They obviously never had a tele.....
Oct 21st 2007, 3:16 am
#1
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Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 2,887
They obviously never had a tele.....
Whilst working in a secondary school I have come accross a young man with
11 brothers and 11 sisters
I seriously thought those days had passed....
I was an only child until I was 16 - my parents divorced and I now have 2 aussie brothers, 1 pommie brother and an aussie sister
Anyone else from a large family?
J x
11 brothers and 11 sisters
I seriously thought those days had passed....
I was an only child until I was 16 - my parents divorced and I now have 2 aussie brothers, 1 pommie brother and an aussie sister
Anyone else from a large family?
J x
Oct 21st 2007, 3:56 am
#2
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Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Where the sun always shines
Posts: 3,627
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I have 7 sisters if counts as large my mother always wanted a football team but got a net ball team instead, 
Oct 21st 2007, 4:56 am
#3
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Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Orpington, kent
Posts: 1,498
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
Im the youngest of 6, 1 sister and 4 brothers.
Kev
Kev
Oct 21st 2007, 8:20 am
#4
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Joined: May 2004
Location: Tapping, Perth
Posts: 1,586
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
Whilst working in a secondary school I have come accross a young man with
11 brothers and 11 sisters
I seriously thought those days had passed....
I was an only child until I was 16 - my parents divorced and I now have 2 aussie brothers, 1 pommie brother and an aussie sister
Anyone else from a large family?
J x
11 brothers and 11 sisters
I seriously thought those days had passed....
I was an only child until I was 16 - my parents divorced and I now have 2 aussie brothers, 1 pommie brother and an aussie sister
Anyone else from a large family?
J x
Tracie
Oct 21st 2007, 8:51 am
#5
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Location: Where the sun always shines
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Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
22 jeepers them poor mothers imagine cooking tea each night for all them and all that washing bloody hell an I sometimes moan about how much washing I have with only 2 kiddies, women like that deserve a halo or a good nights sleep alone 
Oct 21st 2007, 8:55 am
#6
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Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
Oct 21st 2007, 12:21 pm
#7
Still alive
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 28,995
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I'm youngest of 10. No parents were not catholic, just horny. My OH is #6 or 7 surviving children. There were 2 older and 1 younger who either were stillborn or died in infancy. No, they weren't catholic either.
Oct 22nd 2007, 5:53 am
#8
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Location: Tapping, Perth
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Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
Tracie
Oct 22nd 2007, 2:43 pm
#9
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Posts: 286
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I don't mind that some have small families, I don't mind those who choose to have large families or those who choose not to have any children at all but I do get fed up with some of the comments those of us with more than three children have to endure.
The following quote paints a rather worrying picture of (typically) skills shortages and increased migration into the UK in order to compensate.
In theory, those with larger families should/will be contributing more to the economy.
As for Australia, projected family types to 2021 show couples with children declining, one parent families declining also but childless couples increasing.
I'm not saying everyone needs to be at it like rabbits because I'm sure someone will come back with the old over-population/resources argument, just mindful that large families in Western cultures are often wrongfully stereotyped as a burden on society when the opposite is actually true.
On a lighter night, here are some come-back lines for large families to use when reminded of the size of their family:
The following quote paints a rather worrying picture of (typically) skills shortages and increased migration into the UK in order to compensate.
The UK has an ageing population. This is the result of declines in the mortality rate and in past fertility rates. This has led to a declining proportion of the population aged under 16 and an increasing proportion aged 65 and over.
Dept. of Statistics, UK
Dept. of Statistics, UK
As for Australia, projected family types to 2021 show couples with children declining, one parent families declining also but childless couples increasing.
...if those who currently have more than two children stopped at two, such a low level would not only increase the rate of population ageing, but also lead to a decline in the Australian-born population – a trend that would gain rapid momentum with time.
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Australian Institute of Family Studies
On a lighter night, here are some come-back lines for large families to use when reminded of the size of their family:
You have your hands full!
* Yes, happily so!
* Yes, and my heart too.
* Don't say anything, just look puzzled at your hands. (This does obviously not work if you are carrying a baby :-)
* Yes, but I would rather have my hands full than empty!
Are they all yours?
* No, I just went to Rent-a-Brat.
* No, this is not all of them, my oldest is at home with the triplets.
* No, actually two are the mailman's and I am not sure whose is that one.....
* We always say YES, because they are OURS....but actually 3 bio, 1 niece, 2 adopted and 4 foster!! But ours in our eyes!!
* No, a couple of them starting following us a few minutes ago. -- This is especially funny when you look at your kids and realize that one of them really ISN'T yours -- he had just started following you and you didn't notice before...
* No, I picked up a couple extra in the produce aisle.
* Gee, I never heard that question before!
* Yes they are! And then one of the boys will pipe up and mention the 21 yo and the 18 yo if they are not there and of course the baby on the way!
* Of course they're all mine. Do you think I take six (or fill in your number) kids shopping for fun?
* "Legally" first 3 are his & last 3 are ours, I feel in my heart they are all ours.....
* Technically,the oldest 2 are his, the next 2 are mine and the youngest 2 are ours, but we are all just one big happy family (most of the time)LOL, because they all live with us.
* YES!
* Yes, they are all ours. We have been married for 22 years, but only have 11 kids to show for it.
* No..........I have two more at home! (When it fits)
* Well no they are not all " OURS" but in our hearts they are......
* Yes, and they're such good kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the kids love that one!)
* Of course they are..wait..who is that one?Hes not ours.....oh,yeah,#5,I forgot I had him.
* I don't know. How many do you count?
* Yes. But if you have any you don't want, I'll gladly take them, too
* i'm pregnant. I gave this response. Yes, and this one (pointed to my belly) is too.
* No. I've been an avid collector for years and just picked these up in the food court!
* Yes, at least that's what I tell my husband.
* Most of the time I only have my 7 youngest ones with me, so when someone asks this, I say yes and one of the younger ones will say and there are 4 more. Then we wait to see how long it takes to add 7+4. Then you should see the looks we get.
* While I was still in hospital after having our 5th, visiting hours were over and we were all standing near the elevator, I was holding the newest and the others were all crowded around, (they ranged from 2ys to 14y) a young girl (early 20s) was trying to wade through the crowd and said "are they all yours?" to which we responded "yes", she then pointed to my still rather large belly and said "and you are having another one?" less than 24 hours after having given birth! I think not!! anyway we had a good laugh. (cbrouse23)
Are you going to have more?
* Yes, we just enjoy sex soooooo much!
* Why do you want to know?
* Well, not today.
* We are trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records of (add whatever here) most kids, largest family living in one house, etc.
* OH YES! I want to have a family bigger then the one in my favorite movie "Yours, Mine & Ours!" only (add a # here) to beat the 19 they had!!
* Yes, I always want just one more.
* Well, we do have a twelve passenger van.
* Check back in nine months and you'll see for yourself.
Don't you know what causes that?
* No, please tell me!
* Of course, don't you?
* Yes, we do know what causes that and we like it very much, thank you.
* Oh yes, we finally figured it out and we now keep the tooth brushes in seperate glasses!
* Oh yes, I now wash my husband's underwear seperately.
* Oh yes, having a great sex life!
* Water or sex but I don't want to give up either.
* Smile brightly and say with enthusiasm "Yes and we like it!"
* You bet I do......love, love, love ( & sex, sex, sex.....hehehe.......)
* Yes! So don't get too close to me!
* It's in the water. Would you like a glass?
* Yes and I know WHO causes it! God gave us these children!
* Yes I do........cold winter nights.........
* LOVE! An overabundance of love!!
* Yes,and as you only have two kids obviously you dont do it much.
* Yes, and it is something I am very good at...
* Of course, and the Lord has greatly blessed us!
* A strong husband/wife relationship, big hearts, and the Lord's blessing.
Are you going to get fixed?
* Nope, I am not broken!
* Why do you want to know?
* Huh, we thought everything was working fine for us!?!
* We didn't know anything was broken.
* Don't you only fix things that aren't working properly?
* Well as you can see be the size of OUR family everything is in working order.(You have to say this last one with the kinda "I'm not to bright so your question seems kinda foolish don't you think?" attitude.
I can't believe how you do it, I cannot even handle my two!
* Yes, if I had kids like yours, I wouldn't have any more either!
* Yes, you don't strike me as the type who could handle more kids than that.
* I do it like most people, in bed and after the kids are sleeping.
* I put knobs on the kids. Makes them easier to handle.
* Everyone has 24 hours in a day, it is just how you use it...nt
* With lots of patience, patience, patience
* go and look at them while they're sleeping. This reminds me of what sweet children of God they are and keeps me going!
* Oh, I just do it. Wake up in the morning, do what you have to do all day, go to bed when it's done. nt
* Pick your battles carefully. It helps to have selective sight and hearing!
* Don't sweat the small stuff.
* (this is a good one for chat rooms) Oh, straight jackets and handcuffs!
Are you planning to have any more?
* I've been wondering about this and maybe you can explain it to me: I always thought you had to plan NOT to have more.
* Before we were married we planned on having 2, but I didn't know that my husband couldn't count!
* We didn't plan the first six, I don't think we'll plan the next six, either.
I hope you aren't planning to have anymore?!?
* You mean, I just figured out what I'm really, really good at, and you're telling me to stop doing it?
* Talk to God about it... it's up to Him.
* Well, we do have room in our van for 2 more.
* OK, I won't plan my next one. Surprises can be fun!
* Yup we are going to keep going till we get an ugly one.
Haven't you heard of birth control?
* Yes, and I thank God it doesn't always work!
* Yes, I've heard of it, I hope you are using it!
* (for dad) Yes, but I just can't find a rubber that will fit me!
* Yes, that's great stuff for people with ugly kids!
* Oh yes, we do know what birth control is; it's for people who don't want children.
Don't you have a television?
* Yes, but we only get X-rated channels
* Yes! Did you know there are 28 porn channels in this area?
* No, we have much better things to do at night!
* Yes 4 of them. Why?
How can you afford having so many?
* Lifestyles are expensive not kids.
* We're not on welfare, in huge amounts of debt, and no, my husband is not a doctor or lawyer. We just budget well.
* I figure you spend what you make, you may as well spend it on more.
* " You don't know my financial backer!" (Our God, of course)
* I'm still not sure how we do it...but it works!
I am glad it is you and not me!
* Yes, me too!
* My kids are glad it's me and not you too! ;-)
* Oh me too! I love being a mother! and smile real BIG!
Do you get any time for yourselves?
* Obviously we get a little time to ourselves, or we wouldn't have six kids.
Did you give birth to all of them?
* Yes, I gave birth to them all. Do you really believe the stork dropped them off?
* Yes, in my heart...... (for adoptive parents)
When people just keep staring at your family....
* No, we're not Catholic. No, we're not Mormon.
* Yes, they all are mine!
* No, we don't try to overpopulate the earth, just to outnumber the idiots!
Haven't You Had That Baby YET?!!?
* "YES. This is the NEXT ONE!!!!!!!!" See if that don't make their jaws drop!
* Yes, happily so!
* Yes, and my heart too.
* Don't say anything, just look puzzled at your hands. (This does obviously not work if you are carrying a baby :-)
* Yes, but I would rather have my hands full than empty!
Are they all yours?
* No, I just went to Rent-a-Brat.
* No, this is not all of them, my oldest is at home with the triplets.
* No, actually two are the mailman's and I am not sure whose is that one.....
* We always say YES, because they are OURS....but actually 3 bio, 1 niece, 2 adopted and 4 foster!! But ours in our eyes!!
* No, a couple of them starting following us a few minutes ago. -- This is especially funny when you look at your kids and realize that one of them really ISN'T yours -- he had just started following you and you didn't notice before...
* No, I picked up a couple extra in the produce aisle.
* Gee, I never heard that question before!
* Yes they are! And then one of the boys will pipe up and mention the 21 yo and the 18 yo if they are not there and of course the baby on the way!
* Of course they're all mine. Do you think I take six (or fill in your number) kids shopping for fun?
* "Legally" first 3 are his & last 3 are ours, I feel in my heart they are all ours.....
* Technically,the oldest 2 are his, the next 2 are mine and the youngest 2 are ours, but we are all just one big happy family (most of the time)LOL, because they all live with us.
* YES!
* Yes, they are all ours. We have been married for 22 years, but only have 11 kids to show for it.
* No..........I have two more at home! (When it fits)
* Well no they are not all " OURS" but in our hearts they are......
* Yes, and they're such good kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the kids love that one!)
* Of course they are..wait..who is that one?Hes not ours.....oh,yeah,#5,I forgot I had him.
* I don't know. How many do you count?
* Yes. But if you have any you don't want, I'll gladly take them, too
* i'm pregnant. I gave this response. Yes, and this one (pointed to my belly) is too.
* No. I've been an avid collector for years and just picked these up in the food court!
* Yes, at least that's what I tell my husband.
* Most of the time I only have my 7 youngest ones with me, so when someone asks this, I say yes and one of the younger ones will say and there are 4 more. Then we wait to see how long it takes to add 7+4. Then you should see the looks we get.
* While I was still in hospital after having our 5th, visiting hours were over and we were all standing near the elevator, I was holding the newest and the others were all crowded around, (they ranged from 2ys to 14y) a young girl (early 20s) was trying to wade through the crowd and said "are they all yours?" to which we responded "yes", she then pointed to my still rather large belly and said "and you are having another one?" less than 24 hours after having given birth! I think not!! anyway we had a good laugh. (cbrouse23)
Are you going to have more?
* Yes, we just enjoy sex soooooo much!
* Why do you want to know?
* Well, not today.
* We are trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records of (add whatever here) most kids, largest family living in one house, etc.
* OH YES! I want to have a family bigger then the one in my favorite movie "Yours, Mine & Ours!" only (add a # here) to beat the 19 they had!!
* Yes, I always want just one more.
* Well, we do have a twelve passenger van.
* Check back in nine months and you'll see for yourself.
Don't you know what causes that?
* No, please tell me!
* Of course, don't you?
* Yes, we do know what causes that and we like it very much, thank you.
* Oh yes, we finally figured it out and we now keep the tooth brushes in seperate glasses!
* Oh yes, I now wash my husband's underwear seperately.
* Oh yes, having a great sex life!
* Water or sex but I don't want to give up either.
* Smile brightly and say with enthusiasm "Yes and we like it!"
* You bet I do......love, love, love ( & sex, sex, sex.....hehehe.......)
* Yes! So don't get too close to me!
* It's in the water. Would you like a glass?
* Yes and I know WHO causes it! God gave us these children!
* Yes I do........cold winter nights.........
* LOVE! An overabundance of love!!
* Yes,and as you only have two kids obviously you dont do it much.
* Yes, and it is something I am very good at...
* Of course, and the Lord has greatly blessed us!
* A strong husband/wife relationship, big hearts, and the Lord's blessing.
Are you going to get fixed?
* Nope, I am not broken!
* Why do you want to know?
* Huh, we thought everything was working fine for us!?!
* We didn't know anything was broken.
* Don't you only fix things that aren't working properly?
* Well as you can see be the size of OUR family everything is in working order.
(You have to say this last one with the kinda "I'm not to bright so your question seems kinda foolish don't you think?" attitude.I can't believe how you do it, I cannot even handle my two!
* Yes, if I had kids like yours, I wouldn't have any more either!
* Yes, you don't strike me as the type who could handle more kids than that.
* I do it like most people, in bed and after the kids are sleeping.
* I put knobs on the kids. Makes them easier to handle.
* Everyone has 24 hours in a day, it is just how you use it...nt
* With lots of patience, patience, patience
* go and look at them while they're sleeping. This reminds me of what sweet children of God they are and keeps me going!
* Oh, I just do it. Wake up in the morning, do what you have to do all day, go to bed when it's done. nt
* Pick your battles carefully. It helps to have selective sight and hearing!
* Don't sweat the small stuff.
* (this is a good one for chat rooms) Oh, straight jackets and handcuffs!
Are you planning to have any more?
* I've been wondering about this and maybe you can explain it to me: I always thought you had to plan NOT to have more.
* Before we were married we planned on having 2, but I didn't know that my husband couldn't count!
* We didn't plan the first six, I don't think we'll plan the next six, either.
I hope you aren't planning to have anymore?!?
* You mean, I just figured out what I'm really, really good at, and you're telling me to stop doing it?
* Talk to God about it... it's up to Him.
* Well, we do have room in our van for 2 more.
* OK, I won't plan my next one. Surprises can be fun!
* Yup we are going to keep going till we get an ugly one.
Haven't you heard of birth control?
* Yes, and I thank God it doesn't always work!
* Yes, I've heard of it, I hope you are using it!
* (for dad) Yes, but I just can't find a rubber that will fit me!
* Yes, that's great stuff for people with ugly kids!
* Oh yes, we do know what birth control is; it's for people who don't want children.
Don't you have a television?
* Yes, but we only get X-rated channels
* Yes! Did you know there are 28 porn channels in this area?
* No, we have much better things to do at night!
* Yes 4 of them. Why?
How can you afford having so many?
* Lifestyles are expensive not kids.
* We're not on welfare, in huge amounts of debt, and no, my husband is not a doctor or lawyer. We just budget well.
* I figure you spend what you make, you may as well spend it on more.
* " You don't know my financial backer!" (Our God, of course)
* I'm still not sure how we do it...but it works!
I am glad it is you and not me!
* Yes, me too!
* My kids are glad it's me and not you too! ;-)
* Oh me too! I love being a mother! and smile real BIG!
Do you get any time for yourselves?
* Obviously we get a little time to ourselves, or we wouldn't have six kids.
Did you give birth to all of them?
* Yes, I gave birth to them all. Do you really believe the stork dropped them off?
* Yes, in my heart...... (for adoptive parents)
When people just keep staring at your family....
* No, we're not Catholic. No, we're not Mormon.
* Yes, they all are mine!
* No, we don't try to overpopulate the earth, just to outnumber the idiots!
Haven't You Had That Baby YET?!!?
* "YES. This is the NEXT ONE!!!!!!!!" See if that don't make their jaws drop!
Oct 22nd 2007, 6:31 pm
#10
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
Was at school with a couple of girls who lived next door to each other. Each was one of 11 and both houses only had three bedrooms Two was plenty for me 
Two was plenty for me
Oct 22nd 2007, 9:05 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Orpington, kent
Posts: 1,498
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I was 1 of 3 and we dont talk!!! i the youngest and its a long and nasty story.
i have 4 children and there is NO WAY i would have had any more..dont get me wrong i would love more, i always wanted 6 children and i love my 4 dearly although they drive me insane. Its just the birth weights went UP....1st 8lb 6oz...nice and sensible, 2nd 9lb 110z coped with that ok im not a petite woman so you know it wasnt too hard. 3rd 10lb 14oz....can you see where im going with this??? Nice easy birth, gritted me teeth and held onto the headboard 1 push and she was out. lovely!! 4th, and of course a boy,
11lb 11oz!! i must admit it wasnt too bad,
considering bit of gas and air and a small tug and he was out. But can you imagine what the size of the next 2 would be!!!! kev went for the snip so no more for me!!!
Nickie
i have 4 children and there is NO WAY i would have had any more..dont get me wrong i would love more, i always wanted 6 children and i love my 4 dearly although they drive me insane. Its just the birth weights went UP....1st 8lb 6oz...nice and sensible, 2nd 9lb 110z coped with that ok im not a petite woman so you know it wasnt too hard. 3rd 10lb 14oz....can you see where im going with this??? Nice easy birth, gritted me teeth and held onto the headboard 1 push and she was out. lovely!! 4th, and of course a boy,
11lb 11oz!! i must admit it wasnt too bad,
considering bit of gas and air and a small tug and he was out. But can you imagine what the size of the next 2 would be!!!! kev went for the snip so no more for me!!!Nickie
Oct 22nd 2007, 10:33 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Where the sun always shines
Posts: 3,627
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I was 1 of 3 and we dont talk!!! i the youngest and its a long and nasty story.
i have 4 children and there is NO WAY i would have had any more..dont get me wrong i would love more, i always wanted 6 children and i love my 4 dearly although they drive me insane. Its just the birth weights went UP....1st 8lb 6oz...nice and sensible, 2nd 9lb 110z coped with that ok im not a petite woman so you know it wasnt too hard. 3rd 10lb 14oz....can you see where im going with this??? Nice easy birth, gritted me teeth and held onto the headboard 1 push and she was out. lovely!! 4th, and of course a boy,
11lb 11oz!! i must admit it wasnt too bad, considering bit of gas and air and a small tug and he was out. But can you imagine what the size of the next 2 would be!!!! kev went for the snip so no more for me!!!
Nickie
i have 4 children and there is NO WAY i would have had any more..dont get me wrong i would love more, i always wanted 6 children and i love my 4 dearly although they drive me insane. Its just the birth weights went UP....1st 8lb 6oz...nice and sensible, 2nd 9lb 110z coped with that ok im not a petite woman so you know it wasnt too hard. 3rd 10lb 14oz....can you see where im going with this??? Nice easy birth, gritted me teeth and held onto the headboard 1 push and she was out. lovely!! 4th, and of course a boy,
11lb 11oz!! i must admit it wasnt too bad,
considering bit of gas and air and a small tug and he was out. But can you imagine what the size of the next 2 would be!!!! kev went for the snip so no more for me!!!Nickie
Oct 22nd 2007, 10:44 pm
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 6,135
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
My Grandad was one of 22
I had to do a family tree in school and he couldn't remember all of his siblings spouse and childrens names
My dad is one of 10 and my mum one of 9
My gran had 83 grandchildren / great grandchildren / great great grandchildren at the last count and bless her she bought christmas presents for them all and remembered their names
I had to do a family tree in school and he couldn't remember all of his siblings spouse and childrens names
My dad is one of 10 and my mum one of 9
My gran had 83 grandchildren / great grandchildren / great great grandchildren at the last count and bless her she bought christmas presents for them all and remembered their names
Oct 23rd 2007, 4:35 am
#14
Former Resident Visa
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 2,887
Oct 23rd 2007, 5:40 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Co Durham
Posts: 201
Re: They obviously never had a tele.....
I have five children, four boys and one girl (girl born last). The comments I always get are usually along the lines of "did you just keep going until you got a girl?" and "would you still have kept on going if number 5 had been another boy?" Very original
Our plan was to have three kiddies, but when number three was born I got broody again and we decided on number 4. Along came another boy and I was over the moon. Number five was a total surprise and not planned! All I can say is that Persona doesn't work!
I was just as gobsmacked as everybody else when it turned out to be a girl, but it didn't matter to me what it was. Ultimately I didn't want to have five kids, who has that many these days? I get looked at when I am out with them all and I feel very proud to have such a beautiful and well behaved bunch of children (saying the well behaved bit with fingers crossed!)
I feel as though five is large for today, but I just don't think I could have coped with 21 although it did happen quite often and good on them for coping.
Jacky xx
Our plan was to have three kiddies, but when number three was born I got broody again and we decided on number 4. Along came another boy and I was over the moon. Number five was a total surprise and not planned! All I can say is that Persona doesn't work!
I was just as gobsmacked as everybody else when it turned out to be a girl, but it didn't matter to me what it was. Ultimately I didn't want to have five kids, who has that many these days? I get looked at when I am out with them all and I feel very proud to have such a beautiful and well behaved bunch of children (saying the well behaved bit with fingers crossed!)I feel as though five is large for today, but I just don't think I could have coped with 21
although it did happen quite often and good on them for coping.Jacky xx
