The worst nosy breeders questions I've heard of were actually ones several people asked my sister after she had her first kid--oldest niece was born with a very serious heart condition that required two open heart surgeries before she was three, so any thoughts of having a second child were put off for several years. After about 2 years, people started asking her when she was going to get pregnant again, since clearly being an only child wasn't acceptable.

Why do people *care*?

After about 2 years, people started asking her when she was going to get pregnant again, since clearly being an only child wasn't acceptable.

Heh.

People ask me about when I'm having another ALL the time.

And, you know, no.

No more. Between bedrest and blood pressure and the pain of just getting pregnant and staying that way in the first place, NO. I can't do that again.

So, you know, I spork them.

So, you know, I spork them.

We should all begin to carry sporks with us at all times just for such moments.

Why do people *care*?

I think there's a definite element of people wanting their own choices validated -- if they have kids, they want everyone else to do the same, because then they're part of the norm.

I think there's an element of jealousy, too -- I think a lot of people with kids would never *want* to admit to thinking about what their lives would be like if they'd opted out of parenthood, so seeing other people make that choice is a thorn in the side -- "How come they get to [perceived image of endless travel, parties evey night, more spenging money, no one throwing up on you at 3 a.m.], when I didn't?"

I love being an only child. Maybe that makes me a selfish ass. I dunno.

I'd rather not have been an only child. I don't think that makes you a selfish ass though, Jen. There are times when I see my kids getting on each other's nerves, and think, "I'm glad I didn't have a big brother," or little brother, or sister (depends on which kid is instigating).

I always wanted to have kids, so the question never really pinged me, but I was never assaulted with it by strangers or family who weren't close enough to ask. Ditto the marriage question.

One of the worst things somebody ever told me about that was that I should go into child psych(when I was a kid I had a shrink phase) because I probably "wouldn't have children" and my job would help me "handle my instincts" I was all of seventeen. That would've been the Worst Reason Ever. But I was still a baby Buffista...in the midst of my confused emotions about having my life defined by somebody I didn't especially like, I still thought "It's 'sublimate', moron!"

Maybe that makes me a selfish ass. I dunno.

Yeah, that's why you went into nursing.

Sporks are definitely a good idea.

Sean, add me to the list of Bitches you haven't met.

I guess I'll look into getting oatmeal next time I'm at TJ's. Not that TCG has agreed to eat oatmeal.

I missed stuff, but I am too lazy to sit at the computer right now to make a proper post.