You have your hands full!!

We went shopping at the outlet mall yesterday. I only had 1/2 of my kiddos, Quinn(3) and Mia(2m), and it was tension filled, but tons of fun. Lots of breastfeeding in the changing rooms at Old Navy, Motherhood and on the bench outside of Carter’s………and lots of funny looks from people. I had several “You have your hands full” comments (with two kids??? come on!!). I responded that I had 2 more at home, and got many blank stares with mouths wide open.

That phrase seems to follow me wherever I go now…..that is, only when I head out of our little town, population under 3000. We live in a very devout Catholic community, so large families are the norm. Now, when we venture out into the “big city”, that is another story. People gawk at us like we are a bit of a freak show. They comment on how brave I am, and wonder aloud how we manage. My favorite is this…..”Had to keep trying until you got that girl, huh (chuckle chuckle)?” “Why, no, I had 4 miscarriages, so we had to keep trying until we got that live baby, har har”. Well, that is what I want to say, but then the thought of having to validate my 4th child to a complete stranger seems absurd. So I laugh and make a cheerful retreat.

Now, there are those who tell me that I have a beautiful family, that I am a lucky woman, and those that see children as precious and remarkable miracles. It is to these people, men and women, with whom I share my story and feel at ease.

……..and yes, I do have my hands full……..but more importantly, it is my heart that is full to running over.