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Find out all about large family cars, holidays and more right here.

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Find out all about large family cars, holidays and more right here.

Larger families

From 3 to 4... How hard have others found it?

30 replies

Melody3boys · 21/12/2012 18:52

My title says it all. How hard is it going from 3 to 4?
I'm not pregnant but considering TTC for number four.
Some info:
3 boys already...7, 5, 1.
I honestly don't mind another boy so I'm not 'trying for a girl'.
This would be fourth C- section.
A lot if scar pain towards end of last pregnancy.
Slow and painful recovery last time.
Not much practical family support.
I hate being preg.
3 bedroom house.
But...
I can't shake off the feeling that another little person is missing from our family.

OP posts:

Report

Lucy411 · 22/12/2012 08:50

My sister has 3 bed house 4 kids, now 13,9,8,7
She said she found it easier the more she had :)

Melody3boys · 22/12/2012 09:04

Thanks lucy411. The more I hear about people who manage the more I want to go for it!

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Dillydollydaydream · 22/12/2012 09:07

I'll let you know in June! I'm currently 17wks with no4.

phlebas · 22/12/2012 09:27

My four are 12, 6, 3, & 1. I found three to four by far the hardest increase, three was a walk in the park ... there exponentially more noise, mess, drudge work (feeding/wiping/nappies/cleaning/dressing/changing) feels continuous, finding a car that works for us all has been a complete PITA, getting everyone out is a military operation. It is very expensive - I spread clothes purchases through the year but there is always someone who needs shoes or an activity paid for.

I'd heard an awful lot of people say oh when you have three another one won't make much difference (tbh often said by people who have fewer than three ), I disagree - for us four really did make life very different. I love it though :)

Melody3boys · 22/12/2012 21:55

Thanks phlebas for your honesty. Was it just awful with a newborn and three others? I think that's the bit I worry about the most. Oh and being pregnant with three others to look after.

Dillydolly congratulations. I look forward to hearing how you get on. All the best x

OP posts:

Myliferocks · 22/12/2012 21:58

I found 2 to 3 the hardest. 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 were a walk in the park compared to 2 to 3.

HDee · 22/12/2012 21:58

My number four just slipped in, like she was always here.

My others were 13, 5 and 3. My hardest was the first, then they got easier and easier.

NAR4 · 22/12/2012 22:37

I agree with HDee. My number 4 fitted in so well, it really didn't make any differrence to our lifes other than of course the lack of sleep again with night feeds. I'm pregnant with number 5 and am hoping it fits in just as well (too late to change my mind now).

For me going from 2-3 was the hardest and by far the busiest time of my life.

I imagine it is quite an individual thing though and depends on things such as your age, your children's ages and personalities.

I had 4 children in a 3 bed semi and have to admit it was a squeeze, so we had our garage converted into another bedroom. The car thing was also a PITA, but now we have both of those sorted, thought we may as well fully utilise them by having a fifth.

destinationanywhere · 22/12/2012 22:52

I had my fourth son this year. Oldest is 9. Finding out I was pregnant was a shock. The pregnancy was truly awful and ended in a 3 week hospital stay and I am still struggling with the physical after effects.

BUT he is a gorgeous little baby. He is doted on by all of us. It is hard work but I don't regret it at all. I think it will probably get harder once he gets to 2-3 though.

Melody3boys · 23/12/2012 15:20

Thank you so much for all your replies. I'm buzzing that several of you commented on either having the first being the hardest or going from 2 to 3. I've already crossed those two barriers... And survived!

OP posts:

Melody3boys · 23/12/2012 15:22

Can you identify why going from two to three was the hardest Myliferocks*?

OP posts:

Melody3boys · 23/12/2012 15:24

Nar4 congratulations on # 5. Wow! When are you due?

OP posts:

Melody3boys · 23/12/2012 15:27

Congratulations to you too Destinationanywhere. We would have to squeeze into a three bed semi if we went for number four. No option for extending though :-(

Sorry you had such a rough time in pregnancy. If you don't mind me asking, why the three week hospital stay?

OP posts:

NAR4 · 23/12/2012 17:01

Hi Melody I'm due 14th Feb.

Melody3boys · 23/12/2012 18:01

Great birth date!

OP posts:

Lucy411 · 24/12/2012 09:36

I'm one of 6 we lived in a 3 bed then converted down stairs so ended up a 4 bed and loved coming from a big family and still do now I have my own as my lb has 11 cousins just from my brothers and sister! :) go for it you always manage :) and I doubt the urge will go away!

Melody3boys · 24/12/2012 13:36

Thanks Lucy. I think you're right about the urge not going away!

OP posts:

Myliferocks · 29/12/2012 17:39

Sorry I've only just remembered I posed on this thread!
Melody3boys - it was easy with 2 as we had one each iyswim whereas when we had 3 not only did they out number us but there was always an odd one out.
When we had number 4 and 5 whilst they still out numbered us there wasn't an odd one out iyswim.

BlackholesAndRevelations · 29/12/2012 18:56

Is it common to find 2-3 hardest?! Eek. I'm newly pg with no 3. My dp is one of four and it's amazing now they're all adults and it looked like so much fun growing up. I'm not sure if we'll be able to stretch to four though.

lollystix · 30/12/2012 07:29

I found 3-4 was the hardest tbh (aside from 0-1). My 4th boy who I wouldn't ever send back but I had 4 under 5 and tbh he wasn't my easiest baby - 14m now and very clingy. Feel like I've never moved out of baby stage. However I would say that since having him we've never been in an appropriate housing situation, have zero family help and did emigrate to the other side of the world so if you are in a settled situation it could be easier. Whilst I know I'm blessed I do sometimes stand back and think OMG what have I done.

Melody3boys · 31/12/2012 11:54

Thanks for advice, I've got a lot to think on but am pretty definite we're going to TTC #4

OP posts:

destinationanywhere · 01/01/2013 21:06

Only just back to this thread.

The 3 week stay was due to him being born at 35 weeks and refusing to feed/being jaundice.

Good luck.

Fwiw I found 1-2 hardest and 0-1 and 2-3 easiest.

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RB04 · 02/01/2013 12:09

Very new on here this is first post!

I am pregnant with no. 4 only 5 weeks. I have two girls 12 and 10 and a boy 16 months. Similarly, when no 3 (unplanned) was born I felt there was a gap in our family and knew I would feel right without no4. Now pregnant a little nervous as my eldest daughter was very put out by arrival of no3. Hormones.......!

MelodyCatsAndKittens · 02/01/2013 17:08

Thanks for getting back to me Destination. Three weeks in hospital must have been awful

Hi RB04. Thanks for understanding my need to even things up a bit. Although my gap in the middle isn't as large as yours! Have you told your eldest daughter about the new baby yet?

We're not sure we could cope with four but we do want a fourth.

MelodyCatsAndKittens · 02/01/2013 17:09

Sorry, I've name changed, it's me, the OP.

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