The big "V" ...

Okay, so this is probably pushing the limits of what people find interesting to read about on my blog, but it's a big step for our family and therefore important for me to write about.

Rob is getting a vasectomy tomorrow.
And on Friday the 13th, no less! Of course we are not superstitious, but it was pretty funny when we realised what the date was going to be. Coupled with the fact that the doctor who will be performing it has just returned to work after having hand surgery (!), it gave us a bit of a chuckle :-)

We knew as soon as Tyler was born that our family was complete. All through my 2nd pregnancy we had been wondering whether we should have 2 or 3 kids. We just didn't know. But the moment he was born, I remember this strong feeling come over me, and I just knew that he would be our last child. There was not a doubt in my mind. When I told Rob about it, he said he felt the same way. So there was our answer!

But it took a little while to actually decide how we were going to make sure we stopped at two. I cut out an article on vasectomy from little Treasures magazine and left it on Rob's bedside table. He read it, and said he was happy to do it. Simple! I didn't have to beg, bribe or persuade him that it was "his turn". He made the choice on his own.

At my 6-week postnatal check, when my doctor asked me about contraception, I told her that Rob wanted to get a vasectomy. She didn't try to talk me out of it, but suggested that we wait a bit longer, because Tyler was only a baby and both Rob and I were still young. She said a lot of people waited until their youngest child was a year old. I remember thinking "Why? Would they `replace' that child if he/she died during the first year of life, but not if they died during the second year?" It didn't make much sense to me.

Anyway, the whole idea got put on the back burner for a while. The next time I mentioned it to my doctor she said "great idea" and handed me a brochure! Eventually, Rob got around to making the appointment, and now it's really happening. I'm pleased, because it is what we both want. But at the same time I feel a little sad. I'm completely happy & content with my 2 beautiful boys, and I have very good reasons for not wanting to have another baby. But part of me is still sad that the possibility is no longer there.

Anyway, wish us luck! I say "us" because I am going to be there to support him. It is the least I can do! He was there for me during my hideously long (22h!!) drug-free labour, as well as the much shorter drug-free one. He was there by my side through it all, I don't even remember him taking a coffee break. So I figure sitting next to him for 45 min and stocking up the freezer with frozen peas is not too much to ask ;-)