Recently Alex has started to be really clingy, I mean, I can’t put him down for more than 2 minutes without him going mental and acting like I’ve abandoned him on the side of the road or something. Not wanting to miss out on the fun of stressing Mummy out, Leo has decided now is a great time to start being as naughty as possible and have loads of massive tantrums, worse than those of the biggest two year old diva going. So you would think the last thing on my mind would be the idea of potentially adding another baby to the chaos wouldn’t you? And yet here I am, I have a 3 year old and an almost 9 month old and I’m feeling, dare I say it, broody.
What is going on?
I don’t know if it’s because Leo is off to school in September, because Alex is insisting on making it his mission to learn to walk before his first birthday or because almost every single person I follow on instagram is either pregnant or has just had a squishy little newborn but for some crazy reason I am toying with the idea of maybe having a third baby. The thing is, deep down I know I’m happy with two. I love my boys and think our little family unit is lovely but there is some part of me (I’m blaming hormones!) that can’t help but wonder what life would be like if we had a third baby. So, to silence that little daydream and stop it in its tracks before I find myself trying to convince the husband we should try for another baby, I am writing this list…
59 reasons not to have a third baby
1. Morning sickness sucks
2. First trimester anxiety sucks
3. Having to keep a secret that big for 12 weeks is stressful and really hard to do
4. Maternity clothes are mostly unflattering and really unfashionable
5. Maternity clothes cost loads
6. Having a ‘not quite’ baby bump just makes you feel frumpy
7. You have no control over your appetite during pregnancy
8. Pregnancy hormones suck
9. The third trimester is really hard going
10. A much needed nap whilst heavily pregnant would be impossible with 2 little ones running around
11. Contractions are beyond painful (remember this!)
12. Giving birth is not dissimilar to someone holding a flame between your legs whilst you force out a melon
13. Those early days of breastfeeding are stressful and sometimes painful (remember what Alex did to your poor nipples!)
14. The postpartum bleed is painful, gross and lasts for weeks
15. You sort of feel like you’ve been hit by a lorry for the first couple weeks after giving birth
16. Changing that first ever pooey nappy is pretty disgusting, meconium is like tar
17. Waking up 10 times a night to stick a baby on your boob is not fun
18. Trying to make it through the day on 3 hours broken sleep with 2 kids to look after is hard enough as is
19. Coping with a whinging toddler and crying newborn feels like hell at times
20. The laundry pile is never finished as a family of 4, we would need another house to store another persons dirty clothes and sheets in
21. The weekly food shop already costs a small fortune
22. It surely wouldn’t be possible to feed a baby and a toddler and a fussy four year old and maybe even myself 3 times a day, would it?
23. We would have to scrap the car and buy like a mini bus or something to fit in all the car seats and prams
24. I find it hard enough giving 2 children equal and fair attention
25. There would be no time in the day left for quality ‘me time’
26. The hubby and I never get a break to just be a couple as it is
27. Where would we put all the toys?
28. With only 2 no one can be left out
29. I’m shattered after a day at home with just the two
30. A third pregnancy and labour is very likely to obliterate what’s left of my pelvic floor
31. The hubby and I would be outnumbered
32. The budget would have to be even tighter, we wouldn’t be able to go on as many family days out
33. I would probably go bald thanks to post pregnancy hair loss (still shedding like a cat 9 months post birth)
34. Two of the kids would have to share a bedroom
35. Our established bedtime routines would probably go out the window
36. I could sell all the baby clothes that are taking up space in the attic
37. Our moses basket is worth a fortune, I would be able to sell that too.
38. I actually like my post baby body, I might not feel that way after a third pregnancy
39. We would never be able to afford to go on a family holiday
40. The two boys might get jealous
41. Could I really deal with 3 kids crying at the same time?
42. Potty training is not something I want to endure 3 times over
43. What if another child made my anxiety worse?
44. I might get post natal depression again
45. My other 2 children probably don’t want or need another sibling
46. A family trip to the cinema (one of our favourite things) would cost about a million pounds
47. I would have to write this blog in the middle of the night
48. Would I have any boobs left after breastfeeding a third baby?
49. My stomach muscles might split apart again
50. Could I really cope parenting three teenagers when the time comes?
51. What if it’s a girl and her brothers don’t like her?
52. What if it’s a boy and I feel a bit disappointed?
53. Nursing bras are ugly and the sooner I don’t have to wear them anymore the better
54. Any career plans would have to take another step back
55. We would have three times the worry
56. Does anyone actually survive the terrible twos third time around?
57. We would never be able to afford to give them everything they want
58. If we don’t have another then my days of changing nappies will soon be over
59. The hubby doesn’t want another one (end of).
Woah, that list ended up being a lot longer than I’d anticipated. I think I’ve created a pretty strong case, perhaps a third baby wouldn’t be the best idea after all. Of course, when making big life decisions you should always consider both sides of the argument. However, I feel writing ’59 reasons I SHOULD have another baby’ would be counterproductive in this instance.
As I said, Oli is very much of the two and done mindset and I’m pretty sure I am too. I don’t want to encourage that little broody part of me by writing a massive list of all the reasons why being a parent is amazing and why bringing another little life into the world would be a frigging amazing thing to do. It really would be wonderful.
Do you have more than 2 children? Are all my points valid or am I imagining it to be way more difficult than it actually is? Maybe you’re in the same situation as me, what’s stopping you from taking the plunge and extending your family? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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That is a lot of reasons! #BlogCrush
Heather Keet recently posted…Poll Tuesday week 19…
Yes to the stomach muscles issues and wanting to clear out the attic of clothes! There’s tonnes of them up there and I’ve saved them again “just in case”. Like you I can’t help but wonder about a third baby, but I really doubt I could cope. Thanks for the list reminding me of all the reasons why! This was an ace read x #blogcrush
I’d say you’ve convinced yourself to stop at 2 with that long list! #blogcrush
This is so sweet. I think about having another baby as well but we are really ‘just managing’ with two as we have no help nearby. Also I had two scary c-sections so I feel we’re lucky to all be here and happy and healthy. 🙂 xx #blogcrush
I’m with you. Two is plenty to handle! Mrs B has also been getting broody as Baby Frankie grows up – so fast second time round – but I think deep down we both know life would get a whole lot more complicated with three. Also, I’m edging close to 50 and I think I’m too tired to have sleepless nights again!
#blogcrush
I uave to give myself a talking to at the mo as even though i DEFINITELY dont want a third my brain doesnt seem to be concurring! Great list i shall chant it like a mantra #blogcrush
pam lorimer recently posted…Go with the Flow
When my ex and I first started having a family, I originally wanted 5 children. Then I had my first and the post pardum depression alone made me think twice about that. Then my oldest was diagnosed with Autism and we were hesitant to have another child for fear of Autism. By the time we finally decided to have my youngest, our marriage was going through some pretty rocky problems that we never recovered from. By the time my youngest was 3 I had definitely decided that I was done. I love my boys and I’m happy I didn’t have a third child. Thanks so much for hosting #blogcrush
I can’t even imagine three – I only have one and am just coming around to the idea of a second! There are some definite downsides to pregnancy and the newborn stage, though – it’s a wonder anyone has more than one kid! #BlogCrush
The Squirmy Popple recently posted…My kid wants to be a robot and I’m okay with that
I can confirm that a third baby does indeed ‘obliterate’ one’s pelvic floor haha!! Great post, can’t believe you came up with so many (valid) points!!! I love my third baby dearly but 3 is a game changer!! Our house gets chaotic sometimes and the laundry needing done is beyond comprehension, I’m never ahead with it!!!xxx #Blogcrush
Jemma @popcornlunchuk recently posted…Dear England…A Guide to People from Northern Ireland
An extensive list indeed. We have two and as far as we are concerned two is enough. Great post.
#BlogCrush
David – Tales of Two Children recently posted…Daddy’s Bedtime Adventure Part Two: The Morning After
I have days I imagine a third, when both children are being cute and delightful… then the baby throws a tantrum or has me at my wits end and I just know (I think) I couldn’t start again, again. And post partum hair loss? OMG yes! I’m sure I didn’t have this with my first but I honestly don’t know how I’m not bald already!
Great to find yet another fabulous linky! I’ve only got 2 and think it’s perfect. That’s quite a lot of reasons and you sound as though you’re pretty convinced!
some of these are the excuses a make for not having baby number 2 yet..lol #blogcrush
That is quite the list! And the decision is still difficult, because truth is, if…. and I say if, you would love he/she like crazy and adapt to the crazy. Me and the Mrs., we HAD to make the decision due to, well you know, lack of appropriate parts and such. We are thrilled with our duo of girls and cannot imagine it any other way! <3 #BlogCrush
Lisa Pomerantz recently posted…When your Therapy Dog needs Therapy
Gosh I’m sure that after that long list you might have convinced yourself that it’s not a good idea to have a third. I’m sure that if you did a pro list it wouldn’t be as long #dreamteam
Haha this made me laugh. We are done at two… I think…! The thought of having three teenagers – eek! And yup the cinema would cost a year’s wage – so expensive these days! #dreamteam
Lucy At Home recently posted…Bloggers Bluff 22: My Girls And Me
Just popping back from #blogcrush, lovely. I think the time whizzes by so quickly when you have a second baby and it’s sad to think it’ll be the last time that you do things. I think this all the time! But then I have to remind myself of the broken sleep and the budget and the kids-outnumbering-adults thing! Haha. Great post! #blogcrush
Lucy At Home recently posted…Bloggers Bluff 22: My Girls And Me
I can pretty much adapt all of these points to why I don’t want a second baby to be honest!! Will be interesting to see if your broodiness takes over in the next few months!! 😉 Thanks so much for linking up with #DreamTeam!
Mrs Lighty recently posted…#DreamTeam Linky Week 65
I’m a mummy of 3, I’ve found it not much different than having 2 until now. They are now ages 10, 7 and my “baby” is almost 4. We find it difficult now because the girls have so much homework and dance classes almost everyday and the youngest needs a lot of attention. With work and 3 kids it’s like a juggling act, making sure each child gets enough attention! Some days I feel like our middle child doesn’t get as much attention because she doesn’t demand it like the other 2 do! I think it depends on what kind of children you have to start with, some kids are little angels compared to mine, those parents don’t realise how easy they have it 2 out 3 of mine are naughty so it’s always going to be more difficult. Great post I loved reading your reasons!
I’m a mummy of 3, I’ve found it not much different than having 2 until now. They are now ages 10, 7 and my “baby” is almost 4. We find it difficult now because the girls have so much homework and dance classes almost everyday and the youngest needs a lot of attention. With work and 3 kids it’s like a juggling act, making sure each child gets enough attention! Some days I feel like our middle child doesn’t get as much attention because she doesn’t demand it like the other 2 do! I think it depends on what kind of children you have to start with, some kids are little angels compared to mine, those parents don’t realise how easy they have it 2 out 3 of mine are naughty so it’s always going to be more difficult. Great post I loved reading your reasons!
#dreamteam
This does make me chuckle. Sure I could come up with a similar list!! #bestandworst x
Love love love this!! I’m in the same boat as you and I think I am now firmly put off. We are waiting another year and making a final decision I think. eeek. Then again we could both get pregnant again at the same time? Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
Sarah Howe recently posted…Best and Worst Week #104
We’ve been blessed with two little ones and although adding a third would be truly tempting health complications cause us to question whether it’s the right thing. #DreamTeam
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Returning via #bestandworst
Helena recently posted…Things I’ve Liked and Loved in July
I’m having a hard time with one …. three to me just seems unfathomable. I’m at the age now where it probably wouldn’t happen anyway even if I wanted it to! I was from a family of 3 kids and I just remember it always being hard financially. I’m sure it was very difficult.
Sarah | Baby Brain recently posted…What’s The Best Double Jogging Stroller?
Hi naptimenatter Admin!
I ready daily your posts, i really get some thing new in your posts everyday. Thanks for contributing in this topic to help out me.
Hi admin!I read daily your posts, i really get some thing new in your posts everyday. Thanks for contributing in this topic to help out me.
Thank you I for posting! I needed to read this right now!
All good points but as a mum of three I could come up with 59 reasons why you SHOULD have a third baby! #bestandworst
Crummy Mummy recently posted…6 things I’ve learnt in six months of exclusive breastfeeding
This is so funny and the points are valid but I just *knew* I wasn’t done. The good news is that number 3 cured me of being broody haha I am totally done now 😉
Emma Lander recently posted…What Kind of Driving Hero Are You?