“Fatherhood suits you” said an old friend of mine in a casual Facebook chat over the summer. Taking into consideration the many compliments I’ve received from my wife and loved ones over the last 10 months, I’m not sure why this comment continues to resonate with me and put a smile on my face.

I’ve always wanted to be a dad. I can’t remember not wanting to be one and in a year where my dreams and aspirations have changed, Fatherhood is one that I have fulfilled. It fills me with great pride and joy waking up every morning and being the first face she sees as I lift my princess out of her cot and prepare her first feed of the day. Seeing her eyes glisten, face light up and her happy chuckles and screams make every day better and the sensation felt when I know I’m the reason for all of those above actions is just indescribable. There is little doubt that I am loving fatherhood.

As our journey together continues, my understanding of what it is to be a dad and fatherhood continues to grow and evolve. I have seen numerous examples of fathers in my lifetime – good, bad and ugly, that I thought had already given me a pretty complete insight into the role and what its all about. Now I am actually IN IT I can see there is so much more. For me as a Dad I can’t give the love, attention and care that Maya receives from her Mother. It’s not that I don’t have it to give, it just doesn’t compare, it’s different and it’s channeled into something else. Guidance, advice, development, growth and protection this is what fatherhood means to me. I won’t always be there to protect her so it’s my job to ensure she grows and develops to make her own choices and decisions that will keep her safe and happy in the world. Ensuring she is always safe in the knowledge that her old man may not have all the answers but will be there to guide and advise.

Everyone may have different outlooks on fatherhood but I’d like to think most would agree with those basic principles. So if 10 months in I’m displaying any of those attributes and someone is kind enough to comment on it then I can only feel proud and content. Not only am I fulfilling a legacy handed down to me but also a dream and ambition of my own. Yes I’m happy to say I think it does suit me nicely.

This is fatherhood.