DH does not want a third

Broodiness is just awful when you can't do anything about it.

Broodiness when you've got a 1yo is quite extreme. If this is true:

Ever since #2 came along I've known I'd like a third.

Then it's not like you've even been in the moment enjoying your second. Most people don't immediately want another when they've just had a baby. Your DH took a while to come around to having a second and in the same way he may come around to having a third, but many people don't want more than two and it's better to accept that's probably the case. Wait and see who your two DC are and how your family of four feels rather than focusing on wanting to add another baby into the mix because of broodiness.

Desperately wanted a third despite having two lovely children and a happy full life. Not sure why but I just felt there was a missing piece. DH didn't want a third but then came on board for me but it just didn't happen - had a miscarriage then despite trying I realised we probably left it too late. Totally feel your pain. I try to focus now on the lovely family I have rather than miss what was never there in the first place...
if I had my time again I think I'd just give DH the six months then return to it but very clearly state how much this means to you. I do think 3 dcs changes things so maybe allay his concerns if you want to push for a third. IMO this is the best way to get them on board - approach it with logic not emotion!!

Hi, so I desperately wanted 3 children, yet I was told in hospital with number 2 that I absolutely couldn't fall pregnant again. My mum had the same health conditions, had number 3 & died, so I knew it was too risky. My husband chose to have a vasectomy, so it felt like we had control over the decision. My children (same sex) are now 10 & 12 and I can't imagine having a third. We are complete, and due to health conditions I'm relieved we didn't go for number 3. There are many advantages to having 2 children, and although I worried I'd never feel 'complete' I do. However though, your circumstance is different from mine & they do say you never regret the children you have. So don't close the hope/ option off completely, things may change.

We hesitated over a third for years, we always wanted three and went for it in the end. I IMMEDIATELY felt done. Never felt complete with only 2.

BUT. Take the yearning out of it and 2 was heavenly. We were exactly like you - young, big enough house and car etc, hands on. But 3 is still HARD. It’s more than just one more than 2. Life would be far calmer and easier with 2.

Just my perspective! Obviously am obsessed with baby 3 and she’s worth it. Oh and we don’t have any help so you’re ahead of us on that!

What would 3 give you that 2 doesn’t?

I know my DD is glad she didn't go in for a third. My youngest GC wasn't diagnosed as having hearing loss and other issues, dyspraxia etc until around 3. Her eldest had a bowel condition, again not diagnosed at your children's ages and it's been appointment after appointment. Parents are expected to be heavily involved with school life now. My GC are at a bog standard local primary and there's something every week that is time consuming. Both have different personalities, which means different hobbies. He could change his mind. But meanwhile it's about counting your blessings and practicing gratitude for what you do have.

Ah, I went through this at a similar point.

I think there's something there about it being the end of babies and sadness at that.

DH didn't change his mind. We stuck at 2. And I'm bloody glad we did!

I do sometimes think if we'd had a 3rd then my 2 wouldn't get the attention they need. Chuck another child in and I feel my life would be very chaotic.

Having said that I feel my children potential neurodiverse and my son is on the waiting list for an autism assessment. None of this was evident at ages 3&1. So I do think our life is hard for other reasons.