When I was your age, my baby clock was not going. I didn't even think I had one. Got lost some where along the line. But then I got married (at age 25, this past June), and my husband got a good stable job, and holy cow, where did that come from!? I want a baby.

But during my slightly more rational-when-it-comes-to-baby years, my husband and I discussed when and if we would have a baby. We agreed that when we're 30 we'll start thinking about trying. Funny how our views have switched.. He wants to wait longer and I want to wait less time, but either way, we still average out to age 30.

Anyways, what I'm trying to say is that I understand the baby clock. We can't go near a baby department without me stopping and cooing over some adorable little outfit, or planning what the nursery will look like in the house we don't have yet, or lying in bed picking out baby names. But I realize that right now is not a good time to have a baby. My husband's job is stable and pays well, but he travels a lot (we pretty much have a commuter marriage, if you will). I am not in a healthy place mentally. I need to focus on getting my depression and anxiety under control before I can even think about having a child. I want to be physically fit, too. When you're thinking about having a child, you have to think so much further beyond your own immediate wants and wishes. You also have to take into consideration your partner as well.

I think you should continue to grow a relationship with your boyfriend. Try not to think about having a child right now. Make sure, as others have said, that he's someone you really want to have around for the next 10-20 years, someone that you will be able to problem solve with and act as a team when raising your child. Don't pressure yourself. Many, many women today have children well into their 30's and 40's and still bring happy, healthy babies into the world.

I don't know if maybe hearing from someone else who's baby clock is tick tick tickin' away (but waiting another four years) helps at all.

Right now, take care of you while you are still your only priority.