I couldn’t be happier to announce that my days of having babies are behind me. Becoming a mother was my ultimate dream, something I desired more than anything else. While I’ve chased various aspirations and achieved a lot, nothing has given me the sense of fulfillment that motherhood has. Although I don’t want my entire identity wrapped up in being a mom, I cherish the fact that it’s one of my roles.
I’m blessed with three wonderful kids: my eldest son is seven, my middle son is four, and my daughter is just a few months old. Following her birth, my doctor performed a tubal ligation, officially closing the door on my baby-making days. I couldn’t be more ecstatic!
I’m done creating new lives, folks! No more nine-month breaks from sushi, caffeine, or roller coasters. Sure, I haven’t been on a roller coaster in years, but now it’s an option for me anytime—because my womb is officially not accepting any more tenants.
With our decision for permanent birth control, family planning is a thing of the past. Am I ovulating? Who cares! We’re not trying to conceive, nor are we trying to avoid it. It’s all settled.
I have all the children I ever wanted, and it is pure bliss. Normally, I struggle with the finality of such decisions. I often find the concept of “never” to be daunting. But not this time. Babies are incredible, but I am absolutely finished.
People often say you’ll know when your family is complete, and while I usually don’t buy into that sentiment, they were right this time. Looking at my daughter feels like the perfect conclusion to our family story. The Cloyd Family is officially full.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall how I felt after my second C-section. I asked my doctor, “When can I have another baby?” Apparently, that’s not the usual inquiry just hours post-surgery, but I knew I wanted to go through it all again. After nearly four years filled with heartache to finally welcome our last child, I can now say we are completely done.
Before even hitting my first trimester, I had requested the tubal ligation during my C-section. My body has endured enough—three C-sections and several additional surgeries related to my reproductive health. We are genuinely finished.
At 35, I feel older and more exhausted than I anticipated with my last newborn. Anyone who knows me will attest to my love for my baby. But one of the best aspects is that she’s the final addition.
While I thought I might feel sadness, I realize it’s a bittersweet transition. It feels like closing a chapter on one adventure while opening another. Sometimes, I get a pang similar to when we sold our first home. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to move forward; I just knew I was leaving behind something dear.
Completing our family after such a long journey is an odd sensation. But it’s a comforting oddity because I will never experience pregnancy again. Like ever. Hallelujah!
Of course, I’ll miss some of the lovely aspects of being pregnant—the excitement of the first positive test, the gentle flutters of the baby’s movements, and my husband talking to my belly. Those moments were magical, and I don’t take them for granted.
What I won’t miss? The persistent nausea that ruined meals, the discomfort of hemorrhoids, and the hormones that turned simple situations into emergencies. Oh, and most definitely the surgery in a cold operating room to bring my child into the world. I’m all set on those “beautiful” pregnancy moments.
Despite the challenges—PCOS, miscarriages, and a cancer scare—I’m grateful for all of it. I can hold two thoughts at once: I appreciate the chance to have had my babies, and I’m relieved that phase is over.
Now that my team is complete, we can look ahead and embrace this new adventure together. I’m eager to see who my kids grow up to be, and they’re already amazing. The journey of expanding our family has been beautiful, but I believe the best is yet to come.
To read more on related topics, check out this post on our blog here and visit this resource for expert advice. For detailed information about pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary:
In this reflective piece, Sarah Lark joyfully announces her completion of building her family after the birth of her third child. Embracing motherhood has been her greatest aspiration, yet she feels a sense of relief and fulfillment as she closes the chapter on pregnancy. Navigating the challenges of motherhood, including health issues and surgeries, has solidified her gratitude for the children she has. Now, with her family complete, she looks forward to the adventures ahead.