218: Our Different Experiences Growing Up In A Family Of 11 Kids: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Motherhood

Today we have a very fun episode for you! I have seven incredible sisters and today I’m here with two of them. These two are currently pregnant with me. Karaline is in her first trimester and Kyla is in her second trimester and I’m wrapping up my third trimester any day now. I thought it would be fun timing, because who knows when this will happen again, and talk about pregnancy, postpartum, big families, having a lot of kids and our vision for family size.
Kyla is 27 and lives in Lexington, Kentucky with her husband Adam. They have two children, ages 3 and 1 1/2 and currently 16 weeks pregnant. They have been married just under 5 years. She is a stay at home mom and also manages and runs Now That I’m A Mother Health.
Karaline is 22 and lives in Eagle, Idaho (just outside of Boise) with her husband Austin. They have a 9 month old baby girl and currently 8 weeks pregnant. They have been married almost 2 years. She is a stay at home mom and also has a home based business with Monat. She loves homemaking and organizing her house. Clean spaces are her thing.
Listen today so you can get a different perspective/response than just mine to some of these questions:
- Did you want a big family growing up? What were your husbands thoughts about it?
- What has been the hardest part for pregnancy, labor and postpartum? Anything catch you off guard?
- What are you most worried about regarding potentially having a lot of kids?
- Karaline, what was the hardest thing about being the middle child?
- How do you feel Mama prepared you for keeping a house and raising children?
- How do you practically do all the things in a day? Take care of kids, spend time with your husband, run a successful home based business, hospitality, etc.
- Have you ever felt unfulfilled in motherhood or like you’ve lost yourself?
Karaline’s quote - “Don’t live a life out of motivation, but out of commitment”
You can follow Kyla & Karaline through the links below:
- Karaline's Instagram - / __thelifeofagirl
- Kyla at Now That I'm A Mother Health's Instagram - / nowthatimamother.health
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Timestamps:
0:00-0:58 Intro
0:59-3:57 introducing my sisters
3:58-12:05 Did you want a big family
12:06-13:20 homeschool discount
13:21-28:00 hardest part in pregnancy
28:01-35:00 pitfalls in parenting
35:01-39:20 the hardest thing about being a middle child
39:21-43:00 showing more attention to middle children
43:01-49:45 keeping the house
49:46-58:22 running a business and a home
58:23-1:06:07 feeling lost in motherhood
1:06:08-1:07:54 outro

[@nataliemiller2043]

I can only imagine how this episode must bless your momma. The three of you reflecting so positively on your upbringing and becoming godly mothers is beautiful.

[@emmakate6518]

I love that you guys still call your mom “mommy” & “momma” I hope my children grow up and do the same! It’s so sweet 🥹

[@jcav7]

I’m 41 and my brother is 42 and when we talk to each other about our mom, we generally refer to her as mommy.

[@ByDesign333]

My prayers go up for whoever is starting a godly family in these perilous times...FAITH!

[@emmakate6518]

I really look up to you guys.. I grew up with 4 other siblings, so I wouldn’t really consider us a larger family but our home was chaotic growing up. There was no discipline, we did whatever we want when we wanted to and the house was always a mess, and now that I’m grown up I think that’s contributed to my poor work ethic (never made to do anything), low self esteem, and ocd when it comes to having a clean space. I’m still trying to overcome these things at 23. I’m a stay at home mom to 2 littles, a 4yro girl and a 1yo boy and I want so badly to have lots of children and to be a large family but I’m not sure if I’m cut out for it.. everything feels so hard right now, I do think I’m dealing with a little bit of depression which makes things harder but I just feel like I couldn’t handle that many children and that I don’t know how to train & discipline them because I never was.. but I’ve learned a lot from you Katie & the talks you’ve done with your mom. I so wish I had someone in my life who could kind of show me how to parent & could give me the advice and encouragement that I need. Anyways, I’m loving this episode! Your guys inspire me so much!!

[@SkySilver777]

One of my fave videos of yours. I love seeing the sibling dynamics - especially since I see so many negative comments on people from big families. To see adults who came from a happy and healthy one I feel this info is so valuable. I had my first 4 in 4 years (3 boys and one girl like Katie!) and knew I needed to space for a fifth. I came from a very small family & love seeing the sisterly bond you ladies have. Hope to see more interviews like this 💞

[@teagranola]

Katie, I think you must have done such a good job as big sister to create such a team environment among your siblings! Also I love how genuinely cheerful you all are.

[@Mom_of_the_Chickies]

I loved this episode. One thing that stands out is your admiration of your mom. Really brings about proverbs 31 ❤. And what’s more amazing is all the knowledge she passed down to you all BEFORE the Information Age. That’s one smart well rounded woman!

[@dhvh6580]

This was an incredibly fun episode!

[@fionadyson3112]

This made me think of "her children rise up and call her blessed", Proverbs 31:28. The tribute you all bring to your mum (UK speak 🤣) is so beautiful. What a great model she is and as a result we can learn from you guys too! Thank you x

[@saray9873]

More sister talk please 😍

[@galileecarlisle8950]

THis was one of my favorite ever episodes !! I think it would also be great to have one of Elisha and a couple of his brothers!!!

[@danitapowell2291]

I only had brothers and sons, for which I am very grateful, but I do miss having those women in my life. I loved watching my mother with her sisters.

[@robzzzzzz1]

Has your mother written a book ? I think a lot of us moms are trying to start new start beautiful families with kids that speak highly of us and have fond memories of childhood but many of us don’t have fond memories .. I know no one is perfect but it would be lovely to get your moms insight and perspective because she has passed down a lot of gems

[@steffa648]

This was amazing!!! Katie thank you so much for thinking of doing this with your two sisters and asking them such wonderful questions. Just hearing you talk about your own mother and hearing that most of what she did was “caught”by all you girls is such a rebuke to me to really be a better example to my own children and the attitude of the home I am bringing each day. The wisdom of you all is just amazing!! I want to speak to the last bit about how you all were saying how you felt being so young being married and having babies and everyone around you is cute and tiny and carefree- let me tell you those girls are missing out!! The older I get ( and let me tell you I am way older than you gals) the more I see how getting married and having kids young is better than anything in this world! God designed our bodies as women to be fertile for a time period and even my OBGYN said that a woman’s body is to have babies in the teens and 20s!! So I commend you all for not delaying marriage and children like so many women are around us in this culture and even in the church 😢 Wonderful podcast!! Also I am the oldest of ten so I also loved growing up in a big family! Never a dull moment 😂

[@annatubb8164]

Girls this is so helpful, im pregnant with 6th and learned SO much. Love yalls relationship!

[@emilyjoerger8964]

I’m a past homeschooled oldest of six-now married with a baby and really appreciated this! I value my mom’s intentionality, work ethic, and creativity SO much and I love that you guys value your mom so highly as well. You touched on so many relatable topics! Lots to think about! God bless!

[@Mary_Quaid]

This was so fantastic! Please, have your siblings on more often. What a great talk!

[@Mikaela777]

I really enjoyed meeting your sisters on this episode! You all are so well spoken and would be such fun to be friends with for your wisdom and outlook. I live in southwest Idaho too and want to hear about where your sister in Eagle fellowships at! God bless you and your families!

[@shiphrahhendrickson8702]

I so appreciate the truth your family shares, and the way you call out men and women to be who God created them to be!

[@kaitlync15]

One of my favorite episodes !

[@jessc6119]

I was 21 when I married my husband who was 18!😂 We had our first baby when he was 19 and our second baby the day after he turned 21. We are actively preventing pregnancy due to health concerns, but would love to be in a place to welcome more children in the future! ❤

[@thepuffinpanda9139]

I would LOVE to hear the middle child episode! I was in a family of two kids but I felt like a middle child a lot of the time because my brother was so demanding and I was also a quality time kid. It is my biggest fear in parenting that my kids won't feel like I'm there for them and I really am starting to lean towards just letting go of control and having as many babies as Jesus wills. That is a big hang up for me though so I would love to hear their takes.

[@WondaElizabeth]

This was so sweet. It took me several days to get through the whole thing, but boy was it worth it. Thank you Katie for inviting your lovely sisters on. Your Mom must be so proud of her girls. She put the work in and is now reaping the reward. God bless her and all of you!

[@brectoa]

Such gold. Beautiful sisterhood! Thank you for sharing ☺️

[@palinapalina5258]

Very good episode, thank you very much:)

[@smc240]

I enjoyed this episode so much! Pls pls have more of this. PLEASE.

[@Mary_Quaid]

Gosh, these sisters are so beautiful! You should see them all lined up with their mom. Just so gorgeous! I try not to covet their genetics too hard. 🙈🙊😆😅

[@destinyfriday6485]

This was a great video idea! Now we need to see one with your husband talking to his siblings.

[@NowThatWereAFamilyPodcast]

Great idea!!

[@angelinaorona]

Thanks for having your sisters on your channel. I’ve learned so much from each of your story to apply and adopt as a mom, wife, & sister.

[@hannahbaker2856]

I'm a middle child, and I really like the pen-and-paper way of communicating! I remember journaling a LOT as a child while simultaneously being unable to communicate out loud some of the needs I had.

[@margeesanmartino238]

On a work break and saw this. Too excited 🎉 for this one and already liking! Can’t wait to give it a listen ❤

[@SaraKiene949]

This was awesome! It was so cool to see the dynamics between you three sisters and your similarities and differences. Loved it! Xx

[@frochoffthebranch]

“People can homemake, and then people can make a home” 👏 yes so true. Loved this chat ladies, so beautiful in many ways.

[@rachelmunoz]

So much wonderful wisdom shared in this podcast!! Y’all are so encouraging! Thank you for sharing each of your perspectives!

[@JM76231]

You done an excellent job and love when you have your sisters on also.🙃

[@Gabriella734]

I really enjoyed listening to this! Thank you for sharing. I would love to hear Katie's answers to these same questions :)

[@homewithliv6293]

Awww we Love the Vanwingerdens! Sarah is the best! I had no idea Kyla was your sister. How fun!

[@meganrichter9748]

I also love writing! It's great for both the people that struggle with speaking up and those that tend to blurt out the first (potentially hurtful or inaccurate) things that come to mind. We can get our thoughts out of our heads and then choose which ones are actually important to share and how to best communicate them so we can go into any conversation confident and prepared :)

[@EdibleGoddess]

What a valuable conversation ladies!! To hear your view of your mom and all that she directly & indirectly taught you. Attitude IS everything! Such an impact it has. I’ve had my own rude awakening with that and am reminded how that is what permeates the home, just as much as whether it’s picked up and clean 💞

[@rachelschrock9157]

Love when you have family on the podcast!!

[@annielouise5048]

Thanks so much for sharing! Love the wisdom of a home being made from our attitude not just in how tidy it is. I am due with baby 5 in a few weeks and am feeling a bit hormonal and anxious about getting my to do list done but need to remember to have a happy atmosphere in the home. Thanks girls! Great content ❤️

[@olgavakulich]

Such a great episode!! You girls are amazing mamas and women overall! God bless you and your families!! ❤❤❤

[@Laurenttroyer]

Loved this! What a fun podcast! Even though I’m in the end stages of child training (teenagers), in my 40’s now 😬 yikes, and my last pregnancy was 16 years ago, I still found this super refreshing and super helpful. That quote Karaline mentioned really has inspired me as well and I will for sure meditate on that more and more as I go about my daily life and responsibilities…. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom and insights ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AlinaKu93]

This was so good! I enjoyed listening to this.😊❤

[@annad9166]

Thank you Karaline for the quote!

[@downlow0075]

Your parents are some of the finest people i know!! Love them so much. Hi from Georgia.

[@kendalecheverria8542]

We are in Boise! Originally from SW Washington. What a small world!

[@timvandermey4792]

One of my favorite episodes! Bring them back! Danya

[@AlyssaHartwick]

You ladies are all so sweet! Wish we could be friends in real life 🥰

[@ABeautifulHorizonTV]

"Sail by Ash Breeze" haha We read that book last year. 😁👏

[@katjakovalchuk3969]

Love it! Blessings to you!! 🙏

[@hannahmcmillan5712]

I always held onto 10 pounds while nursing too. I wonder how common that is.

[@Rosie_C]

I remember reaching a point in my teen years and asking my mom, “why am I so different than you in all the female ways?!” She didn’t even hesitate and told me that I was just like my Dad’s mother. I think that’s a quirky surprise for many girls! :) Now I wish I had asked my grandma some questions about life before she got dementia.

[@cherylbrunner9404]

Gratitude

[@brigettepepe9496]

Best video! ❤

[@nh2008]

Hi 😀 could you please do an episode on ‘spacing’ children? Thank you so much! ❤️

[@valeriya105]

I love this podcast but Katie I think you have to change the intro music! LOL Almost 99% of the time you cut off and start talking before the intro ends and it cracks me up because it sounds like you're irritated at it! lol

[@madisoncarter4454]

Aww my sister's name is Quincey too

[@glendaakers7528]

❤❤❤

[@user-ql2ml3io3m]

Michael Edwards stefanski

[@alliclymer744]

My mind just got blown that your sister married a Tolpin 🤯

[@danitapowell2291]

Are you all Mormon families?

[@jessicablank6470]

What are Mormon families?