Determining How Many Children to Have

"Oh magic eight ball, please help me answer this very important question. Should I have another baby?" The little triangle floats to the surface indicating 'cannot foretell now' and you can't help but think how wise an answer that actually is. "You're right!" you say. "I don't need to make up my mind this minute. Perhaps in a couple of months I'll know." But what a big decision this is. Can't I just close my eyes and let someone else decide the right path for me?

In my family the decision to have another baby means whether or not to have a third child. Right now I have the perfect 'millionaire's family'. Both children are exceptionally healthy and bright. I think would having a third child be tempting fate? Maybe I've used up all my luck? My life is happy and peaceful right now. What if my third child turned out to be a complete terror or had severe health problems? Why am I even considering this decision?

Let me explain my list of reasons to have a third child. I love being a mother. For me, parenting has been a wonderful experience. I had no preconceived notions on how many children I wanted to have, so the number doesn't scare me. My maternity leave has been the best time of my life and I find myself dreading the idea of going back to work. I have experience, toys, clothes and anything I may need if I do become pregnant. The more kids I have, the more visitors and grandchildren I will have when I'm older. As my daughter is growing older I miss the baby stages. They are so much fun! It's depressing to think about your children growing up and finally, I am an only child and the idea of having a big family is comforting.

My reasons to keep my family the same are as follows: My youngest is now at a more enjoyable age to look after. I feel it would be easier for our family to do day trips and vacations together. The grandparents may not be able to baby-sit three kids at once. It would make me feel guilty about the loss of quality time with my first children. My body is still complaining about my last delivery of a nine-pound baby and most of all my family is happy with the current dynamics.

Things I will also need to consider before I make my final decision are: Will the size of my house and number of bathrooms be acceptable for five people? Will my vehicle be able to accommodate three car seats? Will my finances be able to pay for the extra food and schooling expenses? Will I be able to balance the piano, hockey and soccer lessons for all three children? Will the added stress age me beyond my years and will my life become too chaotic to actually be enjoyable?

It seems almost every day I change my mind on the answer to this decision. Perhaps it all depends on how bratty or well behaved my kids are being at the time. Two's company, three's a crowd. Third times a charm. Three strikes and you're out and being the 5th wheel. I still don't know what to do. Maybe I should ask my kids if they would like a brother or sister? I try not to be pressured by my family and friends opinions but it's hard. Being a guy my husband would probably say we should bet the idea on a poker game. I say 'rock, paper, scissors' rules! Maybe I'll try the magic eight ball again tomorrow...