Baby Fever
Maybe it's because I have been seeing the cutest babies around town lately. Maybe it's the fact that the holiday season is quickly approaching (and nothing makes Christmas more enjoyable than experiencing it with a child). Maybe it's that my husband and I are at a really awesome place in our relationship. Maybe it's that one of my best friends has two beautiful children who I absolutely adore. Maybe it's that my family (specifically my sister, mom, and mother-in-law) really want there to be a baby in the family. Maybe it's all of that many friends are either pregnant or moms, and I am able to (too easily, might I add) "stalk" them on Facebook.
Whatever it is, I must admit that I am starting to come down with a little bit of baby fever.
Let me first say that I've always wanted to be a mom. When I was little, the only toys I ever wanted to play with were baby dolls. I would feed them, play with them, and love them. I started babysitting as soon as I was old enough to take a babysitting course from the local Red Cross. I was told by a middle school teacher, who went around the class and predicted what each person would be when they grew up (including "actor," "accountant," "teacher") that I was going to be a mom. No other profession, to me (or, I think, to her!), seemed to matter more.
That being said, Sean & I have been married for a year and a half (and together for six and a half). We have a really good relationship. Good jobs. We're finally living near our families (Hallelujah!) and are starting to save a little money. Life is good.
But when I think of having a baby (or even "starting to try"), I think about the few things that are holding us back. Things like:
1. wanting to have more money. We have good, stable jobs but we would like to have more than what we currently have before we have a baby.
2. wanting to go on a vacation. A big one (probably to Ireland or England). This, however, also requires us to figure out #1 (having more money).
3. loving my life as it is... and (to be honest) not wanting to share my husband. I kind of like him (wink, wink) and I LOVE that I have most of his attention right now!
There are probably a million different things that I could hear from a million different people about when it's the right time and when it isn't. But I've always envisioned being a young mom (though not too young) meaning mostly that I'd like to be done having kids by 35. I've always wanted to have 4 kids (or more - but I'll see how the first few go!) and would like them, if possible, to be relatively close in age. Most of these facts add up to the fact that.... the sooner, the better.
So, dear readers, what are your thoughts? When is the "right" time? Will this bout of baby fever go away? Or am I bound to feel this way until I have a baby of my own?
Whatever it is, I must admit that I am starting to come down with a little bit of baby fever.
Let me first say that I've always wanted to be a mom. When I was little, the only toys I ever wanted to play with were baby dolls. I would feed them, play with them, and love them. I started babysitting as soon as I was old enough to take a babysitting course from the local Red Cross. I was told by a middle school teacher, who went around the class and predicted what each person would be when they grew up (including "actor," "accountant," "teacher") that I was going to be a mom. No other profession, to me (or, I think, to her!), seemed to matter more.
That being said, Sean & I have been married for a year and a half (and together for six and a half). We have a really good relationship. Good jobs. We're finally living near our families (Hallelujah!) and are starting to save a little money. Life is good.
But when I think of having a baby (or even "starting to try"), I think about the few things that are holding us back. Things like:
1. wanting to have more money. We have good, stable jobs but we would like to have more than what we currently have before we have a baby.
2. wanting to go on a vacation. A big one (probably to Ireland or England). This, however, also requires us to figure out #1 (having more money).
3. loving my life as it is... and (to be honest) not wanting to share my husband. I kind of like him (wink, wink) and I LOVE that I have most of his attention right now!
There are probably a million different things that I could hear from a million different people about when it's the right time and when it isn't. But I've always envisioned being a young mom (though not too young) meaning mostly that I'd like to be done having kids by 35. I've always wanted to have 4 kids (or more - but I'll see how the first few go!) and would like them, if possible, to be relatively close in age. Most of these facts add up to the fact that.... the sooner, the better.
So, dear readers, what are your thoughts? When is the "right" time? Will this bout of baby fever go away? Or am I bound to feel this way until I have a baby of my own?
there is no right time to me! I think it really depends. i am 25 and not ready AT ALL. but it right when its right I guess!
ReplyDeleteHelene in Between
I think you're right... there really is no right time, and everyone's "right" is different, you know?
DeleteThanks for reading!
-Emily
Hi Emily! When we got married, we knew we would start trying right away. I always wanted to be a young mom too, we want at least 4 kids (or more) and I'd like to be done by 35 too. I had S at 25, J at 27. Nobody can tell you when the time is right. But I'm also a big believer in there never being the right time. I told this to D when we got married and he was on the fence about trying. Who is to say what the right amount of money is? Who is to say that you need a house? Or the best careers? (But, I also knew that my career would be mom...nothing else.) I feel like, if you keep waiting for the "perfect" time it might never happen. If you and your DH are serious about wanting kids, it's worth having a discussion with him. It sounds like you guys have a great life, and I can tell you...children only add to the greatness. Yes it's a lot of work and yes they change things dramatically. But it's worth it. You have a home and good jobs, so having children now would not be irresponsible and might be the right thing for you. Good luck in your decision!!
ReplyDeleteWhen Shawn and I were talking about having a baby all I read about is that you will never be ready so just do it... and while I believe that, there are sacrifices that have to come along with having a new bundle of joy. We are still waiting for our new baby to come, but already I know that it has brought Shawn and I much closer together, we are experiencing so many new things together and his support has been absolutely amazing. Only you two can make the decision, don't let anyone else tell you when a good time is, because they don't know.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Teri. I am so happy for you & Shawn and look forward to seeing pictures of your beautiful baby boy!
Delete-Emily
They are my three reasons too...I'm not sure when the right time is...I in fact wrote a very similar post asking the same question a few months back! ha ha
ReplyDeleteI will check it out, Samara! Thanks for following! Glad to know I'm not the only one ;)
Delete-Emily