First time dad at 44!

Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS)
#1

Gulp!

Mrs. LeBeef and myself have been trying for a couple of years now. Well, by trying I mean we “pulled the goalie” first, then started in with the heavy temperature checking, running calendar days and finally trying fertility meds from the gyno. Now something has stuck, we have a six week old bean, and it’s starting to look like it might stay around for a while. This is the first one for both of us.

I’m scared to death. I’m excited, overjoyed, nervous and scared to death.

At 44, I’ll be 62 when this little zygote heads off to college. I’m not worried about the age that much, I’m fairly healthy, in decent shape, financially we are doing fine, but the idea that I am responsible for someone’s emotional and physical upbringing is very frightening indeed. My usual motto has been WWYD? Consider What Yancey Would Do, then do the exact polar opposite and you’ll be fine.

Whew. Whelp, here we go.

Oh, by the way, we have only told our parents so far, so this is just between you and me, alright?

#2

That’s way cool, congrats! I was 41 when we had our one and only so I think you’re right on track. Looking back, I remember a time when I was apprehensive about what we were in for, then the baby comes and you’re so busy and having such fun that instincts and best judgement just kinda takes over.

Again, congrats and enjoy the ride. Ain’t nuthin’ better.

#3

That’s very nice to hear.

Good Luck to you.

#4

Congradulation! Out of curiosity how old is Mrs LeBeef?

#5

Congratulations! Enjoy the little one.

#6

Yikes, I’m 47 now and only have 4 more years to go until my youngest leaves the nest. I can’t imagine starting over now. But then again, a little age, experience and financial security will enable you to avoid some of the pitfalls and stresses of younger parents. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

#7

good news! Sending out good vibes for you and the missus.

#8

Congrats my friend. It’s a wonderful thing. Don’t believe what they tell you, you’ll get two hours sleep (most nights).

#9

She’s 35, way younger than me. Is that old for a first time pregnancy?

And thanks for the good thoughts everybody! I just bought “What to expect when you’re expecting” for her.

#10

Congrats! Mr. Matata was 41 when his first was born, and he worried about all the usual first time dad stuff, plus the age. Fifteen months into the adventure, he’s having the time of his life!

#11

My sister was 34 when she had her first, and 41 when she had her second.

#12

Congrats!
You have the advantage of age, and hopefully the wisdom that is aquired by the years you have spent. You have the disadvantage of age, and the lack of energy that is the result of the years passing.
You will do great.

#13

She’s going to love it when the doctor refers to her condition as “elderly gravida”- it means you’re old!

Anyway- congrats to you both!

#14

Yay, babies!!! Congratulations!!!

#15

Those two will even be sequential.
35 is old compared to the 20-25 docs would like to see, but I think it’s just young enough to avoid the extra testing. Congratulations to you both and may the little bean be a healthy, happy kid and you two learn to relax before lack of sleep kills you :slight_smile:

#16

Too much science and not enough science fiction. Doctors don’t recommend that endless EVA sequence in “Outland” anymore? Scored twins from it. :wink:

My hopes are with you, bro.

#17

Congratulations - get some sleep now - while you can.

-Words from a first time Dad at 41 (now into year 11).

#18

A bit of unsolicited advice: when possible, decline the extra testing, so long as the pregnancy is within normal parameters. Some of the “standard” tests for advanced maternal age are as little as 40% accurate, and you really don’t need the extra worries. I was 40 when my last was born, and other than my age, it was an uncomplicated low risk pregnancy. We could have had lots more testing, and of course we worried about every aspect, but we knew we were having a baby. Had she been born with Downs Syndrome or some other abnormality, we were still having a welcome and beloved baby, regardless of any invasive or potentially dangerous tests. And we now have a wonderful, healthy, happy 15 month old, despite my age…

#19

Congratulations, brother!

Mrs. CoffinMan and I have not yet had any children, and while I am close to your age, my wife like yours is in her thirties, so maybe there is still hope for me yet!

#20

Yeah, isn’t 35 the threshold for being of “advanced maternal age”?