New dad era.
As Bachelor Nation fans know, former Bachelor Ben Higgins married the love of his life, Jess Clarke Higgins, in November 2021 and the two announced last summer that they were expecting their first child together.
Earlier this year, Ben officially joined the girl dad club and shared the exciting news that their daughter Winona (Winnie for short) finally arrived.
Now, Ben is sitting down for an exclusive interview with BachelorNation.comabout his first ever Father’s Day and what it means for him to be a dad.
We are so happy for Ben and we’re wishing him and all the other dads out there the happiest Father’s Day.
Check out our full interview with Ben below.
Bachelor Nation: Hi Ben! First of all, congrats on your beautiful baby girl and happy first Father’s Day. We are so happy for you and your family. What has life been like since welcoming your daughter?
Ben Higgins: Thank you so much! It is the most amazing experience for our family. It is hard to remember life before Winona because the last four months have been such a highlight in our lives.
BN: That makes us smile so big. What has surprised you most about fatherhood so far?
BH: So far, it is how little I can actually do to help! I feel like I am a bench player ready to get called into the game when the scenario fits. I know this will change over time, but right now the mom is responsible for so much.
BN: That’s an experience so many dads can relate to and yes, it will definitely change over time! What is your favorite part of fatherhood so far?
BH: Honestly it is the quiet times of listening to worship music (she is also a Lil Wayne fan) and just staring at her and being consumed by her beauty. Five months ago, she was in Jessica’s belly and now she is a healthy, happy, growing, wonderful human. I find myself staring at her for so much of my time and randomly finding tears in my eyes because of the miracle that she is to us as a family and to this world.
BN: That is so beautiful, you’re going to make us cry! How would you say fatherhood has changed you?
BH: Goodness, this is a loaded question. I would say that I have become a lot softer (even though I have always been pretty soft). I also find myself a lot more motivated to care for Jessica in the small ways and big ways that she needs. I am more in tune with my marriage because I recognize how much Jessica does and how little I can do to help so constantly trying to find ways to support is a focus in my life more than before. I mean honestly, having Winona has changed me probably in ways I do not fully recognize yet, but I know that it has changed me.
BN: Absolutely. It’s amazing to see your bond with Jessica grow stronger and stronger as parents. What milestones are you most looking forward to in the future?
BH: None. Jessica and I have a saying that came from Bob Goff that we speak over each other. The saying is “Be where your feet are,” so we are soaking up every moment and not looking forward, just enjoying the moment second my second. This is not to say that I do not think the future will be amazing — we are just trying to enjoy every moment we have right now.
BN: What a wonderful way to look at life and parenthood! We’re taking notes. What does it mean to you to be a dad?
BH: Gosh, another loaded question! To me, it means showing Winona what a man should be to the women in his life. Especially Jessica. I want Winona to see how a man treats a woman. I want her to see and experience a dad that operates with confidence, leadership, vulnerability, wisdom, and always be willing to recognize where I mess up. I guess when Winona is 18, I want her to look back on her childhood and know that I loved God, loved others, loved my family, and gave all of those the energy and focus that they deserve.
Photo courtesy of Ben Higgins
BN: She most definitely will. What is your proudest moment as a dad?
BH: Probably cleaning my first blowout all on my own and not making a total mess of things!
BN: Ha! A rite of passage. Do you have any advice for fellow new parents?
BH: I am not one to give advice. Do not feel like I am well equipped to give unsolicited advice. However, for the sake of answering the question, I guess I would say to be where your feet are at every second because from what I hear from others who have been parents a lot longer than me… it goes fast, and goodness gracious, that scares me, so I want to soak up everything.
BN: It does go so fast, that’s great advice. And last but not least, would you let Winnie watch your “Bachelor” journey one day when she’s older?
BH: Hahahahahaha, she can if she wants, but I will not be encouraging it!
BN: Haha! Thank you so much, Ben! We so appreciate your time, and happy, happy Father’s Day!
