Long story short, I'd love to hear honest pros and cons of having kids. My wife and I are getting closer to the age where we need to make the call. We both have always said we wanted kids, but we're also considering now how much of that is because we truly want kids, vs how much is because we grew up in a society that just expects that you want kids. We both grew up in places where it was "obvious" that being a parent is the greatest calling/ purpose one can strive for, and it's hard, sometimes, to separate what we want form what we've been taught we should want.
I also think our society does an awful job of allowing parents to actually vent on the negatives of having kids. It seems that unless you know someone really, really well, that someone almost feels obligated to give you an answer that's some form of "the best thing I've ever done...". Yet when I speak with those who know they can trust me and know they won't be judged, their answers are much different.
What say the Surlies - both with and without kids. What made your decision? What regrets do you have? Etc. Any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated.