The tipping point is four, right?
Three kids is normal, but four little ones turns you into a baby-making factory. So, imagine what I’ve been hearing now that I have a visible baby bump PLUS four kids…
The thing is though, this 5th baby was planned and very much hoped for. We chose to be a big family. My husband and I are excited to welcome this new baby, and my older kids are more involved than ever. My 3-year-old kisses my belly button every day, looks inside, and says, “Oh, hi, my baby. I loooooooove you!” My 10-year-old is reading a full-on pregnancy book and is full of baby development facts. Despite my first trimester being the hardest ever, we have arrived in the sweet spot of enjoying each day as we anticipate our growing family.
The comments from outside our immediate bubble have gotten darn near hilarious, and since big families seem to be such a gawk-worthy scene, I figured it was high time I share what it’s really like to have a big family.
I’ve heard “Are they all yours?” one too many times
I mean, really? Isn’t it obvious? I kind of want to reply, “No, I’m the nanny and I just make them call me Mom in that super-whiny voice.”
People get really curious about your sex ed knowledge
Surprise, surprise … I do know exactly how this — as in my children — happened.
It’s easier than you think
Two kids was, by far, my hardest season of motherhood. When you have two kids, you most likely have an infant and a toddler/preschooler, and those ages need their parents so much, but in very different ways. Once you get over the hump of two little ones, you have a helper and then things get a whole lot easier.
No two are the same
Some people think I’m a pro. Like I have kids all figured out because I have so many. But, nope. Each one is vastly different, and although I’ve learned a lot as I guide four children through the world, I am still learning how to mother each one in the way they need me most.
Your garage is full of hand-me-downs
My husband is often embarrassed to open our garage when friends are visiting. Even though we fit two cars inside, one entire wall is covered with storage totes – half of those are marked with kids' clothing sizes. It’s just the reality of a lot of kids. Welcome to hand-me-down city!
Nothing prepares you for the sweet moments
Watching your kids become best friends is absolutely magical. When you have a big family, there's always a built-in playmate. One of my favorite things to imagine is how my kids' relationships will evolve as they get older.
It’s overwhelming
Am I overwhelmed because I have a lot of kids or just because I’m a mom in the 21st century? Maybe a bit of both.
You are well versed in cheap fun
Need a restaurant deal (kids eat free, or places that offer big-enough meals that two people can split)? How about BOGOs? What about the memberships that give you the most bang for your buck? And free days??? I’m your girl. A big family has taught me to sleuth out cheap fun. Gotta save for college somehow!
It’s honestly the best
Not once have I regretted the size of our family. I am so excited to be a family of seven. Even on the hard days, I feel like I’m living in the midst of miracles.
