GWS star Callan Ward on fatherhood and admiration for partner Ruby
A slip of the tongue from wife Ruby had GWS midfield jet Callan Ward convinced the couple was having a girl. He speaks of his surprise when little Romeo came into the world and the joys of fatherhood.
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GWS Giant Callan Ward was expecting a daughter.
The star midfielder made his wife Ruby keep their baby’s sex a secret throughout the pregnancy – but she threw him a few red herrings along the way.
“I was almost certain we were having a girl, because of what Ruby had said, I thought I heard her say “she” at one stage,” Ward said.
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“Which was good, I didn’t mind either way. But when a boy came out, I was so surprised.”
Three weeks ago, the AFL couple welcomed little Romeo into the world and Ward has loved every minute of fatherhood.
“It’s been awesome, so much fun, everyone speaks to you about the lack of sleep and changing nappies, but there’s a lot more positives,” Ward said.
“It’s amazing, spending time with him and realising that he’s yours,”
“I’ve always loved babies, but when it’s actually your baby it makes a big difference.”
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Ward said he was in awe of Ruby’s strength throughout the entire pregnancy.
“It’s amazing what the mother goes through, the pregnancy, labour and after that … I’ve seen how hard she works to make sure Romeo’s fed and getting the right sleep,” Ward said.
“You do find a new respect for the mother but I always knew Ruby would be more than capable.”
Ward ruptured his ACL last season and was forced to watch GWS make their first ever AFL grand final from the sidelines.
The former club captain expects to be ready to play as early as Round 3 and can’t wait to take little Romeo along to Giants games.
“We got the membership pack the other day, the Giants are organising his first football, he’ll get that before round 1,” Ward said.
“We’re trying to get him into a routine, getting out for a walk with my dog, taking him to cafes to meet mates, but at the moment he just wants to eat and sleep.”
Originally published as GWS star Callan Ward on fatherhood and admiration for partner Ruby