My Mom and Mickey are both only children. Both have complained on more than one occassion how lonely they felt growing up and how it is more difficult even as an adult when all of the responsibility and expectations fall on you as an only child. On the other hand I know a couple of people who love being only children and were very glad t ohave their Mom and Dad all to themself. So...I think having a second child should come from the parents longing more than the childs. I agree with Lindsey...I think God puts the desire for children in our heart.
WIth Makayla...I truly felt a sense of urgency! That is all you can call it...urgency! We droppped our plans to adopt internationally, submitted our paperwork in Jan, went to Orientation in March, and got Makayla in April. At the time when I was having those urgent feelnigs I did not know about Makayla. Of course, God put those urgent feelings in my heart, and He knew every inch of Makayla! It all made sense...the way the feelings came so suddenly and persisted. Without that divine "urgency" we would not have Makayla today.
Our story is different than most with our second adoption. As most of you know Angel is Makayla's older bio sis. We adopted Angel out of foster care. I did not have a sense of urgency after we got Makayla. I knew I wanted more than one child, but I was in no rush. Doting on Makayla and tending to her needs filled my heart.
We got the call that Angel was legally available for adoption only 9 months after we brought Makayla home. Up until that time I had no urgent feelings, BUT when I got that call...I got busy. That sense of "I gotta bring my child home" kicked in and I worked every day as hard as possible to make that happen. If any of you have ever tried to adopt across state lines from CPS...you know the nightmare it is!!! 8 months later our second blessing was home!
I think Makayla would make an awful only child. And I really think Angel would make a better only child! So...I think each parent must follow their heart. Your child will not be scarred for life if they are an only child. There are pros and cons to both. But if you get that itch...more than an itch...that sense of urgency in your heart....then you just know! That is your answer!!!
p.s. As crazy as it is...and as full as my plate is...I have a feeling we will parent at least one more child. Call me crazy!!!