But both he and Robbie McEwan (2nd from left below) lost out to Graeme Brown who won the stage.

Edit: Much has been reported about the poor state of the Telstra Dome pitch due to the Sensation New Years Eve dance party.

Sensation at Telstra Dome, Melbourne.

Federation Square, Melbourne.

As my good friend Andrew Carson said, being a parent is “the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it’s the best thing you’ll ever do”.

I can honestly say that it’s very true. The sleepless nights. The constant demands. The never ending need for a feed, a change, and a bath.

But on the flipside, there’s the joys — those constant moments of amazement –of holding and looking at your son, and watching each and every tiny step he takes, of learning, of growing, of moving from that small precious bundle removed from his mother’s womb only eight weeks ago, to the very small, learning the basics person, that he is today.

But as I going through this process, I can’t help to think about my own parents, and how they probably took the same steps with me. I say this because it’s been a number of years since I’ve seen either of my parents. It’s a shame they’re not here to be part of this amazing experience. To see their grandson — a little baby boy who looks remarkably similar to what I did when I was his age.

But back to Atticus. His latest thing is sucking his fist. Boy does he get upset when his fist slips away from his mouth and falls onto his lap! I imagine it’ll be next week when he figures out where his fist actually goes!

But the real big joy of the past ten days has been his smile. Particularly for me, whenever I get in front of him and I give him a smile — he gives the biggest smile and giggle straight back. Here’s looking at you Atticus!

Love,

Daddy