Am I crazy to want a 4th child at 42??

I don't think you are crazy to want another child, 42 isn't that old and if you feel your lifestyle could cope with one then I would say go for it.

I am a similar age and if we had better circumstances then I would consider having another.

Yes

I’m sorry for your loss OP, I know how that can really drive the desire to have another child.

I had my first and only child a couple of months before turning 42. He’s incredible and I adore him but I am tired beyond belief and it affects both my parenting and my mental health.

It obviously depends on what sort of child you get but that’s a lottery. But in general, it’s not the newborn you have to think about. I’m guessing you’ll probably be 43 by the time the child is born; it’s the 47 with a four year bit that’s hard. I’m 46 with a nearly five year old, peri menopause is starting to kick in and I’ve got an extremely active child who is a poor sleeper. I also have a teenage stepchild and that complicates things, I really can’t imagine trying to juggle four.

If you don’t have to work it could potentially work, but you still be exhausted and I’d strongly consider the impact of that on your other kids

Crazy? I don't know, I had DC2 at age 45 (conceived naturally at 44 - wish I'd done it 10 years earlier but met DH late in life so having children wasn't deliberately delayed). If I had a magic wand sure I'd be younger, but physically I feel fine, pregnancy was smooth and I don't feel that my energy levels are much different so for me its more a case of will I be here & healthy as they grow up and become adults rather than am I able to run around after them in the here and now. If you feel healthy & energetic enough I don't see why not!

I really really wouldn't recommend it. I think you have to count your enormous blessings if you have three healthy children.

We need more births. Crack on.

I had a surprise third at 41 and it's doable 🤣
But I'm knackered and I swear this kid gives me a new grey hair daily 😩