I myself am not wedded to carbon-based, cellular life forms, if that's what you mean. I see no reason to posit that a civilization is more likely in a place where we ourselves would be more comfortable. Besides, if we found an intelligent signal in the "dead zone", we wouldn't disregard it on the grounds of location.
I read Fred Hoyle's Black Cloud many decades ago, and have never considered our life forms the only ones possible. However, I'll believe in the reality of alternatives when we see them. In the meantime, back on earth, I will not be shocked if my great-great grandchildren have minds made of transistors. Surprised, but not shocked.
And yet, your new baby could easily pass as terrestrial.