Maybe the best way to start this post is to say that I’m not itching to have kids just yet. While I have always longed to be a mom, I’m enjoying this time with Matt and am not getting carried away by my desire to be a mom. Newlyweds are always asked when they will have kids. Have you noticed? Now that I have two nephews, I’m asked even more if I’ve been bitten by the baby bug. My honest answer is: not exactly. Cuddling with cute newborns and shopping for baby clothes isn’t what stokes the fire — it’s my husband.
Whoa, where did you think I was going with that transition? 
Stick with me here, it’s a PG blog after all…
Matt and baby Elliot
You see, Matt doesn’t really have much experience with babies. He held tiny Elliot for a few minutes before he got bored and let the eager aunt and grandmas have a go. Ask Matt if he’s excited to be a dad and he’ll say “of course!” When you inquire further, he’ll say he can’t wait to coach his kid’s sports team and teach him/her how to do things. While I try not to press the subject, I can’t help but remind him that tee ball age is about five, so what’s he going to do before then?
Anywho, this past weekend when we visited my brother and sister-in-law, my nephew Austin warmed up to Matt. One morning, my 17-month-old nephew toddled past me and over to Matt with a stack of books that he wanted him to read. Another time Matt showed off his juggling skills which gave Austin the giggles. Matt happily pushed the stroller on our walk around the neighborhood, giving Austin a wild ride that he loved. The cutest instance, for me, was when Matt set up a new TV and, without adults prompting him, Austin ran over to his toy workbench and brought back a toy screwdriver to help put the TV together. It was the sweetest thing.
Austin helping Matt set up the new TV.
Later, Matt said he was a bit surprised at the fun he had with Austin. He simply wasn’t expecting it. As much as I try not to, I can sense that sometimes my love for babies and the yearning toward motherhood can cramp Matt’s style a bit. Truthfully, sometimes I push my desires to be a parent onto him out of a worry that he doesn’t share those desires at all. Yet, this weekend confirmed that not only does he in fact have those desires, he will be a great dad. In his own way and in our timeline, those things will come to fruition. No need to worry.
