F AT H E R ’ S D AY S T O R I E S
daddy’s girls
John Partlett, Mia (11) and Ruby (9)
Justin Short, Alix (6), Tayla (5), Sophie (2)
While they’re close in age, builder John Partlett says his daughters have very different personalities. “Mia is a sensitive girl, very softnatured and quite the academic. She loves to read and likes maths and science challenges,” John says. “Ruby is the risk-taker. If she wants to do something, like learn to ride a RipStik, she’ll keep going until she gets it, no matter how many bruises along the way!” Both girls have a caring and sharing attitude and love a good conversation. “We enjoy a meal together every night at the dinner table with some background music, where we all get a chance to talk about our days. We all have a good laugh, or cry, and help each other out with our problems. “They both know I love them as I tell them every day. I just hope they’ll continue to come to me when they’re having any problems in life. Whether it’s with school now, life after school, or even boyfriends (hopefully not for a while…) I’m there for them.” John is looking forward to being ‘King for the Day’ this Father’s Day, although his wife Violetta jokes that every day is Father’s Day in the Partlett household.
Rupertswood roofing contractor Justin Short never imagined he’d be taking a pink lunchbox or water bottle to work, but as the father of three daughters it was practically inevitable. The ‘strict but playful’ dad is looking forward to going camping with his family this Father’s Day – a long weekend in Cardwell, where Poppy’s house is. Each of Justin’s three little angels has her own unique way of being in the world. Alix is ‘friendly, kind and sensitive’, Tayla is ‘quiet and precious’ and Sophie is ‘loveable but has to have her way’. “I love that Alix and Tayla like to help me in the shed,” he says, “And Sophie is daddy’s little girl and I have to put her to bed.” “I was so proud the first time Alix and Tayla rode their bikes without training wheels and my heart swells every time Sophie speaks as she doesn’t like to talk much. I just want them to know that I love them with all my heart, no matter what.”
John Munro and Stella (4) Loud (like her Dad), strong-willed, creative, clever and funny, Stella Grace Munro is her Daddy’s little princess. The Kirwan builder/ carpenter says she keeps him and his wife Keryn on their toes with questions, questions and more questions! “I was the proudest daddy when she was born and I’m proud when I see her learning something new and she keeps trying until she gets it. I always make sure I tell her I’m proud of her. The day she caught her first fish was one I’ll never forget.” John describes his parenting style as ‘firm but always there with lots of kisses and cuddles’ and says Stella has made him more gentle, calm and patient. “She definitely has me wrapped around her little finger,” he admits. “When we found out we were having her, my father-in-law told me an old saying: ‘Your son is your son till he takes a wife, your daughter is your daughter for the rest of your life.’ I’ve always liked that – it’s very special having a little girl.” This year is an extra-special day for the Munro clan as Stella and her little brother Noah will soon have two more siblings because mum, Keryn, is expecting twins. “This Father’s Day I’ll be celebrating the doubling of my family with the arrival of our twins, so I’m not too sure what we’ll be up to – adjusting to our new family life, I’d say!” WORDS KYLIE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY SANDRA HEIER EVENSEN
Terry Fanning and Yu-Chuen Ava (1) “The greatest thing that’s ever happened” to lawyer Terry Fanning and his wife Jenny, Ava was adopted from Taiwan on 27 June 2013. Unlike her dad, Ava is very chirpy in the morning. In fact, her good mood usually lasts all day (sometimes at least). “Even when we were travelling with her around Taipei she’d engage with everyone on the train or shopping centres,” Terry says. “She also has a great sense of humour. It’s impossible to stay mad at her when she laughs in your face at something she’s done wrong.” A very outgoing and independent girl, Ava wants to do everything everyone else is doing – whether that be copying someone dancing on TV or stretching with her Dad before he goes for a run.
“She also likes cleaning around the house. Hopefully that trait stays with her into her teens,” Terry jokes. Last year Father’s Day was spent doing the Townsville Roadrunners Father’s Day Run, which the Fanning clan will do again if they are in town. Otherwise, they might take a trip to Sydney to catch Anthony Minichiello’s last home game for the Sydney Roosters. “I don’t want to go but Ava loves the Roosters and she loves to count,” Terry says. “She first learnt how to do a proper Roosters cock-a-doodle dooo when she joined in watching Brad Fittler’s runaway try at the Rugby League Sevens. It was a bit rusty but still an impressive effort given she was only 15 months old at the time. It would bring a tear to any Dad’s eye.”
32 DUO MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2014 duomagazine.com.au
Tyson Smith and Ella (2) The first time Ella said “Daddy” was enough to melt the heart of Haymans Electrical sales rep Tyson Smith. Describing his daughter as funny, smart for her age and energetic, he says the arrival of Ella has given him a new lease on life. “It’s changed everything for me,” Tyson says. “I’m definitely more protective, as most dads get with their little girls, and these days I’m a little more strict-ish. I’m normally easygoing but, of late, her attitude (like all girls) is growing stronger.” As do most two-year-olds, Ella loves being outside and will ask 20 questions about the same thing. “I love her ability to have a full conversation with you at such a young age,” Tyson says. “And her laugh is infectious.” This is their third Father’s Day and, like last year, he expects it will start with Ella jumping on him to wake him up at 6.30am. “This will probably be followed by a present or two, depending on mum, and then we’ll head out and about for some relaxing time together as a family.”