Magic number?

For about two years now, Jonny and I have been having asking each other the same question over and over.  We ask what the magic number for our family is?  This question seems to be answered so easily by some, but not for us.  How do we know when we're done?  What's the secret to knowing your family is complete?  

Do we make the decision in the heat of chaos & havoc?  If that's the case, we should have been done after two.  Do we make the decision based on money?  If that's the case, maybe just maybe we'll have financial peace with a decent savings account when we're 60!  (But I'm hoping Jesus will come back for us by then!)  Do we make the decision to have one more when they're all in bed- unconscious & adorable?  If that's the case, how could we ever be done?  Do we make the decision when our family vehicle has no more available seat belts?  If that's the case, we could just trade it in for a bigger rig!  Do we make the decision when we feel life is overwhelming?  If that's the case, we shouldn't have even started because there will always be something overwhelming in life.  (And maybe that's where God wants me- completely dependent on him for the strength to endure each and every day.)  Do we make the decision based on thinking who we could be missing out on adding to our family?  If that's the case, how would we ever draw the line?  Do we make the decision based on when other people think we should be done?  ... that one is just ridiculous!

I struggle with knowing when we're done because I get so very sad thinking about the last time I'll experience a precious little life growing inside of me.  I'm absolutely addicted to being pregnant and having a brand new baby.  I love the pregnant stage (after the first trimester, anyway) -feeling those wonderful baby kicks and hiccups, listening to that quick pah-pum, pah-pum, pah-pum on the Doppler, imagining what this new creation could look like, and then when that new little life is laid on my bare chest for the fist time- OH MY!  Talk about the best moments of my life! But even letting those feelings affect our decision seems silly because every good season comes to an end, right?  Its just a matter of how long the season is.  We have friends whose season of having babies was over in two years and others who have been having babies for the last 21 years. 

Hmm, maybe like all other decisions, its one that should be made through prayer.   Waiting on God.  Praying to God.  Letting His word guide us.  Seeking wise counsel and asking others to pray for us.  Asking God to give us both a united peace about the decision.


I can almost hear my mom's voice saying, "Decisions, decisions."  :)