Over the course of six and a half years and four pregnancies, I’ve experienced significant growth in various aspects of life. Here’s a glimpse into my transformation:
- Physical Changes: I’ve gone through a rollercoaster of weight, gaining and losing a total of 140 pounds—around 35 for each pregnancy, though some required more snacks than others.
- Vanity: I completely abandoned any remnants of coolness when we purchased a minivan, despite my earlier promises to never drive one—only “nerds” do that, right?
- Fashion Control: Coordinating my kids’ outfits? Forget it! Who has time for that madness?
- Adaptability: My MacGyver skills have skyrocketed. I’ve learned to navigate challenges that once seemed impossible—like managing broken bones (three so far), endless baby colds (lost count after a dozen), or forgetting essential gear like a Pack ‘n Play on trips. Life goes on, right?
For those contemplating the journey of having four kids, here’s what to expect:
- Strange Looks from Strangers: When you venture out with your entire crew, prepare for curious stares and odd comments. During a recent doctor’s visit, I was approached by four different people questioning if all these kids belonged to me. Yes, dear bystander, this delightful circus is all mine! Expect remarks like: “Wow, that’s a lot of kids!” and “Better you than me!”
- Your Memory Becomes Like a Movie: Life with four kids resembles the film Memento, where you can only remember snippets before the next chaos erupts. Moms of four have about 462 mental tabs open at any given moment. Did I pay the utility bill? Is today Wednesday? Have the kids eaten any veggies lately? It’s a whirlwind of thoughts, and sadly, some things inevitably slip through the cracks.
- The Morning Madness: Getting out the door every day feels like a scene from Jumanji. Recently, my partner, Tom, had to wrangle all the kids solo for the first time. He showed up at my car switch with the kids fed, dressed, and shoed, stating, “Yeah, that was wild.” Wild is an understatement when you’re juggling a crying baby, a toddler sitting on your three-year-old, and a five-year-old struggling with shoe instructions!
- Nail Clipping Mayhem: After managing my own nails and then tackling my kids’, it suddenly feels like I’ve clipped a hundred nails. That could be a catchy band name for my future band with the kids—after we master the art of putting on shoes first!
- Privacy? What’s That?: Any fleeting moment of solitude has vanished. The other morning, I attempted a quick shower. I was barely wet when a little one stood outside asking when I’d be done to show me a “trick.” Spoiler alert: it was a jump over a blanket.
- Cooking for Picky Eaters: With four mini food critics, it’s nearly impossible to prepare a meal everyone enjoys. I’m training my kids to appreciate my culinary efforts. They can respond to dinner announcements with either, “Yay! Thanks, Mom!” or “Okay!” Any other feedback is just unnecessary.
- Bath Time, What’s That?: Rumor has it that moms of four often delay bath time. I’ve heard from several reasonable moms that they might space baths out for sanity’s sake. Sometimes, it’s about prioritizing bedtime over a lengthy wash and rinse!
- The Chaos is Worth It: Strangers may comment on your life choices and you might feel overwhelmed by dishes and laundry, but every new baby reminds you of your limitless capacity for love. When the day winds down, and all the little ones are asleep, you’ll cherish those quiet moments with a glass of wine and some popcorn, reflecting on the beautiful chaos that is your life.
In summary, while parenting four kids can feel like an unending circus, it also brings immense joy and love that far outweighs the chaos. If you’re considering expanding your family, embrace the ride—it’s unlike any other!
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