I got married at 20, dh was 26. Had dd at 22 (dh was 28) on our 2 year anniversary, and ds at 24 (dh was 30).
It was planned because we knew I would need fertility help. We were very blessed with dd to not need any assistance to get pg. We loved parenthood, and I have to say it was a very easy transition for us. Just felt very natural. So we started trying again as soon as I was ovulating again. Had many early miscarriages, and with the help of fertility drugs got pg with ds. It was a very traumatic pg. I had a placenta abruption, spent months not being allowed to hold dd, was told ds would likely have brain damage as a result of the abruption (he doesn't). So when he arrived healthy we made the difficult decision to not have anymore kids (based on the Dr saying she wouldn't recommend or support it). So I was done at 24 also. It was a very hard transition from 1 to 2 kids. I think because of all the trauma involved. But because of that I would say age has very little to do with patience for having kids. When dd was born I was abundantly patient and took joy in everything... even the diaper changes. But after ds I had nightmares for months, I could never sleep because I was sure he wasn't ok, I had to relearn how to care for my daughter (4 months of having my mom and friend care for her while I was stuck in bed unable to get up and not allowed to hold her) while getting to know my ds. It took a long time to get back on track from that. And I don't know if he has ever experienced the level of patience dd had from me in her first 2 years.
We made some tough choices in the early years for me about my career. i had my dream job offer lined up when I learned I could have trouble having kids. When it came down to it, I decided if something were to happen tomorrow that I would be sadder to have not had kids and had an awesome career, then vs versa. So I have my kids, and have no doubt I could still have an awesome career somewhere in the future. I also decided at that time to be a SAHM (although I did take some evening and early morning classes to finish school in the early months, while dh was with dd). It wasn't to hard on us because I had been in school and not working to begin with, so suddenly my tuition money was just going to diapers and babyfood instead. It did mean we didn't buy our first home till dd was 3, but we more then met our goal which was to have her in a great school district, in a safe, kid friendly neighborhood by the time she started kindergarten. I have some friends who chose career first, and got so used to living a 2 salary lifestyle, that when it came time to quit to be home with their kids they couldn't afford to. So just be aware and make sure the choices you are making (what sized home to buy, etc) will be able to be paid for under 1 income, and you should be fine.
There is no "right" age to have a baby, just whats right for you and your dh.
I didn't post a thread, but yes. Thanks! I'm due Easter Sunday.
