Chipy and her five 'dwarfs'

Today, while doing my monthly grocery shopping at Carrefour, I accidentaly bumped into Chipy, one of my closest friends in college. To everyone's surprise, she unbelievably has 5 kids now! Her eldest daughter is slightly younger than my eldest son, who is just 8 years old! It's kind of hard to imagine her with this amazing 'crowd'. She even bought a mini bus which could accomodate up to 12 pax! With 5 kids, each coupled with its own nanny, the minibus is undoubtedly the most convenient vehicle for the family.

During our time in college, Chipy was known as a very active campus girl, never said 'no' to any campus activity while I still had to highly consider when it came to camping or any outdoor activity. I would imagine she would end up being a very successful career woman in the chemical-related industry, which was actually quite close when once she joined one of the leading oil companies right after she graduated. It struck me quite hard knowing that a person like her whom I know was always full of high spirit now could fully dedicate herself to family life, I mean 100% dedication! You wouldn't believe it is very hard to drag her out of the house for only a couple of hours for a 'get together' time with old pals from college. The term Full Time Mom (FTM) is what she really deserves.

I begin to realize that life is about a CHOICE. Talking to Chipy for only a few minutes had forced me to ask myself. Have I made a choice for my life? I tried to contemplate a bit and put a big mirror in front of myself. There I saw a very confused and conflicting look who keep weighing so many life options; should I pursue another career life, should I consider having another kid, should I just be a good housewife, should I be happy with what I'm doing now, should I..., should I....???

Chipy made me realized that you have to enjoy and take consequence of what ever you decide, which she did tremendously! "If you want to try having another baby, try it now!", that how she scolded me. "Dont bother listening to too many opinions, by the time you make up your mind you will realiaze that you're already too old to have another baby. Just do it now!"

This last couple of years was kind of turning point for me. So many big things happened, so many big decisions to make. Leaving behind my career life, starting my own business venture, getting myself involved in a lecturing activity are among those big milestones. Some deserve to be regreted while others are entitled to be labeled as once in a life's decision. Yet, there's still one which is still making my head spinning. Though constantly persuaded by my husband, I still havent internalised my mind and come to the point that having another kid is really a good idea.....

Looking at Chipy, walking down the aisle in Carrefour with her five dwarfs, again something struck my mind, "what's the worst thing could happen, if I were in her position?" Gaining more weights, less good nite sleep, cracked nipples, endless baby sitter-related problems, less time for shopping malls, less time for traveling??? Nothing, I guess...... I could live with that, I suppose. Compared to what I will treasure in my golden ages, surrounded with more laughters and love from my kids, well...I guess will be quite even.

If Chipy dares to face all the challenges, and stumbling blocks of having a 'big' family, why shouldn't I? Well, I suppose I will have to check my cellphone whether it still has the number of my obgyn clinic. The more drawfs, the merrier............??!!! Just keep your fingers crossed for me!