I haven’t written in a while because I am consumed with irrational fears about parenthood. For instance, every day for the last 18 days, I have started the day by asking Anne if she’s in labor. She never is.
Anne promises that she’ll tell me as soon as she knows, but I’m worried that she’ll keep it to herself for a few minutes because she’s not sure if it’s really happening. Then, during those minutes, the baby will come out, and grow up, learn the violin, go off to college, get an amazing job, win the masters, become disgustingly rich, and not give me any of the money because I missed it all. If Anne just had the decency to tell me that she was in labor, then I’d be driving a Benz right now.
See what I mean? Totally irrational (but kind of legitimate, right?). Also, as I played out that scenario in my head, I totally pictured the kid as a girl. Does that mean it’s a girl? That’s not a super scientific way of figuring out gender, but is it accurate? 60% of the baby pool responses say no.
While I’m at it, here’s a summary of the responses:
Birthdate: Responses ranged from 8/3/13 (gasp!) to 9/1/13 (Insert Anne gasp here). The most popular response was 8/20/13, two days late.
Baby weight: Responses ranged from 6 lbs 7 oz to 9 lbs 8oz., submitted by Kerry. Kerry, you obviously studied my baby pictures, but Anne thinks you’re a god damn motherfucking bitch right now. Ryan’s response of >19 lbs is disqualified for public health and safety reasons.
Will Rob pass out? More than 50% of responses say “no.” Love you guys.
You all think that I will maintain a healthy weight at the time of birth. Except for a few readers, who shall remain nameless. Like Robert Harms, the prick who said I would weight 201.4 lbs at birth and that dickhead, Ryan, who thinks I’ll balloon up to 265.
To no one’s surprise, way more of you like Anne better than you like me. Why don’t you follow her blog then? Exactly. Because she doesn’t have one. If she did, I’d like it more than this one too. Anne’s the best.
And finally, here are some of the best responses to the “Please use this space to provide any well wishes or parenting advice.”
“I hope your kid has massive balls, but only if it’s a boy.” – Guess who.
“You’ll be a great, overbearing and lovably obsessive father. Your child will grow up with numerous complexes created by you.”
“Don’t read a newspaper or write your blog whilst Anne is actually in labour.” I’m just including this one because of whilst. What a stupid word.
“Rob: Reminders: Good tempo, slow take away, head down, stay on plane and finish your swing. Wait, what was this about again? Good luck Anne!” – Someone who gets me.
“I don’t have kids, but my cat is ‘kind of’ a kid. I guess my advice is, keep it off the back of the sofa and teach it where to poop as early as possible.” – Weird cat lady.
“Your humor makes the work day bearable.” – Probably my “test” submission.
“Rob – Don’t be a jackass! Anne – You are awesome! ” – Anne’s dad.
“And just so you know, I like Anne better because something tells me she is tougher about this whole situation than you.” – Typical reader of my blog.
” Rob, don’t be a douche.”
“This poor, poor (Lucky!) child.”
“if you do the exact opposite of my parents, I may be able to guar.an.tee your kid will be at least 14 before smoking pot”
Those were actually real responses, not like the edited responses I gave in all of the interview with a parent blogs. It’s nothing compared to your pictures of how you think the baby will look:
Anyway, here are the things that are really freaking me out right now:
Rob Complains About Things 
Maybe you could emulate your uncle–sit on the birthing room couch eating peanut butter sandwiches & watching baseball until it’s time for Anne to push. Then put your face close to hers, shout “Push!” & suffocate her with your peanut butter breath. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…and don’t worry about the crib; I slept in either a dresser drawer or a suitcase as a baby, depending on which parent I asked. No cribs involved until much later.
That’s a good idea! Thanks for the excellent suggestion, Aunt Becky!
Check online your state’s DHHS for people certified to install car seats in your area. They usually work for fire station or hospital; either place will be able to connect you with the right person if there is no one close by.
A few things on your fears:
1-3) “Some assembly required” and Rob are like oil & water. Accept it, hire a handyman & a nanny. But make sure you’re smart about it – an ugly handyman & a hot nanny. Win win!
4) A little behind for you is still 20 hours more than the rest of us. Remember, you are of sloth ancestory.
5) Unless those rounds are on XBox, I am jealous and hate you for getting out that much and complaining about it. I get it, Rob Complains… Its like the Seinfeld of complaining here.
6-8) Should have worn a condom dude.
9) Legit fear.
10) Let’s hope the baby looks like Anne. Exactly like Anne. Wait, that sounded creapy. Forget I said that. Moving on.
11) Just don’t fill out the birth certificate with a free app from the iStore. Upgrade to the $.99 version.
12) Well, maybe having a baby will scare you straight.