I’ve had this blog post drafted for the last six months. At first I was very excited to share it. Then the hope that we might really be able to have another child crossed my mind and that this post might be too premature. Then my insecurities set in and I thought it was a bad idea.

But last week when I saw this mural by Dallas Clayton in Wicker Park that read “You’re a miracle child,” I took it as a sign to finish and share this post.

I have to disclaim that having an only child is not by choice (If I had three kids or 10 kids, this post might be about how awesome it is to have that many kids).  I would love to give Luke a sibling but that may not be our fate. I have experienced two miscarriages and then two failed IVF cycles. I have what you call “secondary infertility.”  I’m not sure I’m completely over it or if I’ll ever be completely over it, but I am learning to accept it with grace. In doing so, I’ve learned to appreciate what I have and make the best of it. There are now more good days than sad days. Whatever we may have or will not have, I still think it’s pretty awesome to have an only child. In talking to my other friends who also have one child (by choice and not by choice), they seem to agree too.

1 – He’s Outnumbered (in a good way)

I’m not trying to say that we gang up or smother Luke but Charlie and I sometimes tag team whenever Luke may have a bad or good day so that at least one of us gets a break.

2 – We Have Our Travel Routine Down

Luke has been traveling with us since he was 3 months old. Since then, packing for three of us has gotten a lot easier. I normally have a good idea of what to pack and how many luggages to bring with little stress.

3 – We Are Done With Daycare

We love Luke’s daycare. But to be honest, daycare tuition took a big chunk out of our budget. Thankfully, with Luke starting kindergarten, I feel like we our budget got a pay raise.

4 – We Only Had to Go Through Potty-Training Once

You are blessed if your child’s potty training went smoothly.  I remember having to clean our floors and furniture on a regular basis.

5 – No More Dirty Diapers

Potty-training helped with not changing stinky and dirty diapers. But thank goodness I don’t have to change a stinky diaper either in public or in the privacy of my own home. Or buy anymore diapers. I just need to make sure he flushes the toilet now.

6 – We Can Take More Trips

Buying three plane tickets is not as expensive as buying four or five. We’ve been able to take two big trips a year and to explore most of Europe.

7 – We Don’t Need a Bigger Home

We live in a two bedroom home in city. Chicago city living means that most of the homes are not as big or spacious as the ones outside of the city. Although it seems like Luke’s toys have taken over our home, we can all still fit comfortably in our home and enjoy city living for a long time.

8 – Luke Can Play Independently

Besides putting together Lego sets (which Charlie also really enjoys, Luke can play with toys independently. I get a little peace and quiet in the home one once in awhile.

9 – Luke Will Always Our Favorite Child

I guess I am not asked the uncomfortable question, “who’s your favorite child.” haha.

10 – Luke Is An Awesome Kid

It’s amazing that throughout the time that we were trying for a second child and up until now, Luke has never brought up the subject that he he wants or needs a sibling. He tells me he’s happy with way things are. He can make friends easily.  He’s a confident child who is not afraid to come up to other kids and is also okay if other kids don’t want to play with him. He is truly my miracle child and I am thankful each day that he made me a mother. I am and will always be proud of my awesome kid.

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About The Mural and Location:

This pastel poetry wall art is located at 1611 North Damen. The artist is Dallas Clayton. The Chicago mural is part of Instagram‘s #KindComments tour to turn city walls around the world into colorful mural. The message on this Chicago wall is so positive and fun. I hope you get a chance to see it!