Mofos,
On July 19th, my son Bernard (Ben) Fraser Chrapko-Welke was born (gee, I wonder where he got his middle name...). I posted a few thoughts elsewhere online and thought that some of you might like to read them. Be advised that it's not the normal smart-assed stuff that I post here, and feel free to skip it if you don't want to see me wuss out a little. Apparently, Penn's dad and I both didn't get the same memo.

Cheers,
Paul


Faith no More (Ramblings of a New Dad)

Well, for better or for worse, I'm a dad now. Since I decided I was an atheist, I've had friends and family members tell me that this would change the first time that I held my child in my arms. I'm happy to report that this is not the case.

The birth of my son had some complications and was quite difficult for my wife. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who would actually choose to worship an entity who "designed" a system that involves a doctor plunging a scalpel into a woman in order to ensure her safety and that of her baby is nothing short of a sadist.

Luckily, I have still seen no evidence that such a being exists. I've said before that I don't believe in gods, but I DO believe in people. This is even more true after this weekend. The fact that my wife and son are home with me right now does not offer any evidence for the divine, and to claim otherwise is an insult to the amazing people that were actually responsible. For the skill and professionalism of the staff at the Grey Nuns as well as the strength and dedication of my wife, I am grateful. I shudder to think that if we had been living 2000 years ago when some peoples' god allegedly walked the earth, the technology might not have been available to ensure a healthy mom and baby.

A few minutes after they escorted me out of the O.R., they brought Ben out so that I could get to know him a little. It didn't once occur to me that he is a "miracle". To tell you the truth, I don't know if any words actually went through my head at all, just a feeling that nothing bad is going to happen to him on my watch. Maybe I'm not going to screw this up after all.

(c) 2008, Paul R. Welke
This article may be freely disseminated, provided that it is not edited in any way and the author is credited.

Hi Paul,

Congratulations! I'm sorry your wife had such a tough time.

And, I absolutely LOVE this picture. It's absolutely beautiful. He's precious.

Sincerely,
Audrey



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That's really great to hear. The idea of being a Dad is an intimidating one, good luck!

Congratulations, Paul. May you, your wife, and your new child have wonderful futures.

The two of you like that.. totally adorable! Congratulations!

Congratulations! That is such a cute picture too. I hope your wife has a speedy recovery.

Oh Paul . . congrats!!!!!

What a wonderful picture . . thanks for sharing your thoughts on the birth of your child and fatherhood.

Glad to hear your wife and child came out of the complicated birth OK.

Welcome to the world, little Ben!

****************
You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill;
I will choose a path that's clear-
I will choose free will

- "Free Will" - RUSH

http://www.myspace.com/kimberlys_nyc

Paul! You built another Canadian!? = Well, you seem like a pretty keen monkey, so I have a pretty good sense of hope that you're gonna help your spawn grow up to be cool.

Congrats, man.

That is a beautiful picture

I've got a soft spot for pictures of fathers with their children. Congratulations!!

Umm . . . I see no pic!

Congratulations Paul!

Such a cute picture. I hope your wife recovers fast from the complications.

Enjoy your new life as a daddy!

Congratulations!

****
Tressa
http://www.myspace.com/23tressa

oh there it is!!!

Hmm . . . All newborn babies look like glow worms to me, but congrats bub! That's probably going to be the last bit of sleep you will ever enjoy again lol.

Congratulations, Paul! Ben is gorgeous. And that picture is priceless.

I was lucky enough to watch my sister give birth to my nephew this past February. After he was born she and I stared at him and talked about how incredible it was that simple biological processes created such a perfect little person. I guess that's what happens with atheists in the birthing room, and phooey to anybody who says you'll become a believer because of a baby.