Dear Sally in 2011,

Hey - How are you?!
I bet you are busy but settling into a new routine. You're starting to get more sleep and perhaps by now you've started cooking again. Your kids are sure cute! I am looking at this picture you took of them at the Pumpkin Farm this fall - I bet you remember them as sweet and well-behaved on that trip.

But let's cut to the chase -- we need to talk. No more kids, ok? I honestly think you would try to have about 4 more and I know you have a very slective memory. You always promise that you'll never forget these pregnancy days - but then you always do. I decided I better put it in writing, lest you forget - a-gain...

I know you've always wanted a large family and you think you can handle anything. A dangerous combination. I have confidence that you probably can do just about anything, but why push it? I actually think you might be on the brink as it is... Let's just say I've seen you crying (more than once) in the shower because you think you won't be able to handle all you have to do in your day.

Your children have been eating Mac & Cheese and Spaghetti O's way too much. You've single-handedly kept the local Jimmy John's shop in business and I expect you'll get a Christmas card from the makers of Funyons. Its been ages since you've cleaned the bathrooms and weeks since you've vacuumed your kitchen floor.

Let's also not forget about all the doctor's appointments. I'm talking like three each week - and that's when everything has gone exactly as it should! Will you remember how much you had to ask your friends for help watching your other kids??

I want you to also remember the new heartburn medicine and prescription sleep-aid you require just to stay comfortable (and sane). You seem like you can barely walk sometimes because of that back/nerve pain and I can tell by your lack of discipline of the kids how sedintary you've really become. (In case you're in denial -- just yesterday I saw your third child hit and then bite the older ones.)

Honey, I want to say all this nicely so please don't argue... you really are getting too old for all this pregnancy and baby stuff. If you force me to I can sum it all up in one word: cankles. Please don't make me get mean though - ok?

Let's just enjoy raising the children you have and eagerly anticipate the huge amount of stuff you will soon be able to get rid of. Let's think of clean closets and bins of clothes that can go to Goodwill. Fewer prescription drugs and once a year doctor visits.

You'll be able to do things like cook and clean and walk to the end of the driveway... You'll love it! Trust me -- you just don't want to be pregnant again - I'm not sure you (or your poor family) would survive... :)

With all my sincerity,
Sally from 2010 - 38 weeks pregnant