Thursday, November 29, 2012

How Many Do You Have?

How many do you want?

How many before you finally lock yourself and a bag of chocolate in your bedroom just to get some peace & quiet?? Oh, you don't do that? Yea, me neither.

Lately I have been peeking back at old posts from back in the day. I keep reading how I really thought we were done having children after Kinley and Raya. Oh how my plans are not His great plans...


Seriously, sometimes I look at him and still can't believe He gave us a boy :).

For real. I am in love with our crew, and am so thankful for the 6+ little loves to share this life with. It is incredible, it's rewarding, and it's a privilege. It's also totally exhausting, and draining, and humbling. And I'm pretty sure that the twitching in my right eye is from the craziness of the children.

But anyway.

I have always been a baby person, I just love them. Every time I pick up a newborn I think my ovaries fire off 100 eggs. I can't help it. It's involuntary, people.

And now, my heart is so pulled towards fostering and adoption - God is always changing things for His purpose. We have put bunk beds and an extra crib up, and we are clearing room for more. I never thought we'd have a family this size. NEVER. But here we are, getting ready for...well, anything.

On a sidenote, I think there should be a book called "What To Expect When You're Expecting The Unexpected". It can be the 2nd book of the series, yes?

So anyway, I'm just curious since I love hearing about other families. I would love to know if anyone is willing to share...
How many kids do you have?
Boys? Girls? Multiples?
Foster Care? Adoption?
How many do you want?

Is this to many questions? Sorry :).

42 comments:

Sarah said...

I have three little girls...twins who are 5 and a 3 year old. We are enjoying these little ones for now, but hope to become foster parents when we are ready with the possibility to adopt. My three sisters were all adopted through the foster care system so it's just what I know and love.

Sammi said...

I have 4 with one on the way.
2 boys(The one we are expecting is a boy) and 3 girls
L is 5 and C is 3 and they were both adopted in january.
E and B are 11 months
I am 20 weeks pregnant with our 5th a boy.

Shannon said...

I have 4 boys.
7 y/o, 5 y/o and 18 month old twins.
Theres lots of cars and trucks in our house!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Wow, I bet you do have a lot of cars and trucks! Too fun :).

G said...

I'm only 18 but someday I would like to have 4 kids :)

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Nothing wrong with planning ahead :). I did that as well!

jenny said...

As you know, we have 2 bio and 2 adopted...(2 boys and 2 girls). I feel really full with 4 but quite honestly, I've learned to never say for certain what God has for the future. Just pray, and wait and see :) Thrilled for you guys and your growing family!!

Beth said...

I am a blessed mama of 5. One 7yo son and 4yo quadruplets- 3 girls and 1 boy.
My theory on this is- God had these 5 precious souls that were meant for me, but he knew that I was not planning to get pregnant 5 times (especially considering how hard it was for us to conceive), so he just gave me all the rest in one swoop! So thankful for his plan.
As fas as more, just after having the quads, I thought I wanted one more. Like you, I'm a baby person and kind of felt cheated out of the quads babyhood-- we were strictly in survival mode. Not enough sweet cuddling time. I felt like I wanted one more tiny, sweet, soft baby to hold. As time went on, I decided that our home does feel complete and eventually my husband agreed. Even after we both said we thought our family was complete, I can't really bring myself to close the door and say we are definitely finished. Instead, what we agreed is that we will not use and fertility meds or other assistance. Given my reproductive health, this makes another pregnancy extremely unlikely, but who knows? Maybe another sweet little blessing is waiting for us??

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

I so love your theory, Beth!

His plan is truly amazing and unique for each family! What a blessing to be able to have a handful of babes in 2 pregnancies, even though I'm sure the quad pregnancy wasn't the easiest :). I know what you're saying about not being able to really embrace the newborn stage with multiples, I only had 2 at a time and I didn't realize till I had Lincoln how deep in survival mode I was with 2 newborns!

Thanks for sharing, lady :).

Just Jenn said...

We have two bio daughters (15 and 12) and one bonus (foster) boy who is 5. When we signed up to foster we told them we wanted girls who were school aged. Well, God laughed at that and the first kiddos we fostered were boys - 5 and 2! I am getting well acquainted with trucks, legos, and more trucks!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

I can totally relate, Jenn. I feel like He is also leading us in a direction that is opposite of what we initially "wanted" :).

Anonymous said...

I have ID twin girls (almost 3) and a little man (8 months) right now. I am totally with you. People say they know they are done and I have no idea what that feels like! I don't "feel done" at all. On the other hand my doctor has told me another pregnancy might be kinda risky, so I have to weigh wanted another with the possibility of leaving the three I already have without me. My husband is adopted, so we would totally consider that too. My husband does worry about the cost of raising a larger family too, so that is an issue for us.

Dianne said...

I always laugh when I'm asked how many kids I have because it always involves the words "right now". People we don't know must wonder why I need to pause and think before answering!

So, right now, we have 5.
2 bio, age 8 & 6
3 foster, ages 12, 6, and 3 weeks (my first tiny baby!)

We've been foster parents for almost 4 years. Baby girl is #21. We've done respite for an additional 20 kids. Ages have been between 16 days and 18 years old. I'm a foster Grandma to 3. :)

We will adopt eventually, but so far the kids either haven't been legally free, or not the right fit.

I used to think we were SO busy when we only had two and it was SO much work. I laugh at that now!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Aninaduren, I too am a risky case if I was to get pregnant again. The Dr has never said "No", but he is VERY hesitant. So many options and decisions, it's hard to sort through them and make a decision :)!

Dianne, I'm pretty sure I couldn't love your comment more... seriously. You are an inspiration to us newbie foster parents, thank you!!

Carrie said...

I have girl (4)-boy (3)-girl (2)...having 3 kids within 35 months of each other feels like having multiples sometimes! We have been in survival mode for a long time and are ready to breathe a little but are not counting out more children yet. I used to pray that we'd have 3 kids in 3 years before I turned 35 and it worked out that way exactly, so I also hate to push it!! I am so thankful for three happy healthy children who are best friends to each other and glad that we have a break from babies to enjoy this stage. I have lots of friends still having babies, though, so I do get my little newborn "fix" through them :)

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Carrie, I bet they have so much fun together being so close in age!I love when friends have babies, I always try to get my fix in then as well...I also get one when I shoot newborn sessions :)!

Anonymous said...

I have 5 kids. 4 girls and 1 boy. They range in age from 18 to 4. I swore for almost 2 years now that I was done. However, I feel this tugging on my heart from God to have one or two more. I am 38 so, we will see how his plan unfolds for me. Either way I am so blesses bc I wanted to conceive my first baby at 19, which I did. I wanted 2 girls in a row and then a boy..which he granted me..followed by my younger 2 girls...all healthy. God is good all the time and all the time good..so I am certain as he reveals his plan to us it will be perfect.

Kat Silver said...

I have a little girl in heaven (stillborn), a two year old boy, and a four year old girl. I do want one more, but when we are more financially ready :)

Emily said...

I have four, they are 5, 4, 1, and 5 days old. I said I wanted at least four, maybe six. But after having complications that lead to a c section at 35 weeks and a NICU stay of who knows how long, I think I am done. Of course, that may change!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

5 days old, oh my! Enjoy that new little love :).

Sarah said...

Hi!
I've been reading your blog for the past 2 (?) years, every week or so, but never actually commented before :)

Well we "Only" have 2 so far, a 2 yr old girl and a 3 month old girl, they are 23 months apart, which for a lot of people isn't that close, but to me it's a handfull, that's why I read your blog to feel better :D
I've always said I want 6 kids, my hubby only wanted 2.. I can't imagine this being our last baby, but I doubt I could handle 6!
People always joke around saying that we'll end up with 10 girls trying for a boy ;)


You are one amazing woman though, I truly admire how you do it all! I know you have it in you to take on more kiddos, and I wish you all the best!


//a loyal blog reader!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Thank you so much for your sweet words, Sarah! Nice to "meet" you :). I think no matter if you have 1 kid or 10 kids, you have your hands full as a mama :). It's a tough (but wonderful) job!

I cracked up about the "10 girls before getting a boy" statement, because we really thought Lincoln would be a girl, it seemed that we'd have a dozen girls before we got that sweet little guy!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your blog!! I read it all of the time. Having many children certainly isn't the "norm" these days... your blog helps me feel a little more normal :)

My kiddos are 6,4,3,1 and I'm due in March. Most people CAN NOT believe that I'm pregnant and four little ones at home.

I am extremely blessed and I hope God blesses us with one or two more babies.

I

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Oh girl, we get wide eyes and questions all the time too :)! Sounds like you have a fun crew, lots of sweet little's in your home! Thankful for your encouraging words, sister!

Danielle said...

Hi, I've been reading your blog for awhile and really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your life with us all! I've never commented but since you asked I figured it was a good time to start. I have 2 girls - a 2 year old and 3 month old. I've always said I wanted at least 4, but my husband says he's done since none of his 4 siblings have managed to have a boy and he's not sure how he can handle more than 2 girls during the teenage years. He says he has about 12 years to bulk up as it is to scare the boys away. :) We really don't know what the future holds though and we've done a lot of talking about fostering. We just don't feel the timing is right just now.

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Haha, I feel ya! When we found out the 2nd set of twins were both girls my husband said, "more boys to chase off, and 2 more weddings!" :). Daughters are definitely going to keep us all busy during the teenage years!

So glad you left a comment!

Kayla said...

None yet. Praying for a whole crew of them. Biological, Adopted or Foster. Maybe all three. Doesn't matter to me, I just want to be a mom.

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

Love it :).

edwina said...

First time reading your blog and when you asked how many? I knew I had to respond. We have seven daughters. The youngest is 12, then 13, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23. This last July we added a son when our oldest got married!! Now my husband can have someone to talk to when the estrogen levels get out of hand! It is a blessing having what I call my 7 seven lovely ladies. It has never seemed like "alot " of kids, it is just our family.

Anonymous said...

We have five kids, ages 10, 9, 8, 7 & 7 (twins) all adopted through the foster care system. We are open to more, though for now we're happy where we're at since we are homeschooling them all and my hours can only spread so far :0) We are so blessed by the kiddos we have though... they really are awesome!! :0)

Anonymous said...

Forgot to say we have three girls and two boys :0)

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

I love both of your stories SO much! So thankful that you shared :).

Gretchen Elliott said...

I have seven blessing! We have three boys and three girls who the Lord blessed us with through the miracle of birth. Our recent blessing came to us through the miracle of adoption. This little sweetie is a little girl so the girls are winning over here. I treasure each day; however, some days can be full and I am finding that I need to die to self a little more often. http://theelliottgang.blogspot.com/

Laurel said...

We have been BLESSED with 6 Boys and 6 Girls. :)
(ages 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 23, 25, 27, 28)

We had 10 bio. kids before adopting our 2 daughters (to equal up the boy/girl count). :)

After 2 kids in 14 months, Hubby said, "we're done".

After 3 kids in 2 1/2 years, Hubby said, "we're done".

After 5 kids in 4 years, Hubby said, "we're really done".

After 6 kids in 6 years, Hubby said, "we're done".

After 7 kids . . . Hubby said, "Okay, Lord. We will have as many as you want us to have."

I never nagged, but I KNEW we weren't "done". Every time, I prayed . . . and the Lord changed Hubby's heart.

After 10 kids . . . Hubby said, "we are totally done"

Then . . . got led us to International Adoption.

I LOVE seeing families like yours who are open to being ALL that the LORD desires from you!!!

You are BLESSED!

Laurel

Crazy family of 5 said...

We have 4, 2 of each. Our oldest boy is almost 12, Girl 10, Girl 8 and a 3 month old boy. We miscarried twins at 11 weeks, 18 months ago. When we got married, I wanted 2 and he wanted 6. Now with our 4, I would love to have a few more and he says he is done for good. Hard choice to make to be done. With him wanting to get fixed, it hurts me to think we seriously could be done forever.... I have always thought about adopting/fostering but he says it would be to hard on him. I tend to agree a little. I don't think I would be able to do the fostering part. I would want to adopt them all! We shall see what the future brings!

I hope everything works out for your family on this new adventure!!!

FilledToTheBrim - Kate said...

I wish there was a "love" button for everyone's stories. They all make me smile :).

Teresa said...

We have 4 "bios" all boys ages 22,21,18, & 14 and an adopted daughter age 12. We have been fostering since January and currently have 6 fosters ages 8, 5, 4, 3, 13 months & 12 months! We NEVER intended to have 6 fosters but God's plans aren't ours. Lol I love being a mom, even if just for a little while. We intend to foster as long as God calls us to do so.

I love reading your blog!

Corrina said...

I have three daughters, but my heart is still open for whatever God may bring. I probably won't birth any more children, without an act of God--although I wouldn't mind, it may not be best for my body. Our home is small and we have a lot going on in our lives. But I still have this desire for more children. I lift it up to God all the time--and I trust either it will help me love my kids friends and other kids he may bring across my path, or maybe he will add to our family one day. Fostering and adoption is very dear to me!

Laura said...

I am the mommy to 8 amazing children. Two of my children are biological and 6 were adopted from Ethiopia and China. They are my absolute joy and happiness; and adoption is never far from my mind, heart, or soul. At this moment I am anxiously counting down January 2nd when I travel to Ethiopia to pick up my daughter, Addey, a special needs baby with Down Syndrome. She is my 8th child and we are open to having more children in the future, whether through adoption or having them biologically. Our motto is as long as there's room in our hearts there is room in our home.

Would anyone here like to follow/subscribe my new blog: www.katherineconcannon.blogspot.com
It's about my family and my life as a mother to 8, six adopted children and 2 biological children. I don't have any followers yet so i'd appreciate it if you'd follow it and/or pass it along to others. Thanks!

Sarah said...

I have two kids, a girl age 3 and a boy 19 months (he is one day apart from your little boy). :) We are thinking about trying for number three soon, but I have also entertained the idea of fostering or adopting. I am letting my husband make the final decisions on what we do, because I want to make sure we are on the same page before we do anything. A few months ago he probably would have said that two children is all we can handle. Now it seems that he is wanting a third too. I'd love to mother more children, but I love the two that we've got so if he feels most comfortable not adding to our family at this point I'm ok with that too. God will guide us, so I'm not worried. :)

Anonymous said...

I am only 18, but I have always had a strong desire to have a big family, I can't wait untill I can have children of my own, I've looked into adoption because I think that is something that I might want to do. I will take who ever Heavenly Father seems fit to give me.

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