People often ask me, “Is this your second?” I reply, “No, it’s my fourth.” And they go, “Oh, wow. Uh…” To which I say, “Don’t worry; my condition isn’t contagious!”
Being pregnant with baby number four has invited a range of personal, awkward, and honestly hilarious questions from strangers. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been hearing lately:
- Was this planned?
- How old are your other kids?
- Do you stay home with them?
- What does your partner do?
- Is this your last?
- College is gonna be fun!
If we had three boys or three girls, I can only imagine the first question would be: “You must be hoping for a girl!” Or, “I bet your husband is really wishing for a son!”
Let me tackle some of these questions that some people are brave enough to ask, and others may be too shy to voice.
Was this one planned?
Absolutely! My husband dreams of a big family—eight kids, to be exact—but we’ve settled on four.
How old are your other children?
They’re 7, 5, and 3.
Do you stay at home with them?
Yes, I do! I run my own social media business from home and absolutely love it.
What does your husband do?
Haha, I’ll let him answer that! And no, he’s not a doctor or involved in anything illegal.
Is this your last?
Yes, for sure. God willing! My body has endured a lot in these past few years, and honestly, I’m too old for this.
Wow! College will be fun!
It’s never too early to start thinking about those scholarships, right?
I’ll be the first to admit that having four kids isn’t the norm these days. In fact, I can’t think of anyone else in my neighborhood with that many. Most families seem to stick to two or three kids.
When my family takes evening strolls to the park, people often glance at my growing belly and then mentally tally our kids. Usually, they smile and move along. Sometimes, they stop for a chat. This happens at places like Target and Chick-fil-A too. I know four kids is a bit unusual, and it raises eyebrows.
Hey, I get it! I’ve been on your side of the fence too.
Just the other night, my partner and I were sitting on a bench while the kids played nearby, and we noticed a big van parked in the lot. My husband is one of seven kids—let that sink in! He often gets mixed reactions because of it.
He pointed out that the van resembled the one they had growing up. Our conversation shifted until we noticed another family at the playground.
There was a dad and mom standing next to a double stroller surrounded by a swarm of kids. We quickly counted—six girls, possibly seven! The little one in the stroller was too bundled up to tell.
“Wow, that’s a bunch of girls!” I exclaimed. “That poor dad! I can’t imagine the wedding costs! I wonder if they kept trying for a boy?” That poor mom looked pregnant again, but it was likely just a belly that has housed six lives. I found myself thinking, “OMG, the oldest looks like she’s nine. Are there twins in there? Does she stay home? She has to be a stay-at-home mom, right? And I bet she homeschools! What a nice van they have! Imagine that grocery bill!”
I wanted to strike up a conversation with her, to ask a million questions. But then I thought, “No, that’s intrusive. She probably feels like a sideshow. I’ll just sit here, smile, and watch.”
See? Totally guilty!
I’m only 20 weeks along with baby number four, but this pregnancy has me bracing for the curious stares and comments ahead. Honestly, I find humor in it all and maintain a lighthearted perspective. When I tell fellow moms not to worry, I mean it—my condition isn’t contagious!
As an only child, I often heard comments like:
- “You must be so spoiled!”
- “Why didn’t your parents have more kids?”
- “Who do you play with?”
- “I’m so envious you get everything you want.”
- “I bet your family is rich. You fly for vacations; we drive.”
- “Do you eat out all the time? I’m so jealous!”
Being an only child wasn’t an easy ride for me. I can only imagine the comments my parents faced.
So, to all the moms out there, whether you have one child or seven daughters, embrace your journey! Every child is a precious gift. There are moments when I find myself wondering how my heart can possibly accommodate one more child to care for. How will I manage feeding, bathing, and soothing four little ones? Will I ever sleep again? Will I reclaim my body after all this? But I know the moment this last baby arrives, I’ll be overwhelmed with tears of joy and sorrow knowing it’s my final chapter in this beautiful pregnancy adventure.
If you’re considering expanding your family, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. Also, don’t forget to explore tips on boosting fertility with fertility supplements or find a quality at-home insemination kit for your needs.
Summary:
Pregnancy with a fourth child can lead to a whirlwind of curious comments and questions from others. From inquiries about planning to assumptions about family dynamics, it’s a unique experience that evokes a mix of humor and introspection. Despite the challenges, every child is a cherished gift, and the journey is full of joy and love.
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