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Why Big Families Can Be Big Fun

A wonderful piece in The Wall Street Journal this past weekend beautifully summarizes the joy of having a big family. Written by Mark Oppenheimer, "Yes, We Really Do Want to Have A Fifth Child" articulates why more children doesn't (always) mean more crazy.

For example, Oppenheimer shares that:

  • "Every one of our four children has improved my life"
  • "With a big family, I never have to feel guilty about the clutter"
  • "Having children has made our marriage stronger

Here, here. The column reminded me of comedian Jim Gaffigan's routine about having four youngsters, which seems to be frequently frowned upon, viewed as an Olympic feat or solemnly mulled at a distance by people mourning our adult autonomy:



Of course, Gaffigan now has five children, as will Oppenheimer.

Julie and I have thrown in the towel at four. But there's still a lot to live for, and by living,  I mean running at breakneck speeds through life, stopping for no one and dragging our children along for the ride.

They really are sweet to watch as they sleep in their little beds at night. It's hard for them to be sassy when they're conked out.

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