[name_m]Hi[/name_m] all,
Kind of hoping to join this thread. We’re actually looking into adoption, too (long story). If DH is on board and we TTC or take the plunge into adoption, it probably won’t be until [name_u]June[/name_u]-[name_u]August[/name_u]-ish because we are going to a wedding in [name_f]India[/name_f] in [name_u]March[/name_u]. I honestly think it’s kind of unlikely that we will go for another pregnancy because I had so many issues w/ my last two pregnancies, but we shall see.
Wish us luck with these major decisions!
@shalexis, you are right to think about it in terms of pros and cons–lots to think about. On one hand, it’s extra exhausting when they’re very young to have them close in age. On the other hand, they do seem to have a special bond (at least, mine do). My oldest two are actually in the same grade, just started junior high this fall, and I don’t have to worry as much because they walk together to the bus stop (which is actually a city bus; we don’t have school buses in our district anymore). [name_m]Plenty[/name_m] of fighting, but plenty of playing together, too. With a large gap, like between our third and fourth kids, there is more of a nurturing, “little buddy” thing going on, and that can be really neat, too.
@northernlights, it’s tough to know when the best time is for a sibling. The late twos/early threes can still be very dicey and their needs (for independence, but also for closeness) can still be pretty high. I’ve heard people say that three years is most ideal, developmentally. No matter what you decide, it will probably all be fine, though.