Reply #92: I never really liked kids until I had one of my own.

[xmas74]

I could tolerate them but didn't actually like them. So what you are feeling is actually not that uncommon.
As to babytalk-don't do it. Talk to them as you would an adult-just keep the language simple. Talk to them about books. Bring up your favorite books when you were their age(depending on their age-anything from Dr. Seuss to Little Women). Talk about movies and your old favorites. Put on some music-it doesn't have to be popular music from today. Young children can appreciate almost anything(be a bit careful of the choices but feel free to pick something you like). Just observe them and find out what they like-it's not that hard.
I used to only like the company of adults. Now I find myself preferring children. An adult looking at snow would complain about shovelling, the roads and other things. A child will describe what the snow looks like, how it feels and what they want to do(eat it, play in it, shovel it). I enjoy listening to children and getting their perspective-it's refreshing.
And they are capable of so much emotion. Talk to them about subjects that concern you now in a simple manner. Find things that are easy for them to talk about and discuss them. They'll have a thought about it and be more than willing to tell you. It's when they grow up that they learn how to restrain themselves.