'I became dad, a granddad and a great-granddad... in just three months': Baby joy as three generations of same family give birth
But within the space of just three months he has become a dad, a grandad and a great-grandad, after his wife, daughter and granddaughter all gave birth to boys.
Patrick, who is due to retire in five years, said: “It was a huge surprise to discover I was going to be a dad again at my age.
“But to find out that I was gaining another grandchild and my first great-grandchild at a similar time was unbelievable.
“I was worried people would be disapproving that I was going to be a father at an age where most people are retiring but everyone has been really pleased for us.”
Patrick’s youngest son, Ethan, was born in March this year, followed shortly afterwards in June by his great-grandson, Mason, and then his grandson, Leonard, 12 days later.
Patrick, who has three grown-up children, and six grandchildren, said: “I have to admit that I had forgotten all about the sleepless nights and how everything has to revolve around the baby.
“It was a bit of a shock to the system at first but I wouldn’t swap being a new dad again for the world.
“Ethan is a little treasure and makes me smile every single day.”
Patrick married his second wife Joanne, who is 21 years younger than him, in 2007.
They met when they were working at the same hospital and he said: “We just hit it off and the age difference didn’t bother either of us.
“We didn’t talk about having any children back then. Joanne was concentrating on training to be a nurse and I was happy to be a doting grandad.”
“When I met Patrick I was very focused on my career, but one night we got chatting about children, and I said I’d love to have one.
“Patrick had already undergone a vasectomy but he had it reversed and eight months later I fell pregnant. I was delighted and couldn’t wait to become a mum.”
Patrick, a nursing deputy ward manager from Doncaster, South Yorks, said: “It was a surprise, but I was over the moon.
“I’ve always been young at heart so my age didn’t worry me but I was concerned other people might not react as well.
"I waited until the 12 week scan to break the news. I took the photo to show my daughter, Odette.
At first her face was just blank – I think she was in a bit of shock. But then she gave me a hug and told me how pleased she was.
“When I showed the picture to my sister she initially thought it belonged to my granddaughter! But the whole family were soon as excited as I was.”
And just when everyone had taken in Patrick’s news, Odette, 35, who already had two children, revealed she and partner, Ben, 31, were also having a baby.
Odette, 35, also from Doncaster, said: “It was just a very funny coincidence that me and Dad were going to become parents again at the same time. It was very surreal.”
But the surprises didn’t end there. A few weeks later, Odette’s daughter, Fern, revealed that yet more baby joy was on the horizon for the family.
"When I told friends and work colleagues they were astounded and couldn’t believe it.’
Odette said: “Fern was only 18 at the time and it was the last thing we expected.
"It was strange knowing I was pregnant at the same time as my daughter and my mother-in-law.
“But I knew I could help Fern and be there for her when she needed me.”
Joanne, who is only four years older than Odette, said: “It was a shock initially realising I was having a child at a similar time to Patrick’s daughter and granddaughter but we were all really happy and couldn’t wait for the three babies to arrive.”
Ethan was the first to make an appearance on March 14 this year, weighing 6lb 8oz.
Patrick recalled: “It was the first time that I had been at the birth of any of my children.
"When the other three came along over 30 years ago, dads weren’t allowed in the labour suite.
“It was wonderful to see Ethan enter the world and hold him in my arms for the first time. I felt like the happiest and proudest man alive.
“It didn’t matter how old I was – I was just delighted to be a dad again.
“The first few weeks were tiring with the lack of sleep and endless feeds, but I didn’t mind at all.
"Because I’m a bit older I had more patience and was just pleased to be there for my boy.”
Next to enter the world at 8lb 13oz was Fern’s baby Mason, whose dad is Lewis, 22.
Patrick said: “He was born on Jubilee Day which made it even more special.
“When they came home from hospital, we went to visit. I gave Mason a big cuddle.
“It was lovely seeing my son and great-grandson together but astonishing there was only three months between them.’
Fern said: “People are surprised when I tell them my little boy was born just after my grandad had his child, but they are pleased for us all too.”
Then 12 days later, little Ethan became an uncle for the second time in his very short life when Odette gave birth to her son, Leonard, who was born weighing 8lb 3oz.
Patrick said: “All three boys are fantastic. But it’s funny to think that Leonard is my sixth grandchild – yet he is younger than Ethan.”
Now that all the babies have been born, Joanne, Odette and Fern are all there to help one another and share any mothering tips and advice.
Joanne said: “I get a lot of help from my family but I speak to Odette and Fern constantly. We are always chatting on the phone and seeing how the babies are progressing.
“I have passed on the moses basket and baby bouncer because Ethan has got far too big for them.
“I’m sure as they get older, the three boys will become very close and no doubt get up to lot of mischief together.”
Patrick added: “There will be people who think my situation is very odd. I agree it’s not that conventional but I wouldn’t swap it for the world.
“Ethan has given me a new lease of life and is my pride and joy.
“And to have a new grandson and my first great-grandchild at the same time is just the icing on the cake.”
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