One & Done: Only child

Lurker intro...

Hi ladies. I've been lurking this board for a week or so now, and I'd like to jump in if you'll have me. I'm so happy to see that you accept "on-the-fencers". I've always thought I might be ok with just one kiddo, but DH was staunchly anti-only child, so we agreed on two. Now that I have DS, I am pretty sure I am done. DH is not so sure, but in no rush to add another just now. So, we might be OAD, or DH might convince me to change my mind somewhere down the line. Anyway.

The main reason I don't want another is transitioning into motherhood has been WAY more difficult than I thought it would be. DS was an extremely wakeful baby for his first 18 months and I struggled with severe sleep deprivation which probably was a big reason why I developed PPD/PPA (I'm doing much better now that he's STTN and I'm on medication). It's taken a major toll on my relationship with DH (though, again, we're doing much better now). I can't imagine doing all this again. I feel like our family was tortured for 18 months and I don't want to risk that again. I love DS to pieces and wouldn't trade him for anything, of course. I also feel like he deserves my undivided attention and to have a calm, happy, focused mama.

Anyway, you all seem like a fun bunch. :) I'm not into the drama and cliquey stuff that's on some of TB boards, but this one seems fun and low-key. Can I come out of lurkerdom and join you?

Re: Lurker intro...

  • Of course! Your son is adorable!

    I understand, too.  Motherhood put a big strain on me, also.  Our marriage suffered for a good 6 months, but in the end it became SO much stronger than it ever has been. But I would never want to re-live that again.

    Glad ya joined us!!
    E+C
    (+ hers and his, ages 13 & 8)
    TTC
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  • Chapter79 said:
    Of course! Your son is adorable!

    I understand, too.  Motherhood put a big strain on me, also.  Our marriage suffered for a good 6 months, but in the end it became SO much stronger than it ever has been. But I would never want to re-live that again.

    Glad ya joined us!!

    Thank you. :) I love that sweet pic of your DD.

    It's nice to hear from other moms who have had a tough time. Sometimes I feel like everyone else just eases into it gracefully, which is what I thought I would do, but I've been the total opposite of graceful, haha.

  • Yes!! We would love to have you! I think there are a few of us in the fence so no worries there!
  • Welcome! I'm glad to hear that your PPD is getting better. I struggled with that as well and it hasn't been until very recently (when I started feeling back to normal) that I realized just how low I was. I'm a former fence-sitter too. :) 
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  • Welcome! We have been oad since pregnancy (I wavered for a hot minute), but Dh and my relationship is one of the biggest reasons that he's completely oad. We lost a lot of ourselves as a couple when ds was an infant, and while I know our marriage is strong, we are still (3 years later) working to be "us" again.
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  • @PhantomPower I recently had the same realization. I knew it was bad at the time but now that I am feeling more normal, wow, it was really bad. I'm so glad you are feeling better too.
    @KatieB19 We totally lost our couple selves! We are just now starting to rebuild - most of the last 21 months have just been in survival mode. I'm glad you and your DH are on the mend -  you certainly must both be very committed to still be working at it this long!
    Thank you for the warm welcome everyone!
  • Yeah, DD was only really tough for 9 months and I still feel the same way! 

  • kristenndkristennd member
    edited January 2014
    I made a point of reading Babyproofing Your Marriage while pregnant (it's very good; I recommend it to pregnant friends) and we STILL struggled. It's human.
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