Birth Control

I started birth control this weekend (not literally people)...I was trapped in the house with 4 children under the age of 8. If this isn't enough to make one halt all forms of reproduction, then I don't know what is. Of course I'm just kidding, but I have to admit that this experience has shed a new light on expanding my family.

I know there are families all over the world who would consider this a normal situation, but I am accustomed to toting Kaden (and occasionally Mariah) along with extreme ease. I lost about 5 lbs. trying to carry Iyana's carseat, strapping in Mariah, and making sure all the child safety locks were properly working. Whew!

The weekend was filled with excitement...for the children. They watched movies, ate snacks, played football (inside and outside the house), hid, jumped on my bed, consumed way too many Capri Suns, and secretly took No Doze in my opinion.

First, there is Iyana. She required the most attention. She is  8-months old. Her smile is radiant, and she is   a joy to watch. I call her the 'hip-hugger'. You literally have to complete all your tasks with her attached to your hip. If you don't mind her screaming at the top of her lungs, well, more power to you. I could not stand it, so I carried her the entire time. Besides, she is too adorable to shed a tear. Look at this face:

Next, it's the infamous Mariah. She is in full potty-training mode. This is great news...unless the trainee has on the pajamas with feet. Imagine taking these on and off, over and over again. I sucked it up. She is a big girl, and has become very independent over the last, few months. She is darling as ever. Mariah embezzled tons of snacks the entire weekend. At one point, I found her in the corner with a honey bun. I turned the other way. I was too tired to put up a fight. With a smile like this, could you refuse?

Isaiah and Kaden were not that much of a problem. All I had to do was put in the Transformers DVD and burn microwave popcorn for them. The only problem I face with them is the constant competition. One always tries to top the other. It's a never-ending battle. Moments like this, I suddenly cannot hear any bickering or arguments. It is my magical mom-ear. I only hear what I want to hear. Works like a charm.

When I finally dropped the children off to destination home, I breathed a sigh of relief. Sure, I handled it well, but I was completely exhausted. I never imagine what it would be like to wake in the middle of the night to fix a bottle with only one eye opened. I wanted to reenact the scene from The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and breast feed Iyana. I resisted. That is just gross! Besides, she would only be drinking powdered milk. LOL

I learned that I am not ready to expand my family. I will continue to 'borrow' children from my friends and family. At least this way I know I can always return them.

What's your prescription for Birth Control? Religion, Baby-sitting, Lack of Finances, Being Single, An Actual Drug? What causes you to holdout on having a child/another child?