Give me the reality of having 4....

[UntoldAngel]

I don't know what it's like to HAVE 4 but I was one of 5 children in my family... basically older bro was 4years older, then me, bro #2 11months later, bro #3 11months after that, and then sister 4years after that...
disadvantage was we had to share and things were cramped (3bedroom house for 7people) cos parent's couldn't afford to move
advantage there was always someone to play with and and odd number meant no hung jury on decisions
For holidays we usually went camping as it was a lot cheaper option than finding accommodation for 7, and it allowed us kids to run free
Schooling and sports I agree with Trillian - school uniform hand-me-downs are a good way to save money, unless they are like my brothers and require new clothes and shoes every term and extra-curricular activities often see you running around after the kids and making schedules around them when often they don't enjoy what it is they are doing, but they are doing it because they feel 'they have to'

[Trillian]

Oh the yard situation. If you have a few good parks close by then it should be fine. We live out of town so we need the yard for them because it's not like we have a park down the road LOL. You just need to have that outlet for them to run it out of them kwim?

[Kitt3n]

Mel - convince DH to have 3?! PLEASE?

[maz]

Curly. I have no family around me...sorry may I correct that, I have my parents up the road but my children have never stay a night with them, let alone anyone. They dont get baby sat by anyone, we are a family unit. Its the choice J and me made when we started our family.
Yes I have been through years of no sleep, ive also been through 8 years this coming January of an autistic boy who would pyhsically hurt himself and me, scream ect and he only slept 4 hours max until he was almost 4. To top it of, almost 2 years ago I had a little boy who almost died, was given an outcome that he would need a wheel chair, IF he lived that long....and you know what...you just learn to lift butt and keep smiling because the love you have for your children in your heart pushes all those negetive things away and all you see is their smiling face, or the hugs and cherished giggles your other children share with them.
Yes it is tough...but by god I wouldnt have it any other way. A family is built on love and respect of each other...and really I dont think it matters how many children you have, the love just keeps growing.

[The_Gudism_Master]

odd number meant no hung jury on decisions
'

haha never looked at it this way!!