My mom’s family had seven kids. With two sisters and four brothers, she grew up with plenty of noise, but more importantly plenty of love. It also provided me with a nice selection of aunts and uncles, each with their own quirkiness, wisdom and love sent my way. Having had two kids now myself, I can’t imagine going through the pregnancy and birth thing seven times. Two was quite enough for me, plus I was lucky enough to get the millionaire’s family: a son and a daughter. I know a few people who ended up with two boys or girls, so they kept trying for the other the third time around, but of those only one decided to give it one more try. So I admit I have trouble imagining in today’s costly, demanding world how a family can get so big. And by big, I mean eight kids with one on the way. Wow! (1)
Viral Photo Of 10
The idea comes to mind after hearing of a viral photo showing a family of 10. Seven girls lined up from shortest to tallest, their their parents and brother out in front, pose in the photo. The seven girls are adorable in matching outfits, mom is all smiles, and the brother is in his football gear. And dad, well dad looks a little worse for wear. (1)
Viral Photo With Pregnant Mom
Love of family stands out in the photo, with proof in the mom’s pregnant belly. With another baby on the way, the family will soon grow to 11. It is hard to imagine supporting such a large clan. It is even harder to imagine choosing to add one more! (1)
Large Families In Uganda
Apparently Ugandan families average out with five to six children. However, the family now famous for their eight daughters, son and a bun in the oven are very much outdone by Mariam Nabatanzi – mother of 44. (1,2)
It is not unusual for people in Uganda to begin having children at what we would consider a far too young age. Mariam was 12-years-old when she had her first child. She has a condition that makes it more likely she will have multiple births. In her case the condition has led to 44 children by the age of 36. ” I had 23 children by the time I was 25 and I remember desperately begging the doctors to help me stop having any more kids. They couldn’t find a solution for me,” says Mariam. (2)
Colossal Ovaries
Doctors finally diagnosed Mariam with a rare condition which causes “colossal ovaries” and removed her ovaries to spare her the burden of bearing more children. Meanwhile she is left caring for and supporting the children on her own as her husband abandoned her. (2)
It takes 25 Kg of maize flour to feed her family every day. Despite her challenges Mariam is determined her children will each enjoy a wonderful life. (2)
Meanwhile the 10 family viral photo continues to get attention with more than 4000 likes, over 3000 quote tweets and close to 1000 retweets. I wish them all the luck in the world. (1)
