Meet Matthew. He's cute, right? This past weekend, Samir and I finally met him. Born back in January, he's my cousin Andrew's first child with his wife Sue. They live up in Virginia, so it's not often that we have family reunions. But when they happen to be in Florida visiting their parents (who live not too far from me), they always makes it a point to hang out with me. Back when I was teaching, Andrew made it a point to visit me in my classroom. (Being a 4th grade teacher, he was excited to see me share his profession). He was the only person, other than my brother, who saw me there (and he agreed that my students were hellions.) Before going to our family lunch, I worried that Samir might think I'll catch the pandemic "baby fever" that's sweeping the nation. He knows that I don't want children until 30, but still, all rules are washed away when tiny wrinkled fingers latch on.
Matthew, as evident by the pictures, was absolutely adorable, the sweetest little boy I've ever seen. He had a giant smile and these bright blue eyes that stare deep at you. Even though he's only a bit over 6 months, he's already trying to walk, moving his legs when you stand him. But aside from standing, he loves to dance.
As impressive as the baby was, I found my older cousin even more inspiring. At 30 he's a father. Even though the murmurs of "who's having a baby next?" echoed through the room, he shook his head no at me, assuring me that it's smart to wait.
The baby, although brilliantly behaved now, was terrible at first. Apparently for the initial three months, it was hard to find a silent moment. At times, Andrew didn't know what to do. I found it noble that he could admit that. It's obvious how much he loves his son, but I liked hearing how hard it was at first, how it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. Not as a determent, but as a piece of honesty. Babies are work. He said in the past six months, he feels like he aged at least 10 years. Your 20's are for creating your own life, he told me; your 30's are for creating another life.
Watching him play with his son, I knew I did want children. One day. I want that feeling of being a mother and caring for something so young, so delicate. But not right now. I'm far too selfish right now. Samir, next to me, smiled.
12 comments:
Aww...Matthew is adorable!
Cutest baby ever!
Awww, he really is gorgeous :-)
Everyone I know is having babies at the moment. And those that aren't are getting married.
I don't actually want kids of my own yet, but every time another one of my friends announces their pregnant I become a little more convinced that I am NEVER going to be a mother.
I never thought I wanted to be bothered with kids, then one day I woke up (I think I was around 25?) and wanted one NOW. Of course my body had other plans. How does that work? I spend my entire young adulthood trying NOT to get pregnant, then when I decide it is time, I can't? Figures! Even with the poopy diapers, the crying all night long, etc. there is no substitution in life for the smell of a baby's cheeks or the smile that they give you, letting you know that you are the center of their universe! That sweet little baby of your cousins would do the trick on me!
Aww, so cute!
Awww, how adorable. And look at those eyes - so big and expressive. :-D I'm the same as you. I'm in my twenties and don't want kids yet at all even though a lot of my friends seem to be doing just that.
Damnit. I want to be a fat baby
Awww he's adorable :D And you know Lauren, 30 isn't THAT far away... you'll get my baby to play with in the next year or two, and then after a few years, can have your own - by then you'll have baby experience! :D
ADORABLE
I want babies. I want babies so hard.
But my babies won't be wearing any Yankee garb.
Cute babies really bring these kind of thoughts in, aren't they? Freaks me out sometimes since I'm just 21 but I coo and melt like puddles seeing the cute all smiling ones.
He's so adorable, btw.:)
Yea, selfish! I'm right there with you. I'm not even dating someone. :)
Of course, most of my life is centered around doing things for other people. So maybe I need a job that revolves around me so that my life can be about others.
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