I don't in the end but that doesn't mean I don't realise the downsides to my situation, just that they are outweighed by the positives. My children were not planned so it sort of happened when it happened (first born just after 21, second after 24). If I had of chosen I'm not sure I would have ever had children so I'm kind of thankful it happened this way because I had no idea what I was missing out on. I feel forever grateful for this twist in my life.

Things I love about being a young mum is that I have a lot of energy. Little to no sleep doesn't phase me so I can parent the way that speaks to me with ease (co-sleeping, feeding to sleep, letting them sleep through in their own time which was just before 3 for the first and yet to be seen in the second), the running around and constant demand of it all is not overwhelmingly tiring (I can baby-wear my youngest all day while exploring with my oldest), I just feel in a good place to be dealing with the whole thing and motherhood feels very suited to my life right now. I had easy pregnancies and birth which might have been influenced by being young and fit. My parents are young enough still to chase after the kids and give them a lot of time and energy. They are very involved and it makes me think that I might have a similar relationship with my grandchildren should I ever be blessed in that way because there is every chance I'll still be quite sprightly. It inspired me onto a pathway in life I never would have chosen myself, it led me to my partner. It taught me SO much and made me a better person. I appreciate my parents and time in a whole new way, I am motivated in a whole new way. I'm glad I have gotten this insight to life at a young age.

Things that aren't so great are not having ANY time as just a couple with DP (already had DD1 when we met). We often wistfully imagine what life would have been like just as us two before kids although the good thing about being young is we have many years once they are more independent to enjoy. Having DD1 not being my partner's kind of sucks although I love who DD1 is so it is a tough thing really, I guess the genes were a good combination. I couldn't have DD1 without her dad, it is just an extra complication I could do without. Not having set up ourselves more financially although we have no debt so I guess it could be worse, we do pretty well.

I absolutely adore being a family of four. I love just kicking back together at the beach or the park, I just feel happy being together (just got back from the pool actually and having some quick downtime while they nap before a late lunch out and then off to the grandparents to explore the Christmas lights and that is just the absolute perfect day in my book). If somebody could timelock my children as they are right now for me to defrost in a few years I don't think I would be tempted to take them up on the offer although I can appreciate what benefits there are to having waited, I like things just the way they are.

Not sure if this influences things but I had already traveled pretty extensively overseas (although there are still places on my list) and was never a big drinker (never been drunk) or partier.