[PragmaticPulp]

> At the same time, thinking about the time and effort I will be forced to take away from the thing that keeps me sane fills me with dread. It's not like there's a way back.

YMMV and don’t let my experience be your only guide

But I had the same exact feeling. After the first year or two (infant stage is tough, no denying it) I’m actually right back to my hobbies just as before.

It takes more planning now to do the weekend hobby events that are out of town, but it’s still plenty doable.

I’ve also realized that the number of years that your kids are young and require a lot of attention is actually fairly small. I plan to live to at least 80 and the most attentive child-raising years are only a small fraction of that.

[gfxgirl]

I definitely have at least 3 friends with kids that manage to keep up with their hobbies. 5, 3, and 2 kids respectively. No idea how they do it but they certainly demonstrate it can be done.

[Elte]

Thanks. It'll happen sooner or later, my girlfriend strongly wishes to be a parent and will probably murder me in my sleep if I back out now ;).

I know I'll likely figure it out, as I have everything in my life so far. That doesn't prevent that dread from creeping up, though.