The joy of the single child

Hand-in-hand I walked with my son along the beach. It was a hot, breezeless afternoon. A clear blue sky. Not at all typical for late Autumn, more like late Spring. The sea was relatively calm. Small rolling waves lapped the shore, washing up the incline of the beach. The sand was firm following yesterday's heavy rain. We took small steps and stayed within the ebb and flow of the incoming tide.

It was one of the most peaceful, enjoyable and fulfilling walks I've ever taken. Jude never once tried to pull his hand from mine. He stayed by my side never attempting to go off on his own, simply content to be with his mummy. At one point he bent down to pick up a small shell that he carried for the next 10 minutes before placing it quietly back on the sand.

I've been enjoying his company so much lately. He sits with me, snuggles in close and rests his head in the nook of my armpit while I read him stories. One after the other he hands me books to read. On a cooler day we snuggled under a blanket and Jude pulled it up to his neck, reaching a little hand out to turn each page before disappearing into the warm folds of the blanket again.

His language skills are still very limited, but we manage to communicate. We have a secret language we share, which means nothing but it always makes Jude laugh so it's like a private joke. Daddy knows the secret too, of course.

I am so excited about him learning to speak so we can start to converse with each other, but I know it's going to take some time. First single words, then two words at a time. Some time later he'll be able to construct questions and convey his ideas. I am looking forward to it, but I can wait because I don't want him to grow up too fast.

I realised today while we were walking that I'm very glad I don't have another child, or one on the way. There's no one to tear my attention away and so I can watch, I can observe and I can experience Jude's growth. I am focused on him and I see him learning every day, and he is interesting and wonderful. I'll still be focussing on him when he does learn to talk and he'll have my attention when he starts to ask questions.

I can see why people might chose to only have one child and I think it's a valid decision, however we are planning on having another child in the future. By the time another person is added to our family, Jude will be able to understand and he'll be fully involved in the new baby's life.