Congrats!!
I had them young (19) and older (32)
When I was young I thought kids wouldn't change my life....and now that I am older I realize they changed everything in my life.
Well, I'm 48 and we had our third child when I was almost 43 (our oldest is 9). My advise to you? Make sure your child is breast fed for the first two years, that way you won't have to be the one to get up at 3 a.m. to fed 'em!
It's a great, great joy that I would not change for all the money in the world. You are blessed.
A child is the greatest gift you and your spouse will ever give yourselves.
In return, give the child your time, time and more time (my advice) Even if it is a trip to the market for a liter of milk..
And most of all - Have fun!!!!
You are a spring chicken my friend.
But still you may be able to creep toward blissful senility before your kid starts driving.
Congratulations!
Congrats! Any idea what might have caused it?
I can tell you this. I was born when dad was 24. When he was 42 he had his last child. He was so in love with that kid. He always said that it was the best time in life to have a child. You're generally settled at that age financially and emotionally. You have MUCH more patience. He just LOVED it. I think it is GREAT that you're doing it now.Congrats!
I became a Dad for the first time when I was 45. I may not have quite the same energy I had when I was 20, but the wisdom I have gained over the years more than compensates for that. Also, I am in a better financial situation now, etc. -- another plus for being an older Dad.
Advice? Take advantage of the understanding you now have that life goes by quickly, and make a concerted effort to spend as much time with your children as possible, soaking up every minute you can, and using that time to help them develop into outstanding adults. And remember, don't think of them as "kids." Always think of them as future leaders and statesmen in training . . . with your help.
46 and I've never changed a diaper. ;-)
Did feed my 18 month old nephew a bunch of blueberries and drop him back at my sister's though...
You're about to learn that 4 hours IS a good nights' sleep!
As always, see a planner / lawyer and get your own advice.
ping...
My father was 50 when he had me and will soon be 90. :) He was healthier and more active in my life than most parents half his age. I have always felt blessed to have had older parents, and it always seemed that the benefits far outweighed any negatives. Congratulations!!!
Everyone is right...say goodbye to uninterrupted sleer :-D. But when your child looks you in the eye, you will experience something that makes it all worthwhile!
I feel that what I have learned in my "advanced" (grin) age has made me a better parent than I would have been when I was younger. You will do just fine.
Advice...get used to the fact that your baby will christen your clothing with regularity. Remember to make sure your wife knows how special she is too.
P.S. You CAN handle the dirty diapers (nappies) ;-)
Chasing after an 8 year old boy gets a 49 year old pretty tired, pretty quick, but you will find as I have its the most wonderful thing in the world.
Congratulations
This is exactly why geezers like you shouldn't be permitted to have sex.
It doesn't matter how old you are, there is no joy like walking in the door and hearing a little voice yell daddy and run into your arms.
Congratulations.
Congrats.
My wife gave birth to our second daughter last year. I was 45.
Of all the blessings of my life--and there have been many--this incredible little critter is number 1. She has captivated my heart. I am bonkers about her and adore everything she does.
When my first daughter was born 15 years earlier, I was by no means a youngster (I was 31), but I had just graduated college and had been married for only 11 months. I thoroughly enjoyed her (and still do), but there is something special about having another one now in my advanced (cough cough) age.
I became a dad around 35. Kids are just becoming teens today.
In a way I regret not having them younger. My body is betraying me and it is hard to keep up w/ them in some of their activities.
I was 26 and 29 when my first two children were born, and nearly 44 when the "second generation" child came into the world, so I approached this late-comer with some previous experience. But I don't know that I was any more set in my ways at 44 than I was at 26, and I don't know that I had any less energy. Fatherhood requires work, and it will change your life, but it is worth it.
I gagged the first time I changed a diaper. Thousands of diapers later, I was prepared for all manner of other horrific childhood emissions and, you know what -- I took care of them without flinching. Parental instinct kicks in somewhere along the way, and you just know what to do.
I've found that being a father again at a later age truly keeps me young. I am fortunate to remember what it was like to be a child, so that helps me to relate. And I've found that there are some universal experiences and episodes of childhood -- things that happen, questions that are asked. And I keep getting the great priviledge of playing again and experiencing the world anew through my children's eyes.
Of all the things that have happened in my life, being a father is the best, hands down.
Congratulations and enjoy!