My son, Brayden, is almost 2 1/2 and the topic on my mind lately is another baby. It kind of hit me like it did before I had Brayden. Some call it baby fever. Once the idea is there it is on your mind a lot.
Like most moms who are thinking of having another baby, be it #2 or #5 there is that thought when is the right time?
There is no magic number if years to have between kids or a perfect formula for planning kids. And realistically once you want another it may not even happen right away. The planning part is all up to the universe.
I am an only child and thought I would be OK with one kiddo but when I think about our family I think four is the number for us. And who knows maybe in 5 years I will entertain the idea of three kids...LOL...even though I laugh at that now.
I tell myself well when we have more money would be a good time or when we have a bigger place or when Brayden is older and in school. But really none of that will matter. We adjusted well and quickly to having B, special needs and all. So whatever the circumstances we adjusted and adapt to change.
Although a magic formula would be nice it's just not how it works. We just need to dive in and take a chance.
What are some things you considered before having another child?
Currently pregnant with #2, my husband says we are done. I have always said I wanted 3 kids (actually 4, but I scaled it back for him) and he says we can't even afford 1, let alone 3! But like you said, you adjust, adapt, and grow, all in the name of love. Sure, sacrifices need to be made, but it is worth it. It has been a little harder to accept since this is a surprise baby but Connor is 2.5 right now so it is not like our family wasn't ready. I just wanted ready to give up an ice cold beer just yet ;)
ReplyDeleteTwo of my four kids were surprises. So it didn't matter if I was ready, life had other plans.
ReplyDeleteBut with my third being a special needs kid, I was kind of terrified when I found out I was pregnant with my 4th. Thing is. The baby was the BEST THING EVER for my needs kid. Yeah, it was a lot of work lugging around an infant carrier and a non-walking toddler (she's almost 3 and still isn't walking, and MAN do they get heavy), but we managed.
It's weird how family just adjusts for a new kid. It's like the first is a huge adjustment, and the rest are just small ones.
Yeah B is huge (37lbs) and if we have another it's going to live in a sling bc B will be in a stroller/wheelchair.
DeleteI feel ya. N (3, with autism) is 42 lbs, and even though he can walk, he doesn't understand basic directions like "Get in your carseat" or "Don't stop and grab rocks in the middle of the parking lot". So I still have to carry him a lot. When I found out I was pregnant (but ended up MCing), that was one of my biggest worries. I guess you figure it out anyway, but it's still a big factor in why I've decided to wait a little longer.
DeleteRight now, the plan is to wait until life is less busy. Between boyfriend and I, we have a 15 month old, and a 23 month old. There is definitely no baby fever just yet.
ReplyDeleteMy first two are 3 1/2 years apart and it was perfect. Baby #3 is on the way and a surprise and the new baby and my middle son will be 23 months apart which seems really soon compared to the 3 1/2 yr span.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you'll know in your heart but there will always been a little apprehension no matter what.