Thanks for your post. I took a look at your other comment too and it was very insightful. I think we're going to look into Big Brothers/Sisters as well when COVID starts to clear up...maybe it will inspire us one way or another, or maybe it will fulfill the parenting need completely.

>Lastly, you absolutely will LOSE your previous life. There isn't a part of it you can retain. It's gone....period.

This is probably the biggest challenge against the idea of having children. We both like our lives and hobbies...a lot (we make work together as well). It's part of our identity, so the thought of giving it up is very difficult to entertain. It feels selfish, but it's who we are.