well the prob is realistically most of us have financial obligations and these do inevitably help us make a decision as to how many kids we have. 4 is def a stretch so you guys with more well done, cos I know we do ok but lucky for us we have a very small mortgage. Otherwise I would def have to work, and I feel it is important for me to be home at this time, esp for myself as much as for the little girls. Also would be not worth me working as childcare for 2 is far too expensive. And it is dear enough when they are little but way dearer as they get older. I shudder to think of the time when all 4 are in school, we will have 2 in sec and 2 in prim school, as will some of you others, or worse 3 in sec.

Lindie- our deadline was 30 as well, and Jessica was born a 6 wks bf my 30th and 8 wks bf Dh's 30th. So it all fitted perfectly. I also consider mysef so lucky to have had 4 children who are healthy and have no problems either mentally or physically. I guess sometimes the more you roll the dice the more chance of something going wrong.