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Monday, June 02, 2014 at 3:15 PM
How many children do you hope to have?
...two children still, most likely. Now and again I'll wonder if we should have a third (it was actually my birthday wish!), but our boys are such a lovely little handful, we think we'll probably stop now. And, when I think about our family, it feels like everyone is here. It feels like our family was meant to be this way. I don't feel like we're waiting for anyone else, if that makes sense.
Interestingly enough, according to the U.S. Census and Gallup polls, the average American married couple wants 2.5 children but has 1.86 children.
How many kids do you hope to have, if all goes according to plan? Has the number changed as you've gotten older? Have you been surprised about how things have turned out? I'm curious to hear...
P.S. On having a boy. And would you ever decide to NOT have kids?
(Photo by Stefano Azario for Vogue)
238 comments:
1 – 200 of 238 Newer› Newest»- N K said...
we have two and I "feel" there's at least one more out there. Maybe even two. It is such a departure from how we grew up and how our friends live. But it is a feeling I have in my bones that there's at least one more (if not two) out there. It's like I already know them and it is just a waiting game to "bring" them here. Gosh, I sound crazy, but... it is what it is!
- girlnamedallyn said...
I always said 3 to 4, my husband says 2 to 3, though we're both open to whatever happens (we haven't started having them yet). I do know a lot of people who have 2 close together and then wait a while for the 3rd, just out of self preservation. Ha.
- smorrison said...
Growing up as an only child I always dreamed of having a big family...5 kids minimum. I felt that way all through high school and then during college and countless hours of babysitting I realized that didn't sound like the right number anymore. When my husband and I first started dating I wanted 3 and was very firm on that idea. But now that we have been married for a year we think two will be just perfect. It is funny because at different ages I felt so sure about my number...but in this season of life 2 sounds perfect.
- Amanda aka MamaRobot said...
We are one and done. Once in a while, I wonder what having another would be like...then quickly conclude I could not handle it.
- Trish said...
When I was young I wanted six. Ha - silly girl! I have 3 (boys, now mostly grown) and that is perfect!!
- Maywyn Studio said...
I don't know why, but I don't see you with only two children. I think you two are one of those couples that can handle a dozen. However, 3 or 4 is more reasonable.
- Kristina said...
Two, which is what we now have (a girl and a boy). There are moments I think about a third (brief, fleeting moments) but I feel I'm the type of mother I want to be to two children.
- Stella Dobry said...
When I was a little girl I loved babies and told my mom, "I want 1000 babies!" Luckily I've come to my senses since then. ;) We are expecting baby #1 any day now. At this point, the last thing I want to think about is how many more times I want to be pregnant!!
- Christie. said...
We always thought we would have two, but the decision has mostly been made for us - after a number of years trying, many losses and the removal of my left tube, it's unlikely I'll be able to get pregnant again naturally.
Sometimes, I do still feel like I'm waiting for someone else to join us (that's a really nice way to word it), but I also really enjoy life with just the three of us. I'm choosing to be grateful for the amazing daughter we already have, many people won't have the opportunity for even one child. - 3:28 PM
- girlnamedallyn said...
Also, I could see you having more if you guys moved to, say, California! A place with a yard and all of that can really change perspectives.
- Unknown said...
You have posted this exact post a year or two ago. Do you really think we're that stupid? Had it happened once, I'd ignore it, but you've done this before. Please Joanna don't underestimate your readers. It's disrespectful. If you don't have ideas for new posts, it's way more elegant to just skip a day and try again tomorrow.
Best of luck,
Angry reader
- M.M. said...
I'm curious if anyone decided to go for a third because they had two boys/girls and wanted a little girl/boy. That seems so risky, but I wonder how that influences the decision to "try for another."
- Annette said...
We would like to have 3. We are only now having our first and we started late in life so we don't know how many God will bless us with. Hopefully, at least two!
- Anna said...
I love your comment about it feeling like everyone in your family is "here." I'm not sure I've heard anyone else talk about that feeling.
It's funny though, because I have six siblings, and when my whole family is together, it ALWAYS feels like someone is missing.
I can't imagine life without any of my siblings, so I've always had a desire for a big family myself. - 3:30 PM
- Vanessa Johnson said...
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- Kelly Rae said...
I've been thinking about this question quite a bit. We currently have one but we will wait till they are 2 1/2 before we decide to have a second. Or we might wait a bit longer.
- Our family said...
I wanted 3 or 4, my husband wanted an even number. We have 4!
- magda_n said...
We have two; but since my husband has also another (his first) girl, it makes it three already (even if the girl doesn't live with us permanently).
As a child I had imagined myself as a mother or three or even four. Then, I passed a long period when I was thinking I'd never have kids at all.
Right now, it's good, though sometimes I ask myself if I wouldn't like another one… small kids are so cute!!! But than I try to be pragmatic and tell myself that probably I would not not have enough energy, money, time for a big family.
I also admit that with every year passing I realize that less and less I have a chance to be a mother once again and… it makes me sometimes a kind of a regret … or wishing.
In the end of life most of the people regret rather not having had another child yet, rather not inversely. - 3:35 PM
- Maureen said...
I have one and am so happy and feel so blessed to have her, she made us a family, ya know? But I am so TIRED too. Sometimes I wonder if my body/mind could handle another pregnancy/first year, or if my husband and I could handle the stress of juggling two without becoming strangers..and then there is the financial aspect. One kid in full time daycare is a second mortgage payment every month! But, I still wonder, maybe...my window isn't shut yet!
- Shannon said...
Thanks for sharing! We have 1 who is 14 months old and I've been thinking about this a lot. We were always a "we want two" couple. Two seems like a good balance. An equal number of parents and kids. And financially it seemed manageable (something I've always wanted to ask large families is how they manage the cost!). But I've loved being a mom so much I've actually started to wonder if maybe it wouldn't be nice t have 3 kids. That is still years away though. Based on what you wrote it seems like we have to try for that second and then based on that see if we feel our family is complete or not.
- Sarah Jean said...
I think I want 3, but my husband is firm on 2. I grew up as one of 4 siblings and many of our friends have 4+ kids so I keep hearing this lie in my head that I won't be a "real mom" if I only have 2 kids. Again I recognize it's not the truth and I never think that about other people, but it's just something I struggle with. I get what you mean about feeling everyone "is here" with your sweet family. After my first, I told my husband, "I love our little family, but I just feel someone is missing." We're expecting #2 right now, so it will be interesting to see if our family feels complete with the 4 of us or if we are still waiting on someone else. I think that's the best way to judge if you have the right amount.
- heidi said...
We have three boys! I'd love to have a fourth (no not to try for a girl!) but kids are EXPENSIVE! Even in Canada with free health care. :)
- Carrie said...
We'd love 3 kids but could never ever afford that (daycare is TOO expensive). We'll probably have 2 (although I'm not sure we can afford that either). Whether we can afford it or not we'll have one.
We also plan to do foster care when our youngest child is 11. - 3:40 PM
- Vanessa Johnson said...
I really loved growing up in a big family, being the oldest of five and having a large extended family, my dad being one of seven. Siblings are such a gift! We'd like at least three, but maybe more! I love the idea of children multiplying love. More sacrifice, but more love, too!
- Vanessa Johnson said...
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- Genuine Draft said...
I'm one of eight kids, so five has always sounded good to me. I want my kids to have a bunch of brothers and sisters because I had (and continue to have) so much fun with my siblings. I realize a family of ten like I had growing up sounds crazy and chaotic, but even when we all get together it doesn't feel like that many people. I look around and think "Hmmm. Is this really everybody?" I can't imagine my life without all of my siblings, so for me, having two or three kids feels like they might as well be an only child.
- Fiona said...
We started off with twin girls, thinking we'd stop there but were then surprised with a 3rd daughter. I never thought of having 3 kids, but now can't picture our family any other way. 3 is a happy handful. ;)
- Jesse said...
its certainly a question that changes with time, right? i thought i wanted four when i was much younger, before i knew the work involved i suppose? now, two seems right. but i wonder if i'll want three....hmmm.
- Brandy said...
We always said one, maybe two. After having our daughter we decided that one more would complete our family. To our surprise we found out we were expecting TWINS so now we're a family of 5 and it seems perfect.
- Anne said...
Just a thought for the angry reader - sometimes I tell my mom the same story twice, because I tell my mom a lot of stories and I forget. I'm so glad she doesn't react the way you just did.
- alittlelondoner.com said...
We have 1,would love 5! However we are 7 months trying for no.2! Some days my little girl is so much work I think having 1 is enough,but you see I have this little image in my head of a busy,full house of excited children at Christmas!!Dreaming of babies xxx
- Meadow said...
Right now, having one seems like more than enough. I'm scared to even TTC... let alone think about having more than one kid. I don't know how people do it.
- paige said...
I'd like to have 2!
PS- Dear "Unknown" above: if you are having a bad day, don't make all of us read about it! - 3:49 PM
- Johanna A said...
We have two boys, one will be two years old in July and the second one will be eight months June 10th . My husband and I always said we would only have two kids, but once in a while I feel like I want one more, He on the other hand absolutely does NOT want one more. I honestly want a little girl, but have no guarantee that I would have a baby girl. Only God knows if he wants to bless us with one more child, since both my boys are a miracle to me, because my first pregnancy was an ectopic pregnancy, I lost that baby and had my left tube removed. Thanks to God I was able to get pregnant again, had my first born, and my second boy was definitely a big surprise. I'm so grateful to God for both of m sons. :)
- Jessica Brown said...
We had three kids and then took a seven year break, and added one more. Four is busy but lots of fun and the oldest love, love, love their baby sister! I would do it again in a second just to watch the boys kiss and cuddle her and try to make her laugh.
- Giulia Audrey Doyle said...
@Angry Reader. She posted about this topic 2 years ago. I guess she can't write about Christmas, Easter, Chocolate Chip cookies, etc. anymore either, since she's covered that topic already. Maybe she was thinking about it again, maybe it's top of her mind, maybe she wants to discuss it again...
- Bird said...
If you are one of those couples who have another child trying for what you don't have...don't tell your children. I was "supposed" to be a boy. I knew a family who kept trying to have a boy and ended up with 10 girls!
- Amy Kitch said...
i've always said i didn't want children...but who knows! i don't have a partner yet, so that will definitely influence the decision.
also, totes agree Paige -- 'unknown' should take their debbie downer comments elsewhere. - 3:59 PM
- pernambuco said...
- krisel keeper said...
I remember you posting about this before and I've wondered since you had your second if your thoughts had changed. Specially bc you two seem to be such easy going parents who are doing the juggle calmly. And your boys are so wonderful and magical. We have two girls. We're good and happy. I'm happy to raise two of the same sex children. I feel it makes it easier for me. I lost 4 in between both girls and the last pregnancy was so stressful for me I don't want to go through it again. Plus I'm 42....and tired! But happy!
- Mollylee said...
I currently have one and I am still thinking three sounds perfect. My husband is in the definitely two and maybe three camp. He's the more practical one on the finances of having a family and doesn't want our kids to feel too constrained by a budgets.We'll see but I feel we have a lot of love to share so why not.
- Janette said...
We always planned to have 2 children, but after we lost our little boy, Sebastian, half way through the pregnancy, we decided that if we could we'd try to have two of our own and adopt another. We're now 4 weeks away from having our 3rd baby, thanks to IVF and amazing medical technology that enables me to physically carry a baby past 20 weeks.
Once we reach a point where our children are big enough we still plan to adopt, it felt like something we 'learned' after we lost Sebastian, and it feels like a promise to him that we have honour. We've been watching an amazing series on adoption over here in the UK (had us in floods of tears), and it's only made us want to do it more.
Although- I think that will be plenty! We'll be taking steps to ensure we don't have any surprises (we only went down the IVF route for one pregnancy) and having high risk pregnanices really takes it out of you, in so many ways.
We're so lucky and blessed to be where we are now. - 4:04 PM
- morestomach.com said...
0. this number has been pretty firm since i was a kid. sometimes my uterus quivers when i hold an especially squishy baby but then all goes back to normal when i go home.
PS. i seem to recall you posting something like this before, but unlike the Angry Reader above, i don't mind. it's a question worth asking again. we're all in different places in our lives, answers changes sometimes. - 4:04 PM
- Kate Harvey said...
We don't have any yet but my husband and I want 5.
- Georgia Christakis said...
I grew up in a family of four, and had twelve cousins (all from one momma!) right down the street. I think four is perfect, and maybe if it feels right we would open our home to foster children, or even adopt. if our finances allow it. I know from my work in medical school that having children is not easy for everyone, though, so our plans may change...
- thepathtooptimism said...
Oh dear...
I am 22 and I'm not married or even in a serious relationship, but whenever I think about it I think I would like to have three or maybe four.
I am the eldest of two children and my brother, who is 6 years and 8 months younger than me, is absolutely perfect, and we really couldn't have a better relationship, but I often wonder how things you have been had we had another sibling. I certainly never felt that someone was missing before you mentioned it, but now, perhaps I do feel this.
I would have just liked to share this love, respect and closeness I have with my brother with other siblings too and that's why I know I would like to have more than two children.
- thepathtooptimism said...
Oh dear...
I am 22 and I'm not married or even in a serious relationship, but whenever I think about it I think I would like to have three or maybe four.
I am the eldest of two children and my brother, who is 6 years and 8 months younger than me, is absolutely perfect, and we really couldn't have a better relationship, but I often wonder how things you have been had we had another sibling. I certainly never felt that someone was missing before you mentioned it, but now, perhaps I do feel this.
I would have just liked to share this love, respect and closeness I have with my brother with other siblings too and that's why I know I would like to have more than two children.
- Joy said...
I have four -- and I want more!! I know, crazy, right? But I truly love it. And unlike you, I look around and keep feeling like someone's missing. My kids are ages 2-14, so it's not like I don't know what I'm getting into. The only problem is my husband thinks we're done. :-(
- Whitney said...
I always wanted 3 or 4, but my husband thinks just two is perfect. We already have a 2-1/2 year old boy and a 4 month old girl, but I know we'll have a third. I just feel like there is more to our family and we're just waiting to meet him or her when the time is right. I like to think of it as a "mother's intuition". I knew our first was a boy before we went in for the ultrasound and I knew our second was a girl around the time we found out I was pregnant. I just "knew".
- Lindsay said...
I think this would've been an interesting post if the answer had changed. I clicked on it excitedly, anticipating that you and Alex had changed your minds, and then was annoyed and felt manipulated to read something I've read before. Do you think you'll look for a 3 bedroom home sometime soon, now that you're pretty sure this is the long-term size of your family?
- Megan McGuire said...
Please think of the environment (now and in another 100 years) when you decide whether to bring children into the world. Not only for the sake of others, but for their own. Why is this never brought up in discussions like this?
- Lily L-M said...
My boyfriend wants at LEAST 4 -- he comes from a small family so I get why... but does he realize how expensive kids are?! We've still got some time to figure out what's right for us.
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/ - 4:11 PM
- Kellie P. said...
PS, I think it's totally fine to "repurpose" old posts...a lot of us haven't been readers from the beginning and so the content is new to us. No one is forcing you (Angry Reader) to read anything you don't want to so why not just skip the post and get on with your day?
- Janik said...
I think it's so important to think about ourselves, our career, our friendships, to have some time for ourselves, to accomplish somethingelse than motherhood. I have two boys like you and i know that if I have another child, it would be impossible for me to keep working and to be happy as a woman. From a French girl of the very South of France.
- Rachel said...
I never wanted children. I'm now pregnant with my second and am hoping for 4 kids!
- Paige W said...
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- Gabriella said...
I've loved being an only child, and have long thought I would like to have just one. But I would consider two!
- Lee Taylor-Penn said...
My husband and I have just started talking about having children (the timing, etc). I'm an only child and my husband has one sister that he isn't close with at all. We would like to have two with the option for a third (depending on health and finances). It is really important to us that our children have a close bond, and I keep wondering "what can parents do to help create a close sibling bond?"
Joanna-I would love to see a post tackling that question! I've been asking a few moms of grown children and a few friends about their sibling bonds and it has been fun to hear the answers! - 4:25 PM
- jm said...
Joanna isn't underestimating her readers. She is just revisiting this issure and realizing her family really does seem complete. I really dislike negative commets. They are unnecessary and really spoil the vibe for the rest of us who are enjoying this post.
- jenn @ beyond the stoop said...
if funds could allow, i'd like to have 3-4. my fiancé and i would like to have 2 children of our own, and adopt another 1 or 2. knowing that we both want to adopt regardless of fertility gives me a little less anxiety about testing my "clock" and trying for kiddos of our own… we will have children regardless of the birth parents.
- laurasaurus said...
My standard answer is between 3 and 5 but I don't have any yet so we'll have to see how my opinion changes with time. I had a discussion with my sister recently about the financial aspect of raising children and we have a fundamental disagreement about how much money you "need" to raise a child. She argues that you should only have as many children as you can afford to give a comfortable life and every advantage. I feel that, while my brood may not be able to go to private school or take private lessons, growing up with a bunch of siblings in a loving home can offer an extremely enriching life… It's funny that while my sister and I both come from 3, she sees 3 as too many and I see it as just right or too few! It fascinates me that two women raised in the same home by the same parents can see things so differently!
- Bekuh Browning said...
I don't think we'll have any children. It is mostly because I've never really felt the "need" to have them, but it's also a health and financial decision for my husband and I. By the time we're in a place financially to have children I'll be nearly 40 and the health risks out way the outcome for us. Our lives and careers were irrevocably hindered by the financial crisis in 2008 and so the dollars just don't add up. We both grew up in homes were making ends meet affected the success of the children and we'd never want to place that burden on our hypothetical kids.
- nina | itsazooatthezoo.blogspot.com said...
I love this question, it's such an important one. For us, after having one, we knew we wanted 3. My husband comes from a family with 3 kids and I think they have such a nice balance and great relationships. They can all count on each other. I just had my third 2 months ago and it just feels right. We knew this is what would work for us. So far, having 3 kids has been fine. It's not as hard as I thought it would be. It just takes a different way of thinking and my tolerances in terms of behavior from my boys and a messy house, have changed, but it's working. Everything feels right now.
- Isabel Magnasco said...
I have three kids, two boys of 12 and 7 and a girl
of 10 .
Three is my perfect number for what I can handle !!!
I feel lucky of having both girl and boys in my
house !
- melanie said...
As a child I always thought I'd have two kids (a boy and a girl of course). Then in high school and college I decided motherhood wasn't for me. My own relationship with my mother was stressful and I couldn't imagine being someone's mother. After 10 years of marriage my husband finally talked me into trying for children. It took over a year for us to get pregnant which I think was about my own body coming to terms with the decision. We adore our daughter to pieces and I couldn't imagine our family without her now. Although every once and awhile I think hmmm maybe another. We are most definitely one and done.
- upwithjoyblog said...
We hope to have two... we have one 10 month old boy now and sometimes we say if we have another boy we might eventually consider having a third to try for a girl. We're actually expecting our second at the end of January... I know just what you mean about your family being all there, that is one of the reasons I wanted to have my babies so close together, I just had the feeling that I wanted us all to be "here" now!
- Jesse Blair-French said...
I really want at least two children, because I was an only child and it was sort of a bummer. Two is my general answer, but I really feel like 3 is my number. Luckily, my sweetheart agrees. I guess we'll have a better idea after we someday have our first! :)
- Alexa said...
My instinct has always told me I want a big family (4 children?) but I can also see myself with one or two, especially since I live in NYC. I love the idea of a houseful, but I also have several friends who are only children and the relationships they have with their parents/the traveling their families have done together is appealing, as well. We'll see! I am 26 and single, so there are a lot of factors still to come.
Also, I remember your original post on this topic and I am more than happy to revisit it! :) - 4:40 PM
- msn said...
i really think that the decisions made on having more kids are based on money, finance. We have one boy and he is 3 year old. But i would love to have another one but we talk a lot about how we would handle it finacially. I mean, if I want to take care of him as I did for the 1st one, I won't bhe able to work for at least a year, so it can be a struggle for us.
Aaaahh, money... - 4:41 PM
- Mary E said...
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- Mary E said...
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- Mary Sue Denninghoff said...
My husband and I are undergoing fertility treatments, so for the longest time I've just hoped for ONE! But, now that we have upped our risk for having twins I wondered if we had two of the same sex, would I want to try for another? Maybe. My husband, though, is sure he doesn't want to be out-numbered. :)
- Carolyn said...
My son turns 1 on Sunday. I go back and forth. But deep down, I know I want 2. Like you said, I feel like I'm waiting for someone.. but my issue is, he's still so little. And it was a hard year! But I'm 37.. and I know I don't have all this time. Haha, just thinking about all this gives me anxiety!
- willbeck78 said...
When we got married, we thought 4. We had one baby boy & thought, hmmm...maybe just 3! We had baby girl 17 months later & are pretty sure we're stopping here. The funny thing is that these feelings can change over time. Once our 10 month old is a bit older, I'm sure we'll slowly forget the really tough times & go for a third! I love that you posted about this topic once again. Does Angry reader know that she doesn't have to read this blog? Whoa.
- Quiana said...
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- Tiffany said...
I always wanted four but now that I am in my mid 30s and still at zero, I would be thrilled with having one.
- Shannon Patterson said...
Getting married next year and have no clue. Is there something wrong with us in that we're still not sure what we want (i.e. range of 0-2)? We're in our late 20s...when do people figure this stuff out? Are those motherly instincts missing? I'm jealous you're all planned out and sure.
- Sarah jane Curtis said...
We are only just married, but we want at least 6! I grew up with five other siblings and they are my best friends. :)
- Quiana said...
I'm currently two weeks away from having my 2nd child, a boy, and I have a girl who's almost 4. I thought I'd always want a lot of kids growing up in a family of 6 with 4 kids (my husband grew up the same), but we're realizing life is just more comfortable as a family of 4 especially because we like to travel. Also, we love the idea of being empty nesters at 52. My parents were empty nesters as well in their early/mid 50s and it's been so awesome watching them enjoy it. Looking forward to doing the same!
- Heather M said...
I am very far from marriage, let alone parenthood, but I think I'd like to have 3. I am one of three, and I have dozens of cousins who all are in sets of 3, so it feels right. Incidentally, my Dad and I were having a heart to heart recently, and I asked him if he has any regrets in his life. He said the only regret is that he wishes they had had MORE kids, knowing what joy my brother and sister and I have brought to them. While I can't imagine not being the youngest child :) , I thought that was so sweet!
- Mary E said...
Pregnancy brain had me retype this 3 times before I finally got my point across. lol! I'm due in a week with our first and we'd like to start trying again in about another year or so. I love the idea of having kids grow up together. We're both fairly young so I know that based on genes there's potentially 20 more years of fertility left! I know plans can change with circumstances, so I feel at peace with being flexible with life and it's seasons. We both are hoping for about 5 or so. My husband comes from a family of 4 children and he can't really imagine less than that.
- Christen said...
I thought I just wanted one, I swore we'd never have two. Then one day I woke up and HAD to have another, it was all I could think about. Now, we have two girls, four and five months. It's been such a wonderful experience, I could see having three. My husband really doesn't want a third though, and since I'm not passionate about a third I'd like to respect what he is passionate about: just having two. I just hope someday we don't look back and wish we would have just gone for it.
- plauschinat said...
We have two. I'm done (completely, utterly) but my husband wants another. Our current dilemma is how to work through this when we both have such strong, differing feelings on the topic. In theory, I'd love another...but there are so many other things I'm interested in and I don't feel the energy for another newborn.
- Emily Moser said...
We have one 8-month old boy right now and are trying for number two! If number two is a girl, we might stop there. If not, we will go for three. Maybe. :)
- EKmama said...
My husband and I always said 4. I'm pregnant with our second now and know I want to do it at least one more time! But 3 is sounding good to me. The thought of still being in the pregnant/nursing 4(ish) from now (to have a fourth) is a little daunting! We'll see how I feel after 3, if we're so lucky to have a third!
- cathy said...
We had three. Both my husband and I were middle children so we figured we would mess up another generation! When I was pregnant with my 3rd people would ask me if I had two boys or two girls already. When I mentioned I had one of each, the looks got really "what were you thinking"!!
- maxandbruno said...
As an older mom (47) with two sons, I feel the question has changed over time. When first pregnant, I wanted one, and then of course, child number two. After the second, I loved it so much, that I wanted a third and struggled for years with the emotional dilemma of whether or not to go forward and have a third. I think I really wanted a girl, and that was what was moving me forward. However, i looked at my second son and his nature, and I realized that if he had a different personality, I would have had a third, making him the middle child. However, I know my children, and my second was a deeply reflective, quiet child and I just couldn't risk having him in the middle with an already strong minded older brother. Plus, their relationship is so special - they love each other so much and are so close. I just wanted to keep fostering the relationship they have.
Finally, we decided to keep our small family to four, and be happy with our two beautiful sons! In my fantasy world, if I didn't have to work, and had all the money in the world, and I had started having kids at 29, I would have had four! However, having two has allowed us to travel more easily with them, put them in great schools, and be able to ski with them every weekend. Most importantly, I have been able to really listen to my youngest son, and be the parent that he needs me to be.
- *** KITSCH *** said...
I always wanted two kids, my husband had enough with our first son but we have two now, our little girl is 6 months!
"Family completed" - 5:16 PM
- Carla said...
I totally relate to that feeling of feeling like "everyone is here" and we are complete. I have two girls and before having any children always thought I wanted a boy. But, now I just feel like this is my family. This is who was meant to be in my life and they complete me!
- Mary Jo said...
We have two girls, the youngest being 17 months. I orginally thought we would have 3 kids before we had any. Then our two seemed like "lovely little handful" as well. But there are moments I feel like we are suppose to have another little person in our lives. I'm 35, we live in LA (expensive!) and I wonder for the betterment of all of us already here if we should stop with the two healthy beautiful girls that we have?
- Dorothy DeMaria said...
I missed it the first time, so thanks for running it again. it's an interesting question and bears more than one discussion. See Angry Reader it's all in the perception
- Scott & Megan Cardon said...
My mom said she was done after baby #4, but then my parents started to feel that someone was missing. A few years later, they had baby #5. Still, they felt someone missing. This happened several more times until baby #7 was born and they finally felt complete. Now its a family joke to bring up, "Who's missing?" It always gets my mom all fired up! lol. I've got one so far and I can't imagine having 7! How did she even find a minute to pee?!
- Nicole Lam said...
My husband and I have this discussion every now and then. We also have 2 boys, 4.5 and 2, and feel that we're done having kids. We both work full-time and so the amount of time that we can devote to them is already pretty limited, then you add in their sports, school events, etc. that will only become more demanding as they enter regular school, that we feel if we were to have one more, that we'd almost be stretched too much and would be actually doing more harm to them than good. We feel like we're just "right" as we have it right now; that we can manage everything and even though at times it seems chaotic, we can manage it and everyone seems well-adjusted and aren't missing anything. But every now and then (usually during my time of the month. I know, TMI, but it's true), I get that certain "twinge" inside me and the thoughts of having one more creep up. And I tell him, "I just don't want to wake up one day in 10 years and say, 'we should've had one more - why didn't we just suck it up back then and have one more?'" I don't want to live with any regret.
But then, we talk it out, weigh the pros and cons and seem to just be coming back to the same scenario we're currently in - only 2 kids.
Who knows, though. Maybe in a couple years, we'll decide to have another one. And I think that would be just fine, actually. :) - 5:32 PM
- Austin P. Smith said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- Rachel Catriona said...
We have our third on the way this fall. Our first was a tough baby so we waited three years to have the second. I knew within days of the second's arrival that I wanted another. There will be 22 months between 2 and 3.
We are a rarity. Most of our friends are two or one child families. But I have five siblings so this seems small. And we're lucky that we haven't had to make sacrifices - besides sleep of course - to add to our family.
Really hoping #3 makes me feel done. - 5:49 PM
- Lomagirl said...
I always wanted three when I thought about having kids. And we had two. And then we realized we wouldn't be having anymore for various reasons, including the fact that our youngest was turning 6 and we didn't want such a big gap. And then I got pregnant. So we ended up with our three!
- Jessica Quadra Andrews said...
I am pregnant now with our first and I turn 33 next weekend. Sooo, we would love to have one more and then be done. I always thought I'd like to have three, but I will feel happy and blessed if we can have two.
- Eliza Dipper said...
Jo, I usually love your features and your ability to bring beauty to the everyday slog. But this conversation is the opposite - you are trolling only for the "beauty" and therefore undermining the kinds of real political and environmental questions that we can't ignore anymore in conversations around family planning and family size. I acknowledge those questions are distasteful. And that they don't support the kind of magical parenting approaches that are discussed here ("when I was a little girl..." etc).
It may be tedious to hear, but it's not fear-mongering to note that global population is expected to hit eight billion around 2025. This kind of conversation, without any discussion of the environmental, political or moral realities of overpopulation, pretend that there are no consequences, no larger picture. "How tired" you might be with your current family size is not the only issue that deserves thoughtful consideration. This starry-eyed approach to family planning is irresponsible. I would love to see your site as adding depth to these questions, no removing it. - 5:58 PM
- Vanessa said...
So you wouldn't try for a third to see if you get a girl? I know you love your boys, but often people will say they want one of each. How do you feel about not having a girl?
- justmanette said...
My dad comes from a family of 9 & my mother comes from 10. We started later in life and have 2 boys. Although I would have loved a girl to dress up & sew frilly clothes for, I always knew I'd be a mom to two boys. I love having boys & can't imagine being a mother to a girl now. I suppose it's meant to be!
- Renata Bell said...
My husband and I were never too sure about being parents... We really loved our life style and we were happy on being just the two of us. It felt very special...
After 7 years of marriage, we finally decided to have a baby. I'm 38 and expecting the first one now!
We are extremely happy that our little, loving family will grow but now I see us with one kid only. Again, it feels special, three of us...
It sounds selfish or anti social, but for us it's like the link is complete... One was already a huge step for us! :-) - 6:14 PM
- Eliza Jane said...
We always say we want as many kids as we can afford....which probably won't be more than two at most. Although I'd love to have three. I'm an only child, and so I know what it's like not to have siblings and to spend your whole life feeling like you're missing out on that. I therefore think it's selfish to have just one child, and refuse to do that to my kids.
- Emily Love said...
I'm 21 and single, but when I was young I wanted several kids..... Now I think that when I do get married I want one, and at least a few years after getting married. I'd like to have some married couple adventures first, and ideally I'd love to live in an urban area, so one makes sense.
- Lindsay Rondo said...
Planned to have a few. Had one but then we haven't been able to have any sense. Funny what life throws at you. Life is beautiful either way. Hopefully another one will come our way. Not quite feeling like we are all there yet. :)
- Rachel Kaylynn said...
We always said we'd have four of our own and then foster with possible adoption later on. We currently have three under six and while my pregnancy and births were easy I suffered from post partum depression which then later triggered pmdd after my 3rd. As of right now, I think I'm done with childbirth. As soon as our oldest is seven though, we'd like to start our fostercare training.
- JC Cross-Jones said...
We are still quite young in our eyes, just 27, but we are thinking about having our first soon. I think we will probably have 2 or 3, but I think we will just have to see what happens!
Two Hearts One Roof - 6:19 PM
- Emmy M. said...
I have known I want to be a mother since I was practically a kid myself. I have always adored children and would love 2 of my own- especially one of each sex (though of course healthy babies are what matters most).
I grew up an only child and always wondered what it would be like to have siblings. I know that initially my parents wanted more, but it took them 6 whole years to just have me, and then I'm not sure they kept trying. I enjoyed being an only child all the same, but now that my own parents are getting older, even though they aren't seniors yet I find myself wishing I had a sibling to help take care of them in the future. If money wasn't an option I'd want to have 3 kids! It's too bad college costs are rising so exponentially- that is such a huge consideration. I shudder at the thought of how much it will cost when my own kids, should I be blessed enough to have some, are that age in 25 years or so. - 6:21 PM
- katie said...
My husband and I hope to have two biologically and adopt two. Would love to hear adoption stories on the blog :) We will likely try within the next year to get pregnant and will be eligible to begin the process to adopt from China when I turn 30 (in three years--both parents have to be 30). I was raised as an only child-my brother is much older than me-and would love to give our children the opposite of my upbringing experience!
- Sara said...
- glenda said...
I have a son and daughter and knew 2 was it regardless of their gender. I come from a big family (8 total kids) and he (6) and we knew 2 was it for us.
- Cynthia said...
Well, most of us do not suffer from a great memory, so needless to say, whether you've posed the question before or not, I very much enjoyed today's post, and the picture of your sweet boys holding hands! Parenthood is certainly a personal choice, but I'm always happy when individuals choose it, because you cannot convey the love you experience as a parent. You just have to experience it yourself.
- LED said...
I think its OK to re-post the same / similar post again. You have so many new readers year after year and its impossible for them to go back and read old posts. I would have never seen this post had you not posted it today. Thank you! I love your blog.
- Ellen said...
My husband and I both agreed on three but if money were no object I think I would like more. We are both from a family of four kids and it was a fun way to grow up.We praying for number 2 now :)
- Tamara said...
I think we've talked about this before...and I felt like "someone is missing!" After having the 3 boys in under 4 years, I am definitely strapped for energy, time, and patience. But, I still go back and forth every month as to whether I should bring my fourth baby into this world. I'll be 41 soon, and don't feel like I have a ton of time to make my decision; if I was a few years younger I would wait a couple more years and go for it!
- Mary said...
I totally think you'll have another! You just need a bit of breathing space x
- Annie Green said...
the moment my first was delivered, despite the difficulty and the discomfort, I could not wait to have the next. Literally said it as he was delivered. As my second arrived, I exclaimed: That's it! I knew immediately. A few years later we thought vaguely about a third but maybe as an adoption. But only vaguely and only because we knew we were up to it. Never regretted only two.
- Annie Green said...
the moment my first was delivered, despite the difficulty and the discomfort, I could not wait to have the next. Literally said it as he was delivered. As my second arrived, I exclaimed: That's it! I knew immediately. A few years later we thought vaguely about a third but maybe as an adoption. But only vaguely and only because we knew we were up to it. Never regretted only two.
- Brandi said...
When I was younger, I never thought much about it. Then I met my husband, who wanted lots of kids. I thought he was a little crazy ;) Once we got married, I could see 2-3 kids...and when I found out I was pregnant with #4...I didn't know how I would do it. Now that the kids are growing and #5 is coming, I know I can do it and I know it will be challenging, but I also know how lucky this baby is to have all those awesome older brothers and sisters.
- Bridge said...
Eliza D. -
You have a valid point about overpopulation. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I read that the number of births in the US are currently below the replacement rate. If it were to fall to far below the replacement rate we may have too many old people with not enough young people to care for them like - something that is threatening the stability of several countries. Overpopulation is a really big problem worldwide. I think that if we are able to increase access to basic needs, birth control and education in areas that are overpopulated it would help greatly. - 7:10 PM
- Annie Green said...
Just posted and then quietly read through all the responses...man, doesn't this make people angry! Just goes to prove that having kids isn't logical, reasonable or something you can plan. Give over, grumpy sorts. Or don't bother to click on comment. Life is short. Off to bed now...
- Beth said...
i've thought for quite some time, joanna, that you'll have one more. and maybe leave the city? :) we would like three although we're just beginning with our first in july. xox
- Kendriana said...
2.5 children?! I get it, but that's so funny to think about. I'd like to have two children, God willing. I feel it would be a nice balance, plus I'd hope that my husband and I could love and parent each of our children "equally," ideally they'd get to play together!
- Jodie M said...
I totally understand when you say it feels like everyone is 'here'. We had twin boys and that kept me so busy but always felt we were missing a child. Two years ago we were blessed with a baby girl and now our family feels very complete!
- Nona Kelsey said...
I have three boys. Thinking 5 or six would be nice. Am I the only one who finds it keeps getting easier?
- Nona Kelsey said...
And I live in a third floor walk up in Brooklyn. Thinking it's going to get much easier when we book it to the burbs this summer.
- Eliza Lewis said...
I dont have a definite number, but I think I want 5, maybe even 6. I have 3 girls. Contrary to what many people believe, I don't want more just so I can have a boy! I've always wanted a house full of children and chaos :)
- Grace N said...
We have 2, a step son (from his previous relationship) and then our son. Since I only gave birth to 1 of them, and am not too close to my step son, i long for another child. It's been 2 years since our son was born and I've been wanting another since. I'm pretty sure i'd go crazy since our son already has me at my wits ends, but you're right- there's something missing. My husband is content with just having the 2 boys tho, so we're stuck in the middle
- Jana || One Drawing A Day said...
Two boys...perfection! And when they marry-you'll get two girls. Lovely!!
- Emma said...
My husband and I call our sweet little 9-month old a "gateway baby" because he makes us want to have tons more kids! When we got married, I thought 2 kids was a good number, but now I definitely want 3. Babies are so strangely addictive! Plus, my husband and I both come from families of 5 and it's such a good dynamic.
- Grace Kim said...
My husband and I have been married a year and a half and are expecting our first in December! We've both always wanted to have a house full of family...the craziness and all (very Family Stone-esque :).
As of now, we have sort of settled at 3...and a big reason is because we are a bi-continental family (he's Korean, I'm American)...and we also love traveling. The expense alone of plane tickets between Korea/USA is already crazy...and visiting family (both of ours, wherever we are in the world) will always be important.
But then, part of me feels that somehow, if it's meant to be, things would work themselves out. Perhaps our minds will change after we have a baby or two running around ;)
Happy Monday, Joanna! :) - 7:54 PM
- Nicole said...
I knew I wanted 3, and we had 3 lovely boys with no problems. In my loveydovey babymoon phase I thought about one more...but my husband scheduled himself a vasectomy. My ovaries stopped twanging after a while and I am very happy with my crew.
They have classmates at school whose parents had 3 boys and decided to have one more...and had triplets. 6 boys between the ages of 8 and 12. Wow. - 8:06 PM
- cindy* said...
I am pregnant with my first, and my husband and I would definitely like to have a second in a few years. A third seems overwhelming, practically and logistically. Like, we'd have to get a larger car...ha!
- Tanith said...
Picking the number you want doesn't always go as planned. I was the first born and my parents only wanted one more. But of course, you know by now, that didn't happen. My sister and brother showed up together and we were officially a family of 5, despite what my parents had intended.
- Jenna Senter said...
Sometimes it's nice to have the same conversation again.. especially if it's about babies :) and even more especially if it's been two years since the last mention of it! new people have joined the conversation and others have left in two years... for the people who've been here the whole time, what fun to see how your answers have changed or stayed the same!
the hubs and I are two years into marriage with no definite timeline of when we'll start having babies, but I think I'm ready as soon as he is :) he wants 1-2 and I want 3-4, but I'm okay with 2. I want, at the very least 2 and then decide from there.. I've always imagined I'd know for sure whether to have a third or not because we'd either feel complete or like someone was missing :) So glad to see others that think of it in the same terms. - 8:32 PM
- Susannah Warner Kipke said...
I just got married in January and we are expecting in December! We feel so blessed to have gotten pregnant so quickly, and we're hoping it's the start of a houseful of kids! We're Catholic, so a "houseful" will be as many as we're given.
- Rebekah R said...
Lots! :)
I think it is so interesting to see how many people say 1 or 2. I grew up with 5 younger siblings and loved it. We'd like at least 4 but honestly, that doesn't even seem like a lot to me.
And I have very strong opinions on the "overpopulation" argument-- in short, I think it's anti-human baloney that will go the way of every other failed doomsday prophecy-- but I won't clutter up the thread with them. - 8:57 PM
- lessthanperfectmama.com said...
As grateful as I am for my 2 beauties, I do sometimes feel as though I'm waiting for the third. I'm one of 3 kids, as is my husband. Three feels natural, even though I know for sure it will be a great challenge in more ways than one!
- Christine Case said...
I have 4 kids and would like one or two more. My kids are twins who just turned four, a 2.5 year old, and an 11 month old. My family just doesn't feel complete yet.
- Elizabeth S. said...
I think about this question. All. The. Time. We have two boys, one about to turn 4 in August and one 15 months. They both have strong personalities, and we certainly have our hands full. As scared as I am to consider having a third, I think I want one more. And I think I can convince my husband. :) Unlike you and some of your commenters, I don't have super firm feelings either way. It's a strange feeling, like we're in limbo...
- Betsy W said...
I always hoped to have four children, but now that we are doing infertility treatment, I feel like I'll want to tap out if we are lucky enough to have two!
- Lauren Frayne said...
Dear Joanna,
Please ignore the unknown "angry reader". Who cares if you posted about it a year ago!? It's still just as pertinent now as it was then. Maybe it's just something on your mind. In my opinion, if someone doesn't like what there're reading, they can just stop. No need to complain about it.
PS: I like the idea of more than 2, but I truthfully don't think I could manage it practicality-wise! 2 will be good for us (after we're married next summer :) - 9:35 PM
- Suzanne said...
We would like to have 5-6 but right now we are just hoping to get as many as we can before I run out of time (biological clock ticking loudly!) so it likely will be just four. :-(
- Megan M-R said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- colleen mccarthy said...
I had always thought that my having children was a given. Being the youngest of three, I truly have only the best memories of my childhood. The only thing greater than being told I could return to 1977 and be a kid again was the hope that I could watch another experience life with the love and wonder that I felt. My parents were the best, and even now as they are in their seventies, love one another more every day.. I waited for the same kind of love, and finally found it at forty. Unfortunately, after several years of trying we were told it couldn't happen. Had we maybe been a bit younger, we might have embarked on the journey to adoption, but to be honest, after all of the emotional toll infertility took we decided to nurture the most important relationship......ours. I say all of that to say this, without sadness or regret: whatever beauty and love we are able to grasp in this life is incredible. None of it is easy going, and that's assuredly why we value our loved ones so much. I read this blog frequently and enjoy the opportunity to read not only your thoughts, but the thoughts of all your readers. There are so many lucky children to have parents like yourselves. Even if I haven't experienced it all firsthand, I still feel happiness seeing that love through all of your eyes.
- Kimberly said...
My husband and I have one 6-year-old daughter and our little family is the perfect size. Everything is easier with one and she gets my full attention. Honestly, everything is also less expensive with one! We don't know how people can afford all of their children! It is very important to my husband and me to be able to provide our daughter with the financial security that we wouldn't otherwise be able to with more children. We started a 529 college savings account immediately after birth and we're on track to save enough to pay for her entire college experience (tuition, room & board, books, etc.). College is frighteningly expensive and I can't imagine allowing my daughter to start off her life in deep debt like so many young people today.
- Carlyn Brody said...
I'm currently single and have no children. I sometimes think I would want 1-2 kids but sometimes I think I never want to have any. I guess some of it depends on my future spouse.
- RG said...
I want two. My instincts tell me that's all I can handle and a Buzzfeed survey confirmed it for me. Also there's this: http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/85361073561/if-you-were-to-give-one-piece-of-advice-to-a so that seals it.
- Kodi Jensen said...
I'm an only child, and when I was young I didn't always like being the only, so I thought I wanted four kids. Now, at 26, I want zero. I like other people's kids, but I have no desire for kids of my own. My husband and I talked about it before we got married and he said he wanted to be my husband more than he wanted to be a father. My mother in law is convinced I will change my mind and tells her friends I'm too young to want kids when they ask. I'm sure it's not impossible for me to change my mind, but as of now, no thanks, I'll be an aunt. :)
- emfrbu said...
Took us forever to decide on a third. Went for it and ended up preggers with spontaneous triplets. Went from 2 to 5! Life is always full of surprises...not what we planned but we are having fun with our five daughters.
- RG said...
Also Go Mom Brain! I'm now going to go tell my husband the same story five times in a row, just because I CAN.
I love your blog!! - 10:14 PM
- Kieran and Ciara said...
Love reading these comments! It's so interesting to me how many readers said that they 'felt' their family was or wasn't complete or that there were more children 'out there' somewhere waiting to join their family. My husband and I have always said we'd like five. We never pictured our first being an only child but after our second we seriously considered stopping. However I am now six months pregnant with our third and can't imagine this being my last ever pregnancy.
- Ashlee Hein said...
We weren't sure if we even wanted a second after my daughter came. She was just so great. But did have a not so secret longing for a son. He'll be here in Sept :) they'll be 21mo apart and I'm glad for that. We're taking permanent measures after this though. We are very very sure two is our number. In this day an age it's a good number financially as well. We wanna be able to provide as many opportunities as we can and higher numbers is just harder these days.
- Renae said...
I always thought I would have 2 - I have an older brother who I have a very close relationship with, but after a rough pregnancy and an even rougher post delivery period, we are one and done with our beautiful son!
- kaitlyn said...
I always thought I would have two, since I am one of two...but the more that I look at people in my field then more I see only children and think that maybe we should only have one. My boyfriend is insistent on two because "the first one needs a friend!" I always laugh when he says that. I think we will have to start with one and figure things out from there. I definitely don't see myself with more than two. That seems like it would be really tough, especially in a city like LA with the houses out here being so small!
PS @Angry Reader- No one is making you read this blog. Please take your negativity elsewhere. I happen to be a newer reader and missed this post the first time. I have since been a devout reader and would never get so upset over revisiting an older topic. - 11:14 PM
- susan pagor-walsh said...
I have 4 kids ages 11 to 23! I think something people do not factor in is the cost of raising four children I never have regretted my choice but college is $40,000 a year and my husband and I both work full time to cover all the expenses of our big family. Again I wouldn't change it for any amount of money but something to consider when adding another baby.
- susan pagor-walsh said...
I have 4 kids ages 11 to 23! I think something people do not factor in is the cost of raising four children I never have regretted my choice but college is $40,000 a year and my husband and I both work full time to cover all the expenses of our big family. Again I wouldn't change it for any amount of money but something to consider when adding another baby.
- Cheryl said...
Definitely 2, but maybe 3! ;)
- Marilyn Shipley said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- lovely_amazing said...
@Megan Maguire - SO true! Nobody talks about the environmental impact of having more than two children, despite the fact that overpopulation will kill this planet (and everyone on it) in the coming generations.
My fiancé and I only want two. Though he comes from a large family (he's one of six) I come from a two child household, in a long line of two children families. My mom's ethos was always that it's ecologically irresponsible to have more than two kids. You get to replace yourself and your partner, and that's it.
For those who want to raise more than two children, why not consider adoption? Better the life of a child and help the planet at the same time.
- Melanie Shevkenek said...
My husband and I don't hope to have a certain number of kids anymore. Early on we had a plan to start having kids 3 years into marriage, then have a certain number, then stop. The first came right on clue. But then we decided to not plan and allow God to decide the number - seriously. We've had 6 kids to date ages 10 down to 1. We lost our second child prematurely - a beautiful daughter. Our bodies are designed to have kids for a time, then not. I'm 37, so there could be more, but there's no target. Every child is so valuable. We think, if we'd stopped after our second son, then we would not know the 3 daughters we had after that. Who knows who God may choose bless us with in the future? As a side note, we've discovered over time there are many serious health benefits to multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding. Each baby deposits stem cells in damaged areas in mamma, risk of female cancers significantly reduced... it's remarkable. One source - Google Dr. Epstein "Breast cancer prevention program."
- SuKu said...
Before I had kids I wanted zero kids! Then I had my son and thought 'I should probably give him a sibling and be done with it.' Now my second son is 3 months old and I am considering a third! I look at him and almost feel sad that I'll never have another little baby in my arms again. That said, I'm no spring chicken anymore. Perhaps if is started earlier I'd have had a bigger family? Who can say. All I know is that on more than one occasion I've had older people with grown children say to me that they've wished they'd had another one or two more. Sure the early years would be HARD but I love the idea of a big family with potentially lots of grand kids when I'm older.
As for angry reader, I don't know why you would get so negative and aggressive over something as minor as a repetitive blog post. We all get to enjoy Joanna's blog and her hard work for free. Just relax and skip over a post if you don't like it - easy! - 1:01 AM
- 123 said...
Such an interesting topic! We do not want to have children anytime soon but I also think that it all depends on where you live (can you afford a big enough house?) how much you earn ect...the South African government doesn't help parents at all and good private schools are ridiculously expensive here so even if we did want to, we could never afford it.
- Virginia said...
I think I've decided on two. I'm from a family with two children, and it was really wonderful. I used to think two was boring. I wanted three, because it seemed cozy and fun and kind of wild, but as I've gotten a bit older, I love the idea of two. And I am also increasingly concerned by the impracticality of three children. Who sits next to the third child on the plane??? The world seems to be made for families of four. And based on the experiences of friends who are one of three children, two siblings are inevitably closer, and the remainder often feels left out and sometimes even ganged-up-on. I guess I'll stick with two (one day) and just love them being the closest friends they can be, getting to be each other's only irreplaceable sibling.
p.s. I think it's great to come back to things like this. It's so interesting to see how our beliefs and desires evolve over the course of a year. My answer was different last year, and maybe yours was too. I think these little checkpoints are a neat way to assess our personal evolution. - 2:51 AM
- Lindsey McLean said...
We wanted four. Then our daughter started walking and we were like, whoa! Maybe not. Then she hit the terrible twos and, luckily I was already pregnant with number two because we couldn't imagine having any more!! ;) HA!! True story. Now our little boy is due the first week in August and our daughter is coming out of the terrible twos and will turn 3 at the end of September. So we are happy. We will wait and see how we feel about more. You never know, of course.
Joanna, do you feel tempted to try again for a girl? I have several friends with two boys and most of them still want a girl! ;) It's okay if you do, too. <3 xoxo - 2:56 AM
- Unknown said...
I have a feeling part of my hesitance to have a second child is that I predict if we have another I will end up wanting 3 or 4. Whereas at the moment I feel quite content with just William. Although he keeps telling us about his sister at the moment!
Amy x @ForDGRedial - 3:15 AM
- Jenny said...
All of them :)
We're open. Though it's harder to say some days than others. - 3:40 AM
- Ana Simões said...
I am part of one of those families who "inherited" a stepson, so we're 3 and every other week, we're 4. It feels weird, because I believe my son will never have the true experience of having a sibling full time.
I'm pretty conflicted about this - and must confess I feel a bit robbed of the possibility of having 2 kids, because one was already here and of course he counts, but it's not the same thing for me, as a mother, because he has his own.
- Sammi Egan said...
Since I can remember I wanted 3 kids, two girls and a boy is what I want in my mind, but who knows what'll happen. Things change, and no one knows what the future holds and all those cliché's.
By the way angry reader, do you not think that a blog like this gets new readers, so something you may have read twice could be new to someone else? That's always my thinking on posts that appear similar. And to me, that's just fine. - 5:11 AM
- Charli said...
I think two kids would be ideal. I still want to go on big holidays and buy nice stuff for them and don't negect them in any way. But if the firt two were boys I'd be temted to try again since I REALLY want a little girl =)
Can't wait to be old enough =) - 5:13 AM
- Nastassja said...
I want two, a pigeon pair. I have a 15 month old boy now - and we're beginning to think about #2. My husband wants three, but only if #2 is a boy will I consider trying one. more. time!
- Kimberly Merritt said...
I wanted three. I have three-one boy, two girls, and it's perfect for me. They're all here. :)
- Irene Dutilh said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- Sofia Donatelli said...
I hope you enlarged and framed this picture. It's precious.
Have a wonderful day!
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com - 7:52 AM
- JB said...
I used to think about it when I got married at 22. 2 maybe 3 kids. But then life happened. My husband got ill and suddenly I'm 39 . He started to get better but I think conceiving will be nothing short of a miracle. So I say 1 baby would be just fine .. I'm still hopeful it can happen.
- Corrin said...
None! So far, so good. :-)
- Irene Dutilh said...
First fo all, I like you to know I am Spanish and cathoilic, same as my Irish boyfirend (I think it will help you to understand my answer).
I always liked big families. My mum has 8 siblings (9 counting her) and my dad 4 (5 counting him). My parents had 3 daughters and I am the eldest. I know big families are a lot of work, but I feel like if you can afford it and you have enough time for each of your children, you should have as many as you can!
Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but growing with all my aunts, uncles and cousins around has been the best thing in my life and I feel so grateful for it. I want all that happiness for my kids!
Been realistic, my boyfriend (who I am sure will become in time the father of my children) wants between 1 and 3 (3 is really his maximum). And life is too expensive and complicated for big families now a day. So probably 3 will be our number. - 7:54 AM
- dianna said...
well we have one between the two of us. My husband has a child from a previous marriage, so he technically has two. But we want another one. After that, I think I will be done!
- AMY said...
We are FINALLY done talking about this and the husband is on a waiting list for a vasectomy! There were times only a few months ago when I was positive I wanted another but I always felt a bit stressed when I thought about it. Since we've decided to stick at 2 it just feels like a weight has been lifted and suddenly everyone makes sense. Also our life feels so perfect right now with 2 it seems crazy to add a third.
- Melody Mercer said...
My husband and I have been married for a year now and are trying to conceive now. We've never really said we want a specific number: we'll take as many or as few as God gives us!
- Abby said...
I've always wanted two, and my fiance is happy with that (though we'll see what happens once we're ready to start a family!). I loved having one sister, especially because we're pretty close in age.
Also, my grandmother apparently told my mom, "Never have more kids than you can carry." She had three kids...so maybe three was too many?! - 9:40 AM
- Shelley Musleh said...
I lean more towards three, my husband leans more towards two but we're both undecided right now. no kids yet!
it's funny I was just talking with both our moms - both were one of three kids. both said they wished they had more kids now that they're older. neither really had an option - my mom had to have a hysterectomy after me and his mom had a heart condition that stopped her from having more.
but both of them say now that they are older it would be nice to be even more surrounded with family - the more the merrier! - 9:46 AM
- Martini said...
Joanna, I know what I'm about to share is redundant for you already, but if it will help just one couple then I will be glad.
I'd never suggest having just one child.
We had just one, had hoped for more but I just never got pregnant again.
We lost her when she was a teenager.
Just before she died she mentioned she wished she'd had a sibling. How sad it made us feel for her.
How we wished we'd had more children. Even just one more.
It's been 27 years now we've been childless and it's been agony.
It makes us cringe when we see only children.
Being left childless surely is worse than being left with "just one child".
This happens more than you imagine.
Have that second child and/or more.
We know what we are talking about. - 10:00 AM
- Joanna Norwood said...
We have two boys, aged two and a half and 3 months. I think we're done - haven't closed the door on a third but had difficult pregnancies and a really miserable birth and recovery with the second one so not in a rush to do it again! I have to say if we did try again it certainly wouldn't be to see if we got a girl...I don't think this is a particularly good reason to have a baby!
I've had perfect strangers ask me if I'm planning to 'try again for a girl' or if I'm disappointed I had two boys - I find this so rude! Maybe it's acceptable if you are asking a close friend, but to be asked by a supermarket cashier if I'm sad my sweet baby is a boy is just ridiculous. It makes me so defensive of my baby, as if they think I should wish for him to be someone else...I always imagined being the mother of boys, in a messy, muddy house full of lego, and I am delighted with my two!
Sorry, I'll put the tiger mama away now! But I am just so aware that I am blessed to have had my children with no intervention and born healthy that to be upset that I didn't have 'one of each' seems a bit ridiculous! - 10:08 AM
- Mrs. White said...
I have one and one is all I want or need. Getting pregnant with him took several years due to health issues and I'm so glad I have him. He is very social and wishes he had siblings (he now has an older stepbrother but the 8 year difference means they aren't close)but that was something I was unable to give him for physical and financial reasons. That makes me sad, sometimes, because I grew up mostly with multiple half and step siblings and that is a special club to belong to. But we don't always get what we want in this life and I am just so happy that I was able to have him at all. :)
- collette said...
You've written on this topic before, but it's nice to see you evolve! I have two, a girl and a boy. I think the best thing I'll ever do in my life is be a mother to a son - which was a surprise. He is so tender with a wonderful sense of humor. I have an IUD and we don't plan to have any more - life is just complete, we've figured out the work/activities/school shuffle!
- Skye said...
all my life i thought two was the magic number. then i had my daughter in 2012 and decided our family would be complete with three children. in march we found out that our second child is actually twins....twin girls. now that we got to three faster than we planned we wonder if a fourth child will be in the cards. time will tell i suppose.
- Brooklynbee said...
We are "one and done" for a variety of reasons (finances, age, and lack of libido all contribute). Every now and then I think it might have been nice to have a 2nd but I don't see it happening. I'm thinking about getting another pet - to compensate? :)
- Irene Dutilh said...
Dear Martini:
I am so sorry for what you posted. I cannot imagine how is like.
But what you had mentioned it is one of the reasons I've always liked big families. (I posted before about it).
Some time ago I lost a friend, she was just 21... She had to fight against cancer... Her siblings helped her more than you can imagine, and now they are the reason for her parents to keep smiling...
From my experience, big families are the best to share the happy moments. And the best support through difficulties. - 11:21 AM
- Sonja said...
@Martini - that is such a sad post, thank you for sharing your thoughts. It definitely makes me think about having more after reading what you said.
- Sonja said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- Patricia Roberts said...
My husband and I had a conversation that went something like : We feel happy with our two children. I had a daughter in my previous relationship. My husband and I welcomed a baby boy into the world and we felt content and lucky to have one of each! We talked about how it would be fun to try for a third but it probably would never happen! After our son was born I had a copper iud put it for maximum birth control. We decided to worry about buying a house and getting on with it. I also had some not so pleasant experiences with the actual birth of both my children. First baby was an emergency c-section followed by severe anxiety and postpartum depression. Second baby was a solid attempt of a VBAC that failed and a nice dose of postpartum to follow. So personally I felt terrified of the birthing process:(!! Well life has a funny way of working out! Last year about this time I found out I got pregnant on the copper iud! We were in TOTAL shock. My doctor laughed out loud she couldn't believe it! It is like getting pregnant with your tubes tied. Not completely unheard of but it happens. So after a moment of about a zillion emotions and tons of life changes, we welcomed our son into the world this past January! My scheduled c-section was so much better than I had expected it to be. It all came full circle for me. I feel glad that my last child had a much more gentle birth and I could close that chapter of my life feeling good. Although a c-section was not ideal I am grateful my children are healthy, I am healthy and I don't have total anxiety when I look back at it!
- Making it Anywhere said...
When I was young, I wanted a huge family. I was one of three, and knew I didn't want that because someone was always the odd man out and being ganged up on... usually me, because I'm the oldest but smallest, and my younger sisters are twins. Now that we are older, my husband and I have decided that we just want one... but are mentally preparing ourselves, in case we get pregnant with two, because there are twins born in every generation of my family. It's interesting how peoples ideas of how many children they want, evolve, with time. That is what makes posting about a similar topic as you had a while back, interesting, we get to see how your opinions develop, just as we explain to you and the other readers how ours have.
- Laura Morris said...
We just had our first child in January. My husband has always wanted a lot of children (5+) but before we had any, we talked about 4 being a good number for us. Now that we have our little one, I go through days when I'm just not sure! At times, I feel like I couldn't imagine doing it again but other times I really want him to have siblings since I was an only child and always wanted siblings.
- Gillian Fein said...
We have 3 and it feels absolutely right. We are totally done now. I was one of two and always wanted a younger brother or sister. My husband was an only child and he wanted 3 or 4. Frankly, I think the adjustment from 0 kids to 1 kid was way harder than the jump from 2-3. I have two girls and a boy and really couldn't feel luckier.
- Gillian Fein said...
We have 3 and it feels absolutely right. We are totally done now. I was one of two and always wanted a younger brother or sister. My husband was an only child and he wanted 3 or 4. Frankly, I think the adjustment from 0 kids to 1 kid was way harder than the jump from 2-3. I have two girls and a boy and really couldn't feel luckier.
- Amy P said...
We have two and are hoping for four, although some days I'm tempted to just quit now and enjoy not being spread so thin down the road! That said, our family doesn't feel complete yet and I'm excited to have at least one more baby to squish and cuddle :)
- Cait said...
We have two (girl and boy) and hope to have a large family. As in, we don't want to choose the number. It feels impossible sometimes (when I think of the possibility of having a lot of kids, especially since we are starting out young) but I know we will be given the strength to do it as each baby comes. You don't know how you're going to do hard things until you HAVE to! ...and you don't see how rewarding it is, either. It's disturbing to me to hear claims of overpopulation (like commenter Eliza Dipper) when Americans and Europeans hardly replace themselves. Deeper research can give you a different perspective! We are very environmentally conscious.
But anyway, I don't think I could ever resist the idea of another newborn! Not that I'm ready now with a 3 month old...;) - 2:08 PM
- Elizabeth S. said...
@Martini, I am so sorry. Your story makes me so sad. :( But you brought up a really good point. I also think an only child feels extra sadness and loneliness after the death of a parent. That has been my husband's experience. At 40, he still regrets being an only child. He says he wishes he had someone to reminisce about his mom with.
- Julie (Middle Maintenance) said...
I don't have kids yet, but have always thought 3-5 is my range. I grew up with a big family - lots of cousins and siblings - and it is THE BEST.
I fully acknowledge that kids are ex.pen.sive! But! I would encourage everyone wavering on having more children because of the expense to consider what you gain with another child. You may have to give up a vacation(s), new clothes, nicer cars, but what you gain from a large, strong family is truly priceless. My siblings and cousins are my BEST friends. Nothing makes me happier than being with them. We may not have grown up going on expensive cruises or wearing all the name brand clothing, but as an adult I am so much more appreciative/satisfied/grateful for the presence of my siblings in my life than I would ever have been for those fleeting things. Plus, you'd be surprised what you can accomplish with a big family - no need for a cleaning or lawn service, baby sitter (once the older kids get old enough!), etc.:)
Ultimately, I know/respect that everyone has their own sense of when their family is complete. I just had to toss that out there in defense of large(r) families! - 2:47 PM
- raina tinker said...
I always said I wanted 3, but currently we have a 2 year old and a 5 week old, and maybe it's just that I'm in newborn mode, but I don't think I could handle another one! Of course I may change my mind in a few years but I doubt it. I think 2 is our number!


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Reds remember Griffey's stay in Cincinnati
Reds remember Griffey's stay in Cincinnati
ST. LOUIS -- Reds right fielder Jay Bruce grew up idolizing Ken Griffey Jr., wore the same shoes as Griffey and had a poster in his room.
Unlike most kids and their sports heroes, Bruce also got to play with Griffey as a rookie in 2008. On Wednesday, hearing the news that Griffey had announced his retirement from baseball was difficult.
Junior calls it a career
Complete coverage |
"He's been playing most of my life," said Bruce, who was born in 1987. Griffey debuted for the Mariners in '89. "Whew, it's surreal to hear him say he's done. To me, he's definitely one of the top five, top 10 players to ever step on the field."
Griffey was already bound for the Hall of Fame after a prolific career in Seattle from 1989-99, but he demanded a trade to his hometown Reds. It was the team his father -- Ken Griffey Sr. -- played for in the 1970s with the Big Red Machine. The stay would last nine years. "We were very honored to have a first-ballot Hall of Famer like Ken play for us for nine years," Reds CEO Bob Castellini said in a statement. "The Griffey family is at the center of baseball tradition in Cincinnati, and Ken and his father gave our organization and Reds fans many wonderful memories. Not only was Junior one of the best baseball players of this or any other generation, he is a wonderful person and family man. We wish Ken, Melissa and their family success and happiness in life off the field." After he arrived in town on Feb. 10, 2000, Griffey and Reds fans had ambitions of bringing championships to Cincinnati. When he was traded to the White Sox on July 31, 2008, Junior left with just one winning season in '00 and no postseason appearances. The lack of success created a love-hate relationship between Reds fans and Griffey, who was always uncomfortable with attention that came with being a celebrity in the small town where he grew up. He often internalized media criticism and fans' booing and took it personally.Sharing the power
Player | HRs | Team | HRs | Team |
Mark McGwire | 363 | A's | 220 | Cards |
Rafael Palmeiro | 321 | Rangers | 223 | Orioles |
Jimmie Foxx | 302 | A's | 222 | Red Sox |
Ken Griffey Jr. | 417 | Mariners | 210 | Reds |
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
New fan picture of Kristen from Nov. 7 when she taped Jimmy Fallon- Click here to see her on the show.
Source | Via
New fan picture of Kristen from Nov. 7 when she taped Jimmy Fallon- Click here to see her on the show.
I hate to correct you but this must be after she did The Jimmy Fallon Show. Unfortunately, she did not visit The Jimmy Kimmel Show this time around. But no matter, she is one beautiful woman. I must say, you have a wonderful website and do a GREAT job. So nice to visit and just have a happy time.
ReplyDeleteOh ok I was like wait did I miss something lol phew ha...
ReplyDeleteyesterday I saw they were talking, Kris was not in good shape and trying to run away from talk of, but Rob caught her hand and then they kissed very intense,hot,long,wow!!!!!! I cant describe it, like Kris did not want to let go of Rob... Rob continued to hug and kiss kris until they realize I'm there and they say Hi and smile. OMFG HS ...Tomorrow will be great! happy happy happy
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you, because I'm in work and I don't want get fired. I'm sorry for all robsten fans I just want to shared my happiness and not mean anything bad. they look at me and I can't face them again if I tell details, I comment because I don't like recent news that tell lies about Kristen not in to it with Rob, she just afraid, shy,insecure and very clear in her face in that time but in her eyes Rob is everything, as a fans please help and support Robsten through this year and you all not be disappointed
DeleteI'm talking about the story of Rob and Kristen! I think she has a vivid imagination! even though if I saw them like that I would be too embarass to watch!
It would surprise me a lot if they acted like that in a public place....
I know you can't say where this was but New York or LA and was this yesterday??
Delete@franny,I never said it happen in public, I think vivid imagination not like that. may be if I secretly record it everybody will believe me and then they start yell at me... fan act like paprz!!!
Deleteone of the reasons why i try to stay away from ONTD and gossip mags are because of so much hatred among KS. Like no matter what she say or do, she can never win:((
DeleteI think it's wonderful that there is no record or pictures! We should be grateful to those witnesses who are not trying to make make pictures or call paparazzis!
DeleteCan you explain this more? What do you mean that she was not in good shape and what talk was she trying to run away from?
I love to hear accounts like this :)
Thank you for sharing. I thought fan encounter always more respectful than other sighting.
DeleteThat's not nice, if you don't believed her, its fine. No need to make fun of her. I will give her the benefit of doubt and I do support them.
ReplyDelete@franny- them kissing in public was not the first time, they did that before, not often but they did act like that sometimes in public,may not have pics but people saw and talked/twitted, so no suprises there. They just don't broadcast in term of saying it to the whole world but they are not keeping their relationship a secret as well. And thanks for sharing, Anon7:07pm
ReplyDeleteOh i hope this is true sooo much! I understand you Franny to, also wonder where it took place, dont need point out the specific place, just a clue like in witch town? @anon 7:07 thanks for sharing, it was a comfort reading your story, did the big mistake (as i often happen to do) of reading gossip sites, and as always it brought me down but your story made me so glad:-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with anon 9.05 - its fine not to believe her, but don't make fun. It may not be untrue as many years ago before my real career got going I did a year of work in a well known 5* hotel in a city in England (I am English) and there were often celebrities staying there. On more than one occasion I saw interesting 'goings on' with them which I never divulged as I couldn't afford to lose that job for a start at the time and to be honest I wasn't that interested in what they got up to and one time in particular that sprang to my mind reading this account was a couple in a corridor that thought no one was watching them, lets just say things were getting quite heated so I walked away and slammed a door to another rm to let them know someone was around. So although I am quite careful to believe anything I read whether it be in the media or 'fan accounts' it may be true. Whether this is true or not I think they are fine and working on being and staying together because they love one another.
ReplyDeleteWasn't anyone particularly interesting or that you would know without maybe googling him - a married footballer but it wasn't his wife in the corridor. Not to tar them all with the same brush as they are probably not all like that but footballers were quite often behaving badly with women in hotels. Its nothing new so thats why it never really piqued my interest.
DeleteI believe in Kristen and Rob's love! And I am firmly convinced that they are together. It's impossible to have such a dream-woman and not to be madly in love with her :)As for the story, it's possible to be true, but a little doubt is healthy. Yet I wouldn't personally insult the one who tells her, I don't want to be unfair!
ReplyDeleteIf you can't tell that is Rob's jacket you haven't been around this very long. Also, I believe Anonymous saw what she saw. She said she was at work and could get fired and she didn't say it was in public. Think where they have been and where she could work that would not be public. I won't say as it could get her fired. I also saw on E!Online that they were at a friends birthday party last Thursday night in NY. It was said you could definitely tell they were a couple. So let's back off before we get someone fired. And I'll say it again-Nonstens get off this blog!
ReplyDeleteYoure right. Sorry didnt mean to upset. Havent seen that jacket before when did he wear it? Just curious
DeletePlease remember that we do not want them to be persecuted and harassed therefore it's better that we have no pictures!
ReplyDeleteDid not want to insult anybody,and if it's true what she saw I don't want her to get fired either!! if she caught them in a private momment by mistake,well that can happen and I'm sure
they kiss a LOT lol :)
Hope everyone here enjoys the Premier, I know I will! the day is finally here yayyyyy
Hi Everyone, I love R & K as much as anyone else, maybe more than some. I'm old enough to be their grandmother and feel very protective of them.
I really don't understand why so many are so skeptical of THEM and need more info on them being together. They have BOTH confirmed that they ARE TOGETHER and LIVE TOGETHER within the past week by both of them talking about EACH of them having 2 dogs and one of them just happens to be named Bear. Isn't that enough confirmation for everyone? I'm so looking forward to seeing them tonight on the RC. They don't even have to touch, I just want to see "the bubble".
I love the thought of them and their dogs, so Lovely. Bear and bernie are two really lucky ones. If i had the chance of to be a animal for one day, its no hard choice lol.
You must Think im crazy and youre right there
I don't understand why it's so hard for people to believe. You really don't think it happens? That's crazy. THEY ARE TOGETHER. Of course it happens. I'm sure it happens a lot. It's just not talked about. They'll show the affection but they are not going to talk about it. This girl was fortunate to witness it. Good for her. I don't need someone's confirmation to know it happens. I hope Rob and Kris enjoy all of the premiers that are coming up. They certainly deserve happiness. They put so much of themselves in these movies. They deserve the rewards.
Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate <3
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text: 90 min | PG13 Returning to his native Poland for the first time in his career, acclaimed filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski (MY SUMMER OF LOVE) confronts the contentious history of his birthplace in this intimate drama about a young nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, makes a shocking discovery�about her past. The revelation triggers a heart-wrenching journey into into the secrets of her family�s repressed past, evoking the haunting legacy of the Holocaust and the realities of postwar Communism. Powerfully written and eloquently shot,�IDA is a masterly evocation of a time, a dilemma, and a defining historical moment.


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Thanks to all who have answered my recent questions! Now another one:
I know that there were wood slats on the floor and interior sides of Type VII U-boat conning towers, but I've been unable to find pics or drawings of same for Type XXIII. Does anyone know if there was wood in those like in the VII's?
TIA for any help!


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These medium length grey links come in a pack of 25and are used normally to represent single bonds. This pack of links isfor extending your existing set or for replacing lost links.
White or purple links are available as well - you might these to distinguish a particular feature of a molecule, or perhaps bonds classified as dative, or perhaps you just prefer a change.
The Molymod system is the original, unique, dual-scale system of high quality low-cost molecular models. These enormously popular sets are ideal for students but are also used by scientists all over the world.


text: r .().,.. J>o(....Tl( E-5 ,( '?> Pii.f l/59 tfJ<,1. I' Bulletin TEXAS STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Division of Elementary Education HANDBOOK FOR SELF-APPRAISAL AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS I Revised Edition L.A. WOODS State Superintendent of Public Instruction Developed Under the Direction of Austin, Texas EDGAR ELLEN WILSON State Director of Elementary Education DR. HENRY J. OTTO General Consultant No. 458 RARY STEPHE.N 1t • AUf:'rJ N STATE CO T s June, 1948 Reprint, 1950


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Warfarin is taken in pill form.
Although anticoagulants are often called blood thinners, they do not really thin blood. Warfarin prevents the production of certain proteins that are needed for blood to clot. Warfarin prevents new clots from forming and may prevent existing clots from getting larger. It does not break up clots.
Anticoagulants are used to lower the risk of stroke in people who have had a stroke and also have other problems (such as atrial fibrillation). Your doctor may recommend warfarin based on what puts you at risk and on whether you can take warfarin safely.
Anticoagulants are effective at preventing the formation of clots in people who have specific heart problems—such as atrial fibrillation—that make clot formation more likely. Warfarin has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of TIA and stroke in people who have atrial fibrillation.
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
Bleeding: Call 911 or other emergency services right away if:
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See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
When you take warfarin, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems.
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Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that live in woods and fields. They attach to you as you brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Once on you, ticks often move to a warm, moist location, like the armpits, groin, and hair. They typically attach firmly to your skin and begin to draw blood for their meal. This process is painless and most people will not notice the bite.
Ticks can be fairly large -- about the size of a pencil eraser -- or so small that they are almost impossible to see. Ticks can cause a variety of health conditions ranging from harmless to serious.
See also: Tick bites
While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can cause:
Watch for the symptoms of these diseases in the weeks following a tick bite:
Watch for a red spot or rash starting at the location of the bite.
The tick itself can cause paralysis in humans (called tick paralysis). Symptoms include:
Call your doctor if you have not been able to remove the entire tick. Also call if in the days following a tick bite you develop:
Call 911 if you have any signs of:
If a tick is attached to you, follow these steps to remove it:
After returning home:
Bolgiano EB, Sexton J. Tick-borne illnesses. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2006:chap 132.