I need a little advice ladies!

My boyfriend and I (both 24yo) have been together for about 9 months now but have known each other since middle school. We've been living together for about 3 months now and are loving every minute of it. Except when the military decides they're going to send him away for school for months at a time .. but anywho..back on topic. He mentioned to me last night that he wants to start a family with me. We've talked about marriage a lot lately but A BABY! This soon? Don't get me wrong, I want to have kids with him, maybe soon, and I think we would be amazing parents but is it too soon? Are we really ready? Are you ever really ready for a little one? It took me by surprise because I know deep down I'm at that age where I want to have kids but I just wasn't expecting to hear those words come out of his mouth. I'm happy about the fact that we could possibly start trying and have a little one on the way but then I freak myself out. Can any of you relate??