You start reading a story to one child and end up reading stories to three or four.
You don't fit into a normal minivan.
You read the fine print on the "Kids Eat Free" offers.
You make four dozen cookies and they're all gone the next day.
You count heads when shopping to make sure they're all still with you.
You get asked constantly "are they all yours?"
When you get into your 15 seater van and you have to say "count off!" to make sure you didn't leave anyone behind! (and, yes, we have left someone once)
you arrive at the local swimming pool and as you all walk past people stop to stare
you just cannot buy everyone a drink and a donut without spending less than $30
you think people with three children have a small family
at the end of each day you think “whoa that was intense”… but it was just like yesterday and tomorrow will be the same
I look at my daughter and get sad cause she’ll be gone all too soon. I look SO forward to my grandchildren. It’s a lot of work but I would not trade it for all the tea in China--EVER
(borrowed this one--but I can definitely relate)A family trip to the store leaves a trail of people behind you counting the number of kids on their fingers
Mom gets asked any of the following questions by complete strangers:
- "Y'know what causes that, right?" (Usually accompanied by a leer.)
- "Are you done yet?"
- "You're Catholic, aren't you?"
- "Hey, that's almost a baseball/soccer/marching band! Is that what you're going for?"
- "You are getting your tubes tied now, aren't you?"
- "What does YOUR husband do for a living?" (insinuating he makes a lot of money)
- "How do you DO it?"
You have to take out a small loan to have the family eat out together at a decent restaurant. (Never happens here!)
Things like yogurt, bananas, ice cream, and cookies disappear faster than you can blink an eye at your house.
You actually know how long baby equipment lasts--and rarely is it through more than 3 children! (Though our stroller has lasted 18 years and gone through 9 children! The high chair was in 3rd place as it limped through 8 children. The winner was the borrowed crib that went through 2 nephews and our 9 children.)
"Family-size" boxes at the grocery store make you laugh! As well as the family-size meals at fastfood restaurants.
You beg your husband to take the family vehicle to be filled with gas because seeing the bill makes you want to throw up!
You're on a first name basis with your OB-GYN and his staff. They know you well!
You've been a parent long enough to see all the experts change their minds numerous times on the right way to parent--put baby to sleep on its stomach, no--its side, no--its back!)
Your daughters sigh and roll their eyes when people ask THEM if you are going to have more children (because they get that question ALL the time).
You have no time to be lonely.
You get more hugs than anyone you know.
When you hear a thump from upstairs, you now wait for a scream to follow. If not, all's well.
This could go on and on..... Thanks for following this long. I've always loved reading these! The first half or so was actually copied and pasted from other moms of large families. So they are not unique to our family by any means!
Being a part of a big family does mean a lot of sacrifices on everyone's part, but the rewards outweigh them by far!
~Cindy~
