We were initially aiming for five children. Yes, you read that right—FIVE. The reality began to sink in when I hit the 20-week mark with our fifth little one. My husband and I were still reeling from the news that we were about to welcome another baby while already managing four at home, three of whom were under a year old. I couldn’t help but wonder how we would explain to friends and family that we had four babies in just 13 months, alongside our 12-year-old son.
It took us four—yes, FOUR—IVF cycles to conceive, and we opted for surrogacy to guarantee a baby after our surrogate ended up carrying twins and my pregnancy went to full term! After successfully navigating the first trimester on our fourth IVF attempt, we were elated, yet terrified of not going the distance. Having experienced a miscarriage and knowing that time was not on my side added to the anxiety.
After much consideration, we decided that surrogacy was the best route to take if we wanted a baby in the near future. We transferred two embryos to our surrogate and were blessed with gorgeous twin girls, in addition to the baby girl I carried myself.
The journey was remarkable and had a satisfying conclusion, but it was certainly challenging. Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a bit of a control freak. Trusting a stranger—albeit a thoroughly screened one—was nerve-wracking. I felt immense gratitude for this woman who was giving us such a gift, but I also wanted to ensure she was making healthy choices, exercising, and being safe. Ultimately, I found my inner peace, put my faith in our choice, and maintained open communication. I coordinated with doctors, ensured her groceries were organic, and even arranged massages to keep her comfortable. I took control of what I could and prayed for a positive outcome.
Fortunately, everything turned out wonderfully. My surrogate was a dream come true, and I will always be thankful for how safely and healthily she carried my daughters.
In just 13 months, we transitioned from a family of three to a bustling family of seven! I gave birth to our daughter, Emma, and our son, Jake, within a year of each other, while our surrogate welcomed our twins in between. Now, we are a family of five, and it’s absolutely exhilarating! Managing four kids—one tween and three infants—has surprisingly been doable. We settled into a routine and found our rhythm. However, adding another child has certainly elevated the chaos.
Throughout this process, I’ve learned that we must always stay proactive, anticipating needs and situations, or the kids will take over entirely. Planning is essential—every Sunday, I sit down with my 12-year-old to review his schedule, coordinate activities, and tackle homework. My husband and I often divide tasks—groceries, meal prep, and work schedules—nearly everything. The babies adhere to a strict schedule for feeding and sleep.
It’s a balancing act, but we’re managing. Some days are exhausting enough to bring us to tears, but ultimately, it’s all about love. We cherish our family so much that every challenge feels worth it. To everyone juggling multiples, large families, or just parenting in general—I salute you. The struggle is real.
For those interested in family planning or exploring options like surrogacy, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits for more information. If you’re seeking specialized tools for fertility, you can find great resources like this intracervical insemination syringe kit as well. Additionally, this resource on pregnancy offers excellent guidance for anyone on this journey.
Summary:
In just 13 months, our family expanded from three to seven with four babies born, including twins through surrogacy. Our chaotic but love-filled life requires meticulous planning and teamwork, but every moment is worth it.
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