Is Three the New Norm?
Since the birth of The Peanut, the discussion of having a baby 3 have been the norm in this house. Mostly because her birth was so easy, I almost didn't believe it was over when they showed her to me. And of course her cuteness. Who doesn't love a baby the first 6 weeks? Or 3 months. All the way to the 6 month Separation Anxiety Mom If You Leave The Room I Will Scream Until I Am Blue In The Face time comes.
Which makes me remember why, I think two will be it. If I remain working outside the home anyway. I can't do another day care drama (a few of those this week) or working/life balance routine for a job that keeps me beyond stressed out in work terms. No. Not with another child in tow. Won't happen.
What's probably more amusing to me (and The Husband) is the timing of this Do We Have Another Child discussion. With The Kidd, 20+ hours of labor and 3+ of pushing later, I was traumatized for 3 years. Sure, I said I never wanted an only child, but the thought of another birth like that? Or another high demand nurser? Or my total lack of sleep? Yeah. Saying I was borderline flippant at the idea of another child would be accurate. Until The Kiddo grew into this thing past toddler hood. I think you call it being a Kid. Or something. He's starting to not think I am the center of his universe. And that things I like are not exactly what he likes. And that super heroes are not real. Or aliens. Or... I won't even go there yet. 5-years-old is too young to even think like that (please tell me I am right or I just might go jump off a bridge now).
So, then we thought of baby 2. And of course after a few bumps in the road, had baby 2--The Peanut. Bless her crying/screaming/total drama self. Love her to pieces. Honestly. I can't imagine my life without every tense bone in her body (damn, I was hoping that anxiety would skip a generation, but I swear, that girl needs someone with her, always). But until this week- I considered another. For real. I was trying to figure out how in the hell we could live off one salary and do all that we want to do, so in a year or so, we'd be ready to try for another. Three.
Of course reality set in quickly. Work week from hell (for the second in a row). I realized I missed the Kindergarten registration for The Kiddo. And of course baby care drama (when isn't there). Suddenly it all became crystal clear. I'm thinking two is all I can handle sanely. Or at least to keep my current sanity level at check.
But, let me tell you, the idea of a Family of Five. Or Six. Not so uncommon anymore. Co-workers galore are on Number Four. Four I tell you! Or thinking of three. And I just can't help but think maybe life is a bit more important than my sanity. Or maybe all these people have found a way to deal with day care AND leave work at the office (or during business hours). I'm all ears if anyone wants to share the magic little secret. Because, she's so damn cute and The Kiddo is like a little adult.... and I just can't bear another few weeks like the past two. But expanding the fun called family, I could dig it, if I could find some balance that works. Right now, I'm teetering constantly. And that ain't a way to live, if you ask me.
Which makes me remember why, I think two will be it. If I remain working outside the home anyway. I can't do another day care drama (a few of those this week) or working/life balance routine for a job that keeps me beyond stressed out in work terms. No. Not with another child in tow. Won't happen.
What's probably more amusing to me (and The Husband) is the timing of this Do We Have Another Child discussion. With The Kidd, 20+ hours of labor and 3+ of pushing later, I was traumatized for 3 years. Sure, I said I never wanted an only child, but the thought of another birth like that? Or another high demand nurser? Or my total lack of sleep? Yeah. Saying I was borderline flippant at the idea of another child would be accurate. Until The Kiddo grew into this thing past toddler hood. I think you call it being a Kid. Or something. He's starting to not think I am the center of his universe. And that things I like are not exactly what he likes. And that super heroes are not real. Or aliens. Or... I won't even go there yet. 5-years-old is too young to even think like that (please tell me I am right or I just might go jump off a bridge now).
So, then we thought of baby 2. And of course after a few bumps in the road, had baby 2--The Peanut. Bless her crying/screaming/total drama self. Love her to pieces. Honestly. I can't imagine my life without every tense bone in her body (damn, I was hoping that anxiety would skip a generation, but I swear, that girl needs someone with her, always). But until this week- I considered another. For real. I was trying to figure out how in the hell we could live off one salary and do all that we want to do, so in a year or so, we'd be ready to try for another. Three.
Of course reality set in quickly. Work week from hell (for the second in a row). I realized I missed the Kindergarten registration for The Kiddo. And of course baby care drama (when isn't there). Suddenly it all became crystal clear. I'm thinking two is all I can handle sanely. Or at least to keep my current sanity level at check.
But, let me tell you, the idea of a Family of Five. Or Six. Not so uncommon anymore. Co-workers galore are on Number Four. Four I tell you! Or thinking of three. And I just can't help but think maybe life is a bit more important than my sanity. Or maybe all these people have found a way to deal with day care AND leave work at the office (or during business hours). I'm all ears if anyone wants to share the magic little secret. Because, she's so damn cute and The Kiddo is like a little adult.... and I just can't bear another few weeks like the past two. But expanding the fun called family, I could dig it, if I could find some balance that works. Right now, I'm teetering constantly. And that ain't a way to live, if you ask me.
Labels: children, motherhood, parenting
