My nephew Ryan was born April 29th, so he's going on 5 months of living. Up till him, I've had very limited experience with babies. Purposely. Most people know that I generally don’t have a high tolerance for children. Whenever I see them, I cringe; if I'm on public transportation, I change seats to avoid them. In restaurants, I sit as far away from them as possible. I'm not one of those saps that goes "Awwww! A bay-beee!" every time someone pushes a stroller by me. I'm usually the one that goes "Fucking kids" and crosses the street.

But Ryan… I don't know. I spent the evening with Ryan and my parents the other day, and he totally charmed me, I have to admit it. He has me totally wrapped around his pudgy little finger. I held him the whole evening, I made him smile and giggle, and he fell asleep in my arms after dinner. He's adorable. He used to look like a big potato, but now he looks like an actual baby. And he's big! He's 16lbs already – my arms were aching like hell after holding him!

Here he is in the Yankee dugout:


He still doesn't do anything except eat, sleep and relieve himself. But he's starting to get a personality. He's a generally happy baby, so it's not tortuous to be around him. He makes funny noises and the top of his head is soft enough to kiss.

I can't believe I just said that.

My father, who has only ever heard me say "I hate kids" when a child is mentioned, was aghast. Can't say I blame him – so was I.

Then the other day, my husband mentioned something about having a baby eventually, and I didn't laugh in his face!

What's happened to me?? Does being around a baby spark some sort of post-age-30 hormone mutation or something? Am I just being suckered into a Darwinian instinct to preserve my species? Am I actually contemplating… dare I say it?… reproduction?!

Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!