Lance (well, his GF) expecting #4

[bmccasland]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm perfect. No, just get AWAY from that closet door. NO, do not go near the closet door!! Those are not bones rattling, you don't hear a thing. Trust me on this...

I think my closet is the size of the wardrobe in the Chronicles of Narnia.

[Crankin]

I don't know what to think. I admire Lance and from what I've read, he is a good dad to his other kids.
I've been around enough racers, both amateur and pro to know that it is not a life I would want. My exchange student, who has been a pro for the last 3 years is sick of it. He can't find a team because they are all folding and he is enjoying being "normal" for a change. Both he and my son were totally driven about riding, but eventually, it got to them. So, I say live and let live.

[kermit]

The saving grace is that this child will never want for anything. Being born into the Armstrong dynasty, he will be set. The best nanny, the best schools and if he/she is born with his genes might be a great athlete. We all have something that drives us, demons from the past or in my case fear of cellulite. I agree with Irulan, everyone has issues, its how you deal with them that counts. I think he will be a great dad, when time permits and when the tour is over, his kids will be a priority. His ego is so big he will never find a women that suits him but maybe he will settle down.

[Deborajen]

My first thought (o.k., it's a little evil) was that he's getting what he deserves and maybe God is punishing him. I mean, this guy's middle-aged, has three children that count on him and look up to him, and he's the leader of a cancer foundation and supposed to be setting a "he's one of us" example. Now he's knocked up girlfriend # ??? since divorcing Kristin - ? If a non-cancer-survivor had just done something like this, we'd be calling him a jerk (it wouldn't be a "miracle").

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us, and this baby probably has to look forward to growing up with a single mom/visiting dad or otherwise being tossed around between parents. The baby might "need a dad" more than Lance claims he didn't.

Do you think Lance's mom is chewing him out right about now? That's another part of his history - he grew up with a single mom. She might have a lot to say to him.

Deb

[Irulan]

My first thought (o.k., it's a little evil) was that he's getting what he deserves and maybe God is punishing him. I mean, this guy's middle-aged, has three children that count on him and look up to him, and he's the leader of a cancer foundation and supposed to be setting a "he's one of us" example. Now he's knocked up girlfriend # ??? since divorcing Kristin - ? If a non-cancer-survivor had just done something like this, we'd be calling him a jerk (it wouldn't be a "miracle").

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us, and this baby probably has to look forward to growing up with a single mom/visiting dad or otherwise being tossed around between parents. The baby might "need a dad" more than Lance claims he didn't.

Do you think Lance's mom is chewing him out right about now? That's another part of his history - he grew up with a single mom. She might have a lot to say to him.

Deb

Thanks Deb, that's what I was trying to say but you are more eloquent than I. Who knows, maybe his mom supports it. In the end it's none of our business, just more fodder for the celebrity mill....

[sundial]

+1 for Deborajen and Irulan.

[RoadRaven]

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us...

Well said Debora. We must be the advocates for children and infants have the least "power" of us all.

[xeney]

Jesus. This kid is not even born yet and you guys already have it neglected and abandoned. I did not realize there was this level of judgmentalism on this board -- I am really disappointed and a little bit disgusted.

[Deborajen]

This kid is not even born yet and you guys already have it neglected and abandoned.

Nobody said that. But kids do count on their parents for support and look to their parents for example. Personally, I get tired of hearing discussion and news about the "miracle" and whether or not the parents are happy about this - like that's all that matters. There's more at stake here.

Deb

[Irulan]

Jesus. This kid is not even born yet and you guys already have it neglected and abandoned. I did not realize there was this level of judgmentalism on this board -- I am really disappointed and a little bit disgusted.

mebbe.

When someone is out there in the public eye, with Celebrity, Hero or Star status ( Lance, Barack, Britney, Madonna, Paris, Will, etc) they are setting examples and being role models whether they want that or not. Frankly, I'd rather have my heroes and role models modeling postive things, such as intact families. And if you are in the public eye, people will see and comment on what you choose.

Maybe I should just trash Madonna for being too tired to have sex with Guy since she's working out so hard. (in case you missed it, that's one reason cited for their split....)

[MauiRockHopper]

If I were diagnosed with cancer I wouldn't feel so enthused to potentially pass that gene onto a child. But maybe there's a chance he'd create another cycling hero.

[Mr. Bloom]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm perfect.

Beth, I believe you, but I think this is a topic for another thread

Frankly, I'd rather have my heroes and role models modeling postive things, such as intact families. And if you are in the public eye, people will see and comment on what you choose.

I agree and disagree...I agree in the sense that I was disappointed when he started hanging out with that Olsen twin! When middle aged men date 21 yr old women - in many cases - it's evidence of extreme male insecurity and is not a positive role model (...and this has been discussed before and I agree that this is a generalization and not an absolute as some of you have proven in your own relationships)

But, on the other hand, I'm not sure what is normal anymore. Am I allowed to judge that exclusively...as conservative as I am, I think not.

I'm a literal b@stard - born to an unwed teenager and adopted at 4 days of age. A century ago, I would have been doomed...but today, I'm successful by most standards...and I'm considered normal (notwithstanding the fact that I hang out here).

Children in non-traditional situations are just as likely to thrive when it's the only life they know...they don't need to adjust - they simply live the life they know...as long as no one undermines their self perception by telling them they're in a bad situation. I always knew I was adopted...but I was always told that this made me special - So, I never associated it with being a b@stard child. Contrary to this, I have adopted friends that didn't know and the revelation for them was traumatizing.

JMHO

I'm truly fascinated by the open discussion on this issue and the genuine and divergent opinions being expressed.

[smurfalicious]

I think this sums it up pretty well. Good news for the girlfriend though. He doesn't leave you until you see him through a life threatening illness so she's in the clear for a while.

Tis a bummer because the girlfriend sounds way kick butt. Too good for him from the way it sounds. He reminds me of my older brother who even though I love him to pieces, he's a jerk. He has to date girls that are dumb as posts because the smart ones get sick of his ego.

I can't believe his comment that he'd play second fiddle to Contador, "if necessary." P'shaw! Contador is hot and you're not.

So I think it's awesometastic for other survivors of crotchel area cancer that they can still reproduce down the line. On the other hand the only thing that's miraculous is that two grown adults couldn't master the fine art of birth control juuuust in case.

[Mr. Bloom]

Smurf...are you considering your source when you cite THAT website as the summation of "all things Lance?"

Noting of course that the link doesn't work because of the prominent presence of the "D" word in the site name that TE's filter blocks...