One of Each

It happens often enough. When I go out with all three children, invariably someone will make a comment as to how many children I have. Usually it is something good natured like "Boy, you have your hands full." To which I usually respond, "Yes, I do." Sometimes, someone will say something like, "Oh, two girls and a boy. Now you can stop." As if now that I have one of each, I don't need to procreate anymore. I hate to break it to you, but I didn't have children just because I wanted to "try them on". I didn't have 3 because I wanted to keep going until I got a boy, so I could try the differences between the genders. Hubby and I are always excited when we find we are expecting, and are always accepting, regardless of the gender of the child. In all honesty, having children of one gender would probably be financially better, because it allows for the passing down of clothes, toys, blankets, etc, more possible. And, once you have dealt with one gender, all children of the same gender are the same, and you are an expert. What? That's not how you felt? Just kidding. Each of my children is different, and you have to experiment to find what works with each one. However, every once in a while, there is the occasional comment that is just down right rude. Like this weekend. Hubby and I went to Home Depot to buy our 4th set of electronic thermostats (since the old fashioned ones in the house didn't work properly, and the others new ones we tried didn't cycle properly). Hubby went to make sure we got one that "would" work with our system. I went to make sure it looked pretty. The kids went because although Kari is extremely responsible for a 5 year old, she still is, well, 5. The gentlemen passing us in the aisle took one look in our cart and said, "3 kids?!?! Do you think you have enough?" Hubby and I made some generally neutral, and at least civil comment, and continued to walk down the aisle. In truth, however, it hurt my feelings. I consider myself a decent parent (don't worry... I am not fishing for compliments, so don't feel like you need to provide any). My children are at least bathed and fed daily. They have warm beds to sleep in. They are mannerly, and generally well behaved. Heck, they even say "yes ma'am" and "no sir". I'll admit that I can't provide gold toothbrushes or every kind of lesson/play group/toy under the sun, but they have things that they need, and several things that they don't. Why, if I can do all these things, should I not be able to have as many children as I want? Hold on now, I am no Michelle Duggar (who just had her 19th child.... her husband is gonna kill that girl if he can't learn to keep it in his pants, or if they don't take evasive action. Although, they have less debt {as in none} than I do, and there children are well mannered, so who am I to judge. I am just talking from a health stand point.... having her 19th child at the age of 43 has gotta be difficult on the body). I never said I wanted that many children. I don't agree with the "Octo-mom" either. But, I am married, with a husband who works hard to provide for our family. I am not on welfare, but I will always be looking for ways to save money (more on that in a post to come). But, if I can support 3, 4, or 8 children, why do people feel the need to make comments like that? If you want to comment today, like I said, I am not looking to boost my ego on my parenting skills (although I could never say no to a well placed compliment ;). Feel free to tell me how stranger's comments make you feel. What your feelings are on large or small families. And, if you have had situations like mine, how you made yourself feel better about it.

Besides, just because their parents never told them they loved them doesn't mean I can't have as many children as I want :)