Parenting
Some parents choose to have only one child for various reasons—be it personal preference, health limitations, or the feeling that their family is complete after one. However, my journey is a bit different. For as long as I can remember, I envisioned having two or three kids. I always imagined a supportive partner by my side during this journey, but life had other plans.
Conceiving my son was challenging, but with the help of a donor and IVF, I succeeded. That said, I’ve come to realize that, financially and practically, expanding my family further isn’t a responsible choice right now. So, here I am, likely a “one and done” mom. I adore my little guy more than I ever expected, but I also feel like I have more love to share—though perhaps not during these exhausting toddler years.
It’s disheartening, and I can’t shake the sadness that comes with it. I thought I had reconciled my single parenting situation well before my son made his entrance. Yet, the reality of being a single mother has hit me harder than I anticipated. I never fully grasped how beautiful the experience of pregnancy would be or how magical it would feel to witness my child grow and evolve. Watching my nephew interact with his younger sister and cousin only amplifies my longing for my son to have that sibling bond.
Maybe my emotions are intensified by the changes in my body as I slowly begin the weaning process. Or perhaps it’s the worry that my son, being an only child, may miss out on experiences I never had. I’ve noticed some friends, including fellow single mothers, are pursuing additional children, which stirs up feelings of nostalgia and a bit of envy.
As my son continues to pass through milestones, I feel a bittersweet ache saying goodbye to the infant stages. I know he has a lifetime of “firsts” ahead: his first sentence, first bike ride, and first day of school. If I were to have another child, I’d be experiencing those moments all over again, which might feel like a second chance to appreciate every fleeting moment more deeply.
However, the reality is that my chances of having another child feel as slim as winning the lottery. This realization is tough to swallow. Yet, accepting this while my son is still young gives me a unique opportunity—to immerse myself fully in our time together, cherishing every joy and navigating those challenging moments without holding back for a future child.
For now, it’s just the two of us. We will make the most of our journey together. But I might just keep playing the Powerball—after all, you never know!
In case you’re interested in exploring home insemination options, check out this resource on how to use an artificial insemination kit. They provide useful insights.
For those curious about IVF or fertility treatments, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources that could be helpful. And if you’re looking to understand different methods of induction, this guide on Foley balloon induction might be of interest.
In summary, while I may be facing the reality of being a “one and done” parent, I am committed to making the most of my time with my son. Each moment is precious, and together, we will create a lifetime of memories.