How Many Kids?

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At some point in motherhood or even before we enter motherhood we may face the question of how many kids should we have? This is a question some couples know the answer to even before they decide to get married and for some it isn’t a question at all due to medical concerns or infertility.

I currently have a boy and a girl and you won’t believe how many complete strangers say to me, “Oh, you must be done you got the best of both worlds!” Yes, I am thankful that I am able to experience life with a girl (although I am terrified of her teen years) and a boy (I feel I have a lot to learn about boys) that doesn’t mean I am done having kids. But, it is a question I ask myself and discuss with my husband frequently.

When do you decide to close that chapter of your life?

Upon speaking with a couple of friends I asked them what has been the most difficult in the number of kids they have?

My friend Cynthia said it was hardest for them going from 0 to 1 child. “Time to myself went by the wayside once our new leading lady came onto the scene.  I take that back; I did have time to myself during the mad dash back to Target for the one item I actually went there to buy in the first place! Going from no kids to one was nothing short of surprising, tiring, humbling, and always a reminder that our family is the greatest blessing.  She now has 3 children and quickly learned how to juggle date nights and self-care.

For my husband and I, going from 1 to 2 kids has been a challenge. I feel as if with one child we quickly adapted to roles in our routine that worked well for all three of us. But when we added another child we all took on more work than we were prepared for. We now had to divide and conquer instead of conquering it all together. But we are learning how to manage as a force of four.

Another friend of mine whom has four boys once said, “Going from 2 – 3 children “almost broke their marriage” You are officially outnumbered! I have yet to hear anything about having more than 3. From various people, I have heard anything above 3 the feelings are “What’s one more?” They just all fall into place and I guess by that point you should be awarded professional parent.

No magic eight ball, Facebook quiz, stranger or friend can tell you the right number of children for your family, the number of children you have is up to you and your spouse. It may be a joint decision or a surprise, but when you sit down at dinner at night and look around the table, how many food covered faces do you want to see smiling back at you?  

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Courtney Yates
Courtney was born in St. Louis, MO and since has lived in 12 different states. Courtney met her husband while attending the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), they both continue to be big football fans. Courtney and her husband David have lived in the beautiful town of Jupiter for 4 years after spending many years visiting her in-laws. They have been lucky enough to have two wonderful children born here, Harper (3.5) and Beckham (9 months). She is recently a stay at home mom, former teacher. Although she misses the classroom she is enjoying teaching her own children at home. Courtney enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, iced lattes and wine to keep up with the kids, working out and traveling. Courtney has always had a passion for writing and is excited to blog about all things motherhood and palm beach.