Happiest of news

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My wife gave birth to our first child, a beautiful baby girl, yesterday morning (January 26). Both mama and baby are doing splendidly, and papa is elated, overwhelmed, exhausted, and full of both love and purpose.

No name yet, and in keeping with my general blog policy about my close family, not many details to be shared publicly. But in due course, I will have a few things to say about this new arrival and her impact upon our lives. I am not, at nearly forty-two, the youngest of first-time fathers. But I am surely among the readiest, having awaited this for a very, very long time.

Very little blogging for the next couple of weeks. I will be heading back to teaching tomorrow. Paternal leave, such as it, is parsimonious at best, and I have students who do need me in the classroom. Most of the rest of my (no doubt many) waking hours will be spent with my wife and new daughter. I will moderate posts as I can, and ease back into blogging when the time is right.

80 thoughts on “Happiest of news”

  3. And no matter how much you may think you are prepared, you have no clue yet how your life has just changed forever.

  4. The Gonzman – yes, yes, yes, and yes!!!!!

    This book that I highly recommend ‘What Mothers Do (especially when it looks like nothing) has a great line

    ‘Like death, nothing can prepare you for parenthood.’ So true!! But the author goes on to say that by at least acknowledging and talking about the feelings and the chaos that new parenthood throws us into – at least we can know that we aren’t totally insane!!

    I remember rining my ante natal teacher up a couple weeks after the birth of my son – sobbing about how I thought maybe I had made a mistake and how awlful I felt. I thought I was so strange!! And then talking to other new mums and people like my teacher made me realise that this was part of it – like mouring my old life before I could celebrate the new.

    Anyway, this is the BEST book that describes it all!!

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1585425915/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link

  8. P.S. One thing I remember from holding my first child was, whenever I spoke, he looked up at me. A prewired response and a reminder as to how important a parent’s words are.

    P.P.S. Remember the first line of Dr. Spock’s book:

    “You know more than you think you do.”

  10. That’s incredible news, Hugo! Congratulations to you and your wife, and all my best wishes go to you and your family.

  12. Congratulations! Parenting can be hard (both as an individual and hard on a couple), but nothing has brought me such delight as watching my son grow with my husband. Welcome to the great experiment, where every day you learn something new!

  17. Congratulations, Hugo! My own baby daughter is just a month old, and I am so glad to see you so happy about your little girl. Best of luck!

  18. Congratulations! Mazel tov!!

    As a new father myself (5-and-a-half weeks), all I can say is: you know how they all say sleep when the baby sleeps? They are not joking.

    All the best to your family! I’m thrilled for you.

  20. Congratulations! I look forward to hearing about your journey in the realm of fatherhood, as much as you care to share. For now, I wish you loads of happiness!

  30. Congrats on your new blessing! That stinks about paternity leave – how is that legal, what about FMLA? Seems like something a feminist professor should advocate for!

  38. Congratulations– from a lurker w/ a baby girl almost exactly one year older than yours– you’re in for a wild and amazing year!

  46. Oooh…a baby girl! Congratulations to Mom and Dad! Unlike little boys, girls have the cutest clothes. Your wife will have fun shopping for her…

  48. Congrats, and good luck. Despite the fact that I only know you through a blog, I feel very confident you’ll be a wonderful father.

  57. Congratulations from a long-time reader, first-time commenter! I had my own little girl in October (also my first), and she’s such a blessing. I’m sure yours will be too – enjoy!!

  60. That’s wonderful. I echo the commenter above – bid your old like adios, let go of all your expectations, and hang on.

    (You’re not the youngest first-time father, but also not the oldest! My father was 49 when I was born! And my husband and I were 43 adn 44 when Ian arrived 3 years ago.)

    Blessings, dude.

  62. Fantastic news! Congratulations to all three of you.

    By the way, I was born when both my parents were past forty, and they’ve always said my brother and I keep them feeling young. :) The maturity and stability they brought to parenthood has been a blessing to me, too.

  63. That’s wonderful! Congratulations to you and your wife!

    I missed the last delurking thread, but I’d like to say I love your blog and its commenting community. :-)

  64. That’s awesome! Best wishes to all three of you!

    I’ve only recently discovered your blog and have been enjoying it.

  65. An occasional reader, here from feministe–

    Congratulations, and may all three of you be well.

  68. Congratulations! The three of you are launched on a wonderful voyage of discovery and growth. You’ll be learning SO many things (some of which you’d rather not learn) and learning new priorities. Enjoy the smell of your newborn’s head and cherish every new milestone. Read her poetry and the Bible. Imagine her first laugh!!
    Was she born in Pasadena? I was and even though I live far away now I look forward to being “a little old lady from Pasadena.”

  70. Best wishes to you all three:) Though I second the sleep thing, even though mine are teenagers now. Babies are so much more fun when you have the energy to appreciate ‘em.

  73. Happy news indeed! God’s blessings upon your wife and new daughter and you, Hugo; my congratulations, and my best wishes for health and the occasional good night’s sleep for you all.

  77. Heartfelt congratulations to you and your wife, Hugo. Your daughter will almost certainly wonder why othe kids complain about their parents.
    Or not.

  79. Hugo and family–
    Welcome to the world of never-ending wonders as a new parent.

    I wish you and your family the best for many years to come. You will make fantastic parents and your little girl will benefit from your life experiences and your love for one another and for her.

    Ain’t it sweet???

    Lauren’s mom

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