I'm going to be a father.

[Potch]

Congratulations.  A baby is a wonderful thing.  I know it's scary, but when it comes, you'll love it more than you possibly know. 

Don't get married just because she's pregnant.  Get married because you know it's right. Don't let anyone try to force you into it.

As for adoption, that's a very hard decision.  I had a friend who did that.  She knows the baby is better off, but three years later, she still gets sad about it.  But, she's happy at the same time, because she knows that she would not have been able to care for it.  IT went to a very wealthy family, and they actually send her periodic updates on her.  I think she even gets to see her once in a while, but that is very rare in adoption situations.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.  :-)

By the way, looking at the picture, I think the two of you will have a beautiful baby.

[Becky]

For the last couple weeks, my girlfriend had been showing signs of moodiness, fatigue, and extreme cravings.  She was also 2 weeks late.

You guys might want to have a double check on that.  As far as I'm aware, symptoms of pregnancy are not generally noticable until later on.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[shitar]

Shitar:

Will we be allowed to use the same sense of humour you're using when you post about something you deeply care?

Yes.

[Nacho]

Shitar:

Will we be allowed to use the same sense of humour you're using when you post about something you deeply care?

Yes.

Ok...

* Farlander waits till Shitar mentions historical serbian rights against the former Yugoslavia and giggles...

[Andail]

For the last couple weeks, my girlfriend had been showing signs of moodiness, fatigue, and extreme cravings.Ã,  She was also 2 weeks late.

You guys might want to have a double check on that.Ã,  As far as I'm aware, symptoms of pregnancy are not generally noticable until later on.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

He hasn't really stated the date of conception, right?
If it was late September, she's had plenty of hormone-changing time.

Anyhow, a couple of months sounds very brief considering you went from strangers to potential parents, so I can only deplore your decision not to protect yourselves better. Or maybe you did protect yourself and were unlucky, that can happen the best people.
Sure, parenthood and raising babies can be wonderful, but after two months you know nothing about how well you'll be able to stick together and take care of this baby.

I'm set on getting myself at least three kids, but I will not think about it before I've finished my education and got a good job. I think a couple of years of learning to know the mother-to-be is also on my agenda.

It's good that you admit that you still have growing up to do. Not everybody is realistic about that. Our generation is much less mature than our parents and grand parents when it comes to family-matters (my great grandfather moved out and started working by the age of 14; at the same age I still played with lego), and getting kids before you're finished with being a kid will detract important attention from the kid.
Then again, 23 isn't such a terribly young age, so you'll just have to face the music, start saving up money, take care of your very young lassie and never smoke indoors.

[Hollister Man]

I know no matter how I say this I'm going to sound like a dickhead, but if you can't handle the consequences, keep it in your pants!  That's the bottom line, Hyde.  As with all things in life, sometimes the results of our actions aren't pleasant, for ourselves or others.

On a kinder note, I sincerely hope that you can find a solution that everyone can live with.  I come from a family that's been fragmented so many times, I have four ex-step-grandfathers (living and dead), two ex-step-dad's, a step-mother, a half sister, two half uncles, and a lot of trouble figuring things out during the holidays.  If you can figure out a way to stay together (not 'for the sake of the children' so to speak) that's probably the best thing, the reason the 'family unit' has endured so long is that it is the best way to raise a child.

This is exactly why I won't even date until I am somewhat prepared for marriage, psychologically and economically.

Laters

[Mozesh]

Wow, first of congratulations, second I hope this all turns out well.
I'm glad you don't consider abortion as an option, I had abortion as a subject for a debate at school.
I've seen stuff I wish I hadn't seen, trust me abortion is the last thing you want to do to your own flesh and blood. (I was against abortion in that debate by the way, I would have a hard time pretending I was pro-abortion if I had to)
So I hope all turns out well, I bet you would be great father

[passer-by]

Will we be allowed to use the same sense of humour you're using when you post about something you deeply care?

I think humour is a good thing in bad moments, it helps people endure the difficulties. I prefer it to considering the glass half empty.
Just beware of the thin line between humour and sarcasm...or humour and mockery...

[IM NOT TEH SPAM]

I see how humor can help.  Something like this--

joking about it as if it was no big deal (talking about funny baby names, and who's going to get up in the middle of the night).

Could help you share an uneasy laugh and calm jangled nerves.  But in no way is

LOL RHARPE?? Did you just ask Hyde if you could buy his baby??

eBay babies anyone?

helpful to anyone...

[Andail]

Let's not make a hen out of a feather now. Shitar is apparently too young to give useful input in a thread like this, but please don't shift all the focus onto him.

[ManicMatt]

*Shifts the focus back*

Nine toes man! Should I congratulate you? Erm... I'll write to you in myspace!

*Gives you a very manly hug*

[Tiki]

Name it Robocop.

[Vince Twelve]

Name it Robocop.

Heh heh.

Mr. Hyde, I can completely relate to you on your feelings regarding becoming a father so early in your life.  I'm 23 as well and have just had my first daughter.  I was already engaged, but not yet married, when we found out, so I can't give you advice from my experience on that front, but I do understand all of the feelings you're having regarding becoming a father.

I, too, had intended to hold off on babies until later in life when I was more prepared to care for another life.  I wanted to have a long and happy marriage before that happened.  Y'know, have a lot of quality "just the two of us" time.  But it quickly became a family of three.  I was terrified when I found out.  I regretted.  I didn't want it.  It was an accident.  But then, at some point, you just accept your future and then you can see beyond all the scary things and see all the happiness that is coming your way.

Now that I've seen my daughter, I can't believe I ever had some of the thoughts I had.  She's the most beautiful little poop machine on the planet.

Regarding marriage, I don't think you should get married for any reason other than love.  Growing up with un-married parents would be better for a baby than growing up with married-parents-who-got-married-because-of-the-baby-but- are-now-very-unhappy-and-shift-some-of-that-blame-upon the-kid.  My sister had a baby over a year ago.  She's still with the father, but they are not married because they weren't sure at the time (and still aren't sure) if they were right for each other.  But the baby is bringing them closer together, and their eventual marriage (should it come to pass) will be much more rewarding for it.

Good luck with everything.  Send me a PM if you'd like to talk some more on the subject.

[AlbinoPanther]

CONGRATS[/color]

This is great news if it's not planed that is another subject but we are so happy for you.
Try to look at it on the brightest side try to enjoy the fact that you created a new life .
It will be hard but 23 is the best years to have a first baby.And your future wife (we hope so) have 19 that is cool cause your child will have young mom.You have our support and please don't worry think of new happy expiriences and belive us when you see your child for the first time you will love him/her to the end of life.
Once again this is great news.
Request if it's a boy name him Chris

P.S. God please let us finish our studies now and give us oppertunity to make a cute little baby.Ã,