I haven’t seen it mentioned here too many times, but it’s been theorized I think the producers have confirmed it and a link is in the Blue Fairy thread that Gold didn’t have any memories of his former life until he heard Emma’s name in the pilot, acting as a failsafe. It was a trigger to bring back all of his memories. If this is the case then he needed Emma to come to Storybrooke to get the ball rolling. The only catch is how did he know specifically to procure Henry for Regina’s adoption?
It’s also been discussed that this is the “curse to end all curses” and Gold wants the power done with completely. I think he hates that he broke his promise to Bae. Just think about how he admitted it to Regina, with bitterness at himself in his voice. He wants to atone and make good with Bae, his father back with no magical powers. That was the point of the whole curse.
Keeper of Rumplestiltskin's and Neal's spears and war paint and crystal ball.