When it comes to family, how big is too big? Or what do you consider a small family? One size fits all definitely doesn’t relate to a family size. Every family is different. Every couple has to decide on their own what they want for their family, how big do they want it. How many kids to they consider to be a big family?
Since we have announced the addition of our 3rd baby (which we are very excited, yet very nervous about!) I have had several people say, in response, “oh you want a big family!” Really, 3 kids is what people consider a big family? I can see how a person who only had 1 child would consider it a “big family.” But for me and Jonathan who both grew up in a family with 3 kids, its normal. Its a normal sized family, not big, not small. I personally consider a family big when it has 4 or more kids.
I think Jonathan and I would both agree that we would love to have a “big family” but since we have been given the experience of expanding our family by 1 child at a time this time we will see how it goes with #3 before deciding on another one. We would both love to adopt, so if we go for #4 (in the far distant future) that may be the route we take. You know, since I LOVE being pregnant and all (just imagine a sarcastic undertone with that).
Anyway, like I said, we both grew up with a family of 3 kids and love it. He has 2 sisters, I had 2 brothers. Luckily, we all grew up and love each other. There isn’t any family hate, or turmoil between any of us and we sincerely enjoy spending time together. Its funny that as you get older, you actually become friends with your siblings. And, I love that we get along well with each others siblings. I can honestly say that Jonathan’s sister has become one of my best friends, and I love it!
When it comes to bigger families, I think I would be more likely to say lets go for it, rather than Jonathan. Simply because I did get a little taste of what its like to have a bigger family growing up. All growing up we had a family friends (the Medlins) that were just as much family as my “real” family, they were just an extension of our family. For 35 or so years our families have lived by eachother, moved where the other family moved, went on vacations together, spent holidays together. Some of my favorite memories growing up were when all 5 of us “siblings” got together. We would play games, sing Bohemian Rhapsody aloud in the living room, joke with our moms (mainly the brothers did this) and laugh at our dads. Even to this day, I always look forward to times when we can all get together. The majority of us have kids now and its fun watching a new generation become friends, its a little different though because the ages are a little off and none of them will go to the same schools or live int he same neighborhood like we did. But its still fun and I look forward to what the future holds.
No matter what size our family becomes, whether we stop at 3 or go for #5 (hahaha, just kidding!!) My prayer and hope for our children is that they grow up loving each other and truly enjoy spending time with one another. I hope they grow to lean on each other and be there for their brother/sister – wishful thinking that #3 is a girl 😉 -Â in times of need . I also hope that they grow up and love spending time with their cousins, because really they have no choice, they will be spending a lot of time with them either way! So far they love them all, so I think we’re good!
So what about you, what do you consider a “big family?”
