For as far back as I can remember, my life plan included raising children. Growing up with devoted parents and loyal siblings, I knew I wanted the same: a loving husband, and children who would grow up to be best friends — the kind of friends who laugh at your worst jokes and still love you when you wear mismatched socks.

When I met my husband, I knew he would be a great dad. We both worked as instructors at a ski school, and I saw how much he loved being around kids. While having kids isn’t for everyone, it’s perfect for us. Loving and raising our three wonderful kids has been an extraordinary experience. We aren’t perfect, but we perfectly love each of them in the ways they need us to.

A few months ago, I turned 40. Many people dread getting older, but I look forward to my birthday each year. And this time, the excitement was even greater. Despite my deep and life-long desire for children, I am now done having kids. At age 40 I am baby free — and I intend to remain that way.

My era of changing diapers, enduring sleepless nights, and having kids clinging to me like koalas has come to an end. My first pregnancy was easy, but the delivery was not. My second pregnancy with twins ended three months early. Although my kids and I are healthy, the thought of being pregnant again makes me shiver — I can’t even joke about it.

I was blessed with my three children, and now, in my 40s, I’m ready to do things that just don’t work with a newborn in tow. I can finally go to concerts with friends, knowing my husband can handle our kids at home. I can refocus on my career and personal goals. I can ditch my maternity jeans for some cool new ones. I don’t need to consider buying a larger vehicle. (One of my proudest parenting moments was fitting three car seats in the back row of our car without needing a third row — it was like winning the parenting Tetris championship.)

Now, if someone is entering their 40s and still wants to have kids, I say go for it — there is research that indicates women who have children in their 40s live longer! And there are many benefits to having kids later in life.

My babies came at just the right time for me, and now I’m ready to toss the diaper bag and return to regular-sized bags. It’s time to swap baby wipes for concert tickets and rediscover the joys of uninterrupted sleep and pants without elastic waistbands!

Having another child would turn my life upside down. At age 40, I have achieved my goal of having a family. Now it’s time to move on from the baby phase, recover my sanity, and be the best mom and person I can be.

And with any luck, my husband and I might even escape for a weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Keep your fingers crossed and light some candles for us!