You’re having the…4th kid?!
I read an article in LIFE (America’s Weekend Magazine) recently about “A New Baby Boom?” and was pleasantly surprised to find that the average American family doesn’t stop at two children any more!
Here are some statistics from the article. In a 2003 survey, 28% of all babies were born into family of two or more. That’s an increase of almost 4% since 1996 and 12% since 1984. According to the article, there are many theories behind this potential baby boom:
- Fertility drugs are often used when people wait longer to have children, as a result…more multiple births.
- More working moms are opting to stay home after childbirth. 45% stayed home in 2004, an increase of over 7% since 1998, according to the Census Bureau. And the thinking is that “if I’m home, I might as well go all the way and have more kids.”
- Nostalgia for the big families as in the ’60s and early ’70s.
- The desire to have one of each gender. That would be us, we have two sons and were blessed with our very own princess third time around.
All this is welcomed news for us. We have been preparing our families for the possibility of adding the 4th to our clan, not that we’re I’m pregnant already. They all think that 3 is more than enough to handle, eventhough all the work will rest on us me, mind you! 
We would love to be blessed with another healthy baby, and the bonus would be a sister for Sophia. I grew up with 2 sisters and 2 brothers. All of us are in one state with our spouses except for the youngest brother. Still single and still refusing to grow up, that’s why he’s everyone favorite uncle.
My sisters and I are very close to each other that some times we finish each other’s sentences. We would be lost without the phones and emails. But of course we have our share of disagreements now and then. But I wouldn’t want to be an only child!! I really do hope that our children will be as close-knit as my siblings and I. One would only hope!
Are you part of this new “baby boom”? If so, let me know how many children you have and if you’re planning to have more. See how I’m trying to get you to send me a comment?!
And check back often for that big announcement…you know, our journey to procreate the 4th pride and joy!! Wish us luck!
I read an article in LIFE (America’s Weekend Magazine) recently about “A New Baby Boom?” and was pleasantly surprised to find that the average American family doesn’t stop at two children any more!
Here are some statistics from the article. In a 2003 survey, 28% of all babies were born into family of two or more. That’s an increase of almost 4% since 1996 and 12% since 1984. According to the article, there are many theories behind this potential baby boom:
- Fertility drugs are often used when people wait longer to have children, as a result…more multiple births.
- More working moms are opting to stay home after childbirth. 45% stayed home in 2004, an increase of over 7% since 1998, according to the Census Bureau. And the thinking is that “if I’m home, I might as well go all the way and have more kids.”
- Nostalgia for the big families as in the ’60s and early ’70s.
- The desire to have one of each gender. That would be us, we have two sons and were blessed with our very own princess third time around.
All this is welcomed news for us. We have been preparing our families for the possibility of adding the 4th to our clan, not that we’re I’m pregnant already. They all think that 3 is more than enough to handle, eventhough all the work will rest on us me, mind you!
We would love to be blessed with another healthy baby, and the bonus would be a sister for Sophia. I grew up with 2 sisters and 2 brothers. All of us are in one state with our spouses except for the youngest brother. Still single and still refusing to grow up, that’s why he’s everyone favorite uncle.
My sisters and I are very close to each other that some times we finish each other’s sentences. We would be lost without the phones and emails. But of course we have our share of disagreements now and then. But I wouldn’t want to be an only child!! I really do hope that our children will be as close-knit as my siblings and I. One would only hope!
Are you part of this new “baby boom”? If so, let me know how many children you have and if you’re planning to have more. See how I’m trying to get you to send me a comment?!
And check back often for that big announcement…you know, our journey to procreate the 4th pride and joy!! Wish us luck!
Yes, having more children will make our family become more fun. Each child will grow together, nobody will feel lonely. But, the responsibility from the parent to make sure about health, study and everything with each child should more bigger. That’s why not all of my friend really like to have children more than 2.
Nice article
Hi there, great blog! Hey, I must have missed that LIFE article…do you remember what issue it was in? I’d love to see it!
Good luck on your journey to #4. It is a great number, honestly–I love having four kids.
I have 3 girls and am considering a 4th child. I have noticed that many of the women that I know are having 3+ kids themselves. It is nice to hear that this becoming the norm again. Just like you, I am slowly preparing my family for the prospect of a 4th so that it does not come as a surprise.
Currently, I am 37 years old with three children, two boys (ages 13 and 7) and a two year old girl. I am debating on having a fouth child. Most women receive this deep feeling that their family is completed and there is no need to add an additional child to their family. However, I do not have this feeling yet. From 6:30 am to 11:00 p.m., I am busy caring for a child, making dinner, cleaning the apartment or taking someone to practices. Yet, I enjoy the children’s activities and the social rewards that they bring to me and the family. Yeah, I believe I can handel having a fourth child and still be there for each of my children. Perhaps more than four will be to much, but I do want my fourth child. Let’s see what this year brings me.