Comments on: You’ll notice. Oh yes, you’ll notice.

By: Shalissa

Shalissa — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:30:46 +0000

I totally, totally agree with this comment!

By: Shalissa

Shalissa — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:28:44 +0000

Yes, I hear this 40 times per shopping trip. My stock answer is “it’s worth it.” That way, I can bear a one-sentence testimony even if my kids are screaming or fighting or whatever.

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:59:31 +0000

I am the second of six children. When motherhood came for me it came quickly. Our oldest two are 8 months apart (thanks to both adoption and infertility treatments). Changing my own boys’ diapers felt like deja vu because I had diapered my siblings years earlier. I never minded taking care of the younger bunch, but I could have used more individualized attention from my folks, especially in my teen years. I now have four children and wonder if I’ll have any more. And how. Do I go through another pregnancy or adopt? My oldest’s adoption went so perfectly I almost hate to tempt fate. On the other hand, between pregnancy and taking care of an infant I felt like I lost two years of my life having our fourth. I am sad that I wasn’t able to be the parent I needed to be because my health was stressed and then my attention was directed at the baby. Looking back at my childhood I know I would have loved having parents who were more available to me when I needed them; something my mom probably doesn’t know, unless she reads Segullah comments.

I realize motherhood is all about sacrifice, and *I* am willing to make the sacrifice. But am I willing to sacrifice the quality of life for my four children to have a fifth child?

By: Kay

Kay — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:47:47 +0000

Most children are great, some are just downright difficult. I would have loved a large family and my biggest guilt trip in this church is that I only have 3. My first child just about killed me emotionally and mentally. Having her convinced me that I am the worst mother in the world. She certainly made a difference to my life! In my dreams I am the perfect mother of 6 educated, kind, polite, beautiful, good children. In reality I am the mother of 3 and falling apart.

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:43:07 +0000

My parents had six kids and my Dad made this over used comment himself one day. I told my Mom and she laughed, knowingly. I am not sure if it was sarcastic laugh or disbelief. But she sure knew the truth.

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:36:02 +0000

I find this is fascinating stuff. I have 3 children aged 8, 10 and 12 and would have loved to have had more. A larger family was always our plan but we don’t always get what we want or expect for lots of reasons. Every child should make a difference to our lives other wise why have them if you won’t notice them. I envy mothers who have larger families. We should all be grateful for what we have and supportive to others in their choices and hope that they will ehlp, support and love us with our families too. Who do I look to for support? Friends that think like me. My closest friends have 2, 4, and 6 children of differing ages. Number is not really the issue it’s what we do with what we have. I hope this doesn’t sound too preachy!

By: Carina

Carina — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:23:19 +0000

I love this discussion. After having my first I remember telling my husband, “So THIS is why people have ten kids!”

Since I’ve met some of you mothers of more, I have to say, you are all some of the most accomplished and wonderful women I’ve ever encountered! Maybe I should have a good dozen if it will make me more like you.

By: Catherine Finn

Catherine Finn — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:50:38 +0000

I’m afraid to go from 2 to 3. My mom had nine but she never had Nolan!

By: Clarice

Clarice — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:54:39 +0000

Interesting conversation. I think it depends on the person and where you are at in life. Having my first was easy. The second one, a little more work, but it was a learning experience for me. Having a third made things a little more complicated. Took a little break and had the 4th. This one was pretty easy, all things considered. The oldest could help out. But now that I have my 5th, while my responsibilities are less because I have the older kids to help out, I still feel stretched a little too much, trying to fulfill everyone’s needs. As the kids get older, they need a different kind of attention, which you can’t give all that they deserve when you are still trying to take care of little ones. So, I definitely understand ANY persons decision to stop at 2 or 3.

As for the education comparison, well, I feel like even if I have a PHD in some areas, I still have to go back to school and keep learning new things. Kind of like getting a major in a different field. There’s always things to learn, and sometimes we didn’t learn it right the first time (maybe a low GPA, lol) so we get to try to do better the next time.

By: Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Smith — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:32:14 +0000

I live on the east coast and get the “look” from people when they figure out I have 6 sons. I’m going to frequently remind myself what Martha Sears says!! “The world needs my children.”