I had 19 kids but begged my husband for more – now we have 20 but I'm still a hands on parent

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

HAVING a handful of kids can be hard work - so imagine what it's like for Desiree Hart-Spegal who has 20 children to look after.
Desiree, who shares her daily life with her 66,000
TikTok
followers, said she had begged her husband to have one more baby when she hit 19.
Advertisement
2
Desiree Hart-Spegal begged her husband for one more kid and they have just welcomed their 20th child
Credit: tiktok/@perfectly_blended_family/
In a light-hearted video, husband Christopher could be seen shaking his head to audio that said 'no, no no.'
However, it seems like Desiree got her way, as baby number 20, Zavior Hezekiah Hart, arrived on May 19 this month.
The proud mum showed off photos of her new son calling him 'perfect', and captioning the post: 'Here's your sign to have a 20th.'
On her
Advertisement
More on large families
She explained that she had given birth to 12 out of the 20 kids, and there were children from their previous relationships too.
Desiree said that family photos show children who 'his, mine and ours (mine and ours is what I have birthed)' - with the couple sharing nine kids together.
She explained: 'Yes! We're blended! But I would have gladly birthed them ALL.'
As well as feeding so many mouths, Desiree shared how the biggest job is keeping up with the clothes washing.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
She told her followers: 'Laundry is my biggest tackle CONSTANTLY. It's the job that never ends!'
The mum shared how her and her husband try to stay present with their kids, and explained: "We just wing it and pay attention!!
I'm a mum-of-10 and I need four trolleys for a weekly shop because making all those packed lunches each day is like preparing for a family buffet
"They also spend time with each other and we also group up to outings!"
Another tricky aspect of having so many kids is getting around, and Desiree shared how they have multiple vehicles.
Advertisement
However, she added: 'We are really thinking about the
Mercedes
15 passenger van.'
One of the
benefits
of having a large family is knowing they will have a support system in the
future
.
Desiree shared: 'I know they will end up being good friends and making time for each other.'
2
Desiree said laundry in their house 'never ends' and they have to get around using multiple vehicles
Credit: tiktok/@perfectly_blended_family/
Advertisement
One follower asked how they have time and space to make so many kids when they have such a full household.
Desiree explained: 'Oh we have structure. And make sure to put each other first.'
Many people were quick to chime in with their views, with one saying: 'He read 'be fruitful and multiply.' and took it personal lol congratulations and respect!!'
Another added: 'If you guys can do it! go for it!'
Advertisement
A third commented: 'So many beautiful babies.'
The world's biggest families
The Vassilyev family
This family currently holds the record for the most children a couple has parented, after the matriarch gave birth to 69 children, including 16 pairs of twins and seven sets of triplets.
Mrs. Vassilyev has given birth to a total of 69 children, including 16 pairs of twins and 7 sets of triplets. 67 of the 69 children survived infancy.
The Radfords
Sue and Noel are parents to 22 children, and their hectic family life is documented in reality show 22 Kids and Counting.
The pair have remained adamant that they won't be having any more kids, but the amount of grandchildren they have is ever expanding, with daughters Sophie and Millie both mums of three.
The Duggars
Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have 19 children - 10 sons and nine daughters.
All of their children's names begin with the letter J.
They also had their own reality show in the United States, and became household names because of it.
The Bates family
Kelly also has 19 children, with her husband Gil Bates.
Of 19 deliveries, 14 of them were natural.
The couple also have 28 grandchildren, with four more on the way.
The Dougherty Dozen
Mum Alicia frequently shares videos and pictures of her family.
She and husband Josh have four biological children together, as well as adopting or fostering the rest of their brood.
The Rosario family
Yalancia and husband Michael are parents of 11.
They had their first daughter together earlier this year, and are also parents to Jamel, 15, Michael Jr, 11, Angelo, 10, Gimani, seven, Armani, six, Sincere, three and Khaza, two.
Their fourth son, also named Armani, was stillborn.