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| Photo: R.A. Navarrete |
Most American families have only 1-2 kids nowadays. Once people find out I am pregnant with Baby #5, I hear comments such as:
-Why so many kids?
-Are you Catholic? Or Mormon?
-Don't you know how this happens?
-Are you done yet?
-Boy, your hands are really full.
-Wow! I could never handle that.
I have heard comments like these since I was pregnant with my third child, as if there is something wrong with having more than 1-2 children. So why have a large family?
1. We were unable to get pregnant the first time and tried for about a year and a half. During that time we prayed that God would bless us with children. And now, 8 years later, I am about to have a fifth baby.
2. Children are a blessing from God. The Bible says:
"Be fruitful and multiply." (Genesis 1:28).
"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." (Psalm 127:4-5).
"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3).
"Jesus said, let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them." (Matthew 19:14).
"You created my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14).
3. Life with many children is adventurous and rewarding. You never know what fun each day may bring. For example, today we made popcorn and hot cocoa, played Dominoes, watched "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," and ate pizza for supper. And now, at 10 pm, my 4-year-old is still wide awake in her bed. One of my kids has missed her first week of school after Christmas break because she has had a fever for 5 days. My 20-month-old now sings "Jesus Loves Me" in English and Spanish with me at bedtime. Some days there are 6-8 kids here at our house all playing and entertaining each other.
4. Having a lot of children is a test of character, and it will help to develop patience, selflessness, perseverance, and faith. But is it really harder to raise 3+ kids? Sometimes it is harder with more kids because there is more to do and manage. But the more kids there are, the more they play together. And, like the Luvs commercial shows, experienced moms simplify things and streamline processes such as preparing lunches, loading up the car, and adjusting bedtime routines. Believe me, it is quite stressful at times, so I need a lot of prayer, support, encouragement, advice, and help from family. But if I can do it, anyone can. My husband is a patient and laid back person, so he does not get overwhelmed by multiple screaming/crying children at the same time. And while I am not so relaxed, I cope with the difficult moments with a brief "Help me, Lord!" or a bite of chocolate or a quick game of Tetris.
