Have I left it a bit late for number 3?

[Favouritethings]

I have two ds's aged 8 and 5. I'm 30. Thoughts please...

Sorry, wasn't meaning to be funny about the age thing. I was more worried that I've left it a bit late with my ds's ages. I just mentioned my age as I thought people would ask. Tbh I thought most people would be saying 'no life's just getting easier for you, don't do it!'

I was 37 and 40 for mine.

Just be aware there are many women on here who are much older than you and hoping to have their first baby.
Maybe get your title changed to reflect your age gap question.

Ds1 and ds2 were 8 and 10 (almost 11 and 9) when ds3 was born. I was 42!

Seriously? 30 is the average age for first time mothers in the UK. www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28329737 Is this some kind of weird way validating to have children at a younger age? Not that that kind of decision needs validation - whatever works for every woman is best - but I find it weird that you would ask this question otherwise.

theycall I've just explained above. I've worded the op poorly. I'm trying to change it but I'm on my phone and not quite sure how to do it

You're certainly not too old if that's what you mean. Whether you want to go back to the baby years when your two others have entered a new phase is another matter entirely. Some people would love it; personally I loved having my 3 all close together as we've moved as a family through each stage. Horses for courses

OP I know loads of women with age gaps like that, the older kids are so cute with the babies and want to protect them! The age doesn't impact on their closeness, infact strengthens it. I've always been closest to my 43yr old brother and I'm 30
So I think the gap isn't a worry, just you need to decide if you want to go through it all again! I think the fact you're posting the thread means you do want to.

I've just found out I'm expecting. I've gone into panic mode here to be honest

I'm 44 and my dc's are 25, 24, 8 and 3 . I have a granddaughter older than my youngest child, plus two others a few months younger than him.

It's worked perfectly!

Dd when in early 40s. 30 is a great age to be a Mum.

Congratulations OP

I don't think the gap will be a problem - there are pros and cons of having children close together or further apart. Your 2 ds's have had a few years together and if they are close I don't think that will change when another comes along. Most likely the 2 of them will spoil their little brother or sister to bits. There is 8 years between our middle one (dd) and the youngest (ds) and they get on great - I thought the gap was too big for them to have much in common but to be honest, as soon as our little boy could use an x box controller they starting getting on brilliantly!

I can solve your age gap worry!

It's called...having a fourth!

Seriously, my eldest was 7 3/4 when I had my third and its brilliant - extra pair of hands at every stage. Now DC1 drives DC3 to matches etc, is seen as acceptable child care for all of DC3s friends - so is constantly taking gangs of younger kids to the cinema, football etc. They all idolise him!

My eldest two were 16 and 19 when no three arrived. Never caused a problem.

I had DC3 when Dc1 was 7 and DC2 was 5. It's been brilliant. DC3 is 3 now and we all have great fun together. Go for it!

Not at all! I'm 39 and have 9&6 year olds and 6mo dd. The older ones adore their baby sister and it's lovely i get lots of time with her when they're at school.

Favourite - congratulations. When the news settles in hopefully you can enjoy that you have resolved your dilemma about a third and look forward to it!

With my third I was more relaxed and really enjoyed the baby. The eldest 2 just pottered and were toilet trained etc and I was more confident about looking after a baby and knew she would only be tiny for such a short time.

When my youngest, DC4, was born the others were 9, 7 and 4. The older 2 were amazing with DC4. DH said that they looked at DC4 like we did (lovingly). I can remember the eldest singing babe to sleep while I was in the bath. Lovely.

They are 18 (nearly 19), 16, 13 and 9 now and lovely together (most of the time!)

Just have 2 more, job done! Congrats!

I know what you mean about age gap, I was umming and ahhing about a 3rd (I don't actually think I want a 3rd but DH sort of does though he's accepting its probably not best) and what stopped me was the age gap/dynamic thing so I can totally empathise with this. There would be 6 years between my youngest and a new one if say I got pregnant tonight. So I think I'd only do it if I could then have a 4th, but at 38 I'm thinking that ship has sailed, which I'm perfectly happy with tbh.

Congratulations OP! It will be wonderful

It'll be fine. The baby will hero worship them.
Congratulations!

Not at all. My older 2 were 9.5 and 7 when dd arrived. I was 35. It was planned (just took me a while to get dh on board ;-)) and it's great - the big two just marvel and giggle at every little development (which today was dd 15mo licking her thumb and rubbing a dirty bit on her trousers!)

GO FOR IT!

It is of course hard work...but so so so rewarding.

My 2 eldest were 15 & 18 years old when I had twins, it worked out fine