Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

People really shouldn’t expect the government to help after they watched the GOP drown it in a bathtub.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

Fundamental belief of white supremacy: white people are presumed innocent, minorities are presumed guilty.

If a good thing happens for a bad reason, it’s still a good thing.

It’s not hopeless, and we’re not helpless.

I’ve spoken to my cat about this, but it doesn’t seem to do any good.

Republicans got rid of McCarthy. Democrats chose not to save him.

Dear Washington Post, you are the darkness now.

Roe isn’t about choice, it’s about freedom.

“Can i answer the question? No you can not!”

Peak wingnut was a lie.

The Giant Orange Man Baby is having a bad day.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

Republicans: slavery is when you own me. freedom is when I own you.

“Just close your eyes and kiss the girl and go where the tilt-a-whirl takes you.” ~OzarkHillbilly

The real work of an opposition party is to hold the people in power accountable.

There are more Russians standing up to Putin than Republicans.

The press swings at every pitch, we don’t have to.

Boeing: repeatedly making the case for high speed rail.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Exciting personal update

Exciting personal update

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Look what we made with the power of science!

Exciting personal update

Her name is Camille and she is perfect. Even the doctor says so.

As you can imagine, this took a bit of doing for two men, but we did it. It feels like we stole fire from the gods. I wish she could have come into the world at a more auspicious time, but at least we got in under the wire for the year of the dragon. More importantly, we got in under the wire for any legal or administrative changes that might have made modifying the birth certificate difficult or impossible (and there was already the looming threat of DeSantis pulling a Meloni, since our surrogate lives in Florida). I guess we should get a move on acquiring a social security card and maybe a passport before those offices get nuked…

I don’t really feel that much different. Got all my youthful goals out of the way a while ago. And, since this took several years, I guess I was already sort of in dad mode–getting a house, moving near family, gardening, birdwatching… already I hear the siren’s call of learning about the revolutionary and civil wars…

Happy to answer questions people might have in the comments, within reason of course :)

I’m pretty bad at writing about this, but anyway, this and the video game are pretty much what I’ve been up to. Cheers!

Reader Interactions

138Comments

  4. 4.

    oldster

    Many, many congratulations!

    Yes, if you’re going to be a father now, then you need to acquire all of the accoutrements and habits — speaking in a ponderous tone leavened by a wry twinkle in the eye, gesturing sagely with the stem of your pipe while holding the unlit bowl in your palm, that sort of thing.

    And reading aloud. It’s never too early to start reading aloud to Camille. Stories and poems, esp. things that rhyme. The times that I spent reading to my kids were, with the hindsight of several decades, the most worthwhile hours that I ever spent in my life.

    Enjoy your new blessing!

  8. 8.

    trollhattan

    Congrats. Camille is a doll and your life is now changed in ways that you don’t suspect even a little. 98% good, so no worries!

    I see a future president.

  9. 9.

    Tim C.

    CONGRATS!   And yes… she is perfect.

     

    Also as a fellow dad-type person, you need to be up on all dad-jokes and traditions.    Puns are mandatory, even really dumb ones.  Especially the dumb ones.   Anytime anyone use the sentence structrue of “I’m <adjective>” you need to say, “Hello <adjective>! I’m Dad!”

    Also, here’s a great starter podcast if you want to go deep deep deep into the Civil War.

    https://civilwarpodcast.org/

  10. 10.

    Belafon

    Which one of you is the panic parent and which one of you is the “If they lose an eye, they won’t do it again” parent?

  11. 11.

    mali muso

    Huge congrats!  Having had my kiddo in November of 2016, I can commiserate with the weird mix of feelings of having a tiny new piece of the future in your care when the world seems to be on fire.  Wishing you all the joy and love that comes with parenting, along with the long nights and the terror at doing it wrong.  You’ve got this, dad!

  15. 15.

    sab

    Deleted everything after my comment is awaiting moderation.

    Don’t even know what I said wromg. Nothing probably.

  16. 16.

    West of the Rockies

    CONGRATULATIONS, 4M (and husband)! Being a dad is the greatest!  I’m truly happy for you all

    Oh, and start compiling your dad jokes now.

  19. 19.

    Trivia Man

    @oldster: congratulations

    and agree on reading aloud – starting now. I am a firm believer in learning by immersion. Nothing wrong with some baby talk, but also nothing wrong with using full words and sentences from day one.  Surprising what might start sticking first.

  21. 21.

    Argiope

    SQUEEEE thank you for sharing this wonderful news,M4— we all needed it.  I’m actually a baby expert, and seems to me like Camille’s a great one.  Congratulations!!!  Very happy for you three, and by extension, all of us.

  23. 23.

    cmorenc

    Having your first child is where life as you knew it gets turned totally upside down and inside-out.  It’s by a vast amount the biggest life change for a healthy adult, far bigger than e.g marriage.  That kid owns you the next several years.  It’s also forces many folks (especially those who were first child for their own parents) into the jarring realization that their parents barely had a clue what the fuck the were doing and how much they probably winged it.  If you turned out ok anyways that is the counterbalancing reassurance that you, too will somehow muddle through.

    PS that little girl will have you wrapped around her finger for life.   My daughters are now 40 and 35 yo respectively, and they still do, although God help you when your precious little girl hits adolescence.

  24. 24.

    Ohio Mom

    Oh, what lovely news! So happy for you.

    It’s fun to finally find out what you’ve been up to and why you left New York. Sending good thoughts to your surrogate, she deserves every happiness for bringing so much happiness into you two Dads’ lives.

    I found the old adage, The days go by slowly but the years go by quickly, to be true. Enjoy these long days!

  25. 25.

    Miki

    @Major Major Major Major: “We haven’t even decided who is ‘dad’ and who is ‘papa’ or whatever, how to choose…”

    How sweet that you think that’s your decision ….

    Congrats to all, but especially Camille for she is twice blessed!

     

  29. 29.

    currants

    Congratulations, Dads–and what a wonderful name choice! (I’m going with it being the French version of Camilla, who was a warrior in the Aeneid, I think?) Whatever the source(s), beautiful baby and wonderful name and you are going to have so much fun! Blessings on you all.

  31. 31.

    greenergood

    Welcome, Mlle Camille! What fun for MMMM and Camille’s other Dad! In a crap time, Mlle Camille is a breath of very fresh air, and I hope you have great enjoyment and hope at her beautiful arrival!!

  32. 32.

    MomSense

    Welcome sweet Camille! I’m sure her beauty is only matched by her brilliance! Congratulations M4!  So happy for you.

  38. 38.

    tobie

    Oh my gosh…what wonderful news. Congratulations. Camille looks adorable. May she bring joy to the two of you and to your circle of family and friends.

  39. 39.

    suzanne

    This is, by leaps and bounds, the best thing I have seen in days and days. Congratulations, Dads, and welcome, Camille! She is just a gorgeous little doll-baby!

  41. 41.

    JaneE

    Congratulations.  Beautiful indeed.

    As for dad or papa, Camille will choose, and possibly neither of those.

  43. 43.

    Gretchen

    Congratulations! Beautiful baby! Good idea having local family. I’ll bet they’re excited too.

    Do you follow Eli McCann on Bluesky? He’s a few months ahead of you on this journey and pure heartwarming writing about Mr. Baby.

  44. 44.

    Almost Retired

    Congratulations!  Beautiful baby.  Hopefully, like me, you will be the “cool Dad” on the block (narrator: no he wasn’t).

  45. 45.

    stinger

    Hi, Camille! Welcome! Kisses kisses kisses! You are indeed perfect, and I hope your dads still think so in about 14 or 15 years!

  52. 52.

    SiubhanDuinne

    M4, I am super happy for you and the other Daddy! Welcome, beautiful little Camille!

    What does Samwise think of this intruder?

  53. 53.

    scav

    Welcome to Cutie Cutie Cutie Cutie!  Minor Minor Minor Minor just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

  54. 54.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    Congratulations 4M! What wonderful news 😍. And welcome Camille.

  62. 62.

    laura

    Hey! That’s not a cat.

    Congratulations on your beautiful family treasure, your a Dad and you must be wallowing in joy and life.

  68. 68.

    Miss Bianca

    Da hell! I had no idea you were going to be a daddy! No wonder you ain’t been around here much lately. Congratulations to you all and the little dream boat looks adorable!

  69. 69.

    Scout211

    Oh my.  What sweet, sweet, happy news! Congratulations dads!

    What a wonderful life you three will have, full of love and full of joy.  ❤️

  71. 71.

    Drunkenhausfrau

    Congratulations! She’s a joy to behold!  Thank you for sharing this wonderful news with us.

  74. 74.

    SpongeBobtheBuilder

    @Trivia Man: If you watch All Creatures Great and Small, you know that Baby Jimmy is being immersed in Veterinary Journals by Mr. Farnum every day at the breakfast table.

  75. 75.

    Duhkaman

    Bravissimo.  Now your second book is opening for you three to write.  Fill it with joy and caring.

    Love and Metta.

  77. 77.

    Mousebumples

    Congratulations to you all! And best of luck adjusting (or continuing to adjust? Not sure when she made her arrival) to life with a little one.

    No matter what the frustration, or headache… They’re worth it. ♥️

  83. 83.

    frosty

    Words of wisdom from my oldest friend when we acquired an infant later in life than he did:

    ”Everything washes off.”

  84. 84.

    sheila in nc

    Absolutely beautiful! You will have so much happiness together.

    And I can already see by the look on her face: “Hi Dad, we are going to have a great time, but never forget who’s in charge here.”

  88. 88.

    Jackie

    Joining the chorus of congratulations, MMMM and Camille’s other Daddy! She’s a beautiful baby!

    I sure hope her teen years won’t be a Cat 5 for y’all!

  89. 89.

    Ruckus

    I had a partner for a while with a 5 yr old daughter.

    One of the best parts of my life – ever.

    It’s fun, its WORK, and while I can’t say that every day will be a joy, a hell of a lot of them will be and every day will be worth the trip and the time.

    Congratulations and best of luck. (Never hurts to have a bit of luck on your side!)

  99. 99.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Thanks! It was my grandma’s, and her dad’s, and his uncle’s…

    How’ve you been?

    As well as can be in these times, thanks for asking. Just focusing on work and occasionally watching the horror show.

    You?

  100. 100.

    Rikeysenabler

    Congratulations, and welcome to the best adventure! Welcome to dear Camille, may her days be full of love.

  101. 101.

    LAC

    Congrats on the pookie woo! And do the baby talk – it’s not for her, its for you. You will not be able resist with that face!

  102. 102.

    HopefullyNotcassandra

    Happy birthday Camille!”, you gorgeous wood dragon, you!   Congratulations dads.

    May each year be better than the one just finished.

  104. 104.

    Nancy

    Very happy for the dads and the new baby–but why isn’t her name Camille Camille Camille Camille? Is this the within reason kind of question you can answer?

    and is your spouse named spouse spouse sp. . . .?

  106. 106.

    WTFGhost

    As you can imagine, this took a bit of doing for two men, but we did it. It feels like we stole fire from the gods.

    As much as anything, two men having a baby is ,by far, enough miracle for anyone to believe in ’em; and for those that don’t, it’ll make ’em wish they had a miracle to share with you

    Also: welcome to the world, little one; may your growth bring you strength, toughness, wisdom, love, and joy – and may you make the final three far more important than the first two.

  107. 107.

    NutmegAgain

    Oh, my goodness! Such a lovely baby.  Wishing the whole family the best, and also sleep when you can grab it.

  109. 109.

    No Nym

    Happy Daddyhood from one of “Heather’s” two mommies ; )

    Camille is a peach and a welcome addition to the Balloon Juice family, as far as I’m concerned.

  112. 112.

    tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)

    Congratulations! This is lovely news to wake up to. Camille is a beautiful name. My grandfather was Camillo and my cousin Camilla, so family name here as well. Best wishes to all of you as you embark on this exciting adventure!

  123. 123.

    Tehanu

    @cmorenc: Having your first child is where life as you knew it gets turned totally upside down and inside-out.

    And believe me, it’s absolutely worth it in every possible way.  Congratulations!

  125. 125.

    Grover Gardner

    That’s one good-looking baby!  You hit the jackpot.  And believe me, I call ’em as I see ’em!  ;-)  You’ll wonder what sleep was like but you’ll have the time of your life.  And, to quote an old voice-over pal of mine, “Daughters are WONDERFUL!”

  126. 126.

    Debbie(Aussie)

    So happy for 4M and otherDad. Welcome to the universe Camille, you are precious beyond words.

    She and all the children of the US and the world are our reasons for not giving up.

  127. 127.

    Kayla Rudbek

    congratulations to you and your husband!

    @oldster: I bought my godson lots of books even as a baby (my sibling said that Chris Ferrie’s Mathematics for Babies would put the parents to sleep just as well as baby) and now I get video book reports from my godson (he loved the book about the Christmas Owl from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree).

  132. 132.

    SteveinPHX

    Wonderful news! Having been in a somewhat similar situation some years ago, I am happy for you. You’ll be tired for a while, but a small price to pay. Congratulations!

  134. 134.

    Marcia Murchio

    Congratulations.  What a blessing! Remember-read to her every night.  It’s so wonderful to have a little one snuggled up against you.  I read to my kids until they were in late middle school.

  135. 135.

    Ella in New Mexico

    What a joy she will be!!! Congratulations and enjoy the sweetness.

    My question: Who’s feet does she have? (lol it’s an inside family joke every time we get a new babty)

  136. 136.

    Melissa M

    Wow! I’m late to the comment party, but congrats! This has made me smile, and it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve done that. She’s lovely. 🩷

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