Three Kids is Enough, Right?

I had read that a woman knows when she's done having children. The feeling is strong and she's confident about the decision.

When Hubby and I were talking about another baby (#3), we agreed that would be it. After having my third child (Baby C) just 3 months ago, I was positive this was my last time in the OR. (I had c-sections w/ each one.)

Anyone that asked, "Are you done?" was met w/ a quick and serious "YES!" Those first weeks after delivery were full of sleepless nights, a crying infant that was hard to console, and sore, cracked nipples. Not to mention I needed a push every time I wanted to get off the couch or chair and had to use the wall for support when walking. I didn't wish to go through any of that again.

I consigned a bunch of my son's baby clothes in the spring and plan to do the same in a few months w/ his fall/winter clothes. I've gone through my older daughter's things and separated what will work for Baby C and what can go into the sale pile.

Baby C is a fan of the swing, so was my older daughter. She can swing and sleep for hours. (Yay for Mommy time!) I told Hubby that she will most likely be too big or lose interest in it by the time the next consignment sale comes around. She'll be ready for the walker or exersaucer. It seemed like this next sale would be the perfect time to sell the swing.

After those words came out of my mouth, I felt a sadness. This really was my last baby. We'd had that swing since our first was born.

Consigning my son's baby clothes had me feeling nostalgic and a bit emotional but nothing like imagining that swing in someone else's living room.

Hubby and I agreed it was sad to think about getting rid of these baby items that have cluttered our attic, moved w/ us to 3 different houses, and entertained our children. But I was quick to assure him I hadn't changed my mind, Baby C was our last baby.

I never expected to feel this way though. I never thought about how hard it would be to let go. Granted it will be awhile before we get rid of everything, but just as hard. It's like all those people that tell you when you're baby is small "It goes so fast." I didn't know this was true until I had kids. You hear other Moms talk about finally selling their crib or getting rid of the pack 'n play but don't realize what a big step that is. The heartbreak involved.

Not to mention not being pregnant again. I LOVED being pregnant. I wish I would have taken more time to enjoy it this last time. Taken more pictures, that sort of thing.

Did you know when you were done having children? Did you catch "baby fever" and decide to give in?

1 Month to Go

Now b/c I've been MIA for the past 2 months you all that read this blog have no idea what I'm referring to in the title of my post.

I'm 1 month away from giving birth to my 3rd child. (C-section actually.)

I've read a lot of stories about how 3 children is either the perfect balance or the perfect nightmare. Hubby and I planned this pregnancy so we knew what we were getting into but that doesn't mean the doubts aren't there.

We keep joking about how much we love our sleep and are able to sleep through the night now w/ our 2 older kids. Are we really ready for that part of parenthood? The sleepless nights, reading the signs for why the baby's crying?

But then we look at all the newborn pictures of our 2 other kids and remember the smiles, coos and faces they made. Plus after what our daughter put us through (colic, constant nursing, and didn't prefer sleeping alone) I think we're ready to handle anything.

Hubby and I took a tour of the hospital b/c we will be having this baby at a new hospital than the previous 2 kids. It's a much larger hospital but the maternity ward is being updated which is a plus.

We learned during the tour that there is no nursery in the maternity ward. The baby will be in our room DAY AND NIGHT.

Hubby and I looked at each other in a panic. Our previous 2 babies spent every night in the nursery, only coming into my room when they needed to be fed. How were we going to have a pseudo-restful night w/ our baby in the same room?

Great parents, right?

There is a full size bed so we'll have the luxury of sleeping together. (Before we each had our own twin size bed.) I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not.

It will be nice to sleep w/ him, but I expect to be somewhat uncomfortable and when the baby wants to nurse Hubby will be just as inconvenienced as me. Not to mention that if I need to sleep at an inclined position, he has to sleep that way too. (That's to say the bed has that option.)

I still have a million things to do. Sure most everything is moved into the nursery, but as far as organization goes the room still needs some work. Totes need to be gone through to find clothes (we don't know the sex of this baby), the mobile, car seat, etc.

We moved our 2 older kids into the same room (more on that later) and it's going really well. Let's hope the arrival of this baby doesn't screw w/ our system.