Kids?

Recently I've been thinking about having children. Not like, "Yeah, I'm thinking of having children sometime soon!" I've just been considering the concept. I guess it hadn't really occurred to me before last year that most people's purpose in life is to have kids. I always thought it was optional. By that I don't mean that we're all forced to reproduce, but that we're sort of socially obligated to do so by others – and maybe ourselves.

As I've said in the past, the only reasons I'd ever want children are:

1.) To see what genetic traits they'd inherit (talents, appearance, etc.)
2.) To have someone to care for me when I'm old
3.) To let my parents have grandchildren
4.) To pass on my last name (potentially)

Other than those fairly selfish reasons, I see having children as the following:

1.) No life or time for 15 - 18 years. And I don't mean that I'd prefer to be clubbing 24/7 – I'm someone who likes quiet time and personal space, and I need time for reflection and creative output, which can only be done alone.
2.) Spending a lot of money. Having grown up going to private school, I'm not sure I could let my child go to public school (unless it's one with a good reputation) simply because I'd compare the differences too often. I know that public school, too, can be right for some children, and that sending them to a private school may not be the appropriate choice anyway. But if I had it my way, I would send them to private school. And then there's college. Not to mention all the added expenses that are just inherent to raising a child. My interests are already expensive.
3.) Being constantly impatient or annoyed.
4.) Being in love gets placed on the back burner.
5.) Gross and painful.

The question becomes: what will I put into the world? Which part of myself do I want to immortalize?

All I know is: I want to continue to enjoy "my story."

I have already found happiness in this life.