Home: Family Relationships: Cheaper by the dozen? Cheaper by the dozen? by: Jen Hudson Last weekend my hubby and I watched “Cheaper by the Dozen.” We laughed and cried and could relate to many of the goings on of the Baker family. At one point, Russ turned to me and asked, “ How many can we have?” Now for those of you who do not know my husband, he will proclaim freely that he only ever wanted “one.” The question took me by surprise and was heartfelt. I began to ask myself, if money really were not an object, how many children would I want? I like even numbers. So even though Alex was a blessed surprise, in my heart I knew that he could not be the last of the babies. Even after the miscarriages I kept thinking we need at least one more, three just did not feel right. BUT, what if while trying to get number 4, we actually made 4 and 5? Even numbers help keep me sane, so we would have to have a number 6. Six kids, a bigger home, a bigger car, but if money is not an object? Would we strive to fill the next size up vehicle (full size van) or would we super size the vehicle and buy and eventually fill a 16 passenger extended van? Super size me please! Sixteen passengers, minus 2 adults, that puts us at 14 children. Could I pop out 11 children between now and menopause? Would I ever be able to walk again? Would numbering the children be an easier way to identify than by name? I call the kids the wrong names now and there are only 3 of them! So many children, so many siblings, so many fights and so many hugs. Surely with 14 children each child should have at least one sibling that they truly have a connection with. Right? My thought process then jumped about 30-40 years ahead and I could see 14 children and their spouses/significant others, twenty-eight in total. I could see all of the children and their guests gathering in our living room, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, porches (It would take a lot of space to host that gang) at Christmas time remembering the chaos of Christmas morning with 14 little children – the excitement and revelry. I could see some grandchildren (14-20, I lost count) running between legs and shaking presents under the tree. A smile on everyone’s face, as they realized how special family is and how fortunate we are to have each other. The light bulb then went on and I realized that it does not matter how many children we have. We consider our children as blessings and are very fortunate to have what we do. I am not in a race to get in the Guinness Book of World records, nor do I need to have 14 children to prove my skills as a mother. Whether you have one child or twenty-one keep in mind how fortunate you are to have him/her/them. Children are a part of us that will keep our family history alive. This holiday season don’t forget to call the women in your life who are so important and don’t forget to hug your family for allowing you to be a mom. We are so very fortunate, as are our families. About the Author Jen Hudson is stay at home with four children (6,5,3 and 1).