I have a 3 year old boy and just had a new baby girl in March. I always thought I would be done having babies after two. But now I don't know. I look at my baby and I have a hard time imagining that she is the last one. For the past few days I keep going over and over in my mind what would be better. Is it better to only have the two kids, or should I go for just one more. My husband is completely on board with what ever we decide.

I would love to hear other mommies point of views on why they have 2 vs. 3 kids and vice versa.

I sometimes think it would be fun to have a slightly larger family. On the other hand it would be nice to start doing family vacations and such sooner.

Fortuantly for our family money is not a huge issue, though I am sure it can be a bit more expensive having another one.

It is not something I have to decide now, but I would love some input from other experienced Moms. Especially from those that took the plunge and had number three!

I've spoken on this before, but just so you have my opinion again-I did not like having 3. There was always one out, so I'm glad we are having 4. I say have 2 or have 4 but not an odd number! Of course even as much as I love my 3 and 4 I still think 2 was the perfect number especially b/c I had one of each. It was so easy to split them up for one on one time, you and your dh aren't outnumbered so everything is easier. Family package plans are always made for 4 also (not that that is important but since you mentioned family vacations it came up in my head). I don't know- to me 2 was great, we weren't planning more but at least now I'll have an even number again! I'm not one of those moms that burns for a baby though, I was so glad to be done with babies and breastfeeding and carting a baby around, haha God taught me a lesson!
I think what is meant to be will be, I'm sure your heart will guide you when it's time to decide.

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

I was thinking about you the other day because I haven't seen you posting lately. I figured you were busy with the baby. I have 2 and I love having 2. My boys are 5 years apart so now that the youngest will be 3 in a few months, life is finally starting to get a little easier. The thought of having another and starting all over again makes me very anxious! But I am just telling you this because I knew as soon as I had my second that I was done. I loved the baby stage but I am thrilled to be almost done with it. I have never had even the tiniest moment of feeling like maybe we needed one more. I really think you have to do what Stacia said and listen to your heart. You will know what is right for your family. I can't remember how old you are, but if you have the luxury of waiting a year or two that might help you make up your mind. They seem so sweet and precious when they are infants and you can just take them along anywhere in the little carriers, but once they start walking life gets way more complicated! It is hard to be there for the oldest child (volunteer in the classroom, watch all the soccer and basketball games, etc.) when you can't take your eyes off the little one.

I had a doctor tell me this -- when we were discussing my age and how many children we should or could have.

I'm like this. I have two children and we're complete. The baby is almost 11 months old and I have embraced each step of the way "knowing" that this is my last time around. I've enjoyed it, even during the hard times, but we're done and I'm OK with that.

I do have a friend that just recently went from 2-3 and she's struggling and she's a mom that has it all together, usually. She's adapting and I know she wouldn't change a thing but it has been tough.

But, everyone has to decide for themselves. If I suddenly found myself pregnant, well after writing a nasty letter to my husband's doctor , I'd be happy because a baby is a blessing -- just a blessing I hope I won't be experiencing again!

I can't believe how often this questions is asked on this board. It seems like a lot of people struggle with the exact same decisions. If you have any doubts, I'd go for it. You'll never regret it. My family really didn't feel complete until I had that third baby. Around here, it seems more and more people are going for a third. Of my group of close friends, eight of us have three kids and two people have two kids. The two friends with two kids were SURE after their second and all of the rest of us didn't feel done until the third. It makes for some wild family parties!

I really didn't think three was much harder than two kids, in some ways it was easier because the older two played with each other while I took care of the baby. When I had my second, my oldest was all over me all the time. Of course, I may be a bad person to ask because I don't think ANYTHING could be harder than going from zero kids to one. My kids are now 5 1/2, 3 1/2 and 2.

All of your replies are just what I need. Thank you sooooo much. I don't even know why I am stressing over this right now. I'm 31 right now. Not too old, but not exactly young. If I had a third child I know FOR SURE that would be it for me. I know I must wait it out and decide in a year or so.

I agree....going from zero to one was indeed the hardest. I think that is why I always figured I would only have two. Now that I am settled into Mommyhood my view on life has changed a bit. I have gotten used to this "way of life". I just need to decide when toddler/babyhood needs to end.

I too have more friends deciding to go for the third child. I think seeing them make this leap and being blessed with the ability to stay home with my own kids I often wonder if I too should do it. I think before my first child I though I would be a working Mom. That REALLY made me think I would have less kids. But staying home has been great. It also opens up that possiblity for the third knowing they would not need daycare.

It was nice hearing someone recognized me on here! I have enjoyed this message board. The Mom's on here are always so honest and helpful.

I'm about to have baby number three, and I can honestly say that all of these thoughts have crossed through my mind at some point...whether it be before or after conception of this precious little thing!

My son was just four months old when we conceived this time. I have taken it as a true gift and miracle, as it took four YEARS to get pregnant with him.

For our family, having three will work out perfectly because of the age difference. Our daughter is 9 years older...like I said, it took us a while to get pregnant.

Now, our youngest two will have each other and not go through part of their childhood as only children (as our son would have had we not had a third once our daughter is off to college).

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I don't really get why having an odd number of children is a bad thing. I have 3 and none of them are ever left out. My two oldest ds are 6 and 8 and they love to entertain their little ds. I think having 3 has worked out great for our family

I Had so Many People warn me about the third ! Going from two to three is Tough they said , And I Thought How can that Be??
Well I quickly found out - It is only 1 more , Yet everything seems to multiply by 10 It was an adjustment , And I think Like stacia said , It is because you are now Outnumbered -
Before DH took one and I Took one.
Before I Had two arms and two kids
Before I could Play with one while the other one slept or was in school
Before , I Had one in the Cart and one walking with me.

It takes awhile to Figure out what to do with the third


I Diden't have any problems going from 3- 4.

And # 4 was not planned -
He just kindof fit right into this already Crazy household.

I Love all my kids and I Would NEVER EVER choose which ones I Want. obviously ... It is a hard thing to say now ...

But I Have 4 and If I Could go back in time I Would've Only had 2.
I Am Jealous of those who only have two kids.


And yes Number 3 was an Accident And # 4 was a shock ! I was on BC!
Now my tubes are TIED!!!

Oh I do love them all too - I Am not that mean