Well Something Happened

[kbg32]

I thought I would post this here as I am feeling somewhat philosophical as well as stunned, excited, you name it. After being told we would never have children, my wife Nicole, is pregnant. Now don't get me wrong, it's great, but she's mid 40s and I'm just over the hump. We just bought an apartment. It's just room enough for us and the cat.

We're taking it a day at a time, getting all the proper tests and keeping our fingers crossed. I don't want her health to be jeapordized. She comes first. Our families don't know yet as Nicole wants to make it through the first tri-mester before she says anything.

I guess I needed somewhere to vent that is not nearby.

[Rogrund]

That's great news, congratulations!

[SolaresLarrave]

Apparently, mature male cats are afraid of kittens and, oddly enough, that's why they tend to be hostile to them. Human beings don't react that way; instead, they get nervous. I'd be nervous if I got news like that... and, to be quite honest, my wife and I probably would do what you did, and we'd keep things under wraps for a while. And, of course, I would probably run here and spill the beans.

All in all, my first reaction is to say "Congratulations!" Which I mean, most sincerely. This is a real change of life, and it will be good for you and your wife!

Now, Keith... start saving for the kid's college. And I ain't kidding! Try to put away something like 50 or 100 per month. I heard this strategy in NPR some time ago, and I have applied it towards purchasing gear. If you make it part of your budget, you won't have problems, crisis or regrets later.

All in all, this is a good story, something transcendental and I'm glad that you're taking it that way. I really don't know what my reaction would be, but don't feel responsible, philosophical or anything else other than happy. Why? You got yourself a model!

[Mattikk]

Look on the bright side, you might be able to take lot's of baby photos! Just like Ken Rockwell!

[oftheherd]

Congratulations! It is so neat (not to mention sometimes frustrating) to have a child. You have a long adventure filled road ahead. And as Francisco said, a model.

Again, congrats.

[nico]

That's what I call a very good news Keith, so let me congratulate with you and Nicole. Being cautios is a good way to face what's going on but don't forget to be happy about it!
All the best.

[monochromejrnl]

congrats! equal parts excitement and anxiety... my wife and i are expecting our first any day now (official due date was yesterday)... a colleague had her first in her mid-40s (also unexpected) and i know that she wouldn't trade motherhood for anything...

good luck and take care

[kbg32]

Thank you all. I really appreciate your comments. I feel scared, elated, but at this time, mostly scared. We got a ways to go, before anything happens. I never thought we'd have a child.

[Bill Harrison]

WE were Not going to have "kids", however, 28 years later she's still living with us, a gift for sure...my best friend...

[35mmdelux]

Nothing to be scared about with todays medical technologies. At 40, your wife is just fine for kids --not old at all -- and you will learn to surrender your time like the rest of us did. Be happy, rejoice. Now you have good reasons for that new Leica you always wanted.

I had my first and only kid when I was 51. Five years later its all about him, but Daddy gets to buy new cameras all the time for those memorable moments.

[HuubL]

Congratulations to the two of you!! You don't know yet how much fun you are going to have and how much joy a child will bring! Perhaps not all the time, but fun and joy is all that remains. I know, I've got three of them and only the last one was really planned!

[georgef]

My aikido sensei, a hard nosed japanese traditionalist, at one point a fully tattooed Yakuza "affiliate" told me this once: "...children are like tattoos; it does not take a long time to get one, and you have it forever. There will be times when you remember what it was like without one, wonder what it would be like for a different one, or whether or not to get another one. Pretty soon you realize it will allways be a part of you, become proud of it and show it off to everyone..."

I now have two spectacular children, and a growing number of tattoos

Congratulations!

[jmkelly]

Best of luck. My wife was 42 & 44 when she had our two. Go for the CVS rather than amnio. From experience I can say you are better off if you don't share with friends and family until after 12 weeks, or good CVS results. At your age if you were not nervous I would worry for you. However things turn out I wish you and your wife - and let's hope, child - health and joy.

[back alley]

what a surprise!
congrats and don't sweat the details, i find they usually take pretty good care of themselves.

keep us posted.
joe

[Pherdinand]

that's very cool, kbg
start being proud now...and enjoy the time before birth! coz after, you will be busy, very busy.
good luck.

[David William White]

Was this 'traditional' or digital (if you know what I mean)?

Some random thoughts:
-no chance of a darkroom now!
-the prospect of vast quantities of baby pictures increases your allowance for gear!
-seriously, watch N's blood pressure like a hawk in 3rd
-pencil in c-section, and for god sakes, drop a camera in your pocket!

[Livesteamer]

Congratulations. My wife was 55 when she had our first and only. There are benefits to being an older parent and kids will help keep you young. Find friends who can help. The first few months with a newborn are busy and not good for sleep. Go volunteer in a church nursery. They need the help and the practice is good. Finally, this is a great excuse to go buy that Dual Range Summicron you've always wanted to take pics of the little one. Good Luck. Joe.

[gavinlg]

Congratulations - it must be overwhelming to be told it can't happen and then it does. It also must be an amazing feeling. I wish you the best!

[jan normandale]

Keith, first congratulations to you and Nicole. My only advice is enjoy the moments that a child can give you. Children really do grow up fast, so get all the time with them you can. Kids want 'quantity time'.. not 'quality time' Everything else will sort itself out.

PS, don't forget to take some 'classes' and give Nicole back massages. She'll appreciate it.

[smiling gecko]

congratulations!!

what a blessing!! the beginning of a wonderful journey.

kenneth

"...patience and shuffle the cards..." miguel cervantes

[kbg32]

Thanks so much veryone for letting me share. Because Nicole wants to keep this quiet for at least another week before some tests, I can't tell anyone here, and I'm bursting at the seams!

[kbg32]

Thanks Blake!

[kbg32]

The proof!

[pesphoto]

Congrats Keith!!! Thnaks for sharing the pics.

[kbg32]

Thank you gentleman.