re: Question regarding deductions and having my first child

1) You file a return, you get (perhaps) a refund.

2) A refund is simply a math expression of the amount of tax you are charged, and the amount you have paid into the system.

3) A dependent is worth a personal exemption. This is subject to phase out at high income levels.

4) A child also is worth a child tax credit. This is subject to phase out at somewhat lower levels.

5) Child care is worth a credit, up to a certain limit.

All in all, an extra dependent won't cost you more in taxes, and it might provide some tax benefits. Saying things like a "large" refund is completely relative, and again, is nothing more than a expression of tax and tax withholdings.