I was totally amazed, or to use a northern English phrase, “gob-smacked” on Saturday evening.

We were at my brother’s house in Lichfield and I’d gone out and bought his girlfriend’s son, Liam, a birthday present and card. I’d wrapped the present (a small BMW Z4 remote control car which is excellent value for money from Argos!) and wrote the card out bar signing the names when Euan came into the kitchen. So I collared him to write his name on the card. Now normally we lightly write his name in so he can copy over it, but this time I just gave him the pen and called out the letters and he just wrote his own name out! I couldn’t get over it, he’s not yet 4 years old. I was so chuffed (another northern English phrase) that I went out and showed Lou, but apparently this hadn’t been the first time he’s done this. In fact Lou’s just gone and found another example that he did at his old nursery before Christmas.

Just, like, wow! It can be really great being a dad.

I’m very much looking forward to our second child’s birth, due in May. We could see it kicking last night and it’s been at it again tonight. Lou thinks we’ve got a ballerina or footballer; I suspect she’s hoping for the former, but we’ll be thrilled whatever. Euan wants a brother… to beat up I suspect!