Having four little ones has been a whirlwind journey over the past six and a half years and four pregnancies. Here are some insights I’ve gathered along the way:
- Expect Stares and Comments
When you venture out with your entire crew, prepare for some curious glances and odd remarks, as if you’re a circus act. Just the other day, I took my kids to a doctor’s appointment, and within an hour, four strangers approached me to ask if all of them were mine. One even stopped her car to inquire! Yes, my dear bystanders, this delightful chaos is all mine. The comments I hear daily include: “Wow, you have a lot of kids!” “Are they all yours?” “You sure have your hands full!” “Did you plan this?” and “Better you than me!” - Your Life Becomes a Memory Game
Think of the movie ‘Memento,’ where the main character can only remember snippets of information. That’s pretty much my life now. I’m the MVP of forgetfulness! With my brain functioning like an overloaded internet browser, I juggle about 462 tabs at once. Did I pay the utility bill? Is today Wednesday? When did the baby last feed? Why is my middle child wearing his shirt backward? Am I even aware of what day it is? Amidst all this, my kids are like those annoying pop-up ads vying for my attention. As a result, I sometimes forget essential tasks like picking up the dry cleaning or returning texts. - Mornings Resemble a Scene from ‘Jumanji’
Getting everyone ready in the morning can feel like an adventure straight out of a chaotic board game. Just recently, my partner, Jake, had to manage all four kids solo for the first time while I was at an appointment. He did a commendable job, but when I met up with him later, he simply said, “That was wild.” Indeed, it’s a race against time with a crying baby, a toddler sitting on a sibling, and the constant struggle to get shoes on feet that seem to have a mind of their own. - Nail Clipping Becomes a Marathon
After I finish my own grooming, I find myself in a nail-clipping frenzy, tackling a total of 100 nails. Yes, you read that right! (Maybe I should consider starting a “100 Nails” band with my kids. We’ll learn to play instruments once we master the art of putting on shoes.) - Privacy? What’s That?
Moments of solitude are a luxury of the past. Just the other morning, I took a quick shower, and within moments, one of my children was knocking at the door asking if I was done yet to show me a trick. I hastily wrapped up my shower, only to find the “trick” was simply jumping over a blanket. - Cooking for Picky Eaters
When preparing meals for four tiny food critics, it’s nearly impossible to create a dish that pleases everyone. I’m working hard to teach my kids that when they ask about dinner, they can respond in one of two ways: “Yay! Thanks, Mom!” or “OK!” If I didn’t ask for feedback, they should keep their opinions to themselves, capisce? - Bath Time Becomes a Rare Event
Let’s be honest, bathing four kids can be quite the undertaking, and I’ve heard some moms of four say they stretch out bath time to just keep their sanity intact. A hypothetical friend might choose to postpone baths when bedtime is looming, and honestly, who could blame her? - Despite It All, The Love Grows
Even with the stares from strangers, the chaos, and the never-ending mess, each time I welcome another child into my world, I am astonished by the capacity for love I possess. At the end of the day, when all my precious angels are asleep, I find joy in sharing a glass of wine and some popcorn with my partner, reflecting on our beautiful, chaotic life together. I wouldn’t have it any other way—well, maybe with a personal chef and housekeeper, but that’s a different story.
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In summary, navigating life with four children is a wild, beautiful adventure filled with challenges and an abundance of love.
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