Pure Parents

Question:

:  I think your words are cutting and spiteful and I am sure if you didn’t : use words like ’selfish cow’ you may get a few more people to listen to : your point of view. ALot of women can have as many children as they want : not as you put it ‘to use as slaves’ but to enjoy and love. My oldest is 3 : and my youngest 2 and I miss the baby years already. Maybe I should be a : selfish cow and have another to love and care for.  You’re all I I I I I I. "I" miss the baby years. "I" want a new baby to cuddle. Try raising Poodles. — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

 This chick is bearing a baby a year. Do you imagine that this is something that the kids want? She seems confused about the role of men…she says, "it helps if there’s a man around" ….well obviously she has had at least one man around… she doesn’t make it at all clear if she is married.  Who does it serve to pinch out a baby a year for five years straight? You honestly think that this behavior is an indication of a love of children?  The first one was not a year old when she got knocked up again. She said he cried when the first sib was born. The poor guy. Not even a full year of attention.  It’s nothing less than a nightmare for the children.

: Elaine, :   I think it is time that you learned to keep hurtful words to yourself. : This is not the time or the place. If you wish to vent on the state of : overpopulation than I am sure you can find a newsgroup to suit your needs. : Not every country is overpopulated including my own. The number of children : you have is regardless, as long as the love and nurturing is there. :  I think your words are cutting and spiteful and I am sure if you didn’t : use words like ’selfish cow’ you may get a few more people to listen to : your point of view. ALot of women can have as many children as they want : not as you put it ‘to use as slaves’ but to enjoy and love. My oldest is 3 : and my youngest 2 and I miss the baby years already. Maybe I should be a : selfish cow and have another to love and care for. :  Not all women have the benefit of a husband. There are alot of widows and : divorcees with children. I believe fathers should have an equal part of : their children’s upbringing but this world is not perfect and some father’s : are not around full-time or god forbid gone for good. Women (or men) who : try to raise their children in a loving atmosphere should be commended not : berated. :  In conclusion, I am getting rather sick of your self-righteous attitude : and would like you to keep your comments to yourself. :  According to other things I have seen you post, I pity your children. : Hitting them with a paddle! Indeed. Take a good look in the mirror and find : out who is the responsible citizen here. : Kim : proud mother to : Angela 14/9/94 and Chad 12/19/95 : > :   I am a mother of five ages 5,4,3,17 mon, and a two week old.   : >  5,4,3,1, and 2 weeks. : Shame on you. You sound like a selfish cow. It : > "helps" if there’s a male figure in the : > house? They’re called husbands, and they’re supposed to live there. : >  It’s not the job of older sibling to become live-in babysitters. If you : > can’t handle the tasks of raising those infants without drafting the : other : > kids as non-paid slaves why keep squeezing them out? : >  I pity those poor kids jammed together and nobody ever getting any : > personal attention. : > : > : > — : > : — : > Elaine Gallegos : > : — : > — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

 Sure, I’ve seen it lots of times. The oldest child ends up wiping messy butts and noses. Then they can’t go out, ’cause they have to babysit.  My mom got stopped squeezing out kids after three, and I am very grateful that she did. She never pressured me into babysitting or serving her kid.

: > : > :   I am a mother of five ages 5,4,3,17 mon, and a two week old.  I will say : > : it is not easy.  When I had my second child my oldest was very upset.  By : > : the time #3 was on the way I sat my oldest down and explained to him what : > : was going on he was and still is very helpful when it comes to feeding : > : time, changing dipers, and everything else.  He keeps everyone occupied : > : while mommy is busy.  It also helps if there is a male figure in the home. : > :  By the way my three oldest and the youngest are all boys only one girl so : > : I do know what it is like. : > : > : >  5,4,3,1, and 2 weeks. Shame on you. You sound like a selfish cow. It : > "helps" if there’s a male figure in the : > house? They’re called husbands, and they’re supposed to live there. : >  It’s not the job of older sibling to become live-in babysitters. If you : > can’t handle the tasks of raising those infants without drafting the other : > kids as non-paid slaves why keep squeezing them out? : >  I pity those poor kids jammed together and nobody ever getting any : > personal attention. : > : > — : > Elaine Gallegos : Trolling again, are we Elaine?  She never said there WASN’T a man in the : house, let alone no husband.  Furthermore, if you had some sense, you’d : realize that older siblings at the age of 5 aren’t RAISING the babies, : they’re HELPING out and learning to work as part of a family unit. : Grabbing a diaper for mommy isn’t exactly out of line.  It sounds to me : like you were raised without any attention from your parents, and if : that’s the case I’m sorry for you but the whole world doesn’t work that : way and those of us who have the means to be here on the internet : posting, MOSTLY have the means to support our children.   : Laura H — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

Elaine,   I think it is time that you learned to keep hurtful words to yourself. This is not the time or the place. If you wish to vent on the state of overpopulation than I am sure you can find a newsgroup to suit your needs. Not every country is overpopulated including my own. The number of children you have is regardless, as long as the love and nurturing is there.  I think your words are cutting and spiteful and I am sure if you didn’t use words like ’selfish cow’ you may get a few more people to listen to your point of view. ALot of women can have as many children as they want not as you put it ‘to use as slaves’ but to enjoy and love. My oldest is 3 and my youngest 2 and I miss the baby years already. Maybe I should be a selfish cow and have another to love and care for.  Not all women have the benefit of a husband. There are alot of widows and divorcees with children. I believe fathers should have an equal part of their children’s upbringing but this world is not perfect and some father’s are not around full-time or god forbid gone for good. Women (or men) who try to raise their children in a loving atmosphere should be commended not berated.  In conclusion, I am getting rather sick of your self-righteous attitude and would like you to keep your comments to yourself.  According to other things I have seen you post, I pity your children. Hitting them with a paddle! Indeed. Take a good look in the mirror and find out who is the responsible citizen here. Kim proud mother to Angela 14/9/94 and Chad 12/19/95 > :   I am a mother of five ages 5,4,3,17 mon, and a two week old.   >  5,4,3,1, and 2 weeks.

Shame on you. You sound like a selfish cow. It > "helps" if there’s a male figure in the > house? They’re called husbands, and they’re supposed to live there. >  It’s not the job of older sibling to become live-in babysitters. If you > can’t handle the tasks of raising those infants without drafting the other > kids as non-paid slaves why keep squeezing them out? >  I pity those poor kids jammed together and nobody ever getting any > personal attention. > —

— > Elaine Gallegos

— – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

:   I am a mother of five ages 5,4,3,17 mon, and a two week old.  I will say : it is not easy.  When I had my second child my oldest was very upset.  By : the time #3 was on the way I sat my oldest down and explained to him what : was going on he was and still is very helpful when it comes to feeding : time, changing dipers, and everything else.  He keeps everyone occupied : while mommy is busy.  It also helps if there is a male figure in the home. :  By the way my three oldest and the youngest are all boys only one girl so : I do know what it is like.  5,4,3,1, and 2 weeks. Shame on you. You sound like a selfish cow. It "helps" if there’s a male figure in the house? They’re called husbands, and they’re supposed to live there.  It’s not the job of older sibling to become live-in babysitters. If you can’t handle the tasks of raising those infants without drafting the other kids as non-paid slaves why keep squeezing them out?  I pity those poor kids jammed together and nobody ever getting any personal attention. — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

Just to throw my experience into the batch here: I have four kids (the last two are twins) and love it so much I would consider a fifth in the next few years (I am only 30). The people who rant and rave about population explosion and trees and all are just looking at the numbers. My children are not just numbers on this planet: they have been raised to CONTRIBUTE something of value to our society. Clearly not all parents do this, but the ones who do (IMHO) SHOULD have as many as they can handle and afford. The way I look at it: my children are my works of art. Nearly ANYONE can pick up a brush and p[aint a picture, but only a few can create true art from paint and canvas: the same goes for parenting: most anyone can have a baby: but only a few are dedicated, loving, patient and committed enough to produce adults that are truly "works of art." BTW, the subject line in this thread is "HELP" not "Oh, please find a way to make me feel bad." Sheesh…some people around here need to get themsevles under control. Kim

Response:

> >Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. >Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. >Sharon

Excuse me, but who are you to criticise?  I am pregnant with my fourth as well, due to give birth in less than 3 weeks and happy as hell about it. She never said she was unhappy about having four children, just understandably worried about being able to deal with four children. To the original poster, congratulations and don’t worry, as with the others you will fall into a routine that will get easier as time goes on.  As a matter of fact, your older children will probably be such able helpers that it will be much easer than the first one was.   I was the second oldest of 7 siblings (one full sibing and 6 half-siblings, in two different homes).  I remember helping my step-mother fold diapers and feed my twin sisters, fetching bottles, etc.  I also remember helping my mom do dishes and clean so that she could care for my other sibings.  It made me feel so grown up, even if all I was doing was rinsing out the bottle, or picking up the baby’s rattle when it fell. My oldest, a 7 year old girl, is looking forward to helping me care for the new one.  She has said she will fetch diapers and throw them away for me, let me know if the baby fusses while I am in another room, play with him and teach him his alphabet. So I guess my best advice to you would be to get your other kids excited about the new child and get them to volunteer to help with certain tasks to make things easier.  You can also start teaching them to be more self-reliant and independent.  I have already told my children, "The juice is in the fridge, you know where the cups are… help yourself.  I won’t be able to jump up and serve you while I am feeding the baby."  I stress to them constantly that they are getting to be "big kids" not little babies that need to be catered to.  They now make themselves sandwiches (pre-sliced cheese, mustard in a squeeze bottle, etc), pour themselves cereal, get their own drinks, clear their places, put away their own laundry, put their dirty clothes in the basket, and several other small tasks that will make life easier for me later on… and they love feeling so grown up! The older two are 7 and 5, so they can handle these small tasks and, with supervision, a few more complex ones. Also, organization is essential for yourself.  Planning ahead can save you time and frustration later… but as a mother of three, you knew that! And getting help from daddy won’t hurt either.  One thing my husband and I are always conscious of is the modeling of roles we portray.  They see daddy changing diapers and taking care of the baby while mommy runs errands or goes to class.  Mommy may mow the lawn while daddy feeds the little one.  My son plays with a doll that we got him, pretending to be "daddy" and singing the baby to sleep.   Ok, I digressed a bit.  I would say that dealing with four children is like dealing with three, only more so.  As I am entering a profession where I will be dealing with 5 times that amount at least (elementary teacher), I would like to hope so.  <grin> Again, good luck and Congratulations!!

Response:

>Another tip I used with my nursing baby, was while the older was >napping, and I needed rest.  I would lie down in my bed with the >baby who would always fall asleep when nursing.  I was better rested >with my second than my first.  When babies are very young, they

I’ve been doing this as well, when Joseph nurses after I eat lunch. We *all* take a nap after lunch…  :-)  It makes the afternoon go just a little easier. Amy Mother of John (7/31/95) and Joseph (10/25/96)

Response:

  I am a mother of five ages 5,4,3,17 mon, and a two week old.  I will say it is not easy.  When I had my second child my oldest was very upset.  By the time #3 was on the way I sat my oldest down and explained to him what was going on he was and still is very helpful when it comes to feeding time, changing dipers, and everything else.  He keeps everyone occupied while mommy is busy.  It also helps if there is a male figure in the home.  By the way my three oldest and the youngest are all boys only one girl so I do know what it is like.

Response:

How much more heartless and crass can you be? –Melissa Sue Hoeting, mommy to Melody Renee and brand-spanking new wife to Karl Jay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >  I was just reading in the paper today about how they are going to raid > the last stand of redwoods. This is a direct result of too many people in > the world. The price of this rare wood has been driven up because all of > the other trees have been harvested. >  Too many damn people. All because of horny, selfish people who litter the > earth with kids that nobody wants. You don’t want another kid, and as I > said…. I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that if you asked any of your other > kids, each would say they wanted a new bike more than a new sibling. >  Too many kids per family hurts everyone. We all have to share resources > with the new one. Even the youngest doesn’t want to be the youngest… > he’ll get picked on by the older children, and then neglected when #5 > comes along or he’s not so cute any longer.   > —

— > Elaine Gallegos

—

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > : >  Ooops?  You didn’t want it and didn’t intend to become pregnant?  Abort > : > it, and get a tubal ligation. Just have them tie off the tubes rather than > : > burning them closed. If at some later time you want kids, it’s easier to > : > sew the tubes back up. > : > >  To which Laura responded: > : Thanks for the input Elaine, but that isn’t an option for me.  Personal > : beliefs and all ya know. > : Laura H >  I was just reading in the paper today about how they are going to raid > the last stand of redwoods. This is a direct result of too many people in > the world. The price of this rare wood has been driven up because all of > the other trees have been harvested. >  Too many damn people. All because of horny, selfish people who litter the > earth with kids that nobody wants. You don’t want another kid, and as I > said…. I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that if you asked any of your other > kids, each would say they wanted a new bike more than a new sibling. >  Too many kids per family hurts everyone. We all have to share resources > with the new one. Even the youngest doesn’t want to be the youngest… > he’ll get picked on by the older children, and then neglected when #5 > comes along or he’s not so cute any longer. > — > Elaine Gallegos

You are an unbelievably egotistical, socially stunted bitch.  What happened to you as a child to give you such a warped way of relating to people?   This NG is about familes, not trees.  Maybe you’d be interested in alt.trees, alt.family-haters, or perhaps alt.socially-repressed-mad-at-the-world-faceless-nasty-I can say what I want cause you can’t see me-bitches. What are YOU doing about the redwoods?

Response:

>> : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! >Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. >Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. >Sharon

Ever hear of contraception failure?  Even sterilization is not 100%.  Actually, ever hear of compasssion?   As for too much time free, let’s see, we have evidence that this woman has had SEXUAL INTERCOURSE (gasp) with her HUSBAND (choke) at LEAST 4 TIMES within the course of several years. My gosh, what a slut!!!! Enid

Response:

> : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS!

Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. Sharon

Response:

> > : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. > Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. > Sharon

As if it were your business, Birth Control Pill failure was the cause of this one!  Secondly….responsible parenting includes being able to support your children (however many you have) emotionally and financially.  Numbers mean nothing!

Response:

>> I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! >Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. >Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. >Sharon

Ouch. What a harsh reply. Who is to say that four children is too many for that family? I follow the philosophy that if you have the resources and the love, you should share it and not be held to the rules enforced by society as the norm. Of course, if you have even one child that you can not care for then, yes, you have been irresponsible to *that child* in not being able to provide. Hetaher

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > > : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > Ever hear of birth control?  Apparently you have too much time free. > Part of responsible parenting includes NOT having too many kids. > Sharon > As if it were your business, Birth Control Pill failure was the cause of > this one!  Secondly….responsible parenting includes being able to > support your children (however many you have) emotionally and > financially.  Numbers mean nothing!

Thirdly, her using birth control now won’t solve the problem.   Miche Miche Campbell Remove <no-ads> in address before emailing me. My opinions are mine alone, not those of the University of Otago BREAKFAST.COM Halted…Cereal Port Not Responding

Response:

Laura, Loved the troll line!  And while I hope you won’t meet many more, I’ve noticed that there are some very judgemental posters on almost any board dealing with children.  Take it in stride and ignore it! I’m sure you’ll love your OOPS with humor and understanding.  We’ve got lots of OOPS’s in our neighborhood and they are all loved for the laughter and love they leave their families. As for as sanity tips…..I have 5yo twins and a 2.5yo. And while my life is hectic, I wouldn’t be without any of them.  My biggest tip would be to get the 19mo into a mother’s day out program (usually 1 day a week) this fall while the older boys are in school so that at least 1 day a week you only have 1 child with you.  This will not only give you 1-on-1 time with the littlest one, but will also allow you to run errands that become to difficult with several kids. Good luck! Deana.

Response:

> Hello… > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity > saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about > a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts! > Laura H

Dear Laura, Congratulations on your fourth.  Your 9 month old will love having a sibling.  My two are close in age and play very well together. When my youngest was born my oldest was 1 1/2  still a baby.  I involved her in as many ways as I could.  I took it easy on the housework for a while, and grabbed that nap time ( remember many babies sleep a lot) to spend with my oldest or to rest. Another tip I used with my nursing baby, was while the older was napping, and I needed rest.  I would lie down in my bed with the baby who would always fall asleep when nursing.  I was better rested with my second than my first.  When babies are very young, they are also very portable.  You can put them in their pumpkin/car seat and take them anywhere your may need to go. It isn’t until they get a little older that they require naps in their bed. Good parents who raise good children, should have as many children as they can handle.  We need a lot more good people on this earth to make up for some of the stinkers, as evidenced by some of the replies you’ve recieved. All my best, Barb — Ken or Barb Yoder To reply, please remove the "r" in fuse.net. We don’t like spam!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >: > >: > Hello… >: > >: > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. >: > >: > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > Ooops?  You didn’t want it and didn’t intend to become pregnant?  Abort >it, and get a tubal ligation. Just have them tie off the tubes rather than >burning them closed. If at some later time you want kids, it’s easier to >sew the tubes back up. >: > I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity >: > saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about >: > a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts! >: > >: > Laura H >: Laura: >: At least the older two are in school so that should take some pressure >: off.  Find things to keep the younger child occupied while you are >: changing or feeding the new baby and also make sure to include the >: siblings.  Maybe they can help out with the new baby.  Good luck. >: Karen >: Mommy to Brandon 4, Dylan 2 1/2, and Caden 10 months old. >– >Elaine Gallegos

Elaine, Have you ever been pregnant and had an abortion.  Children are precious.  I don’t believe in abortion for myself andt I would never advise someone to have one.  Having never had one myself.  I would also never tell anyone that felt this was the best option for her not to, only to think about it very hard. My best friend did have an abortion and lives with guilt every day. This person had obviously already decided she loved her OOPS and wanted her OOPS.  I’m sorry, I’m just in shock that anyone could be so callus. Nyoka (mom to Trevor 8/8/95)

Response:

Congratulations!!  My #4 which was also an OOPS! is now 16 mo.  Half the time I don’t know where I am going or who I am talking too trying to keep aware of where they are.  I had difficult circumstances around Emily’s birth because my husband transferred jobs and was living in a different state.  We moved when she was 6 wks old and I still don’t know if I have recovered!  It is crazy, It is fun, It is INSANE!  How many times have you been asked if you were trying for a girl?  I have 4 girls now so I had the boy question too many times!  My husband had all the vas… infor since my 3rd was 6 wks old but failed to have it done.  It is very tough sometimes, mostly in the mornings trying to get them all ready to take the 8 and 6 yo to school (the bus doesn’t pick them up)  but it is getting easier now that it is getting warmer!  But I have been there and am doing that so if you want to chat e-mail me Janet            

Response:

: > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS!

: >  Ooops?  You didn’t want it and didn’t intend to become pregnant?  Abort : > it, and get a tubal ligation. Just have them tie off the tubes rather than : > burning them closed. If at some later time you want kids, it’s easier to : > sew the tubes back up. : >  To which Laura responded: : Thanks for the input Elaine, but that isn’t an option for me.  Personal : beliefs and all ya know. : Laura H  I was just reading in the paper today about how they are going to raid the last stand of redwoods. This is a direct result of too many people in the world. The price of this rare wood has been driven up because all of the other trees have been harvested.  Too many damn people. All because of horny, selfish people who litter the earth with kids that nobody wants. You don’t want another kid, and as I said…. I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that if you asked any of your other kids, each would say they wanted a new bike more than a new sibling.  Too many kids per family hurts everyone. We all have to share resources with the new one. Even the youngest doesn’t want to be the youngest… he’ll get picked on by the older children, and then neglected when #5 comes along or he’s not so cute any longer. — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

: > : > Hello… : > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. : > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS!  Ooops?  You didn’t want it and didn’t intend to become pregnant?  Abort it, and get a tubal ligation. Just have them tie off the tubes rather than burning them closed. If at some later time you want kids, it’s easier to sew the tubes back up. : > I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity : > saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about : > a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts! : > : > Laura H : Laura: : At least the older two are in school so that should take some pressure : off.  Find things to keep the younger child occupied while you are : changing or feeding the new baby and also make sure to include the : siblings.  Maybe they can help out with the new baby.  Good luck. : Karen : Mommy to Brandon 4, Dylan 2 1/2, and Caden 10 months old. — Elaine Gallegos

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : > > : > Hello… > : > > : > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > : > > : > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! >  Ooops?  You didn’t want it and didn’t intend to become pregnant?  Abort > it, and get a tubal ligation. Just have them tie off the tubes rather than > burning them closed. If at some later time you want kids, it’s easier to > sew the tubes back up. > : > I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity > : > saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about > : > a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts! > : > > : > Laura H > : Laura: > : At least the older two are in school so that should take some pressure > : off.  Find things to keep the younger child occupied while you are > : changing or feeding the new baby and also make sure to include the > : siblings.  Maybe they can help out with the new baby.  Good luck. > : Karen > : Mommy to Brandon 4, Dylan 2 1/2, and Caden 10 months old. > — > Elaine Gallegos

Thanks for the input Elaine, but that isn’t an option for me.  Personal beliefs and all ya know. Laura H

Response:

Hello… I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts! Laura H

Response:

> Hello… > I think I’m gonna need some time management tips here.. > I recently found out that I am now pregnant with child #4….OOPS! > I have 3 boys now…ages 12, almost 9 and 19 months.  Anyone with sanity > saving tips, PLEASE let me know your best advice!  I think that in about > a year, I’ll be certifiably nuts!

I had two (at the time, ages 9 and 10) when I found out that baby #3 was really baby #3 and #4! (twins). Talk about panic time! I think I flipped out for several months until I met a woman who had two older kids when she found out she was having tripletes! Hers were born before my twins and I watched as she managed her life, went to the store, etc. etc. even though two of the triplets had lung problems and needed to carry air tanks, etc. Anyway, I figured, the best approach was going to be a positive one and I actually got through the first year really well. My older son played football, my daughter did chearleading and I just did what I had to do to drag the twins along (portable playpen, etc.) One time I had driven about 75 miles with all four kids plus two friends to an away game for my son…I had my son’s gear, a huge baby bag, an ice chest, a clip on umbrella (it was deathly hot) a portable playpen and a double stroller all of which I was trying to drag/wheel/balance onto the field…I was actually thinking I looked stupid and insane and was ready to drop when one dad came up to me and told me that his wife couldn’t even manage the stress of having their one kid in sports, let alone everything I was trying to accomplish. He then went on to tell me that I was an inspiraton to everyone and that my husband should be proud, etc. My response? Well, he sure made me feel great…but I told him the truth: I was just doing what had to be done. It is never, ever easy. Not with one kid and not with six. But if you love your children and try to stay organized…you’ll be fine. Kim E.

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