Announcement!

[Andrew]

Congratulations to the Happy Haunts!

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by bewitched

Oh, and just wait for the thrills when unknown, strange people feel compelled to touch your belly.

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I already touched the belly.

The belly. Everybody touches the belly. Nobody touches the penis. Why is that?

[Alex]

Because that isn't where the baby is? Now, if NA had touched CP's vagina there'd be a stronger case for equal time.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I've already heard several horror stories, including a man who told me what it was like to watch people stick instruments into his wife's c-section.

I've also heard easy-peasy stories, and everything in between.

I've found the things that people say to be so totally interesting - the largest social experiment I've ever conducted. I don't view them personally or anything because it's pretty obvious these reactions are a perfect reflection on their attitudes and concepts of pregnancy and parenting.

Women that have never had kids but are considering it ask me technical questions. Women who've had kids give advice. Those that were scared during pregnancy try to reassure me - those that were ecstatic during theirs give me a way-to-go. Those that have never been around pregnancy aren't sure what to say, but what they do say comes out warmer and less canned than many other responses I get. Older people who thought I was already too old are surprised, while people my age say they thought it would be soon.

I wish I had written all of the responses down because they were each individual snowflakes in a blizzard of well-wishes. I appreciate all of the responses, whatever they are, because even the most awkward ones are attempts to connect with me during this time, when I need the people around me more than ever.

I've realized that in the last week of telling people. I'm not scared of the biological stuff. That's all very impartial, very basic, and pretty much on autopilot. It's the social stuff that feels like an unknown quantity. No matter how things go, easily or not so easily, I'll need all the moral support I can get.

Thanks.

[wolfy999]

I just read your post...how old are you? People think you are too old to have a family? Jeez I was 36 when Wolfette was born.

[~MS~]

The social part of being new parents can be the scary part...all of a sudden , how long do you nurse, do you nurse or bottle feed...cloth diapers or disposable, play dates, preschools, public school, private school, home school...everyone is going to have an opinion and feel the need to 'share' take it all with a big grain of salt, do what ever it is that feels right for your family and nod at the older grammy types (or Great Aunts or Uncles) You said it in your first post, life is about to change...not necessarily a bad thing just a new beginning as not only a couple but as parents responsible for raising a good person from scratch. I can't think of two people who I'd be more confident in their abilities to do that.

[lashbear]

have CP come over here so we can touch her belly. we don't want to be left out.

[Sylad Jenkins]

Congratz CP! I was there when you posted this at the party =P

[ToriBear]

Congratulations, CP and GD! I was also there when you rushed in to post.

[tracilicious]

I forgot that Jade was the first LoT baby! She lives up to it by constantly asking to go to Disneyland. I cannot believe that was four years ago.

CP and GD...they grow up fast! Which I'm sure you've heard so many times already. It's funny about the advice thing. I've changed my mind at least once about pretty much everything, and learned that the quickest way to do something is to form a strong opinion about it. I think the only advice a parent really needs is be flexible, be creative, act always from the heart.