Ideal age spacing between siblings?

My husband and I agreed that our children were going to be 3 years apart and that we would have an even number - either 2 or 4. Well, it didn't happen exactly the way we had planned. Our second son was born 16 months after our first one. When I first found out, I was shocked- I had nursed initially,then changed him over to formula. I still hadn't menstruated, so neither of us gave birth control a thought.I was safe- wrong. I do admit that I think we were both a bit overwhelmed with the idea for a little while until we heard that first heartbeat. I won't tell you that it was a piece of cake, but it really was not a big deal to change another diaper, make another bottle, etc... We didn't sleep much for a few years, but I would never give up those years. Now our boys are 8&9 and life is wonderful. They play on all of the same sports teams.They go to a tight knit Catholic school, and share the same circle of friends. Of course they nit pick each other at home,but they are the best of friends. We decided two was the magic number for us. After our second son was born, we knew our family was complete.

I have a 15 month old son right now and am due in early october with baby #2, so they will be about 23 months apart. I timed it so that they would be about 2 years apart and got pregnant our first month of trying. I think that 2 years is the perfect age gap because it gives the mom enough of a break in between and the children are still close enough in age to be buddies and interested in the same stuff. My main concern was not wanting the older one to be annoyed and completely interested in different stuff than the younger one. Of course all siblings argue, but I thought that a 2 year age gap would maybe keep it to a minimum.

In my family, my sister and I are three years apart. I think its ideal, because we're still close enough to relate. When I have children, I'll want them to be 2-3 years apart, also.