We have a 26 month gap between DS1 and DS2 and i love it. DS1 was talking really well and we had no jealousy issues. They play really well together now and love each other to bits. DS1 was still in nappies when DS2 was born which i actually liked; at least the nappy change could wait a few minutes while I was feeding or settling DS2, but he does need help going to the toilet now and that cant wait most of the time . I wouldn't be too worried about the clingyness; DS1 was really clingy too until about the 18 month mark; from then on he became gradually more independent.