Timing is Everything

When do you know for sure you are ready to be a parent? Many people do not get the chance to answer this question. They or their significant other is pregnant and they must become ready in 9 or so months regardless. Here is what I think should tell you.

First, for me, was emotionally prepared. I want a baby, a child of my own and want to give it all the love in the world. It sounds simple, but its really not. You have to want a baby enough to be willing to go through LABOR to get one!

Secondly, and this is most important in my mind, is to be financially ready. Can you afford to be out of work for 6 weeks with your baby? Can you afford the next year buying diapers at a rapid rate? Can you afford adding your new child to your insurance? Do you have a safe vehicle and a safe house?
Can you without a doubt say "I can provide for this child!"

Third, Physically prepared. Are you overweight or underweight? Are you ready to endure 9 months of carrying another person and then pushing them out?

Lastly, is your partner as ready as you? This one is tricky to know. They may say they are ready, but they may not be. I thought this to be the case with my husband, which is partially why we have been happy to have our TTC date in May of 2012. (Other than the financial part which we are still working on.)

I thought that, at least, until last night. I have had the flu for several days now and have not been able to do much expect sit/sleep on the couch and walk a few feet to the computer. Last night, going to bed, my husband offered to read another chapter of our book to me. I was too tired, so I rejected. I was nearly half asleep at that point anyway. I tried very hard to stay awake and watch what my husband did next. He grabbed "so your going to be a dad" and started reading. I could not keep my eyes open, but I heard him laughing and today I looked to see he had read a whole chapter last night. That small act, when he thought I wasn't paying attention at all, shows me that he is more ready than I thought.