Look, I'm leading a trend!

Having three or four kids is a new status symbol among America's wealthiest families, according a report on national public radio. In the past 10 years, the number of high-end earners who are having more than two children has shot up nearly 30 per cent. Some say the trend is driven by a generation of over-achieving career women who have quit work and transferred all of their competitive energy into motherhood.

(we are NOT in the same economic realm as these folks)

It has struck me how efficient economically it is to have more than 2-3 children. You already have the "stuff" like car seats, a crib, clothes, stroller, and likely a mini-van. Though I always chuckle at folks with 1 child who feel it imperative to own a car that holds 7.

On the other hand, having more than 2 children is harder. There is more work for a mother on a daily basis including tidying, laundry, breaking up arguments, potty accidents, dealing with sulky moods (children included), dishes, and baths. It means more years of changing diapers and nursing. Babies are wonderful, but lots of work. I certainly wouldn't advise someone to have another child simply because it was the trendy thing to do. If status is what you crave, get a $800 dog, not a soul that needs to be nurtured for a lifetime.

If you are a good mommy, not necessarily a competitive one, then certainly once you invest in all the equipment, it makes sense to keep producing warm, soft, smiling, kissable babies.