Becomming a Canadian is HARD! I need advice desparately!

[montitchou1]

I met my Canadian boyfriend online about 8 months ago. We have met in person and are sure we want to be together for the rest of our lives. So I want to move to Canada.
We are not religious so we don’t believe in marriage. We are however willing to, if it will make the immigration process easier. I have been reading about immigration to Canada and it seems nearly impossible for someone like me. Even marriage doesn’t seem to make it any easier. I know I must first become a resident. Will marrying him allow me to stay in Canada at least as a resident? Or will I still have to apply for some other kind of residency. I do not qualify for any residency program that I read about on the CIC website. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
I am currently a student..... a.... second year freshmen I suppose. I am hoping to obtain a BA in some computer-related field within 3 years. So I am not going to be well established financially and carrer-wise for quite a few years still. And it seems that you have to be in order to become a resident of Canada.
Also, we want children. Not to use my child as a tool or anything, but will having a child with him help our situation? I am 24 years old and don’t want to have to wait until I’m almost 30 to have my first baby. If I had a child with him would they ACTUALLY force us to live apart?
I am really in love with this man and want to be with him. I am willing to wait another two or three years to get my BA but that will be quite long enough. Please, any advice would be great!