How Many Kids?????????

[gabbysmom04]

:confused3 So how many kids do you have? I have a DD 1.5 and a DS 8 weeks. I am thinking about selling DD's clothes but I am torn about having more kids. How do you know when you have enough kids?

[ThreeMusketeers]

I am pondering the same thing right now, while I want more children and will feel incomplete with just the one. DH is absolutley fine with just one and likes the way our life is now.
I think its a truley personal thing that only you can determine.
But for me, its just how I see my life in the future. And how things are working with the child I have.

[Tjaleks]

I have 2 ds's (9&10). For a while we thought about having another, but as time went on, (and my cut off of having a baby by 30 came) we realized that we like and enjoy our life the way it is. 4 is a very good number for us for many reasons. I came from a big family and my parents lived paycheck to paycheck due to having that many kids. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and my parents, but I want more for my children. If we added another child to our lives we would love and cherish him/her, however our life style would change dramatically. I want my kids to have more than what I had growing up.

[1of6]

I have 4 (ds9,dd7,ds4,dd2 tomorrow)

If you are not sure, keep your things. As long as you have the room to store things, why not. You would hate to have to buy all new clothes for the next one. Each of my kids got new outfits for every size but I had hand-me-downs as well. Many times you don't have a baby shower for the next children.

I was told by everyone that you just "know" when you are done. I didn't "feel" done after 4...until I had them all at the park on day last year. The 3 big kids were playing and I was running after the baby (just over 1) as she went up and down, up and down, up and down... you get the picture. I was plum tired when we got home. I remember looking at the other moms sitting on the benches watching their kids and thinking I can't wait to do that!

This was my "I'm done" moment. ::yes::

[drakester]

I have 2 daughters (7 and 10). I remember asking my Pediatricain this question and he felt 2 was a good number that way parents were never out numbered.

[gabbysmom04]

lol, my husband says the same thing about being out numbered. My DS was born with a lot of different health issues, I think my DH is scared at the thought of having another child with health issues. I must be crazy for even thinking about this now, my DS is only 8 weeks old!!!!!!! :flower:

[MATTERHORN]

Hi! Well I can sympathize as I just had baby #3 who is a little older than your DS. He is 11 weeks now, will be 3 months on the 20th, and I wasn't so sure even after his birth that I was done. But I have hard pregnancies and the other day I saw this really really pregnant woman at the mall, she looked absolutely miserable (the same way I do at the end, my babies are pretty big, my largest was just shy of 11 pounds!) and I just knew that I don't ever want that to be me again!

Plus the other day I felt kinda sick, almost like morning sickness. We tried for each of our kids and I had to work really hard to get pregnant and stay pregnant each time. So for the first time ever I felt that fear of "Oh my gosh, what if I'm pregnant?" and when I realized that I didn't want to be for the first time ever, I realized that I am done.

Another thing is that with my third birth I finally got the birth I really wanted and dreampt about since the first one. It was really tough and I was supposed to have my 2nd c-section up until the very last moment when they were prepping me for the OR and he came too quick to do anything about it! They don't let you do VBAC's here in Las Vegas unless you have a home birth (I can't due to complications), so the fact that I got that after all is still sinking in for me. I don't want to have another just because of the off chance that it would be a c-section and I would have to end that way instead! The way it lies, I have experienced a ******l birth, a c-section, and a VBAC, so I am very happy.

Well that's probably a lot more than you wanted to know, and you can see why I am on the planning boards as I analyze everything to death! Good luck with whatever you decide, I am so so so happy that I went for the third child. I was scared, but he has just fit right in from the start, just kinda goes with the flow. It is great!!!

Andrea

[lizally]

Hello. I have 15 month twins, and I feel that is enough kids for me. It was so hard taking care of two babies at once that I think I was traumatized! I am scared of having another set of twins. I also agree about being outnumbered by the children. Right now my husband and I can each take care of a little one and no one is left out.

However, I am keeping all the stuff, because I could always change my mind (maybe after the difficult memories are replaced by warm, fuzzy ones), and you also just never know what can happen! My mom was 36 when she had my "surprise" brother. I would hate to have to repurchase all of the baby supplies, so they are stored in the garage. I do loan out some of the supplies and clothes to friends, but only after I have labeled them with our name so they don't forget to return them. I think when I hit menopause I'll finally be able to let go of my baby things!

:earsgirl:

[lclark0621]

We only have 1, DS (2.5) & know we are not done yet. We want at least one more child, maybe 2, we will see.

I just know our family is not "complete" yet.

[crisi]

You always have one more than you can handle. Or your spouse can handle.

Often if you have a great kid first (and second), you keep going until you get the kid that makes you understand why some parents have a continual "deer in the headlights" look. One of my girlfriends and one of my cousins both had this kid as #3. The first two were independant, quiet, good listeners, well behaved, self potty trained, slept through the night kids. The third was the "every bedtime a battle," timeout chair needs to be equiped with duct tape, volume always set to high and speed set to fast kids. That's when they knew they were done.

[tmt martins]

1 and done

I went to the docs sat up and watched to make sure he did the job right.

[gabbysmom04]

I have that deer in headlights look right as I type! I think my children have sent me so far over the edge that I think I want more kids! :sunny:

[1of6]

My dad has a saying like yours. "You always have one too many kids!" LOL I think of it all the time with my youngest. She does not know the term "pushing the limits", she is too far past it! But I love her just the same and can't imagine her not in my life. :hug:

[Camping Griswalds]

I always wanted 3. Just knew in my heart that I wanted 3. Well after 9/11 I decided to be happy with my 2 happy and healthy kids. Of course then I got a "surprise" and his life never began, heartache and guilt. Well then I became OBSESSED with having another baby, and after 1.5 years of really trying, finally got pregnant and she was /is healthy. We have talked about #4, mostly because there is such a big age difference btween my kids (boys were 12 and 8 when DD born) and I don't want DD to be like an only child. BUT I think after all of the heartache of my third pregnancy and still remembering that I had decided to be done after 9/11, I am complete. I just feel it. Of course I won't let husband or myself "fix" anything, but I am pretty sure almost positive that I am done. Of course after this scheduled trip to Disney, there will always be one person "out" as so much of the world and rides are made for even people that I may change my mind. But to be honest I am complete. I'd welcome any other baby with open arms, but for the first time in my now 13 years of being a Momma, I can honestly say I am complete. And that is what most other mothers have told me, they "just knew" when they were done. I guess it could be at one or six depending on who you are!

[WAHMto5]

We have 5 children and believe we are done. Dh would like to have one more, but I think that we are complete and feel VERY blessed to have the five that we have. We both wanted a large family and were planning on 6, but looks like 5 will be it for us!

[EthansMom]

We had considered having 2 or 3 kids until I was pregnant with number 2. I had some minor complications with my second pregnancy; after DD was born, she suffered from colic for several months; also, DD suffered from terrible diaper rashes. Basically, DD needed extra attention as a baby and chasing around DS while trying to take care of DD really made me see that two was enough.

I had my tubes tied in Dec. After having recurring bronchitis, both DS4 and DD1.5 were just diagnosed with asthma last week. I told DH, "I love our kids, but I'm glad I had my tubes tied because I can't imagine caring for three kids with asthma and bronchitis."

[4lilpoohs]

I have 4 boys ages 16, 12, 5 and 2. Up until a couple of months ago I wanted another one really bad. I knew we wouldn't have one but I wanted one. Then all of a sudden I felt complete. :flower: Crisi I know what you mean about #3 :rotfl:

[sara74]

Here I am 8 weeks PG with a very much wanted and planned for #3. I always wanted 3, just felt that would be right. DH didn't want a third and then changed his mind so we went for it before he could reconsider! Now I am only in the 1st trimester and I know things could still easily go wrong, but I feel done already. I feel like if this baby is meant to be then it will come in August, but if not and the unthinkable happens then I have a wonderful DD and DS already and will be done just the same. I told DH to get the 'fix' appt, but he's not up to that mentally yet! Of course my mom is telling me not to do anything radical. She would love as many grandchildren as we could serve up to her!

[dismom9761]

I have four-10,8,6 and 21 mths.My DH felt done after two but I didn't.I felt done after the third .Now that we have four I am DEFINITELY done.I feel VERY complete-especially as I listen to two fight over the playstation and one screaming because I gave her milk instead of juice. :upsidedow

[java]

4 here as well :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl: and we just realized that we have outsized ourselves for hotels! My two youngest are 3 and 10 months and wow that is the handful but...I wouldn't trade any of them. Did we think we were going to have 4 kids- nope- it just worked out that way and our family is just perfect for us.
Oh and I'll tell you if you get rid of the clothes- you WILL get pregnant- it just seems to work that way. :teeth:

[SqueakyMouse]

One thing is certain, if you give away/sell those baby clothes, you will have another child!! We had given away nearly everything (all but the crib) when we were surprised to discover our 3rd child on the way!! (Medically-speaking, her conception was nearly impossible, too.)

[dismom9761]

Yep-we had gotten rid of everything after our third.We never dreamed we would have a fourth.Double outnumbered. :crazy2:

[cabmom]

We have 4 boys as well! 9, 7, 5 and 2 mths. It's a crazy house some days, but we love it!

Marilynn

[Desnik]

I have 2, DD will be 8 at the end of the month and DS will be 3 in March. After DD I really didn't want another. I felt so complete with just her for a long time. I got rid of all the baby stuff. Then when she was about 3, DH and I wanted another. We got pregnant right away but lost the baby when I was about 4 months. We were heart broken. We waited a while and then tried again and had DS. He was a born early, and was a very sick baby. At birth he was a great weight, 6lbs, but he was born when I was 34 weeks. At 3 months he was only 8lbs and loosing weight. He had severe reflux, he was hospitalized 3 times. We had such a hard 1.5 years with him. We were told at one point he wouldn't make it, they labeled him "failure to thrive". It was horrible. But, we all got through it. He had to have occupational and speech theropy because he has been behind in everything. He didn't walk until 18mo. Now he only needs the speech theropy and is doing really well. I am struggling with wanting another one. DH wants another really bad! I do too, but I have all these fears of another sick baby, or another miscarriage. Also the thought of being pregnant again after I am at my ideal weight. Then I think of our vacations, eating out, how much easier it is when you are not out numbered by your kids!! I am a SAHM, and I love being home with my kids and feel really lucky to be able to. I am going to give myself a year to really think it over. I look at my kids and love them so much and think they are so wonderful, even when they are driving me nuts!! Who knows what will happen! Again I got rid of all the baby stuff so another one will probably be in my future!!!LOL

[Tiffann4k]

We have 4...had them in all in 3 years.9,7,6, & 5 ( we are between birthdays right now, my 9 year old just turned 9 last month) That was tough...due to that I had a tubal ligation done. I feel incomplete like I was meant to have one more so we are planning a reversal and hopefully going to have one more, maybe 2.

I saved most everything from when my son was born even though I had a TL. I think for most women they just know when they are done...I thought I was done but I was so young and so overwhelmed when I had #4 that I made a horrible decision that I have regret since that day.

[mrsmiller]

I have 2 boys, but due to medical reasons the doctors "fix" me without my consent, I was devastated when I woke up from the c-section and the doctor told me that because the last pregnancy was so bad on me he "decided" that I was done having children. You can imagine how I felt, because in order to have my children I spent 10yrs in fertility treatments...

Linnette

[blessedby3]

We have 3. (DD15, DS10, and DD7). We wanted 4! Need I say more?? Number 3 is quite a handfull!! She does stuff the other two would have never thought of! (ex.- putting the cat in the downstairs fridge- luckily I found DD sitting by the fridge looking like she was in trouble. I thought maybe the cat was in the dryer, but no the fridge. A little chilly, but okay) She WEARS us out every day and has MUCH more stamina than DH or I could ever muster up. I think I would have gone on and had #4, but the thought of another like #3 was just too scary. Plus DH is a twin and I have just turned 39 and Im afraid we would have twins like #3!!! :rotfl: Our first two were so mild and well behaved/mannered and now I am eating all my words that I spoke about people not keeping their kids in line or disciplining them like they shoud. God has a funny way of telling you that you are through so you know for sure!! ::yes::

[Grumpy's Wife]

I always wanted three children. My husband was content with two. It's hard to describe how, but you just know that your not complete. We now have three beautiful children and our family is done.

[Momma2Many]

Our crew consists of 8 children...six under the age of 4. I've thought we were on our last baby so many times, that I don't even try to guess now! We "fixed" things after #2, and were so regretful after a year! We decided we truly wanted more children. I just never guessed we would have this many more children! We are young, and have the most awesome kids...I imagine there could be more little ones in our future....maybe after we get five of the ones we have now out of diapers!

[katiesmom2]

OMG Mamma2Many - God bless you!!!

We have two - our daughter is almost 3 and our son just turned 1. They are sweet, easy children, but we are done - I think! I sometimes feel the urge to have one more, but I didn't handle the up-all-night-with-no-sleep thing with #2, so I am pretty sure I wouldn't do well with another. We feel blessed to have our girl and our boy. I am also approaching 37 and would worry about having a sick baby.

I loved being pregnant and felt kind of sad with #2 that it would be my last time pregnant. When I see pregnant women, I still get the urge! DH definitely feels DONE.

I suppose it could always happen, but we are content with the two beautiful children we already have. :sunny:

[fofinia]

I have two DD's. 4 and 1 yrs old. Not sure how I feel about having more. Husband wants to have a third. He started talking about it before the last one was even a week old.

Oh and DH is convinced if we go for #3 it will definitely be a boy, which he really wants. Even though the chance is only 50%. And my mom has 7 granddaughters and no grandsons. We are convinced we only make girls!!!!!

[jennifer293]

You know you have too many kids when you catch yourself in the middle of a fight saying "CALGON take me AWAY!!!".

I think I say this daily and I only have 2 girls...DD5 and DD 20mths. They are like oil and water and they fight like cats and dogs.

A friend of mine asked me how I knew I was done having kids and I told her, " You just KNOW".

I had 2 terrible pregnancies, 2 c-sections and I had gestational diabetes only to develop Type 2 diabetes 19 months after DD#2. I have gone through hell and back for these girls and I am not doing it again.

[Chris]

I have 5 and while we would have loved another, it just wasn't in the cards.
A few weeks ago, I was watching my 7 month old nephew. When he went home I was exhausted!!!!!!!! That was my Oh I'm done moment! :-D

[belle&beast]

We have 2- DD4 ::MinnieMo and DS almost 2 ::MickeyMo . I have heard so many people say they just felt complete after they brought their last baby home, and I never felt that because I LOVE the newborn baby time, nursing and cuddles- but it doesn't last long!!!! I think I knew we are done when a colleague of mine asked if we were planning any more children and I told her that I was not sure. Her reply was, "If you are willing to have 3, be ready for 4!" Her third turned out to be twins. :eek: I really had always though twins would be so wonderful, but not at this stage in my life. This happened to another friend of mine recently and I know we could not handle this now.

The confirmation was at Christmas: My neice is 5 months and is a beautiful and happy baby and I love to spend time with her. At Christmas I watched my SIL and BIL stress about her sleeping and eating habits and I realized that soon my DS will be potty trained, he eats independently and I can have an adult conversation while my children play! It was a big revelation for me. As much as I love the "baby stage" my kids are so much fun and I am having fun spoiling other people's babies now! :goodvibes

[DawnaJean]

One thing is certain, if you give away/sell those baby clothes, you will have another child!! We had given away nearly everything (all but the crib) when we were surprised to discover our 3rd child on the way!! (Medically-speaking, her conception was nearly impossible, too.)

hee hee hee :rotfl2:

Isn't that the case! If you want one more, then sell or give away all that baby stuff.....

I think you do know when you are "done".....sometimes though just holding a friend's sleeping baby just makes me think....what about one more????

Dawna

[MamaLema]

We have 3 boys ages 2, 7, and 9.

I know for sure we're done as I think it's abnormal to have this many grey hairs at 30. :teeth:

[mask_w03]

Dh is happy with just our DD and I'm happy with just her too, but I feel part of me has more love to give and would love 1 more child. I'm hoping in 2-3 yrs when we talk about another Dh's mind change. He wasn't even sure about having one, but he is so in love with her and can't imagine her not being around now.

But I think it has to be a personal choice on this one. For some 1 is just perfect and for others 5 might be perfect.

[gabbysmom04]

I am so glad I started this thread. It is great to read about how other people feel about this. I keep looking at DDs old clothes and thinking I should sell them, then I start to think I want another little girl to put them on. Maybe I just like the clothes? :rotfl2:

[kfeuer]

We have 2 boys, DS 5 and DS almost 3. DH and I both got the baby urge a couple months ago, but after hard deliberation we decided we really need to stop where we are. If somebody could guarantee us a girl, we'd go for it but since obviously there are no guarantees it doesn't make sense to have another just trying for a girl. Plus, I'm 35 and had difficult pregnancies/deliveries. I'd hate to add "advanced maternal age :scared: " to my already long list of risk factors!

This is just my opinion, but I think you're way too close to the birth of your last child to make this decision right now. If you have the room, hold onto your stuff for awhile and eventually you'll know what you want to do. Congrats on the new baby!

[gabbysmom04]

I know it is very early to really be thinking about another baby. My DH has been talking about selling our DDs old stuff and I am trying to decide if I should do it. Has anyone wanted to keep things even if they are sure they do not want more kids? I am scared at the thought of another sick baby and the heartache that goes along with that. But I feel that there is another baby I am meant to have. I just don't feel complete, problem is that DH sure does! I also don't want the two DC I have to miss out on anything if I have another. I want to give them everything I can!

[belle&beast]

We are done, but I did save a few special outfits that I would miss if we did have another child. I saved home from the hospital outfits, Christening gowns, first Christmas and Easter outfits and a few other things that were our favorites. I had a hard time parting with the teeny tiny clothes, but I sold everything that was in good condition on ebay and we are using the money to go to WDW--we leave tomorrow!

I have a wonderful extended family and should we have a little surprise, we have lots of people that will send gifts- I hardly could use everything we received! I know we are blessed with such a family, but I think it made it easier to sell/donate out kids' things.

[budbeerlady]

I think you just know. We always said two, but we had DD (5) and for a year or two later talked about having another. But you just know. One is good for us, it just feels right. Plus when I see siblings fighting in the store I know we make the right decision! You just know what works for you! I hear once a week (I swear) dont you want more than just one. NO thanks! Sometimes I am temped to say (gotta know the out of control non-disciplined children in this family and the parents) shouldnt you have stopped at two? Do what you feel in your heart.

[BAYSIDE MOM]

If your youngest is 8 weeks and you are already wondering whether to have another, I bet you will! I always wanted 4 until I had my 3rd. Every one of them was planned and very much loved, but for us the third put us over the edge! We are also "older" parents, so even though I have much more patience now then I did in my twenties, I certainly don't have the energy I did in my twenties! I knew I wanted my oldest daughter to have a sister (something I do not), so when our youngest was a girl that kind of cemented my decision. I had very easy pregnancies and deliveries too, and the kids are all healthy so that made it easier. My kids are close in age, my oldest was 4, when I had the baby, now 20 months, maybe if they were older and a little more independent, that would have changed my mind and we would have gone for #4. . Now that the two oldest will be in school full time soon, I get a twinge for another little one, but at 40 and with the risk of birth defects and being a senior citizen when the youngest gets out of college, I think thats it! keep ypur baby things for a little longer!

[llp479]

My first pregnancy was twins, identical girls. We had said when we got married we would maybe have 3. Girls were 3 when dd#3 was born. When she was a year, DH said number 4 was up to me, but don't expect him to get up at night.

By then DH was 46 and I was 34, so I thought about what that meant long term, how old we would be when we were finally "empty nesters" and able to be just the two of us. The twins were honeymoon babies, so we never really had any time to be just the two of us. Had we both been younger, I probably would have had a fourth, but I don't regret not having one.

My SIL&BIL had a miracle baby last year when she was 43 and he was 47. While I love to spend time with her, I'm so glad it's them and not me, and I'm younger than my SIL. Our girls are 12 & 9 and it's so nice not to have to always have a babysitter, or worry about being home when they get home from school.

[ladyelle]

We have five children four boys and one girl. The twin boys are 8. The triplets are 6. We were just fine handling the twins and thought a girl might be nice. So, we got 2 more boys for free and life has never been the same. Instant family with 5 under 2 years old.

Needless to say, we are done. Our conversion van only holds 7. :)

[PaulaSue]

DH and I are both only children so we wanted to have 2 or more close together to have each other. We do have cousins but not close to them.

I have 3 and I am done and VERY HAPPY with that. I lost one between first 2 DDs and my 2nd DD's twin early on, besides all the complications (extra surgeries because of the losses and DD's having medical problems, 2 vessel and others after birth) I had with each pregnancy so I had my tubes done after DD3.

I love being preggo, my body doesn't, and love the babies. (I was a Nanny before my own) IF money ever got better and we got a bigger house I have thought of adopting another child. But, honestly I don't think I will have the urge even if all the cards fell into place.

[grlpwrd]

I am mom to 5 (4 girls and 1 boy), ages 14, 11, 7, 2.5, and 6mo. It gets crazy sometimes, but my dh and I always wanted 4 or 5 kids.

I know I'm done so I cherish each baby moment. :)

[idreamofdisney24/7]

I'm expecting our 4th right now.. (our other three are 11, 8, 2).
Trying to book a Disney trip is getting more difficult!!! I think that is when we know when to stop.. ::yes:: I could have a bunch of them running around..but, paying for private school and yearly trips to Disney..we've got to stop somewhere..Plus, the thought of paying for 3 daughter's weddings!! EEK!! :scared1:

[Tinkerbellmom33]

Done!!
We have three, Ds 11, Dd 8 & Dd 2 1/2. I thought we were done at 2 but then we were suprised with #3 and I lost it. I didn't know how I felt with that one. I was afraid to have 3. Then when I lost it I felt horrible and like something was missing. So we tried again and she's here!! :rotfl:
I love her so much!! She's definitely the third child and completely different then the other two. I couldn't imagine not having her in our lives. But that's enough. I'm tired! :flower:... "Fixed", finished.!
Dh wants a 4th, no thanks! I told him he has to get pregnant this time and do all those fun things on no sleep the first three months! :rotfl:
Beware of giving things away!! I did that after Dd #1 and had to start all over again, crib and all!! I did save some clothes though...love those pretty little outfits that bring back memeories :goodvibes
Keep them, you might change your mind. ;)

[Kelnstephen]

I have one DD age 5 Months in a couple of days. I said when I was in my twenties I wanted no kids. Then me and DH went to Dw in September 2004 stayed at WL and he is 4 years older and said if I wanted kids that when we got back home was the time. When we were on Vacation I was still thinking no but all of a sudden at the end of October I threw out the Birthcontrol. What the Heck Well 6 weeks later I was Pregnant and Had DD in August of 2005. So at age 30 I Have number one. And I want one more. I thought one would be it but no. So we have decieded to try for Number 2 in 2007 so I have my second around 33 years of age. I Did have a c-section which was planned by the doctors and will have another c-section second time around. But I was out of the hospital less than 48 hours so I recovered quick. But I couldn't imagine life without kids what was I thinking? I think I had so much freedom and went were ever I wanted and on vaction when ever. But we still can afford Disney once a year. I Would love to stay home with DD But I had to go back to work. We are building a new house but I'm lucky my mother owns a daycare. So we got to Grammy's House 4 days a week.

Kelly

[sweetpeakaris]

I have 4. My son is 7, and my girls are 12, 5, 3. My son would love to have a baby brother and we would like to have another child oneday. I do have a feeling of being incomplete, I love babies and miss having one around, but the longer I wait to have one, the more I almost change my mind. I don't miss the diaper changing, lol :flower:

[rt2dz]

Everybody has their own magic number and different reasons for reaching it. My sister quit one shy of the planned 4 due to a difficult pregnancy. Another sister was totally dismayed to find herself pg with #3, two was all they could afford. I had a friend say she didn't want the kids to outnumber them. Another friend said two hands, two kids. I know people who don't think they could love another one as much as they love the one they have. Or are afraid of how to have two. Some people quit because of age. Some just never get pregnant again. My neighbor couldn't conceive, was told it was impossible. Went through IVF, got quads. At 1, she got pg. Wasn't using birth control b/c she didn't think it was possible. 3 months after having that one, birth control failed and she had #6. They both took permant measures to prevent a 7th. :rotfl2:

As for me, I had a horrible rotten pregnancy my first time. It was awful. 9 months of morning sickness where I thre up on the hour every hour. I was on limited activity. I couldn't drive, I was having black outs due to the way he kicked nerves. His kicking broke 3 of my ribs. I went through 24 hours of labor (hard labor, I don't count the pre-stuff). My life was on the line and he went into distress. I had emergency c-section that left me in horrible shape. I couldn't even stand up straight for two weeks. During this time, I was planning the second. :scratchin He was the worlds best baby--slept through the night before he was one month. I wish I knew how lucky I was and could have appreciated him. The payoff with the pregnancy was worth it.

My second pregnancy was worse--much, MUCH worse. And I had a 2 year old. I was on bedrest. I kept going into premature labor. I was supposed to have a vbac, but wound up with emergency c-section #2. He came down with RSV at 2 weeks and had many complications which has kept him quite sick. He almost died several times. At two, he still doesn't sleep through the night. He is beyond active and keeps me running. He can be quite needy. He doesn't understand the word "no" and comes up with amazing things. A cat in the freezer wouldn't even cause me to blink. To call him "high maintance" is being so exteremly nice. EVERYONE knew I was done. Anyone who has a child (either attitudeor illness--and we had both) and/or pregnacy like that quits. Except me. I knew I was having a third. :faint:

Pregnancy #3 was much more like my first. Still not good, but good for me. I have another 4 month little angel, although not as good as my first. And I'm pretty sure I'll have that fourth.

I don't feel outnumber at all. DS4 sits on my side, and DS2 and DS4 months share my lap. When we go out to eat, DH and I sit across from each other, next to one child and one in the middle. We accept out children for who they are and work with their personalities. I think we realistic going into it, which helps a lot.

I will have that fourth close in age (no bigger than a just 3 year age difference). I too long to be out of certain stages and find having the two so close in age is better than the 3 year age gap I have is so much nicer. Oh well, I can go on, but I wouldn't. This is long enough.

[jodifla]

We are one and done.

I'm surprised at all the big families. Don't think I even know anyone personally who has more than two!

[AdventurerKat]

When people ask me if I am done having kids, I say I am 99.9% sure I am. Its the .1% that keeps me from doing anything permanent about it.

I have two DS, 6 and 2.5, and for some reason people seem to think my life is not complete without having a girl too. I used to think the same way but I don't anymore. I am happy with my two little guys and I don't think I will have anymore children. I did, however, get a female kitten. And believe me, she's a handful!

[disney50fam]

I have 5 *see sig*
10, 8,6,5,and 2 in march....

I am done TRUST me. that I was done after 3 but hello my girls wanted to be born I guess.. LOL

[tweedlewtwinsmama]

We have 2 boys 6year old twins. I don't know if we are done yet or not. I'm still about 50/50. One of my sons wants a sister and told me to stop taking that pill that stops me from having a baby :scared1: In reality I am not sure I can have just one because I needed help with the twins.

[RobInBigKC]

We have four amazingly wonderful boys -- ages 13, 10, 7, and 4. There were times (especially during the twelve years of diaper changing) that I envied those families with only two children -- like when we we're car shopping or trying to do things out in public like get a seat at a crowded restaurant or a room that will affordably sleep the whole family at WDW (Fort Wilderness cabins anyone?).

DS13 and DS10 thrilled us and I probably would have felt complete at two kids but, now that he's in our lives I absolutely, positively, don't see how I could have ever lived without DS7. He has some amazing talents that my first two DS's didn't have (although they each do have talents of their own) and a competitive and leadership style (at age 7) that I am in awe of.

I'm sure DS4 will continue to grow on me as well and will show why he is unique (besides the unique manner in which he finds ways to misbehave -- after 3 boys, I would have thought I'd seen it all!).

Four boys all with their own unique personalities yet at the same time similar enough to know they are brothers. The best thing about four boys is that there's always something happening (except for those roughly six hours each night when all four are asleep at the same time)!

The reason we have four? It just felt right to us. It was also the number we agreed on before we ever got married -- she (the only child) originally wanted 12 while I (with one sister) originally wanted 2 -- we compromised at 4. But 13 years into the marriage, when we decided to stop, I think we would have had more if we still wanted to regardless of what we said before we married.

I have to say that me going under the knife was a leap of faith (in more ways than one) because we weren't fully sure that it was time to stop but we have since felt happy and content with the four we have and never regretted the decision (although I imagine the desire to have another might hit some when our DS4 heads off to school next year and the house is empty during the schoolday).

-- Rob

[Whosemom]

As one of three mysself, I always wanted 4. Two always play together, (or ride together at the parks :earsboy: ) and one feels left out. Its not always the same two, just that, hmmmm, how many CAN play checkers? So an even number was in the plans.

But then having #3, he got "stuck" so I got the mega-long active labor AND a c-section. It was a nightmare. Then, at 8 weeks he developed RSV, and was quite sick for that whole first winter. And my thought was, if you can guarentee an easy birth and healthy baby-time, I'm up for it! But of course there are no guarantees, and frankly I was tired. DH too.

But still we waited to decide. We started having those baby urges at about the same time after #1 and #2, about 15 months, so we waited until #3 was that old to give our "FINAL ANSWER". And it was "done".

And I DO feel our family is complete, although I frequently suspect I was correct 4 would be easier than 3. But what the heck, DH will retire the same year DS graduates, so it was the right decision in more than one way.

[lillygator]

We have two princesses, 3 and 11 months....I had awesome pregnancies and loved being pregnant although I am on the fence whether to have more children or not simply for selfish reasons.

My DH would like a team of some sort though....I told him we can just have fun trying!

[cakesnkids]

We have three, one boy sandwiched in the middle of two girls, which worked perfectly for us. Someone else said ti I am sure, but it's a choice that's very personal, I have 3, my sister one, and my mom has one the same age as my oldest which she adopted, so it's all relative to wehre you are in life and what your wants are. I personally know that we can't afford more than 3, and I had a hysterectomy due to medical reasons and am glad that I had my 3 when I did.

[sanctus]

I've got 3 kids, now 10, 8, and 6, and I had a hard time saying I was done. I settled for "I don't want another one right now" until my youngest was 4, and then it hit me that I just didn't want to do diapers and up all night again. Once you start to get some freedom back, it's hard to think of giving it up. But it was a hard decision for me, and I still wonder sometimes. Of course, DH had a vasectomy, so I'd have some tall explaining to do if I turned up pg now!

[SeeDisney]

Well, way back when, my DH and I really thought we were done at 2 and then I had the desire to have another so we had 3 and baby #4 is our surprise and we're very very happy with four kids.

[skent10]

4 here as well :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl: and we just realized that we have outsized ourselves for hotels! My two youngest are 3 and 10 months and wow that is the handful but...I wouldn't trade any of them. Did we think we were going to have 4 kids- nope- it just worked out that way and our family is just perfect for us.
Oh and I'll tell you if you get rid of the clothes- you WILL get pregnant- it just seems to work that way. :teeth:

Holy cow, you're me!

I always wanted 2, was thrilled to get 1 girl and 1 boy (and felt complete). DH had wanted 2 or 3, but was happy to stop at 2 since I felt done. I wanted him to get the "big V" but he wanted to wait a little while in case anything should happen to one of the children, since DD was only 22 months and DS was only 9 months old.

I didn't push him, but sold all my maternity clothes and infant stuff at our church's consignment sale. A week later, the pregnancy test was positive! The sonogram half-way through the pregnancy revealed it was twins!!! :faint:

I never in my wildest dreams imagined having 4 children, and now I can't imagine my life without them! As my DH puts it, our parenting style has switched from "man-to-man coverage" to "zone coverage."

But man, I love my life! :grouphug:

[kizmac]

This is a great thread...........I have 6 kids and the question of how do you know when you're done has been a question that has been with me for the past 14 years....still am not sure I know the answer LOL. I think it's a question that can get even harder with the more kids you have because you see for your own eyes how different and special each one is and you reflect back on what you would have missed had you stopped. Everyone's purpose here on Earth is different. So no one's decisions or reasonings are going to be the same. You may be destined to be a doctor or lawyer or work at Walmart. I believe that my purpose was to bring these 6 kids into the world and then probably work at Walmart when they all go to school...LOL.
Here is a pic of my family
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/kizmac/P1020045.jpg

My oldest dd is 14 and then my 4 boys are 11,8,5,4,and then my youngest dd will be 2 in March. I will be 36 tomorrow (ugh :crazy2: ). Anyhow, to the OP....you're kids are soooo young so DON'T sell your baby stuff yet. ( I still haven't sold anything LOL) At least give it a year. I think you will be a little more sure by then.

I came from a family of 4. It was just me and my younger brother. I hated not having a bunch of siblings and it especially sucks now that I am older. My brother and I have never been close. That has greatly influenced my life and family size. I want more in life for my kids and that is why I have had 6 kids ironically. Some may say I could give more to 2 but could I really? I am not extremely religious but I do believe in God and that he provides what he feels you need......maybe we would not be where we are today financially if we only had two kids. My DH's ambition for his career may not have been as strong and he may not have been as willing to take some risks he has along the way. We actually make more money now than we did when I was still working. So there is no way of being sure that two kids could of had more than 6 and frankly, the extra life experiences that each individual child brings to the family dynamic is worth so much more to everyone involved than material things could ever be. We still sometimes live paycheck to paycheck (especially around holidays) mostly but we do just fine. We don't drive new cars but we do take trips to Disney. What more could we ask for!?

Go with your heart and don't let things like money and other peoples opinions on what your family size should be influence your decision. Also, don't set an age cut off. I had always said no way after 30 and honestly...that was silly. I think kids keep you young. I witnessed it with many friends and family. I know people who had kids in their 40's and it completely transformed them (for the better,LOL). If you are less than 100% sure NEVER do anything permanent. My DH had a big "V" scheduled for 3 weeks after DD was born but I made him cancel. I do believe we will go ahead with it this year, but I did not want to be influenced by hormones or anything else when it came to that decision. Also, don't be influenced by how many can fit in a hotel room or having ride partners at amusement parks!LOL....I hear that so many times and it is so trivial....no worries...it works out! Believe me.....the more the merrier! :grouphug:

[BuzzLightYear3]

We were all set with 2.....DS was 4 years older than DD. Once DD was 1, I sold all our baby stuff, DH had his surgery, and we were all set.....moving on with the next phase of our lives. DH went back for the surgery follow-ups--after 4 months we were given the "green light".....1 month later, I was pregnant. At first, I was devasted.....loved my kids....but hated the whole pregnancy thing.....no serious problems.....just 9+ months of all-day nausea. Plus I was really afraid that 3 kids that were 7 years apart would force us to always be splitting up and would keep us from doing more things together as a full family. That's now 6 years behind us though, and I can't even imagine life without our 3rd, a DS. From the start, we just fit him into our schedules, and he has turned out to be an incredibly easy-going, appreciative little guy. He's a kid that expects nothing and gives back everything.....always wanting to give me a hug, a goodnight kiss, to come tell me he loves me, etc. Of course, our other kids are great too.....each in their own way. We really are done now (again).....at least I hope so!.....but after this experience, a small part of me will always wonder what could be. I guess what I've learned is to try for what you think you want, and then just go with the flow!

[momto3gr8boys]

You always have one more than you can handle. Or your spouse can handle.

Often if you have a great kid first (and second), you keep going until you get the kid that makes you understand why some parents have a continual "deer in the headlights" look. One of my girlfriends and one of my cousins both had this kid as #3. The first two were independant, quiet, good listeners, well behaved, self potty trained, slept through the night kids. The third was the "every bedtime a battle," timeout chair needs to be equiped with duct tape, volume always set to high and speed set to fast kids. That's when they knew they were done.

this post cracked me up, because it is soooo true lol. i have three...number 2 was a no brainer, but after #2 i just didn't feel "done". i also had two very easy babies first...so, a third just seemed like it wouldn't be too much more. well, then i had DS #3...oh boy has he sent me over the edge lol. he'd 5 now and i still haven't recovered :-) anyway, after he was born, i just "knew" i was done.

[D,L and K's Mom]

We planned DS. DSwas born and we were thrilled to have a baby boy. After we became aware of the problems DS would have because of his disablility we started having conversations about him being our only one. We had seen a genetic Dr etc....although DS's stroke was just a "fluke" and was rare we decided that DH would visit the Dr. when we were all done with DS's testing, until then I would continue to take precautions. When we were going in for Ds's MRI they ask you the standard questions...one of them being could you be pregnant. Um...no I don't think so but now that I stop and think...maybe is isnt all the stress. They didnt let me go in and yup.....I was pregnant.(antibiotics were the probably what helped this I wasnt to careful) We were shocked but thrilled we figured it was ok and we could handle it. DD was born and she is now 14 and in perfect health. Two years ago I started to have severe cramping and a few other symptoms. The Dr was convinced it was kidney stones. I went in for an ultrasound and was shocked to learn that my kidney stone had a heartbeat. DD was the reason for the cramping etc...I am convinced she was angry already that we were not paying much attention to her and she really wanted us to know she was there!!! DD was born and she is 2 and a bouncing, healthy little girl. I think I should go to the local High School and talk to the girls and tell them,"Yes it can happen I have living proof or the .3% right here!!! This time I was VERY VERY VERY Careful DD was just one of those rare times.. Oh, DH never did go to the Dr...he chickened out! I took care of it this time with my c-section. My oldest daughter told us that DD#2 was the piece of our family we never new we were missing and I have to agree with her. We even had this put on her birth announcements!! My family just sort of fell into place and I am so thankful :grouphug: for my perfcet family of 5!!! (well 7 if you add the :dog: and 2 :cat: :cat: )