At first, I thought it was just a conversation starter, but no, it can't be because people usually then avert their eyes and walk on quickly, as though overwhelmed by their pith and briliance, or possibly as though afraid I will say "yes, here, have one.".
I would say, in the last few weeks, pretty much EVERY stranger who has seen me out and about with my kids (4 weeks, 2 and 4) has said this.
I don't actually object to the comment especially, more that EVERYONE says it. I mean, EVERYONE. I try to buy a coffee in starbucks and I have a QUEUE of people taking their turn to say it to me.
Also, while 3 kids is hard work, its not THAT bad. And because dd2 is in a sling, and the older ones walk independently, it is not at all the case that my hands are constantly full as such.
I mean, even if they do say put, what on earth do I say? "yes, its funny because actually I just wanted a kitten"? , "But look, now I can juggle!"?