Having Children

[yogib37 3]

I will be 53 in two weeks. My asawa is 23. We've just celebrated our 30th month of wedded bliss, and I mean that very sincerely. Our daughter was born this past July 1. I have two children from a previous marriage also - daughter will be 32 in two weeks and son now 26. I have a 3 year old granddaughter and a new grandson on the way, due to arrive next month. My kids also are an absolute joy. They tell me if it wasn't for my encouragement and patience, they'd likely not be as well-adjusted and as confident as they seem to be.

Those are the facts. Many will have opinions regarding my choices in life, but it's my life. I've enjoyed the first half of my life greatly, which has included phases of rock-n-roll musician, vintage Trans Am owner and enthusiast for over 25 years, railroad photographer and magazine writer.

The second half of my life has just begun. I have no idea what to expect at this point. I'm healthy and plan to be around for a good long time. Many have told me and my asawa that I look to be in my late-30s. Strangers and those less acquainted with me are shocked when they learn I have a daughter of 32 years. I just smile.

It's your decision to make, and it's a big decision. Yes, I've thought very hard about the effect on my little girl as she ages, especially into adolesence when kids can be so mean to each other, me being old enough to be her grandpa. I'm thinking it'll be fun for me and for her. I had just as much fun with the parents of my daughter's school friends who were 10 years older than me. Most thought her mother was her babysitter...hehehe.

I'm much more mellow now than I was the first time around. I'm sufficiently matured in my career and my life, and I'm financially comfortable. I've been a motor and air-mover engineer for over 30 years, and I've always enjoyed my work. I'm enjoying every second now, even when it means that I'm awake every night at least once due to the hungry howls from my anak. All parents know the fear that grips you when you DON'T hear your teeny new baby screaming at night. Sounds funny that one can actually sleep better when you do hear noises.

Yes, my kids sometimes thinks I'm nuts. My granddaughter has an aunt who is two years younger than she is. My kids have a little bitty sister. My mom is a grandma again. I'm so sad that my dad isn't here, but he is really. He was taken by cancer in 2003. And I have homework, school plays, softball and soccer games, slumber parties and driving lessons, not to mention another beautiful wedding to look forward to. Most of all I have the pleasure of watching the blending of two cultures before my very eyes. I am the adventurer in my family. My kids have learned from me, both live many states away.

But this is what really tugs at my heartstrings now...when I come home from a long day at the office and I walk through the door, the second I kneel down in front of my daughter swinging in her swing and say hi, when she cracks the biggest smile for me and gets so excited, and I lift her up and hold her clsoe, that's what makes it all worthwhile. I am happy.

Great post, I agree with him.. Nobody can tell when will be our time.. Ask yourself if you are healthy.. I dont see any reason why not to have kids.. Claudeth is still young.. I understand her for wanting to have a children.. It is difficult to grow old alone, having one is the greatest achievement of all.

A mother of 1 and 1 more incoming

Look at the picture of my son below.. Whenever I came from work, he is already at the door waiting for me.. When I push the doorbell, I can hear him screaming and say MAMA!!!!.. When he see me, he will kiss me and hug me tight.. And will say a-chu (means i love you) .. He is only 2 years old so he is still struggling with his words.. but it is so cute and wonderful.. All my stress and being tired at work is totally gone and seems recharged when I see him..

AWWW .. Your son is very pogi

[Jasman0717 9]

Jasman, I must say that is a very conscious thought and unselfishness. I always said I would not want to be much older when I have kids for the fact that I want to be able to enjoy every moment of them. But you have to do what is right in your mind, and then you will have someone to ALWAYS keep you young i say go for it

Thank you, you are so kind. I appreciate your thoughts

[PlatyPius 5]

If'n ya got an itch to have a kid, scratch it.

[Alan and Noemi 0]

Great topic!

Being 46 myself, and realizing I will be 47 at least before becoming a father, I have wrestled with this very question often. I think it comes down to just a few issues.

If your one of those people saying "Do you really want teenagers around in your 70's?"... and have that mentality, then think carefully. For me... having children around is a blessing. They bring life into an otherwise quite and mundane household. I guess I value family and relationships more than freedom. I can't think of anything better to keep one young and active!

However, I promised myself a couple of things. My fiancee will not have a valid means of support if something should happen to me. I also believe that if one is to bring a child into the world, you owe the child an education... through college.

So. We are going to have children. Hopefully two (though I tease her about "triplets" all the time). In any case, I will make sure I have enough insurance that should my life end prematurely, she will have a decent life without the need to work for the rest of her life, and the children will have enough for decent college educations.

After that... heck... life is a gamble. Here today, gone tomorrow. Just savor what you have today, prepare for the worst... and BE HAPPY!

Just my $.02

[fish 0]

Oh Bless you, this is a beautiful post..... You just made me cry after reading this......

Jasman,

Live life, be happy, and multiply!

I will be 53 in two weeks. My asawa is 23. We've just celebrated our 30th month of wedded bliss, and I mean that very sincerely. Our daughter was born this past July 1. I have two children from a previous marriage also - daughter will be 32 in two weeks and son now 26. I have a 3 year old granddaughter and a new grandson on the way, due to arrive next month. My kids also are an absolute joy. They tell me if it wasn't for my encouragement and patience, they'd likely not be as well-adjusted and as confident as they seem to be.

Those are the facts. Many will have opinions regarding my choices in life, but it's my life. I've enjoyed the first half of my life greatly, which has included phases of rock-n-roll musician, vintage Trans Am owner and enthusiast for over 25 years, railroad photographer and magazine writer.

The second half of my life has just begun. I have no idea what to expect at this point. I'm healthy and plan to be around for a good long time. Many have told me and my asawa that I look to be in my late-30s. Strangers and those less acquainted with me are shocked when they learn I have a daughter of 32 years. I just smile.

It's your decision to make, and it's a big decision. Yes, I've thought very hard about the effect on my little girl as she ages, especially into adolesence when kids can be so mean to each other, me being old enough to be her grandpa. I'm thinking it'll be fun for me and for her. I had just as much fun with the parents of my daughter's school friends who were 10 years older than me. Most thought her mother was her babysitter...hehehe.

I'm much more mellow now than I was the first time around. I'm sufficiently matured in my career and my life, and I'm financially comfortable. I've been a motor and air-mover engineer for over 30 years, and I've always enjoyed my work. I'm enjoying every second now, even when it means that I'm awake every night at least once due to the hungry howls from my anak. All parents know the fear that grips you when you DON'T hear your teeny new baby screaming at night. Sounds funny that one can actually sleep better when you do hear noises.

Yes, my kids sometimes thinks I'm nuts. My granddaughter has an aunt who is two years younger than she is. My kids have a little bitty sister. My mom is a grandma again. I'm so sad that my dad isn't here, but he is really. He was taken by cancer in 2003. And I have homework, school plays, softball and soccer games, slumber parties and driving lessons, not to mention another beautiful wedding to look forward to. Most of all I have the pleasure of watching the blending of two cultures before my very eyes. I am the adventurer in my family. My kids have learned from me, both live many states away.

But this is what really tugs at my heartstrings now...when I come home from a long day at the office and I walk through the door, the second I kneel down in front of my daughter swinging in her swing and say hi, when she cracks the biggest smile for me and gets so excited, and I lift her up and hold her clsoe, that's what makes it all worthwhile. I am happy.

[Jasman0717 9]

I will be 53 in two weeks. My asawa is 23. We've just celebrated our 30th month of wedded bliss, and I mean that very sincerely. Our daughter was born this past July 1. I have two children from a previous marriage also - daughter will be 32 in two weeks and son now 26. I have a 3 year old granddaughter and a new grandson on the way, due to arrive next month. My kids also are an absolute joy. They tell me if it wasn't for my encouragement and patience, they'd likely not be as well-adjusted and as confident as they seem to be.

Those are the facts. Many will have opinions regarding my choices in life, but it's my life. I've enjoyed the first half of my life greatly, which has included phases of rock-n-roll musician, vintage Trans Am owner and enthusiast for over 25 years, railroad photographer and magazine writer.

The second half of my life has just begun. I have no idea what to expect at this point. I'm healthy and plan to be around for a good long time. Many have told me and my asawa that I look to be in my late-30s. Strangers and those less acquainted with me are shocked when they learn I have a daughter of 32 years. I just smile.

It's your decision to make, and it's a big decision. Yes, I've thought very hard about the effect on my little girl as she ages, especially into adolesence when kids can be so mean to each other, me being old enough to be her grandpa. I'm thinking it'll be fun for me and for her. I had just as much fun with the parents of my daughter's school friends who were 10 years older than me. Most thought her mother was her babysitter...hehehe.

I'm much more mellow now than I was the first time around. I'm sufficiently matured in my career and my life, and I'm financially comfortable. I've been a motor and air-mover engineer for over 30 years, and I've always enjoyed my work. I'm enjoying every second now, even when it means that I'm awake every night at least once due to the hungry howls from my anak. All parents know the fear that grips you when you DON'T hear your teeny new baby screaming at night. Sounds funny that one can actually sleep better when you do hear noises.

Yes, my kids sometimes thinks I'm nuts. My granddaughter has an aunt who is two years younger than she is. My kids have a little bitty sister. My mom is a grandma again. I'm so sad that my dad isn't here, but he is really. He was taken by cancer in 2003. And I have homework, school plays, softball and soccer games, slumber parties and driving lessons, not to mention another beautiful wedding to look forward to. Most of all I have the pleasure of watching the blending of two cultures before my very eyes. I am the adventurer in my family. My kids have learned from me, both live many states away.

But this is what really tugs at my heartstrings now...when I come home from a long day at the office and I walk through the door, the second I kneel down in front of my daughter swinging in her swing and say hi, when she cracks the biggest smile for me and gets so excited, and I lift her up and hold her clsoe, that's what makes it all worthwhile. I am happy.

This was a wonderful post, thanks for sharing

[andrew&evelyn 6]

I believed babies are blessing. So if you are planning one go ahead. I know there are some advantages and disadvantages of having a baby in an old age. Just like my husband case, my mother in-law was 39 when she get pregnant and my father in-law was 46. When the time that my husband go to school everybody think that his parents were his grandparents and it's even reach to the point that he think he was an adopted.And mom was force to show to him his birth certificate to prove him he was thier child. Emotionally and mentally my husband was affected by this situation, but when he grow up he understand what is the real status why his parents was old to be his parents. And now he is so grateful that he is in this world.

goodluck and I wish you all the best.