As I’m standing in my kitchen cooking dinner and listening to my kids playing in the other room, I can’t help but think how nice this is. They have become pretty self sufficient and independent (to a degree), even at 5 and 7. And, as I am alone in the kitchen, I can’t help but to think back to when they were babies. I would have one on my hip as I was trying to cook. And you know what…I don’t want to do that again.
I remember after having our daughter and knowing that I wanted more children. It was when she was about 3 months old that I thought, “I can see how women can get pregnant so close together.” I was feeling good and starting to think I had this “mom” thing down. So for those of you with children in that 12-15 month age range, I so get it!
Fast-forward a short 26 months after having our son, and it was a different story. First off, the first 6 months seemed like a blur to me. I know those months happened because I made sure to take photos. Sometime after we finally got into a good routine with two kids in the house, someone asked me if we wanted more kids, and my answer was…NO!
It’s not that I had hard pregnancies or labors. Or that the kids were extremely fussy or anything. It was just the opposite – uncomplicated (minus delivering four weeks early), quick and easy labors, good feeders, etc. It was just that I knew I didn’t want any more kids.
(Us during the six months of haze after #2)
I’m not sure exactly what made the change in me, but I just had this feeling in my heart that I wouldn’t be a good mother to three kids. It just wasn’t something I could see for myself. Part of it may be selfish on my part in that I do like my sleep and having control over my body (as opposed to growing someone inside for nine months and then feeding them from 6-12 months after that). But whatever the reason, I am a mom to two kids and that is enough for me!
Our Family of Four
On a side note, I’m not saying that if the good Lord didn’t take matter in his own hands, and we ended up with a third, that I wouldn’t love him or her with all my heart. It would just take a lot of praying and effort on my part. So until that happens, I am perfectly content with my two!
How about you? When did you know you were done having kids?
I have 4 kids, and I know I want 1 more. I love our busy life, and I want a house full of teenagers coming and going. I love seeing the relationships that develop between my kids, especially when a new baby comes along. I feel that, as a SAHM, I am able to give them all the attention they need/deserve on a day-to-day basis. But, I also am so confident that 5 is the number, that when I go in for my c-section, I will have the dr. tie my tubes. Not sure how to explain it, but I know 5 is where we will stop!
Sarah, that is awesome to want 5 kids!! I love the idea of a house full if kiddos – I hung out at one of those houses in high school, and I am still best friends with her!! Love all those babies and cherish every moment if it!!
I love this, Beth! Love how you said you knew you wouldn’t be as good of a mom to more kids. So wise — and so not selfish!
Thanks Lauren! I don’t know what it is, I just don’t think I personally would be good with more than 2.
Beth, this is a sweet and honest post. I adore you already, and you kiddos are super cute!