A new baby

I have only one so I might now be the best qualified to answer this, but I can definitely identify with your feelings. I, too, questioned whether to have another one when mine was about a year/year and a half. I felt really panicked about my decision because I was already 40 and let's face it, time was running out. I think a lot of (younger) parents, though, go through this too (my friends have, anyway). I'm wondering, though, whether maybe it's just too soon for you to try again? Now that mine is 2 1/2, of course I'd love to have another one but at 42, I don't think I have the energy. If you are younger, is it possible for you to hold off just for a few months or even a year until you feel more ready and maybe less guilty? Moms with more than 1 child--please hop in here! :)

Once I was pregnant with No. 2 and could feel that baby grow inside, any feelings about "could I love another baby?" disappeared. It's amazing how your heart has room to love two very different people. You will have to make separate time for each child, especially as they grow older...but the time away from one doesn't reduce your feelings for the other. Your time is just spent differently.

That could have been me making that comment! I felt the exact same way, but I knew I wanted my first daughter to grow up with a sibling and to have one when she grew up and God forbid we weren't around anymore. Family is more important than undivided attention. I couldn't imagine "sharing my love", "splitting the attention", or "take away from my daughter", but it WASN'T ANYTHING LIKE THAT! My girls are 3 1/2 years apart and the older one is so helpful and loves having a playmate. They are now almost 2 and just turned 5. The older one will be heading off to kindergarten in the fall and I will have the little one all to myself and have that special time I had with my first.

In short, I had the exact same concerns and even I was amazed how easy it was to fall in love all over again.... they are two completely different beings and I love them each with all my heart!

There is room in your heart....honest!

Don't feel guilty, they will appreciate it!

Good luck.

I'm 37 with a 15 mth old. We decided that we only want 1 child, but I'm sure that any mom would love the second child just as much. I know moms with 4 children and they are one big happy family. It just depends on how many children you want and I'm sure it will come natural. Even your 18 month old will love it and be excited. Just share enough love for all the children, and you can't go wrong.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

I got pregnant with my second child when my daughter turned one, so they are just 21 months apart. My daughter was my world, and of course, now my son and daughter are my world! It warms my heart to see them play together, share giggles over something silly, or cuddle up on the couch together. They are only 3 years old and 19 months old and they love each other! It's such a gift for them to have each other. Have no worries, our hearts always have room for more love.

Hobbymommy, 38, is a discussion leader from Mesa. She is a happy stay-at-home mommy to a 3-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

DO IT!!! You won't regret it. I got preggers (surprise) when my baby was 10 mos old. I was initially devasted, then our new baby arrived and it was perfect. My oldest doesn't even remember life before he brother arrived. Not that they are 3 & 4 they play w/ each other, entertain each other and it's so easy. The first six months were a bit hectic, but fun too. I have zero regrets, but knowing what I know now about two babies, i would have regretted not having another. I say, go for it and go for it now.

Two kids are so much fun. I doesn't seem possible that you can love another child as much as your first, but trust me, you will. And your first child will be just fine. It may be rocky in the beginning but it's worth twice the joy.

Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.

Well I didnt even post this topic, but Im pregnant with number 2 and I have been going through the same questions in my head. I ADORE my son and I want whats best for him and I worry that I will not be able to give them the attention they both deserve, but all your comments are making me feel better so THANK YOU:)