My wife and I have no kids. Been married almost 9 years (we're both 33). When we got married we said we'd probably have two kids. Then maybe. Now, we are both pretty indifferent about it. We both love kids. My brother and his wife have 5. The owners of our resort have 4, and they live with us for 3 months of summer. We are closer to them than their own aunts & uncles. Nearly all of our friends now have kids. It would seem that all of those around us want us to have kids, we're just indifferent about it. I wouldn't be sad if we found out today that we're pregnant, but I'm not going to do it because it's "expected" of us, or just because others want it. If it happens, it happens. Either way I'll be a happy man married to the most wonderful woman that I have ever met.
The best part is you are doing what you should and are in full control of the situation...as long as the husband/wife are in agreement - that is most important. Baby's can be a ton of work and overwhelming if you let them be - if you both want a child and love them unconditionally it's the best thing in the world. Met my wife in highschool - we talked right away about wanting a large family someday so it was a no brainer for us. Planned to have 5, but looks like we are stopping at 4. Nearly every second of everyday those kids are in my thoughts, motivate me like nothing else in this world, and make me smile so much my face hurts most days. Nobody was more selfish than me when it came to "me time" and hunting/fishing/camping/sports/etc...but now my busy life just makes those things that much sweeter when I get to do them, and an absolute dream come true as I share these passions with my kids. One thing I never envisioned doing was coaching - it all started as the only volunteer most times, but now I coach multiple football and basketball teams and it has become a new passion of mine...and its more special time with my kids. Watching your child be born is the most special moment I can think of...and then nothing greater than a little voice calling you "dada" Good Luck!
Thanks for adding that...so true...Great Joys by far, but also greatest stresses ever (because you love them so much)
I used to have the mindset that I didn't want kids but as soon as I found out my wife was pregnant a few years ago I flipped like a light switch. I was all about it and haven't looked back. I look at my daughter now at 2 years old and couldn't imagine life without her, she is my world. If my work day is sucking donkey I just look at her picture and smile. Seeing her grow and personality develop, she's the joy of my life. We weren't necessarily planning but we weren't preventing either, in the long run it makes me want to have another. P.S. That annoying stuff that parents always said to us: "wear a coat", "let me know when you get there", "be careful" -- yeah, that is so me now. I worry about my daughter as if she's standing in the middle of down town Beirut.
This was us exactly. One and done. That is until my daughter was 6 years old and my wife's hormones kicked in again, women can be funny that way. Once they realize that the biological clock is ticking - it's not so simple of a decision anymore. We did end up having one more girl and now we are for sure done. I got snipped to be sure...
I love my kids immensely. I'll be honest, I deal with the challenges a 6 year old gives way better than the challenges a baby or toddler gives. As the boys get older I find myself being happier to be a dad. I really try and be active with my kids and get them outdoors doing things. I anticipate that as the kids get older I will enjoy it even more. My dream is someday the 4 of us (my wife included) can all hunt our land together. My wife has an interest in bowhunting (might be x bow though) and when the kids get older we might have one heck of a great time hunting together.
I was 7 when my Dad adopted me. I couldn't have asked for a better Dad! He's been awesome. From what you wrote, I think you feel the same as I do. It takes a very special person to be in that position
That's the best. My oldest three are 15 months apart, and if I hadn't been deployed, I'm sure they would all be that far apart. We're going through all the stages in a row, my oldest two are learning reading and writing together, showing the third potty training and they all helped the youngest walk.
From last Fathers Day... As you can see - there is no longer time to mow the grass, and apparently we can't afford shoes for the kids...but man, we sure laugh a ton
Anytime this comes up I always say there is a reason god gave me two boys and not a girl. I would be that psycho dad without question if I had a daughter.
Exactly, there is a lot more to the story but Id be typing for days lol. Like you said it does take a special person and Im glad my mom found him and got to be a part of my life.
Unless its an accident kids are at least 6 to 7 years down the road for me. Ill live in 4 states over the next year, then move to Alaska or somewhere else out west for one year, then take another position for 2-3 years elsewhere before I can realistically settle on a hospital to finish my career at. This scenario has me avoiding dating very seriously at all, much less marriage and kids. For any of y'all who have had to bounce around due to work, how do you balance that with your personal life? For lack of a better plan, I plan to just live it up during my 20s and look to settle down around 28-30 when I can finally expect to live somewhere long term...
