blog...).

I really can’t wait for July 1^st. I know I’ll make some mistakes along the way but I’m positive and happy. I think that as long as the good things outweigh the bad then I’m sure everything will turn out just fine.

Michelle and I. And the bump. Mine's just paunch.

Halit Bozdogan works for Appliances Online during the day. He’s into his films and loves Japanese culture. He’s lived in Japan and once got hit by a bus. True story.

 Thanks very much for such a lovely post, Halit and the very best of luck to you and Michelle. Not that you'll need it - you're going to be great!

Has anyone got any words of wisdom for the man himself? Do share your tips below.

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