For years I have struggled with infertility and the jealously that comes with it of other moms with 2 or 3 children. For some reason I have never been jealous with those with 4 or more, as it just seems like too much work for me.
For months my husband has been trying to convince me that 1 should be enough, and how it is somewhat irresponsible in our economy and our financial situation (which I don't see as that bad...but whatever) to have another. Really just talking me out of the whole idea of becoming pregnant, which was consuming my life.
Since I have been working out and focusing on me more, I think I have almost convinced myself that 1 child is really enough, and there are plenty of good things about being a mom of a singleton.
Such as-
1. I can spoil her rotten...and I like that.
2. I can sleep in.
3. I can work while my daughter quietly plays to herself (which she really enjoys).
4. Shes already potty trained.
5. Kindergarten starts soon, so that is a whole afternoon to myself.
6. I always have time to devote to her.
7. Shopping is easy with only 1.
8. She can hold actual conversations with me.
9. She doesn't cry (whine yes).
10. I actually have 1, which I am forever thankful.
And there are many more reasons which I am finding now that I have been watching a 12 month old, 4 days a week. Babies are not as fun as I once thought they were, maybe it's because he is not my own, but I am relieved every night after his mom picks him up.
I also see the stress it has on marriages with multiple children. My cousin has 3 kids all under 4. Her husband always seems exasperated every time I leave, even going so far to tell me not to have more...half jokingly, half not.
I think I have just come my senses on how easy it is just to have my 1 baby.
The only catch is now that I am not trying to get pregnant, thats when it will happen. And it will still be great if it does.
Iva
The wonderful thing about families is that they come in all shapes and sizes 🙂
Iva’s last blog post..The Little Red Hen
Jen
I also have one child, with plans for more in the future, but who knows what will happen? I had my first at 33 years old and my second would come only as early as 36 years old if successful. So no one can really predict what will happen.
I have loved every age my son has been for different reasons, but there are times when I think: "Thank goodness I don't have to do those every 3-hour feedings anymore", or, "I'm so glad he sleeps for 12 hours straight now.
There are challenges to every age, for sure, and I have to admit that as much as I would like other kids, it's hard for me to imagine spreading my time among them. I know people with two or more kids say that it just happens and that you love them equally, but it's hard right now to imagine how that is possible.
I am really enjoying this time alone with my son (well, not alone...my husband is here too) because I feel like I'm really getting to know him in a way I might not be able to with any future kids. But there is no way to predict what will happen for anyone's family, and I think it's great that you have seen so many wonderful positive aspects of having one child!
If I had to be with someone else's 12-month old, in all honesty, I'd be happy they went home at the end of the day too! 🙂 I love my son, and I like other kids, but I also like it when other people's kids go back to their parents!