Family planning

Apparently two years apart is the timing of choice for today's young families.  Ever since Alex turned one, I'm constantly asked when we're going to start trying for our second.  I just look at them dumbfounded.  Alex is still a baby for chrissakes!  I haven't got so much as a twinkle in my eye at this point.  Not to mention, I'm about to turn 29, and I have absolutely no plans to get pregnant before I turn 30.  I have HUGE plans for my 30th birthday, none of which can be done while with child.  You know, gambling all night in Vegas, obscene amounts of alcohol, hot monkey sex in an expensive hotel... ;)  And did I mention that Alex is still a BABY?  Why in the world would I want two of those at the same time?  The one we've got now is almost more than we can handle.

I think it would be great for Alex to be old enough to actually know what's going on when we get pregnant again.  I want to have him come to the ultrasound appointments and help decorate the nursery.  And, as silly as it may sound, I want Alex to have a say in the timing of his brother or sister.  I mean, we're a family now, and I feel that having a second child is something we should decide together as a family.  It's a decision that will affect all three of us, quite possibly Alex the most and I feel very strongly that he should be included in that decision.  Granted, a toddler vote wouldn't have the same weight as a Mommy or Daddy vote, and of course I understand that toddlers are fickle, and while he may think the idea of having a baby sister or brother is great one day and the worst thing possible the next, but I want him to feel that his opinion, his feelings are considered and taken seriously. 

Also, I'm pretty sure this next child, will be my last child.  And rather than just getting it over with, I'd like to put it off a while.  I want to be able to enjoy the pregnancy, enjoy the newborn, enjoy nursing...  Alex is a child who is all consuming.  He's so energetic and curious, he requires constant attention and wrangling.  If we wait a while, maybe by the time he's in preschool, I'll have the time and energy to enjoy the pregnancy and have one-on-one time with the new baby.