Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Book Reveiw: "She's Having a Baby -and I'm having a break down


She's Having a Baby: And I'm Having a Breakdown What Every Man Needs to Know-And Do-When the Woman He Loves Is Pregnant by James Douglas Barron.

The quote on the cover by Michael J. Fox says it well. "Finally, a book for the father-to-be that treats him like he had something to do with the pregnancy." And that it does. This book is all about US. She has a shelf full of books at Barnes and Noble to help her out. This one deals with our unique perspective as forgotten partners in parenthood.

This book is extremely readable. It's structured like a reference book so you can go back and find what you are looking for, but it read so well, I finished it in three good sittings. It won a Child Magazine best parenting book in 1998. Sure that's almost 10 years ago, but let's face it. Our role in pregnancy has been almost unchanged since the dawn of time.

The book is broken up into trimester which, in retrospect, is how I suggest your read it. Then it ends with two chapters, "The Delivery Room" and "Getting Started". These I suggest you read before the time comes.

She's having a baby is always humorous, but it's never silly or stupid. You will no doubt find some of the advice useless, but the insight Barron provides welcome relief and perspective that any pre-father can use. I dare say even a veteran can benefit from the reading.

I recommend this book highly. And the price tag is relatively painless. I provided the Amazon link up top for your convenience.

Walnut.

Poor Kid. Life's gonna be rough.

My wife gets these emails about pregnancy, and at week 10, the baby is described as the size of a walnut. This really resonated with me. I have been refering to the little one as Walnut ever since. I can picture him or her at about 10.
"Dad, how did I get the nickname 'Walnut' anyway?"
"Blame your mother, kiddo. It's all her fault."

I can't help it. I really like it, and we don't know a gender yet. What can I do?

Oh My God, it's real!!! -or Baby's First Picture, Week 10


That was all I could think. It's real. In proper English, gender neutral, He's real.

We had a bit of a scare the other day. There was some spotting (don't folow the link unless you really want to know) the other day. Now, my wife hasn't been pregnant for 14 years, and I've never been through this, so I think a mild panic attack was entirely appropriate. Long story follows, but essentially everything is fine, and she had her first ultrasound. It was a miracle. My little miracle. Sure, I cried when I saw it. Why deny myself that for some macho ego trip. I reveled in it!


So, I'm a geek Dad, and I scanned the picture and I'm taking it to work. If nobody cares, too bad. I'm going to be a daddy and I'm excited. I sent it too my mom too. And she's full bull goose loony about it. Most excited grandmother ever.

So, there it is. Anyone got any "first pic" memories they want to share?

Sunday, October 08, 2006

First Fright (and it's not even Halloween)

Already, I have to wonder about the world I am bringing my child in to. He/she is little more than an abstract concept to me, my only real experience being with my wife's nausea. Still, I'm already afraid for him.

Why Kim Jong Il needs a nuclear bomb, I have no idea. I remember growing up in the shadow of the cold war. It was terrifying. I do not want my child to have to suffer through that. Daddy can't protect him from THAT!

It's a scarier world than it was even two days ago. Why does man have to hate man? Why do we need weapons to kill millions? I don't even trust MY government with that power. Kim Jong Il has a long history of abusing power.

I pray the world lasts long enough for me to see my child's face. Maybe I'll find my hope again tomorrow.