Dad and Daughter time...

I love spending time with my daughter. I am excited about all the things that I am going to get to teach her and all the things we are going to get to do together. I've started already...

So far we've tried:

• Watching Match of the Day - I watched; she slept (both times)
• Reading books together - I read; she's either slept or fallen asleep
• Going to the shops just the two of us  - I paid (better get used to that); she slept
• Tummy time - I tried to sleep but was scared stiff she'd fall off; she slept

Obviously there is a common theme here, but I like to think that my soporific effect is a sign she feels safe and protected with me. It's like lions or bears - they sleep for upto 15hrs a day. Being top of the food chain has many perks, including the fact you don't feel threatened and therefore get to spend a whole heap of time sleeping.  I hope Emily feels safe.

Sigmund Freud couldn't think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. It's remarkable how that primeval urge to protect your family appears after the birth of a child. I certainly have felt that way since T became pregnant.

I also see our dad-daughter time as an early opportunity to get Emily a head start in her education. Sleep-learning is a great way to do this as it combines my ability to read with her ability to sleep - a winning combination. With that in mind we've already covered off some Oscar Wilde, and have now moved further afield to Ben Okri. I feel its important to give breadth to her literary education.

Emily revising for her English higher

Another important rite of passage for the dad-daughter relationship is the registering of the birth. Today was that special day. I felt very proud as we drove (I am still driving very safely) to see the nice lady registrar in Bearsden. When she asked the question who would like to register the birth I was very glad when T said I could. My heart swelled with pride as Emily Yasmin Rooke was officially named, no longer a nonperson she now was legally here. Emily on the other hand slept through the whole thing...