The above photo was taken 4 years ago just after the twins were born and during a time when I was too tired to make a decision about who would wear what and so I dressed them in the matchy-matchy clothes that were given to us when they were born.
If you asked me then whether I would want to have any more children I probably would have mumbled something about long walks and short piers or the distance to the nearest cliff. All a joke of course because the truth of the matter was that we had never ruled the possibility out, it just wasn't going to happen in the next year or two and definitely not while we were living in Sydney but we would leave the option open for the future. In fact, it took four years for me to be ready for another baby after the intensity of having 4 kids within 48 months.
Despite this, there were a few moments during the pregnancy when I wondered whether I had in fact made the right decision to bring another soul into the world. It wasn't the capacity to love another that was the issue. Not at all. I wasn't even worried about how the other kids would cope or how our marriage would be affected. I knew all that would be fine. I was concerned that the new baby would be left out because of the largish age gap between it and the others who have now formed this exceptionally tight bond. The new baby would be like The 5th Wheel. A loner, not part of the gang.
After 8 weeks of having The Fifth Wheel as part of the family I'm not so worried anymore. In fact I think Mr Flynn is going to be just a little bit spoilt.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
They are a gorgeous bunch! And you are a very brave woman to go back again after twins... ;)
ReplyDeleteAaawwwww!!
ReplyDeleteThat's gorgeous, Mel.
Yes, your 5th wheel is in great hands.
As always, in awe of you.
Two have me shattered at the end of each day!!!
:-) x
Loving that last pic Mel. Your kids are gorgeous! Flynn looks very well looked after (especially with Batman & Spider-Man by his side!)
ReplyDeleteI always love your reflections on pregnancy, and birth, and then post-birth because it reminds me so much of all the anguish I went through with various pregnancies. I didn't expect 3/4 of my Solid Gold Dancers. They were surprises. And then they were suddenly part of my life and I had to just factor them in, and then they were part of everyone else's life and we couldn't imagine life without them. To be honest, one of them cost me my career as a political adviser and the other delayed my career in Law. The one who delayed my political career is currently constipated and the Law-delayer will crawl into my bed shortly after midnight and snuggle in. I know what I prefer more ...
ReplyDeleteMaster Flynn will fit in just perfectly, and he'll be loved and spoiled and doted-on. That is his destiny! He'll always be the baby and he will also fly above his peers because he has the benefit of learning it all from his older brothers and sister!
Oh Mel, you must just look at that photo and think "Man, we're clever, creating those beauties". Such a gorgeous family and you are such an inspiration. I seriously, don't know how you do it. Two has completely rocked my world and while I always wanted four children, I know it won't happen. I guess it's all just written in the stars.
ReplyDeletexoxo
What a gorgeous photo Mel, you must be very proud! And it's a perogative of being the youngest to be spoilt!
ReplyDeletesuch a delicious set you have there. What a lucky little boy with all those loving siblings. Have the sweetest of days :)sarah
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous pics! I have always had a thing about odd numbers. I saw to Corey we either have 2 kids or 4 cause I would be worried if we had 3 one would always be left out. That's what used to happen with my cousins. But on the upside if you have a fight with one you still have someone else to play with.
ReplyDeleteoh they are all so sweet, makes me want to have 4 more!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics! I'm sure Flynn will be very much included! Take care, xx
ReplyDeleteLoved those pictures and your writing, Mel.
ReplyDeleteLook at Mr Flynn's face! Priceless. He looks so self assured already. Slap bang in the middle of things, just like my youngest Toby xx
so amazingly cute and clever! i just loved this (wish i'd thought of it!) look at all your gorgeous babies! they'll all be close mel, you'll make sure of it, hee hee.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous kids! The youngest always get doted on! Happy Australia Day too!
ReplyDeleteAs if he was ever going to get left out. I think the older kids are more likely to fight over looking after him. Alternatively you could always have another : )
ReplyDeleteHope you are getting into a good sleep routine after his growth spurt.
what an absolutely adorable family you have Mel! Mr Flynn has done a remarkable job of winding his way into the hearts of his siblings! I'm sure they will love doting on him as the youngest! And bravo to you too for listening to your heart! xx
ReplyDeleteYour gang are just a gorgeous bunch. Although (and feel free to slap me after I make this comment), I reckon you could squeeze a 6th one in to make a perfect circle. This is coming from someone who bailed at two in a futile attempt to keep my sanity intact! Thanks for your helpful comments on my last post and I do so love coming over to take a few deep breaths and be inspired by how you juggle such a big happy family. mel x
ReplyDeleteYour kids are all gorgeous, but I am sure you already know that. You are one super mumma, 5 kids! I'd love another one (we have 2 children) but I feel another one would push me over the edge. Not to mention, I am scared to have a boy now, after two girls - I remember how crazy and energetic and dare devilish my two younger brothers were - so full of life, yet so crazy.
ReplyDeleteOur youngest came six years after the first last baby.
ReplyDeleteThe first four were a tight possy within 44 months so I really do know what you're saying.
SInce she has arrived though she has become the hub of our family wheel. Even when the others are out of sorts with each other she is everyone's little buddy...a small Switzerland...the common denominator. When I look at her sleeping I can't mimagine what it would be like if she hadn't joined us.
Having said all that, there will NOT be a sixth.
Your first last baby - that makes me smile so much. I think Flynn will be our first and last last baby :-)
DeleteWhat a gorgeous group of kids you have! I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing the life of your family with us. I'm a new blogger and recently received a Liebster award. You must pass on the love and I chose your blog as one to give the award to. Please check out my recent post to join in if your keen.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Jen
Wow, thank you so much Jen :-)
DeleteLove this photo of your little gang! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely. Your kids really are gorgeous, and it's easy to imagine that your house is full of noise and laughter and love. The age gap thing worries me to - I think I would like a third child but my youngest is already three and a half...so it's nice to know that big gaps aren't always a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteGillian x
There really are some advantages of a bigger age gap. I'm particularly noticing the absence of having a toddler at the same time as a newborn which makes the day to day things a lot easier :-)
DeleteWhat wonderful photos Mel! Happy, healthy, handsome children.
ReplyDeleteI think Remy would love the snow btw, all whippets seem to!
Thank you so much for the get well wishes, they were much appreciated :D
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful babes!!
ReplyDeletetheir lives will be nothing but rich and joyful with such an amazing mumma!
xoxoxoxo
nomes
Oh my goodness Mel, that last photo is quite possibly the most adorable shot I've ever seen here on your blog... SOOOO sweet!! A beautiful post. Your newest family member is so lucky to have such wonderful parents and siblings xx
ReplyDeleteHi Mel,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know am passing on the Leibster Award to you - I am sure you've probably had it before so if you have I do apologize. I also know you are super busy at the moment so don't feel that you have to do any of the 11 things. I just couldn't resist passing it on to you as I wanted to share your lovely blog!
Jo x