Do you ever want another one?

[zumbamama]

And then snap back to reality? Sometimes when I see other babies, or watch flix like Baby Mama, or see a baby commercial, or even my kids' baby videos, I think I want another one. Aww...they are so cute, I would love to have that feeling of rocking baby to sleep again. But then I think, am I nuts? Do I want to blow up my body again, go through another c-section, be deprived of sleep for another year, etc. etc. I already have 3! I just potty trained the last one...diaper freedom at last! Why would I even think of having another one. I can't afford another year of formula and diapers in this economy! But when I go to Target, those little fleece sleepers are so darling and I start getting nostalgic again.

[Anonymous]

Oh yes, often, but I know I couldn't handle another child. I don't expect the feeling to ever go away, but I also don't think it means that our decision to stop where are is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Oh yes! The good moments are absolutely priceless! But then reality strikes and I reminded of the more difficult times. I wish I gfelt like I could handle more than one, but I know my limitations!

[Anonymous]

Every day. And I have enough kids. There are a million logical reasons to stop now. The youngest is still under 1 and breastfeeding. But I still hope I'll find myself accidentally pregnant - every day.
Will it ever stop?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I very much do want another baby.

but I am sure I DON'T want another preschooler, or school-age child, or probably a teenager (mine aren't teens, so I can't say this with certainty but I just have a hunch).

Since babies grow into the above-mentioned categories, I cannot have another baby. Period.

[zumbamama]

Actually I like them better when they're school age. No more diapers, less whining. My teenager is low maintenance...don't have to dress her every morning! Which is why it is strange that I want, or think I want another a baby. I should just babysit my neighbor's baby and then reality will sink in really good. But she's so adorable it might make me want one more. ok ok, i'm losing it now.

[Anonymous]

It is easy to be swayed by the cute-factor of newborns/infants and babies in the 0-12 mo. range. Their gummy smilies, soft skin, the innocence, and their sheer reliance and dependentabitly on YOU to sustain them. Who doesn't love that?

It's human nature to want to feel important (ever heard of the phrase "knowledge is power") and being a mom (or dad) to a newborn definitely taps into that instinct.

But like you pointed out already, zumbamama, there are definitely reality checks - the diapers, the sleep, the physical and emotional challenges, etc. You "survived" the milestones of motherhood so far (even potty training x3 yipee!) which is great to read (and inspiring to others like me).

[zumbamama]

Yes, and the fact that my last pregnancy was terrible should be a huge red flag. 3 months bed rest, 11wks premature, NICU for 2 months....then all my hard work getting my mudslide belly back into shape...ugh...I don't think my body can take all that again.

[Anonymous]

I have a 10month old, and i want another. We are going to wait several years, but I wonder if I will always want more. I hate (and love at the same time) that the first year goes by so fast! Its not fair. I love that soft chubby skin.

[Anonymous]

borrow a friend/relative's baby for a week - one who does not sleep through the night yet. That should snap you back to reality

[Anonymous]

I have two and would love two more but I had very high risk pregnancies, and NICU time. It just seems too dangerous to risk it again so we are sticking with two. While there are many benefits to having a big family there are some benefits to a smaller family.

Travel is easier and cheaper. Couldn't imagine 6 tickets to CA to visit Grandma twice a year. The kids are close in age so we can pick activities that everyone enjoys. Its easier to do things that require more supervision like swimming. I can keep my smaller car and not buy a minivan or SUV. Logistics will be easier when they get into school and both have sports and activities. We can soon take down all the gates, and not build a fortess around the Christmas tree to keep one from climbing it.