I know it's been a long time since I posted well, anything on here. Sorry, my computer caught a bug and is temporarily (permanently?) on the fritz. So I can only get to the internets sparingly from my girlfriend's laptop.
Speaking of girlfriends. I have one. She's awesome. She's Swedish and there's one small detail I'm forgetting....
What was it?
Hmmm....
Oh yeah that's right, she's pregnant!
Yep, you read it right. I'm gonna be a daddy in about six months. At first it frightened the bejesus out of me. Every once and a while it still frightens the bejesus out of me. But what's done is done right? We're happy. There's a slim chance that I may move to Sweden cuz, well they have a bomb @$$ health care system.
Do I want to leave DC? Not really. My friends are here, my family's here. But the move (if/when it happens) wouldn't be permanent it's just that things would be way easier from a financial standpoint in Sverige. So that's what's up.
angele [email] said at 7:20 PM 08-06-2008: First, !!!!
Second, congratulations!
Third, you have all the makings of being an excellent daddy.
Fourth, I say go for it with the Swedish bit. I know if I was the girlfriend, I would want to be there for several of the reasons you mentioned including family.
Finally, I can't wait to see baby pictures six months down the road.
rick [email] said at 9:46 PM 08-06-2008: If he goes to Sweden, he should attend culinary school there and grow a big bushy moustache. Then move back to the US and offer his services as "The Swedish Chef."
milky [email] said at 12:06 AM 08-07-2008: Whoo hoo! Josh is right-- you'll be an awesome dad. I'm becoming an uncle again in Jan, and my two best friends from HS have children due sometime next year...and now you! Wow.
kara [email] said at 11:17 AM 08-07-2008: congratulations reggie
I don't know what to say about life and kids and all that but I do in fact know that you WILL be an awesome parent
amanda [email] said at 4:33 AM 08-08-2008: Congratulations! I would get thee gone to Sweden if I were you, before there are no airlines left with which to leave the country.
rick [email] said at 2:53 PM 08-08-2008: Not to make things complicated or anything, but it might be worth it to have the child born in the US and then move to Sweden for purposes of dual citizenship. I have heard of a lot of persons doing this with their children as a hedge against some bad turn that may happen in their country (Of course, it might be worthwhile to hold onto a Swedish citizenship as a hedge against a bad turn in this country).
I may be wrong but I believe that any child born within the US automatically can claim citizenship. I am not sure how it works with Sweden but the concept of citizenship by location of birth is not widespread in many European countries (for example, there are people who have been born in Germany, their parents were born in Germany, speak fluent German, and work in Germany and yet are not considered citizens). On the other hand, many countries do use the concept of citizenship by blood so if one has a parent that was a citizen of that country, one has a strong claim to citizenship.
The reason I bring this up is because in the last few years it seems as though the US has gotten tighter about its citizenship with regards to children of mixed citizenship. For example, I have read about people deported from the US even though they have lived in the US for almost their whole life and they had a biological parent who was a naturally born US citizen.
meredith [email] said at 4:20 PM 08-08-2008: Good point. But then they wouldn't get a free baby. Free healthcare = free baby. USA Healthcare = expensive baby.
rick [email] said at 4:49 PM 08-08-2008: Even if they did not have insurance, I am 99% certain that a hospital, would have to, by law, provide care to them (the only reason I am 1% uncertain is that the law saws a hospital has to provide emergency care within its capabilities but I am not sure childbirth would qualify as emergency care according to the law). It would be a drag having the huge bill of care but it might be worth it in the long run.
amanda [email] said at 5:36 AM 08-09-2008: They would have to care for them, but they would still get the bill and bill collectors after them if they didn't pay it (btw, I'm not saying they can't afford a birth...just sayin').
It's about $8K to have a kid these days, if you don't have insurance that covers it.
julie [email] said at 1:25 PM 08-09-2008: More if there are complications, a C-section, or the baby needs to be monitored in NICU for any reason like jaundiced or whatever. I told you my thoughts on Sweden already, so you know what my vote is. Boy, you better hurry up and get a passport!!!
amanda [email] said at 12:08 AM 08-11-2008: How long is the backlog atm? My parents, boyfriend and myself need to get passports for Costa Rica in late January. I'm guessing we'll be fine if we do it this month or the next one.
myriam [email] said at 12:53 AM 08-11-2008: you can always expedite for ... it used to be $45, might be more now... used to take a week or so with expediting.
myriam [email] said at 11:09 AM 08-09-2008: I can't imagine anything that would be worth a $100,000 health care bill hanging on your back.
Remember how my old job in Boston didn't pay me? Like, ever? The root cause was the $100,000 hospital bill they owed from the birth of their kids, and they HAD insurance. So... MOVE TO SWEDEN.
(but of course, look up the rules of citizenship just so you know.)
art [email] said at 11:34 AM 08-10-2008: True - but I wonder if Sweden will extend health care if father and child are not Sweden born? Sweden has strict immigration requirements. He may have to be married to even be let in to stay.
rick [email] said at 11:17 PM 08-10-2008: I can't imagine anything that would be worth a $100,000 health care bill hanging on your back.
Plenty.
The US may not seem so great now but in some respects having the convenience of citizenship is easily worth $100,000. I would think of it in terms of going to a nice college (which could likely cost the same amount): a one-time expenditure that when used correctly can bring one a lifetime of Fortune. In the last year or two, I read of a study in which, if memory serves, some economists looked at the value of citizenships relative to another, and found the US citizenship was worth $500,000 (I spent an hour looking for it this evening but I can't find it right now; I will look for it later as it basically shows how futile a lot of anti-immigration policy is). That may be relative to the citizenship of Mexico (which would make quite a bit of sense) but I would not be surprised at all if the US had a still positive value vis-a-vis most European countries (though I can imagine a few exceptions (Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, etc).
Ideally, what I imagine, would be to have the child born here, and then raised in Sweden where the schools are almost certainly better and I would imagine the environment more hospitable for a child. Then the person could return for university studies at which point, the education they would have gotten in Sweden would likely put them at a considerable advantage over their peers in the US.
I do not for one moment claim any kind of US exceptionalism over the rest of the world and things may change as years go by but for the foreseeable future (the next 20 years), I feel the gravity will rest with the US. Now, if this was a question of the US versus East Asia that might be a different story . . . .
That being said, if there are no great risks with having the child born abroad (which as I mentioned to Kiche seems to be the case), it might be better to simply have the birth there. I will not deny that there does seem to be a growing urbane quality in the EU (though I should point out, that it has been years and years since I was on the other side of the Pond).
Lastly, while childbirth is nothing minor, it is important to note that most births (over 90% go without complications). And most of the complications mean some supplemental oxygen or something else minor. Childbirth is not considered a medical emergency (though I would imagine it definitely feels like one). It could be extremely expensive to pay for but more likely it would not. And, once again, if looked at from the point of view of a one-time payment in exchange for a lifetime of certain privileges then it makes a certain sense (though I could very well be wrong about that).
rick [email] said at 4:51 PM 08-08-2008: They could have the child here and then in a few months move to Sweden. Healthcare would be mostly free from then on.
meredith [email] said at 5:35 PM 08-09-2008: What if (god forbid) there were complications during birth? Or even prenatal complications? I mean, even if the birth goes absolutly perfectly and the baby is born perfectly, it's going to be expensive. But free healthcare for any complications or extra hospital stays ... I'm saying it's worth it to just be a citizen of one place and have a free baby. And you never know, the kid may still be able to sneak dual citizenship later.
kiche [email] said at 10:25 AM 08-08-2008: i agree with amanda.
you should put serious thought into moving to sweden.
they have a really good government run healthcare system. your girl could have the baby there and you would incur no hospital bills. also, any time your kid needs healthcare it would be free.
and the schools are good there and society is very safe.
marcia [email] said at 12:45 PM 08-08-2008: Hurray! Reggie inspired babies with some Swede thrown in! Congrats, dude. And send my congrats to your girlie, too.
kiche [email] said at 3:58 PM 08-11-2008: also, sweden has a serious pronatalist policy. they may pay you to have a kid. you should really look into this.
art [email] said at 4:35 PM 08-12-2008: Good news, Reggie:
Sweden relaxes rules on naming children
Article Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) _ Swedish authorities say parents can now name their newborns "Budweiser" or "Metallica" if they so wish.
For decades, Swedish tax authorities had banned parents from naming their children after fast food chains, rock bands or their favorite brand of beer.
But tax authority spokesman Lars Tegenfeldt says the guidelines have been relaxed. He says "there is nothing negative about a name like Coca-Cola or McDonald's today. In the 1970s, maybe it was."
Still, authorities are drawing the line at giving children swear words for names. And forget about naming your child God, Allah or Devil.
Killoggs stands by willing and ready to name your child for you
reggie [email] said at 8:35 PM 08-12-2008: Wow. I love Killoggs.
I got my passport in just about a week's time (I did pay the extra 60 bucks to expedite it.) So now the most complicated part is applying for Swedish residency.
Julie's right, getting hitched is SO 90's. I mean I'd rather not talk about it TOO much in this particular forum but honestly, Brad and Angelina aren't married so...
But Rick, given the ridiculous hospital bills that we've already seen just in the first three months, the idea of a government funded healthcare system (as well as educational system) is a dream come true. Aside from the huge network of future aunts, uncles and cousins that the child will have here in the states (Rebecca attended my family reunion last month and fell in love with my family) there ain't a whole lot of reasons to have the baby here in the good ol' U.S. of A.
Any move won't be permanent but for the purpose of bringing this little boy or gal into this world, Sweden is the best option. That is, unless, the collective members of Killoggs want to give us the money we need to have the little tyke here! (I accept checks, money orders or Paypal.)
As for naming the little bugger my sister has jumped all over that. I've had a few suggestions as well but we're always open to other suggestions. Keep this in mind:
A) no "R" names. Mine is Reggie, hers is Rebecca and my sister's name is Rachel so absolutely no names beginning with "R."
B) Some names/words don't necessarily work that well in Swedish and it would be nice if the kid's Swedish family could pronounce his/her name. Well, not so much the family but future teachers and such.
C) Nothing from the celebrity school of baby names. No Apple,
brandon [email] said at 9:01 PM 08-12-2008: My vote is for Saab or Viggen (thunderbolt) Motorola, Göt (ass), Sarre (Sperm), öga rött (red eye), or CK 37, Meatball, Ikea, Midgar, Konstantin, Vilhelmina, Vega, Astrid,
Annikam, Yngve
myriam [email] said at 11:09 PM 08-12-2008: A) no "R" names. Mine is Reggie, hers is Rebecca and my sister's name is Rachel so absolutely no names beginning with "R."
THANK YOU.
//from a girl with two M names herself, a mother with two M names, and a sister WHO LOOKS JUST LIKE HER who ALSO has two M names. sheesh.
art [email] said at 12:14 PM 08-14-2008: We kinda like it. Although my sister Annette has never forgiven our older sister for naming her after Annette Funicello...
We are looking two kids, tho. They might come with A's already. Who knows?
myriam [email] said at 10:19 PM 08-14-2008: No way, REALLY??!?! You would make the BEST FATHER EVER, no joke. Oh man! Get a kid, I hear they're all the rage!
brandon [email] said at 10:18 AM 08-15-2008: It's true, I read in Cosmo that Black Children are the new White Children. Although Asians are still considered tasteful. But, with this year's plunging necklines, it's a good idea to avoid Maoris.
brandon [email] said at 12:50 PM 08-15-2008: Well, 80s themes are still popular, though the style is waning. I would stick to Central American children - particularly those with a little Nicaraguan and Panamanian flair. If you must go South American, Colombian children can be acceptable, but most trend-setters consider them gauche. But, it's your call. For the truly daring, try newcomer indie-label kids from French Guyana - people tend to have strong positive reactions to this exotic, under-developed brand of children.
myriam [email] said at 11:00 PM 08-15-2008: Some friends of mine have adopted three ecuadorian children, although the process has been difficult. Their daughter just finally arrived and all three are absolutely joyful kids. What a pleasure!!!!
I have thought a lot about adopting. In many ways it seems the most sensible choice to me.
Ethan - I can't remember whether or not Swedes can do the "th" sound, but it would sound fine even as "E-ten"
Marcus - My former figure skating coach and her Swedish hubby named their boy this. It's a nice normal name and he can be Mark if he wants to go the American route when he's older.
Trout - It is a noble fish.
Alexander - Lots of nicknames with this one. Al, Alex, Sasha, etc.
Axel - Name shared by a mechanism, a rock star, and a figure skating jump. Fuck yeah!
Girls
Rosel - randomly found just now...kind of like the name
Anyanka - Is the mother by chance a Buffy fan? Plus, the kid can go by Anya or Ana.
Amalia
Marina
Trout - Seriously, it is a noble fish.
Amanda - You know you want to. Do it!
amanda [email] said at 7:44 PM 08-13-2008: Please. Do not name your child Ian. I want to be able to read posts about the kid without being thrust into emotional turmoil.
ericanm [email] said at 3:16 AM 08-13-2008: you are going to be the coolest dad. i am so excited for you and your lady and mini reggie. your baby is going to be a beautiful nerd one day!
also i am jealous! i can't wait to fart out a kid to mold in my own image.
brandon [email] said at 10:06 AM 08-13-2008: Crom. Reggie, if you name your child Crom, I will pray to him as fervently as an Italian Catholic does to Mary.
"Valour pleases you, Crom, so grant me one request: grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to hell with you!"
myriam [email] said at 9:34 PM 08-13-2008: I actually go to a Swedish church and I can tell you that the swedes are the NICEST PEOPLE EVER. (Their food is a little bland, though.)
Best Swedish kid name I know of (plus she's ADORABLE which probably helps) : sona, pronouced "sah-nah". I might be spelling it wrong actually because I think it looks more complicated than that in writing.
amy [email] said at 2:57 AM 08-15-2008: Reggie, if you do end up staying here, then there is always medicaid. pregnant moms and infant children are almost guaranteed a free ride unless they make serious bank. and as soon as i typed this i realized that it might not work for rebecca because she is not a citizen. gosh darn.
i am really happy for you reggie. and ready in the wings with all the oohs and aahss i can muster. you were always there for me with the baby tickling. i really appreciated it.
brandon [email] said at 10:22 AM 08-15-2008: I'm glad you pointed that out. Medicaid will pay for a lot of shit, Reggie. The kid will have US citizenship and an SS#, so, it's pretty much moot what her citizenship is.
reggie [email] said at 10:20 AM 08-16-2008: I must say, though, that the other reason we're leaning towards Sweden is not just the government run healthcare but the fact that once the child has been born the mother is allowed to take a ton of time off immediately after giving birth. Even the father is MANDATED to take X amount of time off as well to spend it with the little bugger. Also, Rebecca really wants to be able to nurse the child and not have to "pump" while at work.
myriam [email] said at 10:41 AM 08-16-2008: I know someone who was stuck having her children on medicaid and she had to do things like wait 4 hours for a scheduled ultrasound appointment (and she had to have ultrasounds every week at one point) in an overcrowded clinic waiting room where there was no space to sit down even. So... it's [i]paid[/i] for, but that doesn't mean it would be in any way an comfortable experience.
