Where the Heck Did All These Kids Come From? (Part 2)

Kids. Don’t You Just Love Them?

I mean, how could you not, right?
I remember when I was young — I always had the best, most realistic baby dolls. I loved my doll children and took them everywhere with me. Isn’t it interesting how we’re unknowingly conditioned to become parents from such a young age?

But that’s beside the point.
When I was little, I just knew I wanted to be a parent someday. I grew up watching all the ’90s shows like Full House, Family Matters, Married with Children, Moesha, The Simpsons, and Home Improvement — and parenting looked so fun.

By 12, I was babysitting for my mom and her friends while they went out. They paid me good money, and even though I loved the cash, I genuinely adored kids.

Why am I telling you all this?
Shhh. Be patient. I’m painting a picture here.

I Always Knew I’d Be a Mother… But I Was in for a Surprise

Ever since I can remember, I dreamed of having two kids — preferably a girl and a boy.

In my early adult years, my goddaughter Sasha was with me so much that people thought she was mine. I was in a relationship where we both wanted children, but after 2½ years and no pregnancy, I assumed I was unable to conceive.

I was wrong.

Meeting My Husband & Baby #1

At 21, I went to a party with my on-again, off-again boyfriend. He got so drunk he was throwing up, and I was over it. I stepped outside, and that’s when I met my husband. We talked, exchanged numbers… and the rest is history.

Four months into our relationship, I got pregnant. I was flabbergasted. Two months later, we got married — we didn’t want to bring a child into the world unmarried.

In August 2013, our first son, Darre’aun (Darre’aun is me and my husband’s name combined), was born.
He was our pride and joy. Through tough times — even homelessness — he was our light. That beautiful, infectious smile and goofiness reminded us daily how blessed we were.

Baby #2: Sleep? What’s That?

Almost two years later, we decided to have another baby.

In January 2016, Amiri (Arabic for “Prince”) was born. From the second he entered the world, his lungs were working overtime. He cried constantly. Darren and I barely slept. We took turns sleeping on an air mattress with him — night after night. We were sleep-deprived, irritable, and fighting often. We even talked about breaking up.

And then, just 3 months later…

Baby #3: Mental Breakdown Incoming

I found out I was pregnant again — and I was completely devastated. We were already on edge, Amiri was crying nonstop, and I felt like I was spiraling.

But what could I do?

In January 2017, our third son, Christian (“Follower of Christ”), was born. We braced ourselves for more screaming, but he was the calm after the storm — so quiet, so happy. God gave us a breather, and we desperately needed it.

This was enough. I had one more than I ever imagined. I was good.

But… it didn’t end there.

Baby #4: Déjà Vu with a Twist

In March 2018, Azariah (“Yahweh has helped”) arrived — and just like Amiri, he came out crying and didn’t stop. He was clingy and colicky. Once again, my patience (and sanity) was tested.

Eventually, I got all the boys in school and started reclaiming a little peace and quiet.

Until…

Baby #5: Surprise from the Heavens

One day, Jesus Himself must’ve come down and touched my womb — because I got pregnant with Ethan.

Shocking? Yes.
Devastating? Also yes.

I still don’t know how it happened. I felt like the Virgin Mary — pregnant against all odds. But for the fifth time, the show had to go on.

In November 2021, Ethan (*“Strong” or “Firm” in Hebrew) made his grand entrance. The first 24 hours were bliss — he was quiet, calm… angelic even.

Then he woke up.
Clingy. Demanding. Loud.
(Spoiler alert: He still is.)

So Why Am I Telling You This?

Because life never goes according to our plan.
We can map out every detail, speak our dreams out loud, and still end up somewhere we never expected — yet perfectly placed.

Growing up, I always said I wanted two kids.
Darren always said he wanted a big family.

Well, it looks like God heard him louder than He heard me. 😅
And while this life isn’t for the weak, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Why is any of this important?

We, as humans, tend to believe that life is supposed to go exactly how we desire. But the truth is, our story has already been written.

We can make all the plans in the world, but if something isn’t meant to be part of our journey, it simply won’t be.

In the end, I didn’t get the quiet little life I imagined — I got a five-boy circus, a house full of yelling, laughter, and crumbs, and a husband who somehow spoke this big family into existence.

I may have dreamed of two kids, but I was chosen for five (plus one bonus), and every single one has stretched me, broken me, and rebuilt me in the most unexpected ways.

And while it’s not easy — it’s mine.
It’s messy.
It’s loud.
It’s love.

So if you’re ever wondering how all these kids showed up…
Just blame Darren. I do. 😉

Crowned in Purpose