A couple of weekends ago, strep throat, sickness, and chest infections graced our home. It was ugly. As always, we did our best to separate the patients. Blakely was the only one who was ‘very proudly’ not ill. So, with Stacey upstairs dealing with Ava and Lacey. And with Frankie confined to her room. I had a unique opportunity in that I got to spend the whole weekend with Blakely. No distractions, no one else to take her focus. Just us. And she loved it! She got to do anything she wanted. To play with her art toys without her sisters fighting over ‘who is next?’ Usually, Blakely struggles wi ..read more

The discovery of a pregnant partner is the spark of serious change. We watch as mum begins to grow to facilitate an actively developing baby (or babies in my case). We also experience the hormonal changes they go through. Dodging the odd flying projectile and taking on moments of high emotions was just a part of my journey. Women go through incredible changes. And they are rightly supported professionally the whole journey. As for us dads, It’s usually a case of ‘congratulations’. And there it ends. It’s sad but true. We are left on our own to deal with an immense upheaval. I’m not even sure i ..read more

I got talking to two young kids after the gig last night. One of them has just got a drum kit and wants to play in a band. His mate wants in but doesn’t play an instrument. They asked my advice about starting a band. It reminded me of my first live session with another budding musician. I had my first electric guitar about 13 – 14 years old. With a tin little amp. I was shit on it but determined as hell. My schoolmates’ dad bought him a drum kit which he had in his bedroom. We play a couple of sex pistols songs together at our first band rehearsal. It all sounded fucking terrible. But the buz ..read more

Stacey is great at organising little low-cost trips out during the half term holidays. Entertaining them with something each day. We both do what we can in order to stay sane. Conversely, I am good at doing the silly, fun stuff at home with them. Either way, the girls need occupying. Otherwise, we end up dealing with bored, aggrivated tyrants. And who needs that kind of daily drama? The kid’s favourite TV show is ‘Bluey’. It’s an Australian made cartoon about a dog family. Bluey is a 6 year old Blue healer,  with her little sister ‘Bingo’. Mum ‘Chilli’ and the dad named ‘Bandit’. It’s rel ..read more

Just a quick one to apologise if you have visited my blog lately,  and it appears differently on every visit. I managed to accidentally delete the whole thing and am currently working with WordPress to get it back how I want it. This is why I should never be left unsupervised with technology at my age. I’ll will be fixed over the next few days. Thanks ..read more

Unfortunately, if we have kids, we have to have one of these at some point. It doesn’t matter how well raised they are in the formative years. Or what wonderful children they may be. One night, they will go to bed, as per usual. But then, when they awaken, not only will they suddenly know everything, but their character will have also undergone an evident shift towards the dark side. They have begun high school, and everything changes. And so, a new chapter and challenge begins. As dad, I was no longer the light of her life. I was now just a boring, old fart from another planet knocking around ..read more

Parenting multiples isn’t just about reheating the same cup of coffee three times in a morning and pulling your last hair out. (Although those side activities come as standard). There is also a lot of fun to be had. However, that ‘fun’ is conditional on varying factors. Like what mood they are all in, what we can do to keep them occupied and engaged. And most importantly , what our mood happens to be like when they want our interest. This element can bring the most difficulty. Because they want our interest – constantly. I decided early on that my patience mattered greatly. Not just for my own ..read more

Clarity is an incredible thing. Especially as a parent. The conscious ability to deal with the tantrums and stress that all of us parents have to face on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it is something I had lost. It seems for the last few years. I have been coping, going through the motions, but little else. There’s been a lack of progression on my part due to the side effects of the meds. I have resented taking them. They have affected my ability to parent. And I’ve known it. Three weeks ago, I had a procedure with one of the countries top neurosurgeons. He took my case, for which I am eterna ..read more

10 years ago on the 30th December, firstly in an official church service in the morning, then on to a blessing and celebration on the beach in Dubai. Stacey and I got wed. It was an incredible day, the most memorable Christmas. Even Frankie received a ring and vows from me (unknown to the congregation). She began calling me daddy from that day. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. What began was a journey of epic proportions into family life and parenthood. It hasn’t always been the easiest road; marriage rarely is. But we have stuck together through the challenges and continue to overcome ..read more

I was an impulsive reactionary man for a long time. It got me in trouble, especially in relationships, and my temper was always a problem. My fuse was short, and I found it hard to forgive anyone who upset me, even in the slightest. I needed a solution, and ten years ago, I struck gold. I was introduced to non-contemplative meditation by a friend who suggested I had nothing to lose by giving it a shot. I was getting desperate, and as an ex problem drinker, I knew where my internal conflicts would eventually take me. So I began, 10 minutes in the morning and the same before I went to sleep at n ..read more