To have another baby

[chocolatesavedmysanity]

I've NC'd as this will be identifying.
I'm just looking for some MN wisdom / tales of experience/ opinions on this.

DH and I have 2 DC's. Both super kids, very healthy etc. We have a lot to be grateful for. We have a good strong marriage (not perfect, but who's is?) and a great support network.

I am really yearning for a third child. DH would love one too but there are practicalities in the way. What would you do?

We both work FT. I have flexible hours so can work around the kids and have a really understanding boss. Both sets of grandparents provide childcare, using a crèche just one day a week. So each gp have the dc's just 2 days a week each. They are all around 60 and fit and healthy at this stage. If I have another kid it will add to their workload. Dropping a few hours in work and upping daycare is also an option.

DH and I are 35 so would need to move soon.

Kids are 6 and 2 and we find it hard work at times.. equally I understand this stage won't last forever!

Aibu? Thoughts and experiences please on life with 3!

Why not drop your hours and spend more time bringing up your existing children instead of popping out another one to be farmed out to gps and nurseries

I am pregnant with a surprise #3, existing kids will be 7 and 5 when it appears. We have a 3 bed house so child will share in a few years. We don't use childcare as children are home educated and we work round each other, so it will be hard work in terms of physical and mental demands, but financially won't have a massive impact until they start the service level of activities the current kids do.

Our parents are both thrilled, but obviously don't have any responsibility, my parents live nearby so do help out as and when. I still feel a wee wobble every now and then as it will shift a comfortable dynamic, but the child will be much loved and is hugely anticipated by the kids.

We are older than you, I'm 36 and he'll be 43 when they appear.

Well that's lovely to hear wits ender , but you and your dh are self sufficient so its a total different situation to the op

I have 2 siblings and always vowed that if I had children I would never have 3. I absolutely hated being 1 of 3. Also don't assume they will all get on - we didn't and don't particularly now

We have three but you need to think about house, car and holidays as well as financial stuff and childcare. Two is easy as it's one to a grandchild. We find with ours the big two are very close and youngest is on their own a lot. My friend is one of three and said it's not a good mix.

I have loads of friends that were one of three and loved it. There will always be two camps over how well siblings get on. I'm one of two and I'd love another sibling!

Spring it's not a case of popping them out only to farm them out to gp / childcare. I finish work early each day and DH starts late so they are only actually being looked after for 5 or 6 hours max. We have to work to sustain mortgage, bills etc. As I said earlier I may be able to drop one day a week but that would be it. No need for you to be rude!!!
We already have a big saloon car so wouldn't need to change that and have lots of baby guff from previous kids. Could possible get a new pram.

Oly I'm the same, i always wanted another sibling.. and I know my mum regrets not having more

Totally agree Chcocolate. Just go for it. And Spring's comments made me laugh... As if you can only be a good parent if you're a sahm. My mum was a sahm but quite frustrated and grumpy... She'd have been far happier working.. And would have spent better quality time with us as a result. If you finish at 3, you're getting at least 4/5 hours every single day with your kids. Sounds great to me.
Anyway, this thread could end up being derailed into a working mum/sahm debate which is not what you asked.
I think in your heart you want a third. I always have and here I am! You'll make it work if you want to. Just factor in childcare costs of gps find it all too much etc

Lovely words oly thank you... Yea we'll stay away from that debate.. both types of mum's do their best for their family and their circumstances.. we all work equally hard in our outside the home and each has its unique challenges.
I'm going to give it a year and if I feel the same way then we will go for it. I just flipping love wee babies! My DH comes from a big family and it is so lovely to watch how they are all there for one another.
Maybe I'll win the lottery and have another 5 lol