"Mommy, what are you going to do when I go to school?" "Mommy's going to make some money," I reply. He's been counting down the days to kindergarten, and so have I—dreaming of carefree days with Netflix marathons, lunch dates with friends, or even dancing on tables. Little Man gives me a serious look. "Mommy, otherwise you'll just have another baby?" I nearly choke on my coffee. A what? Where did that come from? "Where can you buy one, Mom?" I laugh, intrigued.
Curious about his next question.
"Honey, that's sweet, but with four kids, our house is plenty full." The idea of 'buying' a baby? Music to my ears—no nine months of pregnancy, no labor, no recovery. My son gets it.
Daughter 18, Teen Son 16, and Teen Daughter 14 keep me fully occupied. When Little Man arrived four years ago, our home overflowed with love, work, chores, and chaos.
Now, with him off to kindergarten, exciting opportunities await—like diving back into my favorite work: writing. No room for another baby there.
Focused at my kitchen table laptop, I hear Teen Daughter 14 stomping downstairs. The door bursts open. Irritated by the interruption, I glance up. "Mom?" she asks tentatively.
Mom. It melts my heart every time, especially since Little Man's birth.
She pulls out a chair with a screech, pulling my attention fully. I sip my green tea, leaning back. Serious talk? "Soon we'll have space—Daughter 18 wants to move out," she says. Yeah, right—wanting and doing are worlds apart.
"I'm older now too... maybe a baby? If you want." Are you serious?
I laugh at first, but her earnest eyes tell me she means it. I straighten up, shifting uncomfortably.
"Did Little Man put you up to this?" I chuckle. She grins. "He mentioned it, but I think it's a great idea!" Her eyes sparkle. Am I really debating my kids' baby wish?
"Well, Daddy and I handle baby-making. You're too young—even for practice," I say, visions flashing. "Plus, I'm too young to be a grandma." Grandma? No thanks. "Let's leave babies in the shop for now, okay?"
And just like that, the baby topic is closed.
Tip: For a fun read about a man's baby wish clashing with reality (and needing a woman), check out That's What You Have Friends For.
