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It’s that time of life when everyone around you is sprouting kids more often than acting like them. You sometimes wonder if you’re missing out on something. The grand adventure is maybe passing you by.

Then you come to your senses. But that doesn’t stop you from being very happy for the brand new parents around you.

My nephew, Liam, is growing like a noodly weed:

Yes, he is adorable. Nice work in the gene pool, Paul & Robyn.

Then again…

Still adorable, in a stunned muppet kind of way.

And life being what it is I never did get around to congratulating Mike & Seanna on their gorgeous daughter Raelin, born October 15 and already looking ready for malls, convertibles and suntans:

She’s got her daddy’s eyes. Poor daddy. Up at night, sitting in his rocker on the porch with shotgun in hand.

So when did this become a baby blog? When did I graduate into breederville? My two oldest friends in the world took vanguard on this march years ago. Astonishing to think that back in highschool we all assumed I would be the first, and here I am about ten years behind the pack. And counting. Not pregnant yet.

But I am getting married. And I am 35. And I’m thinking if things continue on present course I’ll have my own li’l junior in two years or less. Just as I knew two years ago that I was finally ready for a real reciprocal relationship I know that I am ready for all the trials & tribulations of breederhood. Insofar as any never-been-a-parent can be ready.

For the past few months a lot of things have been neglected while I build a relationship, manage a major career change and the sacrifices that come with, and struggle to maintain some sense of self. Friendships have suffered, some seriously so. It’s something I think about.

Life, meanwhile, runs relentlessly onward. I feel sheepish drawing the metaphor but Spiderman works the same way, flinging his web and hoping whatever he tags will help carry him forward. I’m trying to allow new things in without losing hold on everything else. Muddling on, I guess.

Hardly inspiring words to come from someone thinking of fatherhood in the not-so-distant future. I have some things weighing rather heavily on my soul. Not treacherously. But they need to be set aright before I can freely move forward. I’m far, far better off than I was even three months ago, so I have no doubt I can keep my head above water and even enjoy the ride.

So yes, I am looking forward. I’m getting married. I’m building several careers. I have an awesome partner by my side. I’m beginning to sense what I am capable of, without feeling like I’ve seen the limit. I think that makes for perfect father material. One day.