Baby Economics

The Sweetest Thing

I always knew that I will be having 2 children.  But child number 2 took a long time in coming. Nine years in fact.

I do not know why we waited but economics figured prominently in our decision to postpone having a second child.  How much does a child cost? More than ten million pesos or some USD$266,698.  That figure is daunting.  Add to this the fact that our financial planner is saying that we have to have an obscene amount for the college funds of child number 1.  Consider too that Filipino children stay in the coop for much much longer (say, forever).  Thus, for a long while, child number 2 seemed a distant possibility.

But then, every time I looked at babies, I looked at them wistfully and felt the pang of wistful.

But fear proved stronger and my maternal instincts were held at bay for quite a long while – fear that I will not be able to give our children everything that they wanted (within reason) or everything that I imagine I did not get, or everything that my husband imagines he did not get (okay, we have issues).

But the body clock ticks as it must and I was passing the point of no return.  It was either we forget that “baby = expense” or forever hold our peace.

Maternal instincts, wistfulness and hubby’s longing for a son proved stronger.

And so our son came on July 11.

We know that economics will creep into our lives as it is slowly creeping as the diapers and the itsy bitsy baby clothes and the stroller and the car seat slowly entered the confines of our home.

But for now, we do not really care.  What is important is before us – the miracle of a new life, a baby – reaching for us with his baby hands, having a cry that keeps us awake most nights, but having the sweetest breath and the most wonderful embrace.  Love in miniscule.

Those who have gone before me – those who have succumbed to the call of the pitter patter of little feet – are right.  Economics is bleak and bland, and it pales in comparison. 

Be rich,

Issa

Article by Issa. Photo by Madelene. Copyright 2010.
Website: www.YouWantToBeRich.com
Email: issa@youwanttoberich.com

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