One of my favorite scenes in the Disney classic “Bambi” is when all of the adorable little cartoon animals emerge with their brand new babies. The world around me is starting to look a lot like this Disney classic. And I swear, like in “Bambi,” it feels like everyone is having babies.

Okay, well not everyone. But in the past few weeks I’ve heard pregnancy announcements in person and via phone. And what would the digital age be without sharing sonogram pictures on Facebook?

I have to admit. I feel a little bit out of the loop here.

This year alone, four new babies will be coming into my life. Many women in my extended network are also expecting…
at least that’s what their Facebook photos tell me! Obviously, I’m so excited for all of these mommies-to-be. But as my friends get married, have children and buy homes, I can’t help but look at my own life and see the differences.

Every so often, I’ll feel a tiny twinge of self doubt and wonder if I’m doing something wrong. I have a great job, an apartment I love, a wonderful family and a pretty full calendar. Oh yeah - and I don’t have to worry about feeding anyone besides myself. So why, exactly, do I get a funny feeling my gut when I see yet another classmate from high school is pregnant? What is it about my nieces and nephews that makes me imagine the day I’ll have children of my own?

Sure, the grass is always greener. I know some moms who would kill to be a Savvy Auntie for a night and sleep in the next morning. And of course, I would love to have the satisfaction of writing a check that goes towards a mortgage instead of my ridiculously expensive New York City rent.

But like my sisters and friends who are moms, after spending a little bit of time in their shoes, I am usually brought back to my senses. Especially after my niece and nephew play a round of “Who can yell the loudest?”

And I guess have to thank the kids in my life for making realize that while I’m ready to be the best auntie I can, I really don’t want to give up my life right now. Not yet.

Margaret Bristol is a freelance writer and editor.

Published: June 8, 2010