Do I want a baby or am I just being sentimental?

[getmeacupoftea]

I love kids and babies, I always have. I knew from a young age that all I ever truly wanted was a family of my own. I am incredibly lucky to have two adorable children, a boy and a girl. My youngest is turning 3 at the end of this year, and I'm just starting to get aspects of my "adult" life back - I.e picking up more hours at work, childcare costing less etc. I'm not a career woman, as in, my life goals don't revolve around having a high paying job. I have a very pleasant part-time job and just look forward to coming home to my family afterwards.
I've been thinking about a 3rd baby for months. I feel like I've thought it all through- but I can't tell if its just because I'm feeling all gooey and in love with my husband. I'm wandering if anyone can help talk me down with some practical elements about having a third baby I'm probably missing?
In other words, try and put me off !

Thank you!

I like having three, but usually you need a new car!

@underneaththeash

I like having three, but usually you need a new car!

Good shout!! Thank you:)

You're totally outnumbered and it can feel like someone is always 'left out'. Huge car needed. Mega expensive holidays! We're still planning a fourth though because we're a great team, feel we can handle it and have so much love to go around. We also have decent age gaps. If hubby is on the same page go for it! X

My third is 3 months. He’s a dream. It’s bloody hard work though- we didn’t need a bigger car or house (needed a roof rack though) we spend lots of the day cuddled on the sofa he’s just starting making little happy noises when he sees people or his mobile

Here he is. Does this help?

Our was a surprise but the best thing that’s ever happened to us. He’s brought more love than I could have imagined to our home, and brought out a side of DS1 I never imagined he had. If you can afford it, both time and money, go for it!

@TheGirlWhoLived

My third is 3 months. He’s a dream. It’s bloody hard work though- we didn’t need a bigger car or house (needed a roof rack though) we spend lots of the day cuddled on the sofa he’s just starting making little happy noises when he sees people or his mobile

Here he is. Does this help?

Oh god I'm extra broody now! Adorable!

Do you have enough room in your house
Is your car big enough
Do you normally like holidays abroad (expensive af)
Childcare for when you and DH want a date night
Expense of everyday life with 3 (clothes, food, outings)

These are just afew that would spring to my mind if i was considering afew children!
But I would love 6 if I could 😂

Does your DH want another?

@PinkCookie11

Do you have enough room in your house Is your car big enough Do you normally like holidays abroad (expensive af) Childcare for when you and DH want a date night Expense of everyday life with 3 (clothes, food, outings)

These are just afew that would spring to my mind if i was considering afew children!
But I would love 6 if I could 😂

Does your DH want another?

-So my husband is military, and we will be in married quarters for the foreseeable future. We've always made do with what we're given. -personally, I've been too concerned with having an abroad holiday, I have parents that live by the seaside so I've really felt the need. And the kids love it too.

• Husband is happy either way I think.

X

Sorry I've not been too concerned

@getmeacupoftea

Sorry I've not been too concerned

And never felt the need. I'm tired can you tell 😂

I'll be honest it's exhausting and chaotic sometimes but we are so glad we had out third child, it can't be that bad as we are planning a fourth! Go for it

Well, nothings stopping you! Go for it!
I know a family with 5 kids and they absolutely love it! The house is wild and there’s always something fun going on.
Kids bring the best out in you and if you’ll feel complete with another than why not! 😊

Thank you for all your replies ladies tbh I am now feeling more encouraged!

Harder to keep all 3 happy at different ages and stages than 2 closer in age. Very expensive when all have hobbies/ extra curricular activities. Dividing your attention between 3 is harder, caused me huge guilt but everyone is different. So many positives too, our third is an amazing, funny kid :)

We don’t regret having a 3rd as we love and adore him, and he’s part of the family.
But life would be a lot easier with just 2! It’s exhausting! I’m definitely done now!

I think I wouldn't mind having more but it's the expense and the practical aspects of childcare, maternity leave, careers etc that are putting me off. I think of things I wouldn't be able to do as easily if we had a baby and that helps a bit in my broodiest moments!

In terms of practical things to put you off...
We needed a bigger car, my career is delayed/stalled further, we got a nanny (expensive) as nursery and 2 different school drops were impossible, no one, even family, wants to look after 3 children together (so you rarely, if ever get child free time), often there is one child left out when they play, the age difference is more apparent and they never all want to do the same thing, private school is pretty much off the cards due to the expense, and so much washing!

Positive aspects is that they look out for each other in group situations, when they all get on and play together it’s brilliant, life is fun, never boring and the house is full of laughter, Christmas and birthdays are awesome, so much love! My mat leave with no 3 was brilliant...I really appreciated the baby stage. He wasn’t the easiest of the 3, but I coped the best. They’re all different but similar, and we love them all as the package. But it is tiring!!