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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2010 > April > 27 > Entry
No more children, please. I have all I can handle …
Time marches on and our family continues to grow. Not our immediate family, mind you, our extended family.
When my cousin Lindsay announced she was expecting, my first thought was, “Yay! I’m glad it’s not me this time!”
As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I cringed, “Where did that come from?”
After all, I get to spend every day with beautiful children who I love unconditionally. Can I honestly say I’ve reached the point of knowing - without a doubt - that my days of longing for another child have ended?
You betcha.
Don’t misunderstand; I am very happy for Lindsay and her husband. But I am also happy to no longer be in the family “baby rotation.”
Having officially removed myself, I think my brother and his wife are next in line (no pressure).
We are a very close-knit band of cousins via our beloved grandmother. She would be so proud of this new generation coming forth.
I’m glad to have done my part in continuing the family lineage, times three.
But, I’ve hit the proverbial wall - with a thud.
How did I get here so quickly?
College was a blur, suddenly I was married and then, wham! A mom of three. Now I want to slow things down a bit - if that’s at all possible - so I can enjoy their childhood.
Before I reached this point I pondered, “how can one be so sure their family is complete?”
One mom told me she knew because she “could hold someone else’s newborn baby and happily hand it back to its mother.”
I can do that now, too.
Another mom just couldn’t bear the thought of having her children in day care, so she stopped at one.
Some are forced to have no more children due to health reasons, for others it’s financial and some opt not to join the race at all.
For each, it is personal.
For me (us, actually), if I’m being honest? I just can’t handle any more little ones running around.
I’m tired. All the time.
Between washing tiny clothes, bathing two dirty boys and a milk-stained infant, keeping them fed, packing lunches and cleaning boogers/spit-up/marker off the walls/floor/clothes - it’s a miracle I can type this column with my one free hand.
But can I honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing?
You betcha.
Email this contributing writer at Motherhoodcolumn@yahoo.com.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Motherhood Column
Comments
By Bella
April 28, 2010 3:22 PM | Link to this
For those of you who are blessed don’t take your children and childbearing for granted. Some of us have to do things the hard way with no guarantees.
By Anonymous
April 27, 2010 5:45 PM | Link to this
I can see where she is coming from. Its sad to hear tho. My partner and I have been trying for two years and have had 4 miscarriages.. So be very blessed for the ones you have. I may never get there. God bless.
By Octomom
April 27, 2010 3:59 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me. These kids are my meal ticket not the other way around. I can do porn and suppliment my income as well.
By Kate Gosselin
April 27, 2010 3:57 PM | Link to this
If I can get another reality TV deal, you bet I will have more kids. Just need a schmuck to father them.
By NCF
April 27, 2010 1:45 PM | Link to this
We stopped at 5. ran out of seats in the minivan. LOL
By teetering
April 27, 2010 12:47 PM | Link to this
i am teetering between having #3 and stopping with the 2 precious gifts i have already been given. i don’t want to look back and regret not having another… i am certainly thankful for the 2 i have… but i don’t have that feeling you describe. and i have held others’ children recently and wasn’t thrilled to hand them back. so am i done? yikes, i don’t think i am!