"When are you going to give Aidan a brother or sister?"

I’ve been asked this question more times than I care to count from family, friends, and complete strangers. It’s amazing how many people feel it is their duty to make sure our son has siblings. In fact, when Aidan was two months old I was at the grocery store when the cashier smiled and asked, “How old is he?” I said, “Two months.” She said, “Oh, does he have any brothers or sisters?” I told her that he did not have any living brothers or sisters. Thankfully, she didn’t ask me to elaborate (I prefer not to get into the whole story of Michael with complete strangers). Then she proceeded to ask me, “So, when are you going to give this little guy a brother or sister?” I was taken aback. Then I mumbled something like, “Maybe next year," and walked away, presumably looking completely dumbfounded.

Getting pregnant with Aidan was very difficult. It took a combined three years, (sometimes) painful testing and treatments, and the loss of one child. Labor and delivery was no picnic as I was induced for eighteen hours and ended up with an emergency c-section. Thankfully, Aidan was born healthy.

I don’t take pregnancy lightly. I don’t think you’re entitled to a perfect pregnancy or a perfect baby. I think that you have to respect nature and respect the life that you’re given. In our case, we were given a gift. A beautiful, healthy, thriving gift. I remember all of those women in the infertility doctor’s waiting room, I know that many of them probably still don’t have children. I remember what it felt like to look at a pregnant woman and try not to feel insanely jealous. I admit it, I still have a twinge of jealousy when a woman announces that she’s pregnant and it only took her one month to get that way.

It’s hard to imagine what it feels like to spend years wondering, “should I have that glass of wine? What’s today’s date?” The aggravation you feel when you’re late, you bought the stupid test, and the next day you start your period. And, please (I beg you), NEVER tell anyone “just relax... it will happen.” It’s just rude and you have no idea where they’re coming from.

But, with that said, I can tell you... we absolutely want more children. But, when? The only thing I can tell you with complete certainty is that Aidan will, God Willing, have a brother or sister by the time he’s eighteen. So, take your bets... will we be announcing a pregnancy soon? Or, maybe not for another five years? Ten years? I guess that will remain the mystery.


"What do you mean I might eventually have to share the limelight with someone else?"