Some people are good at planning. They have a clear vision of what they want, when they want it, and a strategy for how to achieve it.
Apparently, I’m not one of those people. Especially when it comes to family planning.
Why, you ask? Well, I have three daughters. The kicker is . . . they are ages 4, 2 and 1.
Yeah, we didn’t plan that very well.
And you know what’s great? When people ask, “Three girls? Wow! So when are you trying for a boy?!”
Yeah, that’s super cute.
Another common comment from friends and strangers alike: “Wow, three daughters . . . three cars . . . three college tuitions . . . three weddings . . . all at about the SAME TIME!”
My response is usually the same. Courtesy laugh and some lame statement about how I hope we win the lottery. Which will be difficult since we don’t ever buy lottery tickets.
Anyway, so yeah, we are done having kids.
Since we just celebrated my youngest’s first birthday, I’ve been doing some reflecting about the finality of it all . . . the end of the baby stage in our house.
In doing so, here are some things I’ve experienced, and maybe what you can expect when you don’t plan on expecting ever again:
- I’ve experienced genuine shock at how many baby clothes I have. Seriously. I mean, I know I had three babies, but I’m overwhelmed at the sheer volume of onesies, bloomers, pajamas, swaddles, and socks that are currently stuffed into trash bags and making their way to the Salvation Army.
- Same goes for baby STUFF. You know, activity mats, swings, rockers, bouncers, bassinets, etc., etc.
- Due to #2, I’ve become an active member of local mom trading sites. So far, I’ve sold a bassinet and a swing. Only 2,385 more items to go.
- When going through all of these items, there have been several times I’ve come across a gift I received and never used. Darn it. Although at least I can keep those for future baby shower gifts. Is that bad?
- When I see pregnant women out and about, I don’t envy them. After I had my first baby and I knew I wanted another one, I would gaze at these women with a little pang of jealousy. Not anymore, my friends. Not anymore.
- Sometimes, though, I do feel a pang of something else. Sadness? No. Regret? Definitely no. It’s hard to describe . . . even though I am 100% certain I don’t want any more kids, there is something about knowing that will never happen again. No more ultrasounds. Never again will I feel a kick from deep inside. And I won’t have to deal with that scary epidural needle again (best drugs ever).
So, yes, our little family is complete. And I’m totally cool with that.
Now excuse me while I get back on my Facebook mom trading page and post a million pictures of gently-used-but-in-good-condition baby crap.
Want anything? Look me up.
