I have three, they're teens now.
I love my kids. I don't ever regret having them. They demanded some sacrifices (HUGE sacrifices, my life would be VERY different today if I had not had them to consider), and I really had to structure my life far beyond what was originally comfortable in order to give them stability; but the reality is that they taught me a great deal about life that I could never learn from just speculating or reading books (so I feel wiser), and they also changed me (because of what it took for me to be a good parent) for the better. I also now have the benefit of having those relationships with them, of being important in their life and vice versa, that I can enjoy into my old age, and also know that part of who I am (not even thinking the physical, but the "essence" of who I am that they have absorbed by being in contact with me) lives on.
I did also have the wonderful benefit of having kids who were in some sense much more like me than anyone else in my family. I have mentioned before that I was the only N type in a family of S's and I usually felt very misunderstood; well, two of my kids are INxx's, and the third (the ESFP) and I still have a lot in common because we're both very creative and into pop culture. My eldest son, I consider to be a person who understands me better than even many of my peers / the people on this forum; and it is a wonderful thing to feel that well-known (both the good and the bad) and still loved by someone within your actual family.
So until I had my kids, I felt very alone in my family; but now I have had some "family relationships" that actually have had the opportunity to go deep. I very much value that.
Besides, maybe I'll get grandkids now I can just spoil rotten, teach lots of cool things too, and yet not have to change many diapers, spend tedious nights with them when they're sick, etc. That's THEIR job, mua ha ha.
Upside - freedom!
Downside - lonely old age
Upside - I have 8 nieces and nephews to compensate
Glad you have the upside -- and it's a nice compromise.
I want an army of baby NT's, so I'll take at least two, please. I owe it to society to pass down these good genes.
Ha ha, yeah, you THINK that's a great idea until they are outsmarting you regularly at age 5 and running science experiments all over the house that end up having it officially zoned as a biological hazard.
Ever see The Boys From Brazil?