Love is love is love

Last month, I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by the folks at Seattle's Child for a story on larger families.

Sure, it was easy enough to spout off about the wonderful things I experience as a mom of 5 young kids. When I shared the story on Facebook, I was unprepared for all the wonderful comments from friends and acquaintances.

In spite of the comments in the story about how I don't think it takes more to raise 5 than 1, many of you said 'You are a hero' or similar. Thank you all. 

I wanted to reiterate why, in spite of dressing up in a Superman shirt, I actually do not consider myself a hero at all. I'm just me with my kids, like any other parent with their kid/s or pets or taking care of their parents..... love is love is love.

When to stop having kids!

I have seen many articles citing the do's and don'ts, pros and cons, of having more than one child.

I am often asked whether having one set of twins first make it easier or harder to decide whether to have another child, especially if you think you might have another set of twins? 

In my case, the joys and hardships of having twins, while my oldest son was only 17months old, convinced me that I did want to have another child.

In fact, I eagerly, secretly, hoped I'd have another set of twins.

In spite of the fact that I had very difficult pregnancies and grew super huge due to tons of swelling, I enjoyed every minute of it.

When the babies were born, my older 3 kids were thrilled and did everything to help and participate from day one.

Now that my youngest twins are 4, and the older set are 7 and my oldest is 8, things continue to be joyful, and hard of course.

How to decide...well, for one thing, time between emails takes a lot longer. 

And, if you like to shower regularly, perhaps 2 or 3 kids is enough. But, there is a baby for each older twin to play with... depending on the ages of the kids.

My best tips today:

1. Get a Floor Robot vacuum (Roomba) - the best game in the world is 'Ok kids, let's pick up everything off the floor so we can push the button on the vacuum and sit on the couch and giggle while it cleans". Worth.Every.Penny.
   
2. Build your community now. Embrace the well-meaning people that ask if they can help. Yes, they can. Invite other people over and let the kids prepare for the playdate by cleaning and preparing snacks, while you and other parents sit and drink coffee.