The plan was to welcome five children into our family. Yes, five! The reality started to sink in when I was 20 weeks along with baby number five. My husband and I were still reeling from the thought of adding another little one to our household, which already included four kids, three of whom were under the age of one. I couldn’t help but wonder how we would explain to others that we had four babies in just 13 months, not to mention our 12-year-old son.
Achieving this family expansion took considerable effort; we underwent four — yes, four — rounds of IVF, and ultimately decided on using a surrogate to increase our chances of bringing a baby home. Our surrogate ended up blessing us with twins while I was able to carry another baby to term!
After navigating through the anxiety of our fourth IVF cycle, we celebrated reaching the end of the first trimester, but fear lingered — I had previously experienced a miscarriage and, let’s be honest, time was not on my side. Following much contemplation, we chose surrogacy as a way to secure a baby within the following year. We implanted two embryos in our surrogate, and she delivered our lovely twin girls, complementing the baby girl I carried.
The journey was extraordinary, and while it concluded happily, it was far from easy. I’m naturally a control enthusiast, and trusting a stranger — albeit a thoroughly vetted one — was a tough pill to swallow. I was beyond grateful to this woman for her gift, yet I couldn’t help but worry about her well-being: Was she eating healthily? Exercising? Driving carefully? Ultimately, I found my composure, trusted our choice, and maintained regular communication. I ensured her groceries were organic, arranged massages for comfort, and stayed in touch with every doctor involved — I focused on what I could influence while hoping for the best.
Miraculously, everything fell into place. My surrogate was wonderful, and I will forever be indebted to her for nurturing my daughters safely. In just 13 months, our family expanded from three to seven. I welcomed our daughter Mia and our son Zach within a year of each other, while our surrogate gave birth to our twins in between. Now, we are a family of five.
Surprisingly, managing four kids — one tween and three babies — turned out to be relatively manageable. We found a rhythm, and our routine worked well. However, adding another baby has brought new challenges. This entire experience has taught me to stay proactive, always anticipating the needs of our children; otherwise, they can easily dominate our lives.
We plan meticulously. Every Sunday evening, I sit down with my 12-year-old, reviewing his schedule and coordinating activities and homework. My husband and I split responsibilities — from grocery shopping to meal prep and work commitments. The babies are on a strict schedule for feeding and sleep.
It’s a balancing act, but we are coping. There are days when we feel utterly exhausted and on the verge of tears, yet, at the core of it all, is love. We cherish our family so deeply that every bit of effort is worthwhile. To all parents of multiples, large families, or anyone navigating parenthood — I salute you; the struggle is real.
As mothers, we are a unique collective, united by the journey of motherhood. We are more than just “moms” — we are partners, daughters, sisters, and friends. We need spaces to discuss topics beyond our children, so be sure to visit our other blog posts and explore resources like the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo or the At Home Insemination Kit where you’ll find helpful information for your journey. For anyone considering donor insemination, check out this excellent resource from American Pregnancy.
In summary, our family journey has been filled with challenges and joy as we brought four new lives into the world in just over a year. Embracing the chaos has made every sleepless night worth it.
Keyphrase: Four babies in 13 months
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