Karin

>
> For the longest time I thought that I wanted 3 children. Now that I
> have two, I am strongly believing more and more every day that 2 is my
> personal limit. I love my children with everything in me. I spend
> practically 24 hours a day with them and I treasure every second (even
> those hard ones). However, I am realistic. My children wear me out.
> My children cost A LOT! There are times with two when I am home alone
> that I cannot physically meet both of their needs. How would I do this
> with more than what I have?

Yes, I feel the same way about the 2 boys that I have (who are 9 & 11). I am
SO glad to have them and it's such a wonderful experience watching them grow
up and sharing life with them. BUT, I also know that I would have a hard
time having another one or two or three (yikes!) children. I would become a
physical wreck, I think. I would end up really resenting being a mom and I
think it would take all the joy out of motherhood for me, personally. Having
babies was an awesome experience but NOBODY could talk me into having more.
Sleepless nights, feeling like a zombie, more mouths to feed, diapers,
etc... no thanks, I'm done. I am thankful that those days are behind me.

Does that make me a bad, selfish mother? I don't know but I just really love
and appreciate the life we have right now. Our "little" family unit is just
perfect, IMO. OTOH, if I were to get pregnant by accident at this point, I
*would* embrace my new baby - I just wouldn't do it if I had a choice.


>> I love seeing happy and healthy large families. Those that are
> fulfilled seem SO fulfilled. I envy them. I look at them and see
> children that aren't as demanding as mine and I think that perhaps that
> is HOW their parents were capable of being good parents to the number of
> children in their family.

Me too. When I see a mom with a large family, I truly respect and honor her
for having whatever it takes (that I don't have) to raise those kids. More
power to her and her husband. It's a wonderful thing, I'm sure. Just not for
me.

Karin