What size family is right for you?

Back when DH & I were dating I always brought up the fact that I wanted kids...and I said if he didn't then see ya later because I couldn't imagine my life without a couple of little ones running around someday. Well he agreed, but in reality he had no idea what he wanted and had not really even seen or held a baby until my niece was born in 2005. (He was 27.) On the total opposite side of the spectrum, there I was in the extremely close family with me being the oldest of all the cousins now ranging from 20 years to 6 months old. I was around when all of them were little and couldn't think of a better way to spend my spare time than taking care of and playing with babies. So basically when I was growing up, there was always a baby around. And it still continues today...aside from the little cousins, I now have an amazing 2.5 year old niece and 4 month old nephew and I literally beg my brother & sister in law to go out so I can babysit them.

Now you all know the story of why I am so baby-crazy! Anyway, getting back to the big vs small family discussion...I have this idea in my head that for a variety of reasons including time, money, etc. I will be having 2 kids. (When I will be having these 2 kids is still up for debate constantly, but I won't get off topic now!) I consider this a small family. I have always said that if I am ever alone with my kids in a busy parking lot, you take one kid with each hand and you are good to go. Having too many kids scares me because I don't know how I would be able to control them. Obviously trying to keep up with 2 kids' needs can be challenging...I was in a situation the other day when my niece was screaming to help her get to the potty before she peed in her new big girl underwear and the baby was screaming because he was hungry. So who do you go to first? (I chose potty for the selfish reason that I wasn't in the mood to clean up pee right then!)

I went to high school with a girl who had 8 siblings. I guess I would consider 5 or more kids a big family. Back in the day, it seemed like everyone was having a lot of kids. I'm not sure if this is because they were not using birth control or what, but my grandma was one of 13 children. If everyone was still doing this today, I don't know how they would be able to afford to live. If any of you are TLC fans, then you would know of my favorite big family who has a show Jon and Kate Plus 8. The show is on Monday nights or you can check them out here:

http://health.discovery.com/convergence/gosselins/gosselins.html

Their story of how they ended up with twins and sextuplets is the same way that a lot of people end up with multiples - the many fertility treatments available to couples who are having trouble getting pregnant. I can't get enough of this show but I also couldn't imagine having so many kids. They need tons of help to do things I take for granted such as laundry, ironing, shopping, even getting around is hard because you need a special vehicle to transport this many people everywhere. Definitely check out the show if you get a chance...I have learned to appreciate moms with multiples a lot more and have also picked up many tips on organization!

So how many kids do you have or plan to have and how did you come up with this number? I am very intrested to hear your responses!