Testicle tick, testicle tock!

The other day I heard on a morning news show that, after a certain age, the "family jewels" are not as precious as we thought. Actually, it was reported that "older" sperm (men greater then the age of 40)can increase the probability of having a baby with Down's Syndrome, Autism, and Schizophrenia(that certainly helped us to make our decision about baby #4). You can only imagine what could happen when you join an "old" egg with an "old" sperm. There could be big trouble.

Historically, it has been believed that men's sperm do not age at the rate the woman's eggs do, hence the saying "my biological clock is ticking". No longer the case. I guess it can be rephrased as "Our biological clock is ticking". Whew! What a relief! I know I had sleepless nights over that dilema. Ha Ha. Seriously, has no one ever thought of that before. Why would a man's sperm stay free of the aging process and the woman's egg not?

I get sick and tired of societal pressures placed on woman to stay young. Do we do this to ourselves? Partly, yes. But, all kidding aside, who wants their boobs to become mushy and hang down to their belly buttons, or have a flabby butt that does not look as good in jeans as it once used to, or wrinkles on our faces to become prominent. We want our hands to stay looking youthful, our hair to not turn gray, and our eyebrows (and where ever else you would like-ladies you know what I am talking about) to be groomed.

Woman want to feel sexy, dress youthful but look classy, look toned, stay slim. We want to wear just the right amount of makeup-not too overdone and maybe get that double take when we are out. You want someone to comment on all your hard work.

Their are creams, dyes, implants, liposuction, glycolic peels, make up tatooing, eyelash lengthening, lip enhancers, maincures, pedicures, botox, etc.. The list goes on. How exhausting! Don't get me wrong, I am not so sure I mind all the fuss.

Aging is aging!

But I can say that it is nice to know that men really have similar worries. I mean, seriously, why did it take this long for it to be reported that their sperm does age, as well as, other parts of their bodies. Men don't want grey hair on top of their head or below the belt, for that matter. Nor do they want saggy butts or testicles(picture that and it is ok to chuckle).

They want ripped stomaches, strong arms, smooth/fresh faces, broad/strong shoulders, and be free of balding. They, too, want to be looked at twice. The market for men's products have sky rocketed. Men have as many issues as woman, we just take it more to heart and woman are more talked about.

It has been said that woman are too concerned about what other woman think. That may be true but we also want to feel good about ourselves. It is deired to feel good inside and out. If that new shade of lipstick puts a smile on our face or those new shoes put a skip in your step, then so be it. I think we are lucky there are so many options for our needs.

Confidence ladies. Hold your head high.

I will say this, it is certainly not the "old" family jewels or the "old" eggs that provide pleasure as we age. Cheers to that!

Now ladies, let's take our wonderful selves and do something for us. Whatever your pleasure. Just don't do something I wouldn't do. You all know how crazy I am. Ha! Ha!

Oh, and husbands out their remember to tell your wife how beautiful she is. Mine consistently does and all I can say is "ooooooh what a feeling"! Just makes me want to break out in song.

"I envy those who just know"

So I had to get my thoughts on paper. Another baby! Why is this a continuous thought? I know deep down this is not something I could do but the thoughts that come along with having another one interest me.

I see baby pictures of my children and wonder what another would look like or be like. I often feel sad that my daughter does not have a sister. Obviously, I know I could not guarantee the sex of a baby but the thought does occur.

I see their little faces in the photos and think about the excitement of having a newborn. Their smell, their needs, their trust, their vulnerability. I long for all the stages they go through-the first smile, how they grip your finger, snuggling up at sleeptime, their little toes, the way they look at you once they realize who you are, the way they reach out to you, how you are the "one" who can console them, the depth in their eyes, and that amazing day when they take their first step.

I am struggling with the idea. I know that personally, physically, and emotionally I could not have another. There are days when I think I am too old. Actually, in my mind, I am. Let's face it. It is a lot of work which requires a lot of energy.

I do not need anymore gray hairs or wrinkles. Sleepless nights do not help my aging process and we all know there are many of those. There are even some of those now. Few and far between, but some. Sleep is a precious commodity. Oh, who am I kidding I have always needed my sleep. That is probably how I continue to look so young. Ha! Ha! You know studies show 8 hours of sleep or more keeps you young.

Besides the fact, that I do not know if I could survive another pregnancy-oh the sick feeling, the stretch marks, the boob soreness, the fatigue. Oh and let's not forget-the delivery(c-sections for me)(your insides layed out on top of your lower chest), the pain, the compromising position, the nausea, the perpetual bleeding, the pain you feel when the baby latches on for the first time, and the lack of sleep you already feel.

Also, the feeling of invincibility that radiated throughout my body. Oh wait a minute-seriously, that is the morhine pump. The "woo hoo" of that is enough to consider doing it all over again. Just kidding! But seriously, I see the attraction. Fortunately, they yank that sucker away pretty quickly and then I get to deal with the incision pain like a "real woman" since I tolerate only motrin.

Parenting my three children effectively is my biggest priority. I have a hard enough time with that. I will continue on as I am doing which is making sure I am available to them at all times. I am learning how to parent everyday and, as it is, I often do not feel I have enough to give them all they need.

Three has always been my lucky number!

The miracle of having a child is one I would never underestimate or take for granted.

Anyway, my hat is off to all you mothers out there and I do envy those of you who just knew when you had the perfect number! Live your life as it is and allow every moment to be that perfect moment. All you have to do is slow down!