The Bigger the Better

Large families are a dwindling trend. Even when I was growing up there weren’t many around. But in my family it seems to have been the norm. 

My dad is one of 6.
My mom is  one of 5.
I am number 3 of 6.
Even my husband is the baby of 6 – I know, right?

Growing up, people used to always ask me what it’s like to be part of such a big family. I never really knew how to answer them.

It was all I knew, so normal, I guess. It wasn’t until I got older that I grew to appreciate how special it really was.

When I was little I knew:

·      Our house was small

·      No one else would fit at the dining room table

·      You had to share

·      The way back of the station wagon was the coolest spot

·      You counted everything to make sure there were more than 6 before helping yourself

·      You didn’t lock the bathroom incase someone needed to use it while you were in the shower

·      Privacy? (please reread the point above)

Occasionally I think of how nice it would be to have a few more kids (fortunately Pete doesn't read my posts). Of course I am a bit bias, but my kids are pretty stinkin cute, so why not add a few more beautiful people to the world? 

My first two couldn’t be more opposite and I can’t wait to watch Ella’s personality emerge. I wonder what other children would be like. When I think of the diversity of my own siblings:

·      I was not really the smart-brainy one, my 2 older brothers, Greg and Jeff, take the cake there.

·      Obviously not the thin one, though it’s not really in our genetics.

·      Though I played sports, I wasn’t the athletic one – that goes to Joe.

·      Not the sweet one as my younger brother David is really the ultimate nice guy and nicknamed "The Favorite."

·      I am sure my sister, Beth, would say she is the pretty one.

So what’s left?

·      Oh yes, in a sea of smartasses, I may actually be at the top of the heap. (Although, it is steep competition).

I personally can’t imagine growing up as an only child. Who would I poke fun of? Which is precisely why we won’t be having any more children. As much as I would love to see how they turn out, I have no desire to birth, raise, pay for, referee or mediate between more than what I have right now.