It's been said around here that it is something in the water...something that is causing all of our friends to get married and/or have children.  The "having children" part being the constant.  We're inundated with babies up here in Bellingham.  We've always had friends with kids, but now, we hardly have any friends without kids!  Perhaps this is just a normal phenomenon that happens when you surround yourself with people that, like you, are in their 30's.  So the question keeps popping up amidst the conversation about who's taking their first steps, saying their first words, and parenting horror stories galore, "So, when are you guys having kids?" or "You're next, I guess, huh?". 

Sure, we've talked about it and we're in agreement that having kids "would be fun" and "seems like the next step", but whoa...is it really time already?  The fact that Barak Obama was elected president gives us some indication that the country isn't doomed for certain, so that helps, but what about all of our time?  We already feel like we don't have much time, so where do you fit in an infant - toddler  - and teenager (aack)?  Many parents are consumed by their children; sleeping, breathing and eating, and talking about anything baby and kid-friendly and they all say "I'm so happy, it is all worth it".  Albeit they tell me this after a story about milk leaking out of their boobs at the grocery store, kids crying and screaming all over the place, they haven't slept in days, or how the first 6 months are hell. 

I've always been one that prefers getting through the agony of something before everyone else, like getting my homework done, that first set of pull-ups or hiking that strenuous mountin trail.  I'd much rather greet the people in another party coming up the hill as my party is on its way down than vice versa.  I almost loathe the phrase "Don't worry, you're almost to the top"...unless I'm saying it.  Well, that's not going to happen!  Everyone else has already done it.  We're definitely on the tail end of this train.   Maybe we need some younger friends :)

Unfortunately, this is one decision we can't really wait on, as we know there is no "right time".  Also, at some point, it's going to be too late (not for awhile, as we're only in our early 30's, but still).  Although it would be nice to hold off until we have travelled the world to our heart's content, finished all these home improvement projects, and built up a hefty savings account; we can't wait forever. 

So, we don't have an answer.  Yes, children are hopefully in our future, and yes, considering how much we love and care for our dogs, I'm sure we'll be good parents.  Our conversations between ourselves and others will most likely be consumed by kid talk and it will be a part of our lives we'll cherish and never regret.  For now, though, I really enjoying being as selfish as I want to be.  I enjoy coming home and sitting on the couch in a completely silent room.  We both really, really enjoy getting 8-10 hours of sleep every night and we love being able to leave at a moments notice for a tournament or a bike ride.  I love most things about my life and I'm as happy as I've ever been.  I do have a feeling I'll look back on this and shake my head thinking "you had no idea", but for now, my life is perfect as it is.