Maybe, Baby?

Ha, not yet. In the last 5 years (since we have been married), occasionally we get asked the question, "so when are you going to have kids?" We both awkwardly laugh and say "sometime." To be honest, I am starting to get the baby itch. I think some of it is that I'm being influenced by the women around me. Last year alone, I knew about 10 of my friends who had babies. This year, 2 of my friends had sweet little ones and a couple of my friends are currently prego and are due next year. Since I have been married for 5 years and I am 29, I do admit that I'm feeling the pressure to have a baby, but also wanting to add to the family. I have been for about a year now. I'm very curious about what it's like to be pregnant, give birth and raise a child. I have been reading the book, "What to expect when your expecting." and I recently bought the follow up book (for 25 cents) and been reading about what to expect at age 1. There is a lot of valuable information in those books. Things I didn't even think about! I do like the part where it talks about pre-pregnancy. Again, lots of information.  

For the last 3-4 weeks, my pastor has been discussing parenting and roles that parents have when raising a child. His sermons have been very interesting and informative, especially when I don't even know what it's like to raise a child. But what he said was information I/we needed to hear. John and I have had the baby talk. We determined that we are not ready, but soon. I don't want to raise my child in a 2 bedroom townhome. I think a baby deserves a home, big enough to crawl around and explore in the back yard, and have resources it needs to be healthy. I want to be able to provide my child with opportunities and a great family life. I really think that is important and that is what I want. 

Last Sunday at the last parenting sermon, it totally hit me that God will provide a child in our lives in the future, but not right now. I am still growing as a woman, as a wife...and still trying to master who I am and who I want to become. John is doing the same. I feel relieved about this because I was feeling worried and anxious. But I know God has a plan. We may not be the "typical" family, but that's okay. Who says we have to start a family a year or two after we get hitched?

So, until we hear the words "your pregnant," I will continue to educate myself about pregnancy and parenting, but also learn more about myself, about my husband...and master what we have going on now before deciding to add to the Lehr household. I am excited for what's ahead in our future...and what we will learn and experience.