I am a sleep-deprived zombie now, but a happy sleep-deprived zombie, because on Sunday we welcomed our baby daughter into the world. This is a super-short announcement because, yea, I'm sleep-deprived. But...drum-roll....Our daughter Aster Margaret Williams - all 7 pounds, 7 ounces of her, was born at 6:38 a.m. Sunday morning. She is such a joy and I am loving fatherhood. More soon. So, a question just to throw out to the world: should I post a photo of her on the website? I mean, I don't think I really mind. But my wife is on the fence. It's a large, wicked world out there and once I put her photo up, then it's up and there are strange people out there. How do you feel? Would love to hear some opinions.
Some may wonder about the name: Aster is a flower that blooms this time of year in this part of the USA. In fact, an Aster is the official flower of September.
Missy
Congratulations Kevin! And that's a beautiful name. I have only ever put one photo of my daughter online, but it was in a closed message board and was a photo of the whole family. She is 13 and has a facebook page but I told her no photo so she did a drawing of herself which she uses. I think you are wise to be cautious. Hopefully you will be able to catch up on your sleep soon. Take care.
brenda
Congrats again. Thank you for the name explanation as well as the beautiful photo of the flower.Just make sure any photo of Aster is well watermarked so no one can use it. I have subscribed to a few blogs that have progressive photos of say 1 mo 2 mo etc in the same setting that shows the baby's growth and changes. I think this will be something the child will love seeing when they are older and it keeps interested folks updated without overly exposing the child to the nuts in the world. That might make Rachel feel more comfortable about sharing Aster with your followers.
Paula Osborn
Pictures, YES, YES, YES. When I saw the title I was expecting a picture of the baby but we got beautiful flowers instead.
Gloria Johnson
Of course you don't want to do anything to upset Mom, but I know I would love to see your wonderful new baby. And I love her name, so very pretty!
Helen
I don't think I would paste the baby picture on Facebook because think everyone coud see it. But would post in your email articles because we are subscribers to your newsletters. Congratulation to you and your wife on the birth of your baby girl. So happy for you both.
Linda from KY
Congratulations to your and Rachel on the birth of your daughter! That is joyous news! She has a beautiful name.
I have three lovely daughters and a handsome son. They are all such precious gifts. I'm so excited that you and Rachel are parents at last!
Of course, I would love to see a picture of your baby, but if your wife is on the fence about it, don't do it. You ARE a public figure, and you should probably exercise a bit more caution than most.
Enjoy your time bonding with your new little one.
Deanna Sofia Gordinier
I agree with this comment the most. Being slow to think (but sure of our Lord God), being a public peson, traveling all around the Amish country as he does.
Callie Taylor
I'd wait until you are both on board. My husband and I just had our first child five weeks ago. We are both fiercely protective of him!! If you worry about any negative backlash, don't post her pic. Especially while Rachel is still emotional. And the zombie thing - you get used to it. People warned me about it, but nothing they said came close to describing the sheer exhaustion. The first week or so is the worst and then your body kind of adjusts. Hang in there poppa!! And congratulations!! You are in for an amazing and joyful adventure!!
Lisa Watson
Kevin, congratulations to you and your wife. I have a friend who gave birth last year. She and her husband said they will never put a picture of their son online. The only one she has placed he was covered by a blanket and you could see his feet. They decided that he should be responsible, when he is old enough, for what he wants on the internet. Good luck making your decision.
Lisa
Wendy P
Congratulations! This is wonderful news. I'm glad everyone is well. You get used to the sleep deprivation. 🙂
As for pictures of the baby - I'm on the fence with your wife. As long as you don't broadcast your address...
Terri Widener
Congratulations! Hope Mama is doing well too!
Elizabeth Miller
As per posting your new daughters picture online.....we would all love to see her, BUT I wouldn't post it. As you said, there are too many crazies out there in the world, and when you think you have a little post and everyones so nice here, and its a quiet, peaceful world....it can be just the opposite in the "real world".
Congratulations.
Frances Blatchley
As much as I love baby pictures Please keep them in a safe place not a public site.
farmhousebarb
Best wishes to all!! I love the name..the wild asters are really pretty this year. I don't know if I'd post a photo or not..that is a tough call these days. The sleepless nights are rather fleeting,tho' it won't seem like it now! I wish you all many blessings with your precious new little bundle of joy!!
Christine
Congratulations to you and your wife! Blessings to the new baby and the new parents!! Love the name and the thought and meaning behind it.
Heather
Congratulations Rachel! Wonderful baby girl! I love the name by the way. Kevin, you will remain sleep deprived until she's married. *G* I'm glad to hear that you are a very willing and loving Father. Enjoy each and every moment for they truly fly.
Heather
Lori N.
Congratulations on your new baby girl, Aster! Welcome wee one! You may be sleep-deprived now, Kevin, but it does get better. Enjoy every moment, babies grow WAY too fast and each stage passes so quickly. As much as I would love to see a picture of the baby, I understand your wife's concern. Please don't publish unless you both decide it is okay. Maybe more description as to whose features she has, what color hair--if any! Blessings to the whole family. That little girl will have you wrapped around her finger, Kevin, they always do with daddies.
Andrea
I wouldn't post photos of her face. Profiles, toes, fingers, cute braids, but give her her privacy as a gift. This is a wacky world, tread lightly my friend.
Dawn
Great name! I love names that aren't used much-too many of the same ones out there-
weird coincidence-just found some asters a few days ago-you're right about the September flower.
I would post pics,but then again,I'm not a big worrier about things like that.Plenty of my fb friends do put photos of their kids at all ages & they post tons of photos too. So,really can't say as to what you'll want to do.
Dawn
Adding to my previous posting-you should probably just give you & your wife some time to think it over-it's been less than a week... & the sleep deprivation-I know- I had four kids in less than four years..(twins in the middle) am very well versed on sleep loss. Haha.
SueAnn
Sunday's child is good and gay and fair and wise.
Wild asters grow all over down here, a lot in the woods, the honey bees gorge on them before the cold hits....they are white...so, will she be a wild, or domestic aster?!!!LOL!! Tell us when she is 13!
Deanna Sofia Gordinier
I agree with the comment no baby photo because of your public status Kevin. Also the consideration of Amish country wide travel. If she chooses to be in a quilting bee photo or travel with Dad!
Deanna Sofia Gordinier
I forgot to add I adore her name as well 🙂
Lola LB
Congratulations! Its up to you whether to put your pictures up or not. But really, its very rare that harm will come to the child solely because there was pictures posted on the web. You have a lot more to be concerned by people who are in physical proximity. At some point, especially when she starts going to school and starts participating in activities, she's going to show up anonymously in pictures so eventually she's going to end up on the web. Use some common sense.
Make sure you don't post pictures where it is obvious the child is naked, and I like what someone suggested, watermarking the pictures. My sister and her husband has a picture blog of their two boys, going back to their birth, and they've never, as far as I know, been in danger because of that (and I would know if something happened because she is a very vocal person). Here's the blog: http://www.twogeeksandababy.com
Pam
HI Kevin, Congratulations.
My daughter and son-in-law also wondered if they should post their daughter (she is 1 1/2 now) on the web. They chose not to do it; because there are always those who just look to do harm to others. That way strangers cannot put a name to the face if they see her out and about. Daughter does use her name on the internet but not her picture....
I agree with your wife. I am sure your Aster is absolutely beautiful and well loved and THAT is all that matters. No pictures needed to prove it. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Carolyn
Congratulations to both of you. What a blessing. Keven if I were you I would error on the safe side. As was stated there are some real crazies out there. This precious little is girl is totally dependent on mommy and daddy for all things, including keeping her safe. Listen to that little inter voice. You cannot be too careful. Rachel and yourself will sleep better nights, ( well someday anyway ) I just know she is beautiful. That"s good enough for this grandma. I am so happy for both of you.
Carol
Congratulations on your new arrival. Babies are such a blessing! I'm torn on the issue of posting pics. I would love to see her but putting info out there on the web is not safe. Emailing to just your list might be okay IF you both agree to do this. The sleep deprived stage is hard to adjust to but at least your schedule is flexible so you can help. It will pass quickly and then you will be lamenting how fast she is growing and how much you are missing out on--even if you are there every moment! Make the most of every moment. Remember to make memories out of it all even the diaper changes and crying jags. One day all you will have of her childhood is the memories and those memories will affect your grandchildren someday. God bless you all.
Julie
Congratulations on the birth of Aster. What a lovely name, to always remind her of the time of year she was born. Blessings to you all!
Carolyn
Congratulations on your new little girl! May God bless you and this little one always.
Thanks for doing the blog; I really enjoy the posts.
Carolyn
Pam Beisner
Congratations Kevin and Rachel.....of course you should be CAREFUL, BUT I THINK WE WOUKD ALL LOVE TO SEE BABY ASTER. And i know you may not believe it right now, but as a mom of 5 daughters this too shall pass. She will sleep....eventually!! Cherish her!
Tom the back roads traveller
Congratulations! Asters are beautiful flowers and I'm sure "your little flower" is beautiful also.
Aster Margaret...lovely. Listen to Rachel about publishing photos. Enjoy you little miracle.