The Great Baby Debate

The Great Baby Debate...This has been an ongoing saga at our house for the last 8 years. Should we stop? OR, should we have one more? It's always been easy for me...let's have more. I've always wanted a big family. Some girls grow up knowing they want to be a nurse or a teacher, I grew up knowing I wanted to be a mommy. I knew I wanted atleast four kids and that I wanted to be able to stay home with them. Well, I have six kids and the overwhelming urge to have more is not going away. I'm trying to figure out, when is it enough. Why do some people decide to have big families? Is it right or wrong to do so? And, will I ever be satisfied? Is it an urge I will always have? If that is the case, it's never going to be easy to "throw in the towel".

I have several thoughts on the issue. I can see both sides of the debate. I look at what I have and I am grateful. I have six beautiful, healthy kids; three boys and three girls. I mean, who gets that lucky? I kind of feel like have one more would be "pushing the envelope". How long can my lucky streak keep up? Most people think I 'm crazy for having six kids. I get really tired of hearing "are you done yet"? and "don't you two know how this happens"? I don't judge those who choose to have only one or two children, why do people feel the need to judge so harshly those who chose to have more than three or four? I have a hard time talking to others about my feelings on this issue because most people try to talk me out of it and point out the negatives. It makes me mad that no one sees the positive side of large families. Most people don't get me and are not very empathetic to my feelings on the matter. Including my husband.

Dean would have been happy to quit after two. I can't even imagine what that would have been like. I guess, we would have more money, we would go more places, and do more things. But, I don't feel like any of my kids are lacking in any areas. I guess some could argue "attention". But, I think Dean and I try to take time to do things with each of our kids one on one.

I can talk myself into making a decision either way depending on the day. I just can't commit one way or the other. I would like to hear some thoughts from other women on the matter. What made you decide to stop having children?