I think I have finally figured out why God sent ME five babies. I have never considered myself great “mom” material. I am not the favorite mom on the block. In fact, I am probably the least favorite mom---At my house, I don’t allow finger painting (too messy), climbing on furniture and counters (too dangerous), or running around barefoot outside (messy and dangerous). Video games and TV watching are off limits until rooms are cleaned and beds made. At my house, kids are required to eat a fruit or vegetable before they can have something they really want (pretzels, popcorn, goldfish, etc) for snack. No one is allowed to have dessert without at least trying everything I serve for dinner and chewing gum (before you are sixteen) is a punishable offense. When it took us so long to get pregnant the third time, I actually thought it could be God’s way of telling me that my talents lay elsewhere, and that I was supposed to do something else instead of have a big family.
Don’t get me wrong---I am not a bad mom and I love my children, I am just better at analyzing data than I am at dreaming up kid’s craft projects or playing with cars. When I found out I was pregnant with quints, I thought for sure God had made a mistake. The five babies were supposed to go to someone who majored in Family Science (I have a Masters Degree in Statistics) and who always wanted to run a daycare out of their home.
Now that the babies are here, I realize that God did know what he was doing after all. He knew I was a “numbers” person and was just trying to give me a bigger sample size! There is an amazing amount of data involved when you have quints. We keep track of what time they eat, how much they eat, when they take baths, what medications they take, how much they weigh, how often they puke and what type of messy diaper they have. My house is the ultimate test site for baby stuff. I have tried several baby products many times on multiple babies. With all this data, I could do some great analysis and make some terrific looking graphs….If only I had the time!
Don’t get me wrong---I am not a bad mom and I love my children, I am just better at analyzing data than I am at dreaming up kid’s craft projects or playing with cars. When I found out I was pregnant with quints, I thought for sure God had made a mistake. The five babies were supposed to go to someone who majored in Family Science (I have a Masters Degree in Statistics) and who always wanted to run a daycare out of their home.
Now that the babies are here, I realize that God did know what he was doing after all. He knew I was a “numbers” person and was just trying to give me a bigger sample size! There is an amazing amount of data involved when you have quints. We keep track of what time they eat, how much they eat, when they take baths, what medications they take, how much they weigh, how often they puke and what type of messy diaper they have. My house is the ultimate test site for baby stuff. I have tried several baby products many times on multiple babies. With all this data, I could do some great analysis and make some terrific looking graphs….If only I had the time!
A Day with the Quints
"By the Numbers"
3 baby girls
2 baby boys
30-35 bottles
120-150 ounces of formula
40-50 dirty diapers
1-2 loads of baby laundry
5 baths
10 ears to wash behind
2 swings
3 bouncers
2 changing tables
3 rocking chairs
5 cribs
40 burp cloths
10 blankets
10-15 outfits
15 pacifiers
5-10 daytime volunteers
2 night nanny volunteers
50 fingers
50 toes
5 beautiful smiles
3 baby girls
2 baby boys
30-35 bottles
120-150 ounces of formula
40-50 dirty diapers
1-2 loads of baby laundry
5 baths
10 ears to wash behind
2 swings
3 bouncers
2 changing tables
3 rocking chairs
5 cribs
40 burp cloths
10 blankets
10-15 outfits
15 pacifiers
5-10 daytime volunteers
2 night nanny volunteers
50 fingers
50 toes
5 beautiful smiles
Kassidy
Kaydence
Rustin
Kyndall
Ryder
Posts
55 comments:
Those pics are just too cute!!
I think god made a good choise.
Your baby's are beautiful. I love those smiling pictures.
Bless you all 9.
What a blessing they are, and you captured their little smiles so perfectly. I'm expecting twins and have been keeping up with you because it makes me feel more confident about God's choice to give me two babies :)
Rachelle,
My mom says that God is our father and because of that He never gives us more than we can carry
Sometimes, we might doubt that but it is true!!!
You are such a nice person with a big heart!!!
The pictures are VERY cute!!! I loved them!!!
Take care,
Viviane
Those smiling pics are beautiful. Although we don't have the quantitiy you do, I could actually relate to a lot of what you are saying. I was a CPA in my former life and I don't think people who knew me in that life could ever have imagined the life I live now. But, I love it. Even though my circumstances are not what I would have planned, I'm glad God is in charge since I can't imagine life any differently now.
soooooo cute!
I saved these five pictures in my computer.
God bless your family!
I don't know who you are comparing yourself to when you are thinking of the best mom on the block. Your parenting style with all its rules and limitations is one of the best. It is almost exactly the way I am raising my 4 girls (except I did let them try chewing gum and after scraping it off the bathroom floor it is once again on the "don't even think about it" list.) We always get comments on how polite and well behaved our children are. Not so with my friends who let their children do what ever they want. I can see how having 5 babies with two older children would be really fun when it comes to numbers but I also believe that you were chosen because of your wonderful parenting. You were a great mom with two children and you'll be an awsome mom with seven.
Oh yeah, I also wanted to tell you how adorable your pics are of all the smiles. Keep the pictures coming, we love to see them grow.
Those are some adorable babies you have!
What a fun post! Those pictures are so cute!
And as a person with a Family Science degree... I can hardly handle 3 evenly spaced children! I think you're right, a Statistics degree is exactly what you need to handle 5 at one time!
Stunning pictures! Those babies are way to cute. Seriously!
Seriously, is there anything more beautiful than childrens smiles? Oh my goodness but this is an amazing post. Heartfelt and those pictures are just amazing. What huge, awesome smiles. And I know your two older children have great smiles. You are an extremely blessed family and I always wish you the best.
Have a great week.
What great pictires, the babies are getting so big! I just need to say to another commenter, cj and shelly, I don't think any parenting style should be judged, your friends that you mentioned in your comment would be hurt to hear that, i know i would. We shouldn't judge anyone until we have walked in their shoes.
You are so right. GOD knew exactly what he was doing and knew you would be a great mom to 7 children. I am an accountant and learning quickly that things don't always have to be just by the book. That is hard for me. I so agree with your rules and having two older step children that haven't been raised with rules is very difficult. It reminds me of how much I do want to continue with rules. I love to read your blog and see the babies progress. THEY LOOK GREAT. I absolutely loved the picture that captured the acid reflux. My premie had it too and I would just cry about it all of the time. God bless you and your family. I am so glad that you are willing to share. You make me laugh, cry, and give me encouragement. You don't even know what an inspiration you are to me. Keep it up----U are a GREAT MOMMY. Signed, Stephanie from SC
Holy cow, those are some cute babies!!
Sometimes its hard to believe that He knew what he was doing and others you think well duh of course! I think this and I only have triplets so you go mama, doing a great job with those babies.
Can't. Type. Too. Cute. Must. Gawk. Happy. Me.
They are all so cute, but you allready know that! Rustin sure looks like Riley. They all look the like your hubby. Are they redheads? Maybe God also gave you 5 to teach that messes are inevitable with little ones. I am the exact same way at home with chores and veggies adn all of it, Heavenly Father gave me twins 5 months ago and I am convinced it is to teach me it is ok to let things go sometimes. You are blessed. What will look like to have your home back to your own family I am sure even with as grateful as you are there are days that you would enjoy time with your family.
Now I can say I've held those babies and I recognize them! Those are some picture perfect smiles. :) Heavenly Father knew what he was doing!
Rules are good and loving them is even better. You two are doing both of those things so well. Love Grandma W
You can tell those are some well-loved, content babies. What smiles!!
You are the right woman for the job Rachelle, I can't think of a better person to raise 7 kids!! Your rules will lead to an amazing group of kids! They are so smart and are getting so big and cute! I am so sad I missed them this morning! Evka is felling better so I'll be back next week!
I think that life is a magnificent tapestry, but that in this life we only get to see it from the back, with all the loose threads and knots hanging out, and the colors criss-crossing in weird patterns. Someday our perspective will be changed, and we will see the whole glorious picture. I think we will each be amazed at the beauty of our own life story. You have certainly captured the beauty in the faces of your five delightful babies. And as President Hinckley says, enjoy the journey!
Beautiful babies!! Growing so fast!! God certainly knew what He was doing :)
Sigh. I know this isn't the forum for this, but parenting styles should be judged. There are good ways and better ways to raise children. There are also bad ways. The quints are in good hands. True, some children may turn out unsavory regardless of the parents, and some may do okay regardless. Statistically speaking, however, learn from those parents whose kids turn out well. Judge them. Learn from them. The 'no judge' attitude isn't the best thing for society.
I SO ADORE YOU AND YOUR SWEET FAMILY! I think you were meant to have 5 babies and all 7 of your kids are precious! What sweet pictures as they capture each baby so well!
oh so incredibly sweet! You are indeed blessed and God gave you those sweeties for so many reasons. One is so you can share the joy of miracles on Earth!
I felt the same way, wondering why, when I had triplets. And I have survived and prospered in spite of my self. God is good.
Blessings
Jo
http://teensandtriplets.blogspot.com/
Rachelle...do you remember me from BYU?? I saw your blog off Stacey's! I'm absolutely amazed that I know someone who has quints! How did your little body do that? =) How amazing, miraculous, phenomenal, beautiful and extraordinary. I love reading your adventures in mommy-ing your 7 angels. You are truly, 100%, certifiably BLESSED. Congratulations...(and I LOVE THE STATS!)
Love all those beautiful smiles, especially the little carrot top (Rustin).
To anonymous, I also think the quints are in great hands, great parenting style, I just don't think we should pass judgment about someone else's parenting style, Anyways this is not the place for this discussion. Your babies are perfect and you were blessed with them for a reason, God knows what a great mommy you are.
Hey,
I just wanted to say that I am one of those people that you talked about (although I didnt major in family science) but I have always wanted to run a daycare out of my home and I have always wanted to have multiples. I know it sounds crazy to wish for multiples but I just hope that someday it can happen to me too. After always reading about everybody being surprised and depressed that they are having high order multiples, it makes me jealous because I know that if that happened to me it would be the best day of my life. To be completely honest I want six children (I am only 22 and not married yet) and ideally I would love to have a singleton, twins, and triplets, although I know it is highly unlikely.
Anyway, your post just inspired me to share. And your babies are very cute. I wish I live closer so that I could help out. They all look so different from each other!
Rachelle is an extraordinary mother and without a doubt God sent those five to the right family. I've witnessed firsthand how Jayson and Rachelle parent. I admire them both for their cheerfulness, sense of humor and patience. They set good limits but with a lot of fun thrown into the mix.
Those smiles made my day and also a few tears. So precioius and sweet.
Love you all
Auntie V
You have certainly counted your blessings!
What a wonderful post! How truly blessed you are! Isn't it just amazing when we have those "Ah-ha" moments and realize why Heavenly Father did what he did? May you continue to be blessed!
This was a great post! I love your blog. Your little ones are so beautiful and what a true miracle they are as well. I cannot believe five babies all born so healthy, that is the most important number of all!
I found your blog through a friend of mine's. And I have to say the you seem to be a great mom from what I have read so far. God has trully blessed you and your family.
Jessica
Marion, AR
Your quints are adorable and they all have beautiful smiles! I wish you the best of luck with all of the challenges of having quints. You are still in my thoughts and prayers!
I love that you were able to get a picture of each one smiling - that is priceless! You are doing an amazing job - and I love your rules. I am going to try them in our house!
All I can say is that I am pretty sure you were hand-picked by God to handle these five precious children (plus two) with TLC, organization, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed my first time as a "night-time nanny" this week, and the babies were awesome. I look forward to my next shift, which is only a daytime one. I can't get over how well organized you and Jayson are, but it doesn't at all seem like you're uptight or extreme over anything. You're doing a remarkable job, Rachelle. It's a peaceful, warm, happy home to be in.
Those babies are just adorable. What adorable smiles! Nice job on the photos.
Rachelle, You're one of the best Mom's i know!! God choose you and Jayson to be parents to all 7 of your gorgeous kiddo's and he deffinatley made the RIGHT choice
Love to all of you.
Catherine
Mum to 1 son and 2 sets of twin daughters.
Wow! Those are some pretty amazing numbers! I 'm also very impressed at the pictures of those lovely smiling faces - I only have one little one to take pics of and do you think I can manage to get one of him smiling? Not on your life! LOL
I'm pretty sure that the ability to love is about the only real Mom skill that is absolutely required - and I'm fairly certain you've got that one down pat. So don't worry!
Wow, all I can say after reading those numbers...can't even imagine! What beautiful smiles they all have!
Parents who love their children set rules!! You are doing a great job as a mom!! Those smiles on each baby are so precious!! How blessed you are!! Keep up the good work.
your babies are so adorable. I'v been following your blog since the vary begining, so it was geat to the quints finaly here.
They are so adorable!
It has been a while since I have visited your page...my, oh my, your babies have grown and are BEAUTIFUL! I have followed your story since I read it on CNN and will forever be amazed at how well all your babies have done! Congrats!
They are absolutly adorable. You are doing a great job. From one lds quint mom to another. We have six four year olds and a two year old. Family of nine is great. Brings back so many great memories seeing and hearing about your little ones. You have so much fun in store for your family with those five special spirits. Enjoy and keep up the great work.
You better be keeping track of all the great baby products you've tried, so we can collect this data in a book someday. I love what you wrote about what kind of mom you are...no gum before 16????
Hey Rachelle...It's Connie Brown. Congrats to you! Darling family! Karen (Player) filled me in on your situation and as I read some of the articles I realized 2 of "my" former YW from different times and states had crossed paths. Candice (Dr. Park) and I lived in the same El Paso ward and she and Tanner (all 3 of my kids, actually) were best of buds! Small world. Conkickfit@yahoo.com
Rachelle,
I don't know if you got my email or not, but I need your new address to send Christmas cards. Email it to me at nichols.jennie@gmail.com.
Love,
Jennie N
They are so adorable. You and your hubby have truly been blessed and God knew you would be able to handle all of them.
WOW, you're absolutely amazing!! I had to mind 2 babies last week for one day, and honestly i was soo relieved when i just had one again!! You are doing an amazing job!! God bless you and your family!!
Your family is too cute! I have been watching your youtube videos and thinking how cute you guys are! I may not have 7 kids (or even old enough to have kids) I now how much work you have to go through! Your kids are beautifula nd wonderful kids, good luck to them and you and Jayson!
Have fun with 7!
Beutiful kids, God Bless you and your beautiful family
5 beautiful smile ! LOVE 😍
I'm french twins's mum and babies's smile it's just amazing !!
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