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“The best gift of all”: Wayne Parnell on Father’s Day and life as a new dad

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We spoke to SA cricketer, Wayne Parnell, about how he’d be spending his first Father’s Day after the arrival of his baby boy, Khalid, with blogger Aisha Baker last month. But the new dad said, “I’m pretty sure we will just have a meal together as a family, and reflect on the amazing path we are on.”

Wayne told us he’s always wanted to be a dad, from the day he and Aisha got married, in fact. But continued, “We waited a year after getting married because we wanted to get to know each other better first and establish our marriage as that was important to both of us.”

On finding out they were expecting he said, “Aisha actually knew she was pregnant before she took the test – she had a feeling. I was super calm when I heard the news because I’ve been waiting for it for a while.

“Naturally there were a few nerves,” he confessed, “because we are solely responsible for this new life, but I’m super happy about having this little guy in my life. He is so cool and I can’t wait for him to be older so that I can play sport with him and take him on walks.”

Wayne admitted to us that, of course, the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn baby is probably the worst and most significant change. But he says its been “such an incredible experience” and that he’s “enjoying every moment”. He told us he especially enjoyed spending time at home as a family during the month of Ramadan that has just now come to an end.

A post shared by Wayne Parnell (@parnygram) on

On raising little Khalid when both mom and dad are always in the limelight, he said he was a little concerned at first. But he continues, “The amazing thing about Aisha is that she enjoys speaking about the ‘real’ things that are happening to her. So the journey of her pregnancy and also the birth of Khalid, was a pretty easy one to get across because it was so organic.”

Wayne recently posted a little birthday message for Aisha, praising her for always being true to herself and never compromising her values. And, of course, thanking her for giving him “the best gift of all” – baby Khalid.

Are you a first-time dad?  How has life been with a newborn and how has your perspective changed since you became a father?  How will you be spending Father's Day? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. 

Read more: 

Celebrate dad, obaba, pappa on Father's Day  
Printable: Thanks dad, here's a card  
Printable: Star Wars Father's Day cards for geeky dads  

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