As I stroll through the park, my growing belly gets all sorts of attention. People often look at me, then count my kids, and the comments begin.
“Is this your second?” they ask, to which I respond, “No, it’s my fourth.” The reactions usually range from surprise to awkward silence, followed by, “Oh wow, um…”
Being pregnant with my fourth little one certainly brings out a mix of funny, personal, and sometimes intrusive questions. Here are just a few of the gems I’ve encountered:
- “Was this one planned?”
- “How old are your other kids?”
- “Do you stay at home with them?”
- “What does your partner do?”
- “Is this your last?”
- “Wow! College is going to be expensive!”
If we had three boys or three girls, the inevitable question would be, “You must be hoping for a girl!” or “I bet your husband is really wanting a son!”
Let me clear a few things up:
Was this one planned? Yes, indeed! My partner dreams of a big family—he’d be thrilled with eight—but we’ve decided four is our sweet spot.
How old are your other children? They are 6, 4, and 2.
Do you stay at home with them? I do! I run a social media business from home, and it’s a joy.
What does your husband do? I’ll let him answer that! No, he’s not a doctor or involved in anything shady.
Is this your last? Yes, without a doubt! My body has done quite a bit in the last six years, and I’m certainly too old for more.
It’s true that having four kids isn’t the norm these days. In my neighborhood, most families seem to stick to two or three. During our evening walks, people often smile at my belly, do a quick headcount of my kids, and either smile or continue on their way. Sometimes, they stop to chat, and I can sense their curiosity.
Just the other night, my partner and I noticed a large van parked nearby. He comes from a family of seven, which tends to raise eyebrows. We saw a couple by a double stroller surrounded by a swarm of children. Counting carefully, we estimated there were six girls, maybe seven, and I couldn’t help but think about their lives.
“Wow, that’s a lot of girls!” I remarked. “That poor dad will really have to deal with all those weddings. I wonder if they kept trying for a boy?” I contemplated their situation, wondering if she was pregnant again or if that was just the belly from carrying so many little lives. “I want to ask her so many questions,” I thought. But then I hesitated, realizing that might come off as intrusive.
Yes, guilty as charged. At only 20 weeks along with baby number four, I’m already familiar with the stares and comments that will continue. But honestly, I find it amusing and keep a light heart about it. My favorite line to reassure other mothers is, “Don’t worry, my condition isn’t contagious!”
As an only child, I faced my own set of questions growing up: “You must be spoiled!” or “Why didn’t your parents have more?” And trust me, I hated being the only one. I can only imagine the comments my parents received.
If you’re a mom of one or a mom of seven, embrace your unique journey! Each child is a precious gift. There are moments when I wonder how my heart can handle one more little being to love. How do I care for four children? Will I ever sleep again? Will my body return to normal? Yet, I know that when this last baby arrives, I will feel an overwhelming mix of joy and sadness, marking the end of my incredible pregnancy experience.
For more insights on family planning and pregnancy, check out this blog post about couples’ fertility journeys. And if you’re interested in natural feeding methods, you can find valuable information at this authority website. Also, this resource is excellent for anyone navigating the world of home insemination.
In summary, while having four kids may raise eyebrows and spark odd comments, it’s all part of a beautiful journey that I cherish. Each child is a blessing, and while the chaos is real, so is the love.