{choices}

I have it a little different than most. I actually get to choose the month and season in which I would like to have a baby (or two) :). In addition to the long, long list of downsides of infertility, I have to say, this is a perk I appreciate.

I am a planner through and through, and the fact that I get to actually sit down and decide when I have a baby makes me giddy. Under normal circumstances, I would be so happy I was having a baby that it would not matter in the slightest WHEN I was due, but that I was actually pregnant. But since I do get to choose, I might as well make the most of it!

Now that the girls are 2, I have started to think that I may be ready to begin the planning stages. My analytical self can't help but ask the question...which season really is the best time to have a baby?

SPRING:

PROS:
-You aren't pregnant during the summer...advantageous for both the heat, and traveling purposes.
-When the baby is born, it's beautiful outside, and you're ready for great weather!
-Traveling with a newborn (vacations) could actually be a pro and a con, but they sleep so well, I think it's easier with a newborn vs. toddler.

CONS:
-Baby weight is still on for the summer and swimsuit season. ugh.
-You have to wear shoes and socks (winter pregnancy), which is problematic towards the end when your feet swell up to the size of balloons.

SUMMER:

PROS:
-You still can look forward to a lot of good weather before winter comes.
-If it's towards the beginning of summer, it's still not too hot.
-It's really easy to dress a baby in the summer--onesie, onesie, onesie!
-Flip flops baby! I had Ryan at the end of summer (early fall), and I LOVED being able to just slide on flip flops. No bending, tying, or otherwise exerting yourself to wear shoes. :)
-I really love summer maternity clothes. Okay, so I love all maternity clothes. :)

NEUTRAL:
-Older kids are out of school. This could really go either way. On one hand it's great to have the extra help and hands, but on the other, it's more people to take care of.

CONS:
-HOT, HOT, HOT. I already have to sleep with no sheets and a fan during the summer. You add in a hot little baby in the tummy, and whoa!
-Still no time to lose weight.
-Summer schedules are hard to predict, and there may not be the opportunity to do as many things. With older kids, this could be tough.

FALL:

PROS:
-This is my favorite season, so I know I would enjoy having a baby during this time. Cooler weather, trips to the cider mill, baby's first Halloween, etc.--so fun!
-Still time to enjoy some nice weather, and the fact that it's not the dead of winter is a big plus in my book!
-School in in. This means less people to take care of at home, and maybe more time to spend with the baby, It definitely means less people to run errands with, which is huge!
-6 to 8 months before summer--time to lose some baby weight before swimsuit season!
-Once again, flip flops baby!

CONS:
-Winter is coming.
-You have to be pregnant through the whole entire summer.
-Depending on when the baby is born (late fall), you may need two sets of maternity clothes.
-Having a newborn through all the holidays could be stressful.

WINTER:

PROS:
-You can have a snuggly baby in lots of blankets, and adorable hats, and cozy sweaters.
-As with fall, you have time weight before summer hits. There are also more places to hide those extra pounds...under layers. :)
-A new baby in a Christmas stocking. I've always wanted to do that!

CONS:
-It takes a lot more time to get a baby dressed and ready to go in the winter--lots more "stuff" to put on.
-Feeling like you're stuck in the house, and not able to go out is hard. RSV season can be scary for some babies. Even if your baby isn't at risk, the frigid cold is still something you don't want to take them out in.

Okay, so now it's your turn! I would love to hear from you, and what your opinions and experiences are. In the end, we'll go with whatever timing feels right, and you all know it doesn't really matter when you have a baby--it's a privelege I didn't think I would always have. In the meantime though, it's awfully fun to talk about!