We got around to making some fun accessories together and here is what we came up with. It is inspired by the starlette crown by giant dwarf. Okay, it was really more like them picking out the colors and me sewing it together, then them modeling it for the camera. They love it and kept it on all day long.
I just used some silver leather I had on hand, cut out stars, backed with some pink felt, and put on with some elastic for True’s and a clip sewn in for Brave’s. Not quite as cool as the real deal, but good enough.
Oh how I love my little starlettes so much, but I must admit that they drive me crazy sometimes! That’s normal, right? Lately, I have been feeling I am too uptight with them and I just need to let loose and let them be kids. I really ought to take a chill pill. Anyone know of someone who could prescribe those for me?!! I get so caught up in the busyness of things, I don’t do enough hugging, loving, and teaching. I know it seems all fine and dandy here most times, but um… behind the scenes there is yelling, tantrum throwing, time-out fighting, tears streaming from all of us!
Ben and I are also talking about a fourth… just talking people, just talking (well, you know what I mean). I want one, but don’t know if I could handle it, if we could handle it. All my kids are so, so close in age. I feel all my hair would fall out if I had a fourth. At the same time, I know children are such a blessing from God and though there would be more fighting and frustrations, there is also a lot more joy and grace. Can’t forget about God’s grace. Any tips from anyone who has 4 or more? How is it to make that jump from 3 to 4? If we were done, would we look back one day and wish we just went for the fourth?
And… I can’t forget my little Soul. She is our baby! I can’t imagine her not being the baby. Don’t mind the bit of my thinking out loud. It’s all in God’s hands anyways, so we will see.
I love the stickers on the arm! My daughter does that, too!
this is why i love visiting your blog… it's so real… real life stories, not just the pretty and perfect things. kids are so precious and yes they are gifts from above to teach us and show us how to love unconditionally… i too get so uptight with my kids and always have to remind myself that they are only 5 and 2… wow, can't belive you guys are talking about a forth. so brave! i would go bald before i can even think about having a third. LOL… your kids are so beautiful and i do really see so much love here in your family… =)
The more the merrier in my opinion! (smile)
I'm patiently (kind of) waiting to get to the place where I can fill my world with babies and joy and tears and laughing and yelling.
(And oh God's grace, what a wonderful thing.)(smile)
~Michele
Sentimental Heart Photography
i come from a big-family culture, so my perspective may be skewed … but i say, if you are thinking it, you should go for it. not necessarily now, but don't rule out a fourth because you aren't ready at this very moment. it takes nine long months to gestate, which gives kids time to grow and to adjust to the idea of another person that Mom has to share her time with. and it gives you time to prepare.
you seem to be doing a great job. no one said it would be easy or fun or clean, but i've never met a mother who had a regret about having too many children. on the other hand, i've met plenty who wished they had had more – and given themselves more credit for what they could handle. really, all you need is enough love (and an ounce of sanity). it seems you have that in abundance.
now, if you had been contemplating a 10th … i might have offered different advice. (like meds!)(no offense to those with 10 kids – the mere fact they can potty train that many children qualifies them for an award.)
I think it's great that you're thinking about a 4th. It's only natural right? I come from a family of 4 girls and honestly it's the best thing. We're all so different and go to each other for advice. I'm third in line so I guess I would be in Soul's position. (I'm not trying to persuade you here :)) but if I didn't have my little sis I don't know what I would do. In my opinion the more the merrier. Now if I could only convince that to my fiance haha.
trop mignonne!
ton blog est génial…j'adore les trois petits cochons!!!
How cute….I have a feeling you'll have to make some more for your shop now. 🙂 I just love how True is for the camera…she sure likes to work it,huh? 🙂 I like her sass,although I'm sure you would like to think she has enough at times. 😉 I know what you mean about not spending enough time,etc.As I said before,I have 3 that are 2 years apart & I wish I would have spent less time worrying about having every little toy saved & had them less in front of the tv…sometimes we learn from our mistakes when it's a little too late, but your girls are still little,so you have a chance to change your ways & to forget about the dishes sometimes & enjoy the time you have with them.
I would love to see you have a fourth baby b/c it would be raised in such a fun loving home….no home is perfect with no arguments,tanturms,etc.. there are no perfect people in the world.I believe that God knows best & that when it's time for you to have another one,it will happen & will be a blessing.My youngest is almost 12 & I have been wanting a 4th baby for so long but all my husband worries about is money for college & weddings for our 3.(we are also a 1 income family).No matter what say he can't see that things would work themselves out,so be thankful your husband looks at things the way we should…God will provide for us all.Think about it this way,all your kids will grow up to be great friends since they are so close in age…my siblings were born when i was 9 & 13 yrs old and we barely know each other.Not only that you could also have them grown up and you and Ben will still be young enough to do things as a couple again like maybe travel the world,etc… you won't have to worry about being too old to do things or being older with a little one,so I think having all your babies young is quite wise. 🙂 I really think I'll see you with a number 5 in a few years…I just know it. 🙂
Hi! Mom of 4 here.
1 baby was the hardest. It changed my whole life. Rearranged my routine. Shook everything up.
2 babies was EMOTIONALLY difficult. I felt guilty for not having the time for the 1st baby. I felt like I was cheating on the first born.
3 babies was a piece of cake. I was a pro. Had it all down. I just kept doing what I was doing, and dragged the third around for the ride. I called her my “sack of potatoes”. As long as I didn't forget to bring her with the rest of the family, I was good to go.
then I had my 4th
the 4th baby has made me insane.
I have no memory.
I used to compete projects.
I used to be organized.
I used to be an involved school parent.
I used to cry a lot less.
I used to be punctual.
I use to brush my girls hair.
I used to care about a lot of little things.
4 is a gift from GOD.
I have learned a lot from this kid.
I do not need to remember everything.
There is no prize fro completing a project.
Organization can be too predictable.
It is OK to let the other parents pick up the slack.
Crying is a great release.
Fashionably late is VERY fashionable.
My girls can brush their own hair.
And those little things I used to care about are just that…LITTLE things.
You are right. It is in Gods hands. And while I thought for sure that number 4 would break me, and without question, my marriage, I know to trust in Him. Because He truly does not give what we cannot handle. Even though I often feel unqualified for this awesome responsibility.
4 IS tough. But how boring would an easy life be?
Good luck and God Bless your family 🙂
Hi! I'm the oldest of four girls, and we're all two years apart (currently 25,23,21, and 19). It is great!!! My mom says when we were young people would look at her like she was crazy but she said the hardest part was actually when we got older…(those teenage years, eek!). But she said the switch from three kids to four kids was seemless–whats one more at that point?! And it was great when we were younger bc the two older girls (myself and my sister) would play together and pair up and the two younger would pair up. Of course we all played together too, but its nice to have a “buddy”. My parents said that the hardest switch was from two kids to three kids—they had to go from “one on one” to “zone” defense ;). But three to four was a cinch ;).
Anyhow, the joys of three sisters and a big family are unparalleled. Four is a great number.
I say go for it!
Love the headbands! Your starlets totally “rock” it:-)
a fourth one…I actually support this! You are a terrific mother and could manage. Perhaps a little boy to complete the circle? Hmm. who knows….Well, god does. He knows best 🙂
I have three ages 41/2, just turned 3, and 8 months. I love it- life is crazy but like you I can't imagine us with less. I wanted 4 but both hubby and dr. decided against it due to health/pregnancy probs. We have talked about foster adopting a fourth in a few years- maybe an older child. Don't rule out adoption. SO many kids need Godly homes and the process is easier than you think. … just a thought, keep the real-ness coming. 🙂
just do it! have the fourth! 🙂 (let's plan together… my second, your fourth.) just like isabelly and soulie!
i like how laura puts it into perspective though…
I have four kids(ages 11, almost 9, 6, and 4) and think that it gets easier as your oldest gets older (if that makes sense). The oldest one gets more responsible and helps the younger ones. The younger ones start acting older because they want to be like the big kids.
I had a hard time when they were all little, but man are they getting FUN as they grow up and out of the baby stage! The hardest part with four for me is keeping track of everyone's schedules and activities–and we really don't do that many activities (soccer, dance).
Good Luck! You'll make the right decision for you!
Oh, 4 is my dream number!
I know people would think I'm insane because big families are rare around here. I just love mothering so!
But I wish for 3-4 years between kids, because I don't think I could handle more than one small baby at a time! (Hats off to you!) Lilla is a high need baby, even her naps happen in may arms.
My husband though is more concerned about $ for school and stuff… So well, lets see what God's plans are!
You are a wonderfull mother with so much love, I know everything will turn out perfect, with either 3 or 4 or 5… 😉
many hugs from Brazil!!
i have been told. 1 is easy, 2 is an adjustment, 3 is hard, and by the time you get to 4 it's just one more…
haha!!
(i want 5)
xo,
christen
those headbands are cute!
reading on about wanting a fourth child is exactly how i'm feeling at the moment. i can't imagine lola (our youngest) not being the baby anymore and i don't know if i can handle all the sleep deprivation, etc again. but like you said, it's totally in Gods hands 🙂
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do it man. i say shoot for 15 kids.
Hi! I'm new here and love your cute blog. I have 3 boys ages 5,3, and 1. I am also pregnant with my fourth due in April. I still wonder how it is going to pan out when the baby is born but I've wondered that with each child it always works out and I end up finding a groove. I love being a mom and my kids are my greatest treasure. I can tell you feel the same way even when life is crazy and wild. 3 is busy and I think too what is one more to add to the pot of crazy fun! I like the idea of two sets of buddies too. Children are a blessing and the greatest adventure! Go for it!!
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oh man i can relate! we just had our third 2 months ago and although i come from a family of 3, its so much more difficult being a manager of the chaos than a contributor!
i think because my husband and i both come from families with 3 kids we knew a 4th would be out of our comfort zone – and although it would be so nice to have a little girl, i think a fourth boy would probably put me over the edge 🙂
but you guys make some cute kids and your love seems to multiply!
Your little starlettes are definitely adorable!!
We had our fourth right around the same time you had your third (she was born Dec. 28th) and I LOVE having four. I always knew I would have at least four kids. They're all close together, too. They are 18 months apart, 24 months, and 20 months. There are definitely crazy, stressful, overwhelming moments, but there is no way I regret it. We had three boys and our little icing on the top is our baby girl. I adore my boys and would have been more than happy with just them, but we're so thankful for our baby princess.
I was talking to a lady the other day who is almost sixty and has five grown children and she said that she has never talked to someone her ages that wishes she had less children. But, some do say they wish they had more because the family dynamic when they're all grown is so much fun.
Remember that most of the little children difficulty only lasts a few years. A close friend of mine has four kids who are 9, 7 year old twins, and 5 and she said it's really easy now. I say go for it! 🙂
I'm the oldest of five (three girls, a brother and then the baby girl) and I loved it and still do. My mom said after the third adding more doesn't really make much of a difference and as the older ones get older they become much more helpful.
Hi! I'm not a mother, and can't really contribute to the 4th baby discussion. Aren't you glad that these decisions are in God's hands more than our own?
I would like to contribute to the “let loose and let them be kids” statement though: as a long-time nanny, I've had lots of experiences with different families and parenting styles, but one family I worked with really stuck with me. Their big question was always “does this rule need to be a rule?”. If mom or dad just didn't feel like cleaning up the mess, going outside, struggling through ANOTHER game of tag at 7:00 in the morning, it wasn't really being fair to the kids. They should be allowed to explore and play unhindered by our unnecessary rules. Of course, safety rule were always rules, and the occasional 5 minute time limit on the 7am game of tag were acceptable.
From what I've seen of you and your family, you seem to be excellent at letting your children explore and learn and play and get creative. I am sure this is a lot of work for you, but don't get discouraged. Your children are growing up to be wonderful, smart, creative people because of all you do with them and for them.
Oh man… such a great post!!!
I'm with ya. I too need to take the chill pill. We have two littles (2 and 1) and another sweet boy on the way in March. We were just talking about how do you know if just three is enough? I grew up in a family of 5 kids and have the BEST memories of so many brothers and sisters! I guess our philosophy over here is “the more the merrier” 🙂
So glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! Love your blog!
I just discovered your blog and am a new follower. What a beautiful and stylish family! I'm always so inspired by young families since I married later in life myself. Your blog makes me can't wait to have kids!
i come from a family of 7, and i LOVED IT!! just sayin… I have 2 now (only 19 months apart), but we're probably going to have a few more 😉
I have 7 boys; Luke is 2 months, Sam is 2, Eli is 4, Gabe and Clark are 6, Noah is 8 and Bridger is 10. My mother-in-law (who had 8 children, including one set of twins) told me that after 3 you don't even notice a difference. She said, “You just throw another one on the pile!”
The ONLY thing I don't like about having a large family is the dumb comments we hear when we are out as a family. Things like “are they ALL yours?” or “don't you know how it keeps happening?” or “are you going to keep trying for a girl?”.
I LIKE having a large family. I LIKE the chaos, the noise, the team spirit. I like that my kids are never lonely or bored.
My secret to keeping my sanity is that I train for and compete in a triathlon on my “off” years (the years I'm not pregnant – I have a baby, start training, do the triathlon and get pregnant. Lather, rinse, repeat 6 times). I love running, and I take a nice, long run a few days a week just to have some time when I can be alone inside my head. Also, my husband owns his own business and so our schedules are extremely flexible. If we both worked rigid 9-5 jobs, I don't think we'd have such a large family because we wouldn't have the time to spend with them.
Finally, I don't try to “do it all”. I don't homeschool – so the boys who are 5 and older are all in school all day during the school year. I pared down my hobbies a couple years ago to really focus on what I LOVE – training, photography and sewing. That's it. I stopped half-heartedly knitting and scrapbooking and all the other crafts I was attempting to do.
Hi, I agree with Laura. Number 4 taught me to chill out…I'll get there when I get there…as long as the floor is swept ocassionally… I have four girls ages 2,5,8,10 I'm so glad I convinced my husband to have number 4. The house isn't as organised as I would like, the washing pile is never ending and the noise can be ear piercing. We fight, yell, scream and cry and then we hug, dance and laugh so hard we cry.
The hard jump was from 2 to 3 kids. Adding another was easy.
Just a note of encouragement from a lurker: totally go for a fourth! I have four under five years old (two boys, two girls), so I know it can be crazy have children so close in age. We have tantrums, time-outs, and tears here too. But my current baby (6mo boy) gets so doted on by his older siblings that it just makes my heart smile to see them all together. You will *never* regret having another child, but you might regret not having one. At least that's the way I see it! I do think that once you get used to large-family living, it's easy (well, easiER) to just add one more…and then one more…and so on. 🙂 They are all such blessings, and grace abounds. Truly.
Thanks again for your blog. I feel like I am repeating myself saying it is very inspiring!
I know that you have enough love for as many children as you may desire to have in the future. However: you are SO young! You shouldn't feel that this is now or never. I have two sisters and I feel a great connection with both, including the one with whom I have 11 years difference!(not to say you should wait 11 years ☺ ). You take such good care of your family, don't forget to also think of your own well being and health. Listen to your heart of course but also your body. ♥
Aren't little ones just the best? Must admit we struggle sometimes just with 1 little bubba (he is only a month old and we are still getting the hang of being parents 😉 Your family is beautiful, I can understand why you want a fourth!
Tone – http://swingsandroundabouts-blog.blogspot.com/
Hi! I'm not a mommy, but I am the third child in my family and I really wish I had a younger sibling. My parents also wish they had more children too. Also, I know a family of 12. Yeah it's a lot of work to take care of a family like that but that family is so joyful. I mean I've baby-sat 5 of those kids before for about a week and I kinda started to loose it, but in the end spending time with all of them was so awesome and if it's in God's will, I'd say go for a fourth! 🙂
I love your blog and have read it for a while and have never left a comment so I thought I would share that I have 2 sisters and 1 brother. Our house was chaotic but I loved it. My mom always said going from 2 to 3 was hard but going from 3 to 4 was easier then she thought. But then again she did find my youngest sister in the kitchen spraying our golden retriever puppy with the spray nozzle from the sink with an inch of water on the floor and left that night on an emergency vacation to Seattle because we had her so worn out. So it does come with more work : )
I am a mother of FIVE blessings!!! Now mind you they are not all in a row so it was different for me regardless I still had/have my hands full and I am blessed. I say just trust in the Lord and His will for your family–do not fear. He knows what you can handle. You are such a wonderful mama. You will be fine!!! : )
Many blessings to you and yours!!!
I come from a family of 6. 4 siblings and 2 parents. And honestly, I can't image not having my brother and my two sisters around. When we were growing up, there were no shortage of playmates, that's for sure, and even though we fought, we never stayed mad for too long. The BEST part, though, is that whatever we do, our nice even number never leaves anyone out. Like for Disneyland rides, and for board games, and for playing Rock Band, and for eating out, and for four square….
I love your blog, it's so honest.
I can't really tell if should make 4th or not, I don't have any kids. But I would love to have, but don't know how to proceed with the talk. THE talk with the bf.I'm scared to make him run away 😉
aw how exciting that you are thinking about having a 4th.. i actually just found out today that my boss's wife is pregnant with her 5th! and all of her kids now are 8 and under!! i don't have any advice for you, except pray, pray, pray 🙂
I come from a family of five (all girls!), my husband has seven in his family. My sisters are now my very best friends.
We have three children (5, 3, and 16 months) and are expecting a fourth in May. Sometimes it is completely insane and I think, “WHY did we ever have one kid to begin with?!!” but most days I look at my children and see that they are the biggest blessings I have been given. They have taught me so much; I'm definitely not a perfect mother, but I am such a better person than before their births. More patient, more understanding, more willing to listen to God and less to my own fears.
People frequently tell me, “Wow, you sure have your hands full,” and not so long ago, someone asked me if I had all three on purpose. It always surprises me when I hear these kinds of comments because why wouldn't I want all my children? They are what make my life eventful and beautiful and surprising and frustrating and rewarding.
I have found that my life is easier if I scale back on the number of commitments I have, but this doesn't mean I have to lower my expectations for myself and the kind of home environment I want to create. For instance, I am a firm believer in the idea that you can have a beautiful, clean home with small children. 🙂
Oh my God, this is so on topic for me right now! I have been thinking about kids so much lately! You know what is amazing – that your husband actualy wants more! This means you are doing a great job! 😉
I just got married a couple of month ago and you are what I want to be at some point – creative, loving, with beautiful kids and loving husband, oh and a garden ofcourse:)))!
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Hi … I know there are lots of comments on this post already but I thought that I would leave mine too.
I have 3 kids – I had 3 under 4, and for a while I considered having a 4th …. but what has stopped me is that I think I am a pretty good mum of 3. And although we have our moments of tears, and yelling and time outs all in all we are a pretty good family. And part of the reason I am a good mum of 3 is that I manage to find time for all 3 every day, but adding a 4th baby makes me wonder where I would find the time to give the bubbie everything it needs – me? Sometimes finding time for 3 is hard … I suppose I wonder if I would go from a good mum of 3 to a crappy mum of 4. I have total admiration for any woman who can have 4 happy kids …. amazing! Whatever your decision I am sure it wil be perfect for you.
Love this post…and while we only have one right now (just a few days younger than your Soul!), I have been praying lots and reading the Bible tons when it comes to this subject! All I can say is that God already has a plan, and whether or not we make that decision, He'll see a way to make sure His will is done! And I truly believe (moreso now than before we had our son) that it He wants it to happen, he will show you that it is possible. 🙂 It's easy to have the fears, but sometimes the fears are just worries that aren't meant to be. I say give continue giving it to God and He will make it happen! (But isn't that always easier said than done? 🙂 )
she is SO precious
xxoo
bB
We all (the girls and the parents) seem to have stickers on our arms (or stamps) thanks to our little girls — I see we are not the only ones!
I grew up in a large family. I'm the oldest of 14 kids and it was crazy and chaotic sometimes growing up but it was the greatest blessing to me to have such a large family. We've always been a close family and I love that all of my siblings and I get closer as we get older. (I'm 33 and My youngest sibling, a sister, just turned 12.) There is so much joy and love in having a large family. I realize not everyone's family is as large as mine(!) but having a lot of siblings to play with is such a gift for your children.
From following your blog, I can feel the love you and your husband have for one another (and for your girls). That, is truly the greatest blessing for any child!
We have three right now and I've been hoping and praying for another for a few years now. Babies are such a beautiful blessing. I want a large family and trust that what is meant to be will be. But sometimes the waiting can be so hard!
~ Jennifer
I enjoy reading your blog because it contains real-life stories that have taught me new perspectives on life.