50 years old, have an 18 yo son who is a fabulous young man. Was never broody and wouldn't have had any kids but for contraception failure. Nonetheless I adore my son and have been and continue to be a good mum, I think.
I've always been ambivalent about babies (and young kids in general) but always complimentary and attentive to other people's babies as is polite practice.
Over the last few weeks I've felt totally different. Spent time with a friend's 7m old and have absolutely fallen in love with him. Can't wait to see him again and make him giggle. Another friend posted a picture of her 1yo at a baby group, she's an artist and the photo captures this baby in a way that makes me well up when I look at it. I just wanted to hug him, theres an extra air of vulnerability even though beyond being a baby, he's not.
These are absolutely not broody feelings - good job at 50! I've started on HRT, could it be that which is making me feel like this? There's an 18m old and a new born amongst my neighbours and I don't feel like this at all towards those children.
I'm wondering if it's a general maternal feeling that's wrapped up with my feelings towards the two babies mums who are of course just about young enough to be my own daughters though our age gaps are irrelevant in our friendships. One lives in a remote part of the country and seemed to relish my company and attention toward her boy. The other has had a lot of emotional ups and downs but things are coming good and maybe the feeling of wanting to cry when I look at the picture of her boy is connected. Also my own son has now launched into adult life, gaining lots of independence and doing well, so maybe a feeling loss mixed in with the pride/happiness.
I might have answered my own questions here but the depth of feeling towards 2 babies has taken me completely by surprise. I really don't want to be a woman who longs for grandparenthood!