So, should I go for number 5?!

[wherethewildthingsare]

All opinions welcome!

I'm 39 (dh 33). I have 3 kids by ex-h - 14,12,10 and we have one together (2.5). Car isn't an issue, we have a galaxy. Bedrooms slightly more so - have 3 beds + converted loft. Difficult to see whether another one so much younger could squeeze in without evicting dd from her girl-only loft. Money is less of an issue, not sure coping with 5 fianancially would be that much worse than 4, especially as we have all the baby things now (including nappies). Ds3 would be in nursery. I have no family help myself but in-laws very good. Already paying for childcare now (I work part-time but dh finishes by 3pm) and this would transfer to new babe.

Cons - lending body out again! All the obvious starting again things really. Am I pushing my luck already having 4 healthy kids?

Pros - Both dh and I have a big gap between us and our siblings (7 and 9 years). I'm really conscious that ds3 is on his own as we were as young kids. After having 3 kids close together, to have one almost on their own (especially when older kids with their dad) feels bizarre! Really worried he is becoming a 'little emperor' in the family.
Also would love to shock everyone who already things I'm breeding too much!

Hmm...

In all seriousness, if you can afford and support another one then absolutely go for it! I really agree with your thinking in your 'pros' list....but bare in mind 14, 12, 10 all heading into the teenage years...

Personally I'd rather sit in a cupboard for the rest of my life sticking pins in my eyes than having to cope with two toddlers, 3 teenagers (any extended 'step' family issues) and a part time job!

oh god...even the thought mkes me start shaking....

BUT if none of that is an issue for you and you can cope then I take my hat off to you!!

Good luck x

Sounds like you're all ready to go

Not many cons. I think you can rule out the starting again one as you already did that with your 2.5yo
Only you know how fit you are. If you were okay last time then you'll probably be okay this time.

I had dc8 and dc9 at 40 and almost 44 so probably not the best person to comment on the pushing your luck bit

Regarding the bedrooms, couldn't the baby go in with you for a few months and then share with the youngest?

i dont think its a case of you pushing your luck at all.i have 5 aged 17 13 11 5 & a 22month old. And i would love to have more!! i am not as fortunatte as you in that we live in a smaller house and £ not great but we cope. And im a single parent. But i simply love having children all mine are completely different in many ways and with each charecter brings new experiences to our wonderful family.I have 9YRS & 16Yrs gap between me & my siblings & we get on great i think if your ready and you want to then go for it!!! all the best xx

Go for it, as long as you are fit and healthy, you have to think how you will feel if you don't have another, will you be wondering what if?? I have four now and really want a 5th.

Just seen this go for it WTWTA you know you want to

Go for it I say. I had number 5 earlier this year (april) and it's great (other than the comments but you prob get them with 4 anyway).

You'll have your older ones around to give you an occasional hand and it'll be nice for the little ones to have each other. I know how you feel about pushing your luck having four healthy ones already, I was feeling the same way. I'd like number 6 but want to wait for youngest three to give up nappies first.

i have five boys and absolutely understand your worries about 'pushing your luck'... i myself and those exact same thoughts - it turns out that DS5 is Autistic, but i really feel that it could have been any one of them (actually DS1 is ADHD, and DS2 is dyslexic, so it really not much of a shock). Im 35 (i think!) and had number 5 at home - and i can THOROUGHLY RECCOMEND it! it was fantastic to be able to cuddle him and bond immediately without people prodding and poking.

I was just wondering what your DH thinks? My DH is just as broody as me! and was wondering how yours was.

As for the gap... well theres only 3yrs between me and my only older brother - we NEVER speak, i really dont like the spiteful, egotistical, self-centred, sell-his-own-mother, money-grabbing dog. so i think age gap is nothing, it depends on wether they like each other or not!

TBH sounds like you've already made your mind up, just need a little reassurance. - GO FOR IT, it will be fine!

I think that if you and your family can cope with another addition then go for it!
I have five aged 1,2,3,5 and 8 and i was the eldest of six and i loved having alot of siblings and have a good relationship with all of them.
My partner want another i still need convincing i think im more worried about what the family will say and i feel i need to spend more time with the ones i already have it can be hard to devide yourself at times.
good luck what ever you decide.

we have 5 in a 3 bed without a loft and its manageble.

Go for it, i don't think you need us to tell you really do you

Go for it - sounds like you've thought it through well

def go for another one., i think big families are great AND you will be making company for your little one for when the big ones no longer want to play with her/him

wish we could have more - 2 dsc and 1 dd (but am 51 and menopausal sadly) though a few weeks ago dh did suggest adoption. really envy friends who have more

YES DEFINITELY...go for it.....I have 7 and never been happier...........ttc no. 8 !!!

Totally with you on this one.
Youngest is 5 months and already I keep thinking of another one.
I have 16,14 2 and this latest babe.
Second time around is fantastic..very tired but still find time to work at home and bake!!

'Why not I find it very difficuilt as I am just 26 yrs and have 4 under 5 at the moment but just learned that me and my husband are expecting baby nom 5 , were very excited although there are some down days on the whole though it's fab the children all love each other and play together which is nice to see!!

In yours shoes i'd go for it, sounds like he needs to be a big brother too !

Trying desparately to make the same decision! Know all the pros and cons, have 4 children eldest at nearly 8 youngest 13 months! Would love another but am wondering where it will stop!! Think I'll keep thinking...
Good luck!

Hi Im am wondering myself if we should go for baby no 5, dh really wants another baby but I not sure, I have a 18, 10,8 and 6 yr old. do u think 6 yrs is to big of a gap?

If we get a baby we'll have a 6 year gap, not sure it's a bad thing really, I had three close together and am not sure I made the most of it, just survived really.
With the youngest being 6 you'd get mummy and baby time during the day (or sleep time). HOw did it work with an 8 year gap ? feel like i'm teaching my granny to suck eggs.

tbh I never really thought of the gap between the eldest two as the 3 younger ones are together, I suppose what Im worried about is will the youngest be left out abit (I hope that makes sense).