Having My Baby

My running friend* Andy is in a family way. 

Andy and I share a birthday, albeit three years apart. Blobby being the elder. 

So in a few weeks Andy turns 60. And a few weeks after that, he becomes a father for the first time in his life. 

Yeah - you're thinking he has a trophy wife et al, and while Jacks is quite attractive, she is in her mid-40s. While I don't know of sure, because how can one tactfully ask, I'm assuming this was not planned. 

As it turns out, there are always consequences to unprotected sex. And good for them, I'm sure they thought, at a certain age, they were kind of in the clear.  ......but kind of they weren't. 

So Jacks and Andy are dressed in pink. Yes, they're having a girl. Yes, they have a name. 

This last Sunday, the run club had a baby shower for them. 

I can count on two fingers (now) how many baby showers I have attended - the last one being in 2001. 

Did I really want to go?  No.  But that would be true of whomever was having the shower. 

Did I feel like I had to go?  Kind of. 

Listen, I like Andy a lot and he's a great guy. And he's a little freaked out - as any new first time father at any age should be. His / Their world is about the change drastically I suspect. 

It was kind of amusing having a baby shower where the aging parents are still some of the youngest people in the room. And at least half the people were the Old Men from the Old Men's Running Group. 

The day before was all chatter amongst us on what to expect, what we should wear etc. It dawned on me that these men were all fathers yet never attended the baby showers for their own kids. It was the 60s and 70s for them. But "back then", men simply weren't expected (wanted or welcome) to attend. 

I think now the dad makes an appearance at the very least. So it's true, none of these guys knew what to expect. Same with me. 

Yeah - we were all hoping there'd be no games, and by the time I left 2.5 hours later, none had been. But I was also selfish as I snuck out during the opening of the presents.  I just couldn't muster that many fake "ooohs and aaaah" over a diaper genie. 

Still there was food. And desserts. Wine too, but I didn't touch any alcohol. 

All that said, I wish nothing but the best for Andy and Jacks. While completely selfish, I hope this doesn't hinder my being able to run with Andy on the weekends. Of course it will - and should - but maybe someone got them a really great running stroller. 

*I'm not sure why I need to qualify his friendship, but honestly, we have almost zero contact outside of the Old Man's Running Group - so I do. 

Song by: Paul Anka