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John Rowe's avatar

Congratulations on the wonderful news! My sense from this note is that you, like I did, are looking ahead and trying to solve all the problems of a parental future right now.

While this makes some logical sense, the right answer, after raising three of my own, is to slow down and focus on the moments. I didn’t do as well as I could at this, especially when the kids were young.

Enjoy!!!

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I appreciate the advice my man!!!

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Mary's avatar

Congratulations! This is wonderfully scary. But worth it.

Keep that patience and the sense of humor you’ll need them both.

And, by the way, you’re not getting a full night’s sleep for a coupe of decades. Just nap when you can.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Alright, I'll try and squeeze 18 years worth of sleep into the next few months, haha.

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Violet Carol's avatar

Congratulations to you and your wife! Parenthood has been my absolute favorite thing in the world — truly nothing better than a tiny little human doing the scritchy scratchy with love on your arms for hours 😂🫶🏻

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

This feels like the perfect time to subscribe and steal every tip, insight and inspiration you have, Violet. Haha, guide the way! And not gonna lie, that description of life sounds amazing 🥰

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Violet Carol's avatar

Yes!!! 😍 We shall all flail through this wild journey together — still looking at my baby five months later like “huh how r u real”

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Paul Moxness's avatar

Congratulations! My (step)daughter was ten when I entered her life. She gave me a whole new perspective on life that I’m eternally grateful for. I also regularly remind her that she’s responsible for my grey hair. Every strand is worth the experience though!

Enjoy the ride. She doesn’t know it yet, but your daughter is fortunate to have a Dad like you.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

That's awesome, Paul - and thank you for the kind words! I'm every emotion at once at the moment 😊

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Ofifoto's avatar

Great news, Congratulations to you and your wife! Parenthood is a blessing, a joy, and a heartaches all smooshed together. Here's to a house full of little Porters.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Thank you so much!!! 🥰

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Veronica's avatar

Alex, here are some wise words from John Mayer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLbUIa7exE.

😊

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

He's got a way with words! (Sounds good too)

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Veronica's avatar

I thought it'd be appropriate for the role you're about to take on. And what a role it will be! Good times, bad times, and most of all, trying times. Just be ready for it and do the best you can. She will learn, explore, play, stumble, cry, and grow. Be there to support her, love her, guide her, teach her, and discipline her when necessary.

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Karen DeYager's avatar

Congratulations!! So happy for you and your wife! Such a blessing and wow is that little girl gonna be loved!! 🥰

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Thank you, Karen!!! 😊

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Ken Miura's avatar

You are a hilarious dude, and congrats on the good news. May your cup runneth over in blessings.

I would have gone with Hortense, or perhaps Hortensia. Kids need a name that will make them strong through adversity.

I also like the name Willametha, but turns out, that's not even a real name.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I appreciate that, brother!!! I thought about going with Willametha for a second but I heard a siren in the distance. Probably best to move on.

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Ken Miura's avatar

Probably for the best, for you. I'm still considering it.

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Karen's avatar

I had no idea you were married! (And why would I? I made a guess from the wacky date stories you told on Quora, but looks like I was wrong)

Congratulations X 2!

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Thank you! The wacky dating stories all led me to where I am now, haha.

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kaylen alexandra's avatar

Yay!!! How exciting!! Congrats to you and wifey, how is she doing? Can’t wait for Cashmere to make her grand entrance to the world. She picked the coolest parents!

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Thank you so much! Not gonna lie, it's pretty damn exciting, haha. Little Cashmere Porter (maybe I AM warming to it!)

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Ororo Munroe's avatar

"I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but since my wife called my ‘Daddy’ outside the bedroom for the first time..." - I read this line twice before I realized what you were saying. BWAHA!!! Congrats!! I never wanted kids myself. If I had, I would've had doubts about all the chemicals in my body, too. I kicked an aneurysm to the curb with an experimental drug. To this day, I don't donate blood because of that. I know they do shit to it first, but I'm still leery, y'know?

I can also tell you that if I'd ever had kids, they would've been named after my two favorite superheroes; the (ex) hubby wouldn't have had a choice #sorrynotsorry #mybodymychoice LOL. As a writer, my characters have unique names and with the job I'd had at one time (medical billing), I was always writing down the unique and uncommon names I would come across on those UB92 forms (I also got ideas from TV shows). Hell, the job I have now provides interesting fodder for my books. Case in point: A member called in a couple of months ago wanting to add her granddaughter to her account. Her name is Ripley, and I immediately said, "Was she named after Sigourney Weaver's character in Aliens?" To which she responded, "Yes!! Oh my God, my son is going to love you! Everyone thinks he got it from Ripley's Believe It or Not." LOL Yeah, that was the movie watcher in me coming out. LOL The fact that he named her after a badass female character in a sci-fi horror movie is pretty fucking awesome #BestDadEvah! Tip: Go for unique and uncommon, but not so crazy that she'll get teased for the rest of her life.

My grephew (great nephew) turned 3 last month and I absolutely LURVE the way my niece and her boyfriend are raising him. For one, he's trilingual (English, Spanish, ASL) and they limit his screen time. He LURVES being outside and he's so damn smart, we think he could maybe end up working with his hands somehow. He loves building things, stacking things, and loses his mind over construction trucks. LOL They're going the Montessori route when it comes to education. FYI for ya.

Your Dad sounds like my Dad, so I think you have a great blueprint to guide you. Congrats again.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

As much as I love all of this comment (no one exudes their personality in comment form like you - NO ONE), I am vibing Ripley'!!!

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Ororo Munroe's avatar

Aaaaaand my job is done. You're welcome. 😁

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Alexander Hettinga's avatar

Babies start small and grow one day at a time. Lots of time to grow with them. You’re on the right track, brother!

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Great advice from my namesake!

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Charlotte (has) Baby Brain's avatar

So many congratulations, Alexander. You're going to love it.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Thank you, Charlotte! 😊😊😊

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the Crab's avatar

Yeah. Being a father is a life changing experience. I remember more than 35 years ago when I gazed at my day-old daughter and she coughed up. I wiped it away with my fingers. A nurse said, “That’s just a bit of phlegm.” I rubbed my fingers with my thumb thinking, “Yes, but it’s my DAUGHTER’s phlegm!”

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Proud phlegm Dad, love it.

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Megan Lee's avatar

NWP!!! Oh em gee I'm sooo thrilled for you!!!! You're gonna be such a great dad! 🥹 This was such a sweet, funny, brilliant newsletter and I'm so happy for your lil fam. 💛

P.S. I'm dying at the AI naming!!!! 😂😂😂

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

New World Porter with that New World Daughter!!!

Cashmere Lux loading for 2025...

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Monette Satterfield's avatar

You're going to be a good father, you'll be fine!

On names: my name is from my great grandmother and I've only come across a couple of other instances of it my whole life. I've always enjoyed having an unusual name, even as a young kid ☺️

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I feel you. I'm leaning towards a more unusual name too!

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