Ok, I know someone here will remember...what was the third thing on the "Countdown" List of Things To Say So that Fox can Never use the tape? I've got Macris(as in Andrea) and Malmedy...what was the other one?

Loofah!

Now, why did I not remember that? It's the easiest one.( I think I thought they were all gonna be m's.) I asked because, according to Jez, he's picking on Jennifer Aniston now.

I have unpacked several more kitchen boxes, but still have a bunch to go. This kitchen was designed for giants -- it's got what look like ten-foot ceilings, and the cabinets start a bit below halfway up the wall and continue almost all the way up. I can reach the bottom two of about six shelves. There's a lot of empty space, though, so I'm going to get some sort of shelving unit that I can actually reach.

Also, still can't find my extension cords and surge protectors, and this house has nowhere near enough outlets.

Well that was quick. Mom is home.

Thanks for the support guys. I really appreciate it.

I'm glad your mom is home, Aims.

So, parents, how did you decide whether or not to have a 2nd child?

Not a parent, but I can tell you my parents' reason! I was a well-behaved baby. Almost unnaturally so. My parents were pretty certain they'd get a demonbaby the next time out, so decided that my being an only child would be FINE.

~ma to your brother, amyth. And {{{amyth}}}

Glad things are resolving themselves, Aims.

Thank you all for your responses to the child question. DW and I find ourselves changing positions on it on practically an hourly basis. I think if we had more time to work with, we would probably do it. But it's hard to think about another baby when our current baby is only 7.5 months old, you know? We also aren't removed enough from the tiny baby chaos to have it not factor into the decision, if you know what I mean. We've said that when Shane turns 1, we'll make a decision on whether to go for it again or not. That'll be here in ~4 months. Argh!!!!!!

I was an accident but I think my folks are pretty pleased they had a second child. And a third. Although they may not have said that during my little brother's high school years.

I know it was really hard for my dad being an only child when his parents' health began to fail and he was their sole caretaker and 1/2 a continent away. It was a lot of pressure for him.

But I also have a number of only children friends who are great people!

Personally, if I'm able to have a child it would probably be an only due to my age. There's just no time.

So, in conclusion, GC, I have no useful advice but a lot of sympathy for you guys having to make a hard decision!

Poking my head to say hi and respond re: child #2 - we had each of our children for the same reason - we wanted them. We felt the family wasn't complete, yet. And being the wacky religious people we are, we trust that G-d will provide them, and He always has.

I had my first two in relatively quick succession (17 mos apart) ... then every two years for a couple more... then a long pause... then two more three years apart. Worked full-time (or 3/4 time) all the way down the line.

There are long swathes of time when most of the kids were little that I just don't remember. At all. Just years of constant fatigue and gratitude for a husband who is a true partner, child care providers who were true friends, and a boss who has been willing to let me work it all out with some flexibility. I know exactly how lucky/blessed I am.

Now that they're older (three out of high school, one in high school, two in elementary school) there's more room to breathe, sort of - the emotional work outweighs the physical work now, but the total load is about the same. (Developmentally, teens are basically just toddlers with bigger feet. They take work!)

Each is completely different, each is their own adventure, each is crazy-making. Wouldn't trade them for anything (although are there days I'd gladly give one or two away for free.)

It is a totally personal, private, intense decision, Glamcookie. I wish you well in working through the decision and wherever that decision takes you.