"I am not having anymore children!" This is my response to friends, family and anyone who asks "When are you having another?" Not only am I too old (37) but we just can't afford to...

My husband and I have two daughters together: Naomi (4-yrs) and Elise (13-months). We talked about having children a few years into the marriage - we were both about 30 yrs old. I had some difficulty conceiving but it finally happened when I turned 32. Naomi was a blessing for many reason I won't get into, but our family was complete...so I thought.

Three years later I was pregnant again. This was not a good time to have another: we had to short-sale our home we could no longer afford, move into a smaller apartment, at the same time my husband was recovering from surgery and was on disability for 2 months, we were falling deeper into debt and our savings had been depleted. IDIOT! What was I thinking by not using protection! I was so angry with myself because I know better! BOTTOM LINE: I was not excited - but everyone else was! When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, that just depressed me even more and I became physically and mentally drained. However, I kept the diabetes under control and carried full term. We continued to struggle financially and the economic recession did not help.

I am not a SAHM and like having a job. So, for us that means childcare which we all know is expensive; we don't have any family close by to help us. My employer had to cut my hours to less than part time - my husband's job did some restructuring and as a result he brings home 40-50% of what he made just last year!!

It is my opinion that continuing having children you can not afford is a form of child abuse: because you are knowingly bringing them into a situation where you may not be able to financially support them. MAKE NO MISTAKE: I love both of my children dearly but I want the best for them, and am concerned that we won't make it.

Thanks for listening and God Bless

A.J.