New Australian Defence Force recruit Christopher Cortes hoists his young son Ashton to his hip.
Soon, he won't be able to.
He's one of 28 new recruits - 27 men, one woman - inducted into the army in a special enlistment ceremony held in Brisbane to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
The 25-year-old's family have a distinguished history of serving in the armed forces, including a great-grandfather who was one of the Rats of Tobruk.
Now he's off to Kapooka in southern NSW for 80 days of training to finally see his dream of joining the army come to fruition.
But it's an imminent departure his partner Rebe Mears is dreading.
And with good reason - she's 35 weeks pregnant with a little brother for Ashton.
"Hormones have a lot to do with my feelings," she said, dabbing at the fresh tears.
She's seen first-hand the dedication Christopher needed to pass the selection process, from strict diet regimes to early morning runs.
"I think like the first time I've seen him go the gym was for the army," she laughed.
Patience was also a discipline her partner of seven years had to practise as he worked towards his goal.
It's also one she'll have to master, given he probably won't be around when she gives birth.
"It's very daunting ... bringing our second child into the world without him is pretty scary," she said.
"But as long as he's doing what he was put on this earth to do."
For his part, two-year-old Ashton - repeatedly poking his father in the face - seemed more preoccupied with annoying rather than farewelling his father.
He's clearly got the energy to keep up the family tradition.
"I'd be really proud if he followed in my footsteps," Christopher says, deflecting an incoming jab.
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