Having four children is an entirely different ball game. After enduring over six years and four pregnancies, I’ve experienced significant growth in various aspects of my life. Physically, I’ve fluctuated by a total of 140 pounds — averaging about 35 pounds gained or lost per pregnancy, depending on my cravings for nachos or chocolate. My sense of vanity took a hit when we decided to buy a minivan, despite my previous promise to avoid them because, well, only “nerds” drive them. My control over family aesthetics has diminished considerably; coordinating outfits for my kids is now a luxury I can’t afford. Lastly, my adaptability in chaotic situations has skyrocketed — whether it’s handling broken bones (we’ve had three injuries so far), managing countless newborn colds, or forgetting essential items like a Pack ‘n Play during trips. Life goes on, right?
If you’re contemplating the adventure of raising four kids, here’s what you can expect:
- Public Reactions: When you venture out with your entire crew, prepare for some odd looks and comments, as if you’re juggling flaming swords. Recently, during a doctor’s visit, four different individuals approached me, incredulous and inquiring if all my kids were indeed mine. One lady even stopped her car just to ask. Yes, this delightful chaos is all mine! Common remarks I hear while running errands include: “That’s a lot of kids!” “Are they all yours?” and “You sure have your hands full!”
- Memory Overload: Living with four kids feels like being in a real-life version of the movie Memento. I’m constantly bombarded with thoughts and tasks, akin to having 462 tabs open in my brain. Did I pay the phone bill? When did the baby last nurse? Why does child No. 3 insist on wearing a superhero cape with her pajamas? With four little ones vying for attention, it’s easy to forget anything not immediately in front of me — like that Mother’s Day card I meant to send or the dry cleaning I never dropped off.
- Morning Madness: Getting out the door each morning resembles an episode of Jumanji. A few weeks ago, my partner, Alex, took on the challenge of getting all the kids ready for a doctor’s appointment. He usually helps out, but this was his first solo morning with all four. When I met him later, he casually described the chaos as “wild.” It’s a whirlwind of baby cries, toddlers refusing to put on shoes, and hair that needs taming — all while I’m trying to maintain my sanity.
- Nail Clipping Marathon: After you finish clipping your own nails and then tackle your kids’, you might realize you’ve just clipped 100 nails. And yes, I’m already thinking that “100 Nails” could be a great band name for our future family music group — once we master the art of putting on shoes.
- Privacy? What’s That? The idea of a peaceful shower is a distant memory. The other day, I managed a three-minute rinse while one of my little darlings stood outside, eagerly asking if I was done yet to show me a “trick.” Spoiler alert: it was just a jump over a blanket.
- Cooking Challenges: Preparing meals for four picky eaters means you’ll never please everyone. I’m working on training my kids to appreciate my culinary efforts. My new rule? They can either say, “Yay! Thanks, Mom!” or simply, “Okay!” Any other feedback is reserved for when I ask for it, thank you very much.
- Bath Time Frequency: Let’s be real; bathing four kids doesn’t happen as often as when you only had one or two. I’ve heard from other moms that some choose to space out baths to maintain their sanity, especially when bedtime is approaching. A hypothetical mom may even consider it a win if the kids are in bed quickly, rather than spending an eternity washing four bodies.
- The Love Multiplier: Despite the chaos and constant comments from strangers about our family size, and even with the laundry situation being dire enough to consider starting a nudist colony, each time we welcome another child into our lives, I’m amazed at how much love I can give. As soon as the kids drift off to sleep, I find joy in simple pleasures like a glass of wine and binge-watching Netflix with my partner. In the end, I wouldn’t have it any other way — except maybe for a live-in chef and maid, which would make life even sweeter.
In conclusion, raising four kids is undoubtedly a unique journey filled with challenges and immeasurable rewards. If you’re considering this path, be prepared for the wild ride ahead!
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