IN THEIR WORDS – CHRIS KEUNEN ROUND 13

IT HAS been an amazing few weeks for my wife, Anna, and our little family. On Friday the 29th of May we welcomed our daughter, Hayley, into the world. 

It has been a period of reflection for us. It was two years ago that Xavier was born and how easily you forget what a little baby is like. We have been reminded of the lack of sleep you have and how important it is to be prepared for everything. It has been tough at times but also so much fun as well.

Anna has been unreal as always. She not only has to deal with Xavier wanting attention, Hayley needing constant feeding not and changing but also she has had to put up with me being a little tired as well. She never ceases to amaze what she is a capable of. 

I was given the task of bathing the two little ones the other night, a task Anna does every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday by herself. My lack of preparation and knowledge of what I was getting myself into I'm sure had Anna giggling to herself. Me trying to juggle Hayley while filling two baths with Xavier trying eagerly to jump into the tub. No pj's or towels ready to keep them warm and dry after the bath- who would have thought there was so much to a simple bath. Anna ended up stepping in to give some small hints but none the less her ability to do those things with me at footy is awesome and that was just one of the tasks she performs. Mums really are superheroes. 

In saying that all the players appreciate what our wives, girlfriends, boyfriends and families give up for us to play football.

It has been amazing to see how Xavier has reacted to the new addition. His love, affection and protective big brother mind set has been beautiful. It is funny to watch him step between Hayley's pram and the people trying to peer in at her, as if to say "hey back off she is my sister", is just gorgeous. 

It is hard to have to leave home to go to footy for training. Missing out on little things like bath time, dinner and just a cuddle is tough but at the same time seeing Xavier running around in his little Falcons jumper and his smiling face after a game telling me " good game daddy" does make it worst while. Plus, as Shane Nelson reminded me at training the other night I don't have long left so making the most of having the watch me play footy is important- I would love Xavier to be able to remember watching me wear the red and blue.

I am hoping that history repeats itself. This time two years ago Anna and I were enjoying our new born son, West Perth were sitting second on the ladder and the year ended with a premiership. I would love to have a photo of Hayley standing in the cup just like I do with Xavier. One can only hope that this is a good omen for what is to happen come at this years end.

These next two games leading into the bye will be able to set us up for a big finish. A win over South Freo will help to build a small gap between us and glut of teams below (plus we owe them from Round 1) and the obvious a huge test awaits against Subi. That game will help show just where we are at this season. The boys will be putting everything into these next two games knowing that we have a break before ramping up after the bye in the lead up to finals.

I hope to see everyone at HBF Arena this Saturday to cheer us on against Souths. Go West!