At first, I was annoyed with this thread. Then, I realized it was because of my current state of whale-ness, and read the responses again.

Some of what the CF or CBC people say actually still runs through my mind. Can I do it? Can I give up so much? Will I make a good parent? Will I develop maternal instincts? Will I love 2 am messy diapers and feedings the day before I have a trial? He he he. Possibly an absolute NO on that last one.

Then, I read what Logan and Carole, for example, have written, and something inside me says, "yes, I will do it gladly". I have had many people tell me something magical happens when the baby is born, or placed in your arms for the first time. That alot of your fears disappear, and you just 'become'. (No, I am not in fantasy land, I am talking about generalities, and normalacy here). While I don't necessarily applaud those that choose to have children, I don't really think more or less of those that choose not to have children. It is a personal choice, alot of times, and that is what makes us different. Just think if you all wanted to become lawyers...it would STINK. And, most of you would say, "well, why would I EVER do something like that!" We are just different.

I don't really get the hatred or the "I can't stand babies" anymore than I understand "I hate cats" or "Cats scare me". All kids are different. Just like all adults are different. Some I love to be around, some I don't. With infants/young children, at least usually it is not them, but the environment that they are reacting to. Adults? I don't know what their excuses are.

I came to mom-hood by chance, rather than choice, I suppose (though...how much by chance was it really?). Will I regret my decision? I sure hope not. But, really, who knows what life will be like once my son is here. I can't pretend to know.