This story was submitted by Anne Clark of Usborne Books. Thanks Anne!

While having just one child wasn’t my initial plan, it was clearly the Universe’s plan, and I wouldn’t trade our family of three for anything!

After 4 years of trying, tests, and treatments, we conceived via assisted insemination with injectable fertility drugs – yea, that was fun. NOT!! Our son, Eric, is the greatest blessing of our lives – however, our marriage nearly didn’t survive. Neither my husband nor I want to get on that fertility ‘roller coaster’ again.

Eric is now 8 1/2, and he is kind, independent, affectionate, bright, and funny. He’s got his dad’s sensitivity and my sarcasm. The three of us make a great team. Each of us gets alone time, time as a family, and one-on-one time with each other. Eric & I have coffee dates, play games, and share a Webkinz obsession. :) He & Dad play video games, go on bike rides, and talk about cars. Dad & I get quiet reading time and occasional Date Nights.

At this point, I feel a baby would throw off the entire dynamic. Occasionally I wish I could be pregnant again – I loved it the first time! – or I yearn for a baby to hold. Then I spend a few hours with my toddler niece, and though I love every minute, I’m happy to return to my calmer, less chaotic world. At this point, I don’t want to ‘start over’ – night feedings, baby proofing, a completely dependent child…

And Eric understands that giving him a sibling would mean a lot of stress on all of us, and it would take away a lot of our our time, energy, and money that goes to other things now. We’re a happy trio, and we’re all grateful for that.

Thank you for drawing attention to the fact that being an only child is not a bad thing, nor are only children spoiled & selfish brats!

Anne Clark, Independent Educational Consultant
Usborne Books at Home
www.BestFamilyBooks.com