HIYA,
I have just literally had our 5th baby. Planned baby but a surprise at the same time as I didnt even know I was pregnant until a little while after...
I never imagined to have a large family. I would have stuck at 1 or 2 but gradually I realised I would love to have more children. and even now am thinking of number 6, even though I literally gave birth just a month ago. My husband also loves children and having a big family and is extremely supportive and works hard for us all.
Here's my answer to your questions...
Do you have family support?
No, we do it all on our own. I have zero family. I have nc with my parents and siblings and the rest of our family is abroad and my husband family is great but we dont see them as they live in various countries. I have just done it all on my own since day one without help from grandparents. We have done ok.
Are you constantly cleaning/tidying/admining? Yes, but I get my eldest ones to rope in. I have a routine of where you get it out, you put it back. If you finish eating, throw the wrapper in the bin or plates in the sink. And if you have finished playing with it the tidy it away. However with 5 kids, I am constantly cleaning. I cant stand mess and I enjoy a clean home. Laundry winds me up though. Its never ending. We have about 5 clothes waiters and a tumble dryer.
Are you employed?
Yes, I work from home, even before the pandemic. I even work whilst breastfeeding lol. I work online promotions for a fashion website.
Do you ever get time to do what you want?
Before I had the last baby, I was able to whack a film on and have bubble bath. Now since having the newborn, it's a 2min bubble bath before she wakes up crying. I would leave her with hubby but she gets very whingey and only breast milk sorts her out. I managed to have a 30 min bath yesterday. It was amazing. Even got to wash my hair. Woohoo.
Have your friends stuck around through the pregnancies?
No. I dont have any friends either. I lost a lot of friends when I reverted to islam and also I realised if you dont make the effort first you never hear from anyone. To be honest my husband and my kids are my best friends. I used to have loads but drifted apart.
Do you manage hobbies? My hobbies are arts and crafts and I try to do that it with the kids . I also like word games and do that with my Dh. I also love watching films and documentaries and do that with by Dh and kids.
Are you always skint or have you enough money to go around, and maybe pay for a cleaner now and then!?
I wish I could have a cleaner. I just don't like people going through my things. I had a neighbour look after our kids when we were in hospital with baby number 5. And when we came back my eldest told us how she had a good time rooting through our drawers and cupboards. i was very annoyed. We have a storage wardrobe under the stairs and a small study which we have used to store items until we move house. We blocked off access to its it's totally unusable and wouldnt want the kids in there and hurt themselves so we blocked it off with a large shoe shelf and a small table . She physically dragged them into the hallway so she could have a good nosey at what was there. Then left it as mess and made my son drag the furniture back. Am still undecided about whether to buy her chocolate and flowers for having them. I would never be asked to look after kids and instead of looking after them going round the house looking at everything. I was more annoyed with my eldest. Hes 14 and didnt say anything. ... I wouldn't want a cleaner anyway until we move. ...
Let's see what happens as I enjoy cleaning and my children get pocket money for chipping In.
If you can't afford holidays are you ok with that? We dont go on holidays abroad,
only weekend breaks to the beach or camping. Probably would love to travel overseas in the future.
If you didn't think you would cope, what happened? I've done ok. Just a few nights where I wish I could get more sleep when looking after a newborn but it gradually gets easier.
Is life completely family focused?
Yes it is. All my heart goes into my children and my husband too. I dont know wht I would do without them.
God is great. Children are a blessing whether one or two or 10. I wish you all the best in your new adventure.