How did you decide how many children you were going to have?

[MrsFabuloso]

I always wanted at least 3, but 4 seemed a great number. DH only wanted 2, so we compromised at 3. I desperately still wanted #4 up until probably 6-12 months ago. I still have a little urge there inside me, but life is just so easy now, compared to having babies and toddlers. Plus DH still doens't want more children, mostly for practical reasons- we'd need a new car, we have no more of our baby stuff....

My last bub is now 3, almost 4. He's sleeping in his own bed, by himself all night until a decent hour in the morning (no more 4 am starts after being awake with him 3 or more times a night)!!! He is much more self sufficient, no more nappies or bum wiping, he dresses himself, feeds himself (most days!) My bigger kids can get their own simple breakfasts, and even make their own lunches. DD (who is 7 1/2) even made tacos for dinner last night (under close daddy supervision of course!)! I just don't know if I could go through the sleeplessness, and the helplessness of a baby and toddler again. I don't know if I could do pregnancy again. I've had AND/PND pretty badly with all pregnancies/babies and I just don't know if I could do that to myself and my family again.

Plus, my SIL had #3 and 4 in a very short period recently, and is near to 40. She has a 12 year and 9 year gap between #3 and #1 and 2. Watching her struggle with the babies and getting things done for the bigger kids, like school pick ups, dropping off for sports ect, while the babies are asleep...she seems so exhausted. It just shows me I don't really think I want that.

If you had have asked me a year ago, the answer would be I still want another, but DH doesn't. Now, I erring much more on the side of not having more kids. Life is good right now.

[trishalishous]

nature decided for us.
2 on earth, 4 in heaven, and one baking away. This is it for me, Im exhausted and cant wait for the next 200 odd days to be over, and DH is getting the snip.