Your concerns are valid, and are something for every parent to consider. Far easier to have a tribe behind you. However, some 20-something parents have already lost their parents. It's not only a 40-something parent. My dad's dad died when he was in college, long before he married. I have friends who went through…

Grandpere wants to be spoiling somebody rotten soon. No pressure. He's not getting any younger, but no pressure. Always thought he'd see a grandkid before he dies, but no pressure...

Poor kitty. I love my cats despite their propensity to appear suddenly in front of my walking legs...

Anyone on this thread, please discuss panecito's comments below. There's material enough there for a lifetime. I have to go.

I didn't worry about it, and they weren't worried either. She was simply, oh, there's a mutation here, but it doesn't cause anything. I thought about it for all of 3 minutes. More scared about the amnio than the test results. I am curious though. Have to do some research at some point, but not likely to find an…

OK. I had amniocentesis and the person (probably someone in a position like yourself) said there was a mutation on chromosome 13, something that wasn't typical, but wouldn't cause anything. I really need to dig up that report.

I have a weird curiosity for (useless to me) facts - what are the conditions linked to trisomy 13 and 18?

Possible. My body waited until the egg that showed up when I was 38 was the viable one. Go figure.

I see a definite business in this for ComoEstoy. What with all the old mom shaming, you could make a bundle. I mean, if some people are willing to eat the placenta...why not a gas cocktail?

Yes, the next time some 21 year old implies I shouldn't have had a kid at 39, I'll regale them about my story of how the cat tripped me whilst I was carrying the bambino, and one wrenched ankle and broken baby gate later, she was still nestled safely in my arms at the end. CATS are the real threat.

I've noticed a sizeable uptick in the shaming part. Am I supposed to go around with a bag on my head since I've got white in my hair and my kid's in grade school? Puh-leaze.

Yes, I'm relatively spry ha ha but that lift off the wooden floor is just, damn.

I'm confused (well, easily), so the only radiocarbon food is food grown in a lab?

Just curious Ari, do you have any little Schwartzes? Is it hard to get up off the floor after playing with the kids? I'll admit to that.

Small voice of 1 - had baby at 39, baby fine, baby still fine and in 4th grade. It doesn't happen to everybody. Meanwhile, 24 year old friend had first child then, 2nd at 25, both with issues.

I saw a documentary about a priest who managed to run back to Ireland before he was imprisoned. The priest (who remains unbelievably unremorseful about the entire barrage of accusations about him, which he admits to) said he was molested by his older brother, he and his brother molested their younger sister, and…

I hear you. Me, it's been jobs the last ten years. I did quit one that was so unbelievably crappy. (Hmm, I could be home playing what does the slinky do instead). Thinking about what's happening to my social security is frightening. Assuming I ever receive it.

If it's what you are good at and like to do, then you're in the right place. One caveat though - what about if something happens to your partner? Do you have the means to support yourself and the children? J/S.

+1 for "robotic apron-wearing Stepford freakshow"

It can be extremely isolating. It's fun for a while, but I've been happier when I'm working. My friend who is a SAHM for 8 years now — not that everyone does this — seems to have lost her identity. Her facebook posts are minute observations on everything her kids are doing. Nothing about herself.