Babies are on my brain lately, like they are most of the time. I have many daydreams involving boat loads of children in my house.
I was feeling a bit nostalgic last night thinking about my own childhood. One thing that sticks out to me is how lonely and isolated I was. I lived in a small town, very rarely had neighbors or friends over to play with, and no siblings to keep me company (my brother is nine years older). I mostly played by myself including playing board games where I would be all the players.
I remember my childhood as generally being a happy one. But, looking back, I can’t ignore the many long hours I spent by myself. I think I feel worse looking back, than I ever did then. Obviously, I was pretty good at keeping myself occupied! I loved reading, writing stories, playing with my Barbies and toy horses, drawing and coloring, and playing cards and board games by myself.
I think that’s why the idea of a big family appeals to me. I’d love to have a gaggle of kids that could play together. I know it doesn’t always work out that well, since my husband and one of his brothers is close in age and they have always been too competitive to be good friends. But, I can’t shake that feeling I get when I look back at myself and think how much I would have enjoyed a playmate.
