Hi girls - I've just read this thread with interest too! I have just given birth a month ago to my number 4, actually really no. 5, as I lost a little baby boy in 2007. So, 4 living at home - 12 year old, 10 year old, 16 month old and newborn. I have to say at the moment I feel the absolutely most stretched I've ever felt in my life - I run from the minute I'm up to when I go to bed. It's FULL ON - but I know it will get easier. The most challenging bit of having 4 is managing the needs of the older two with the two little ones to think about (and drag around). I think what one lady said about building your own village (whether that be family or others) is paramount - it's something I have not yet done, but I WILL try, as I really feel like I could do with some support. What I have realised is that I really have to get everything back to the bare basics - i.e. time spent with my kids, ensuring they have a healthy meal at night, clean clothes and a story read to them - these things are my daily achievements - the tax return might take another 3 months to finish, the baby album print-out might have to wait another 2 years - the garden is going to get full of weeds, the car is going to be dirty - but you have to learn to let go of things that you just don't have time for. Eventually your time will start to return - but for me, it's going to be a while - and I don't want to be stuck in a frustrated space about that - let it go, and enjoy your kids while you have them. This sounds like a lecture to myself!!! It kind of is - but just adding my 2 bob's worth! I have realised how easy one or two kids are! But having 4 is a lovely form of chaos!!! Good luck with all your decisions! Lee x