There’s a family on TLC that has their own reality show, and I’m totally addicted to it. It’s called Jon & Kate Plus 8, and it features the Gosselin family of Pennsylvania. They have their own show because they have 8 kids — one set of 5-year-old twins, and one set of 2-year-old sextuplets. Crazy! Jon works as an IT consultant, and Kate stays home with the kids. Kate is uber organised and anal — I think you would have to be, just to survive, and I totally understand her need to make lists and sort things and keep things on a tight schedule. Jon is laid back and easygoing, which again, I would think you’d have to be, just to survive the constant unexpected and insane things that must happen at their house.

Past episodes have shown them doing everyday things like taking their kids shopping, or preparing meals for 10 people, or even just getting the sextuplets down for a nap. It’s fascinating to see the sheer volume of work involved…not to mention the sheer volume of stuff. Just a quick pan of the shoe and coat racks that line their garage is enough to give any other parent heart palpitations. I really hope they are making some money from the show, as they are already thinking about saving for the day when they have 8 kids in college. Aye carumba.

The Gosselins are often invited to speak or make appearances on talk shows, which is nice because they usually get a little trip out of it, something they would never be able to afford or organise otherwise. I like watching them because despite their semi-celebrity status, they seem like real, down to earth kind of people. Kate is always saying that people refer to her as an “inspiration,” but she never feels like anything other than a normal mom. Still, I find their lives fascinating and, yes, inspirational — like, if they can get through a whole week without having a nervous breakdown, then surely, I can handle my two with no problem. Another thing I really like about the show is that although they have a few close friends, they don’t seen to have any family nearby — certainly no grandparents have ever made an appearance on the show — and that, again, reassures me that it can be done. You can do it! You can survive parenthood!

Another thing that is great about the show is that Jon and Kate aren’t shy at all about sharing their private lives. With eight kids, there’s definitely some tension, and they are quite comfortable talking about the bickering and squabbling that sometimes goes on between them. But besides the little arguments, there’s obviously a lot of love — between the parents, and also for their kids. Although life is tough, it’s clear that they don’t regret their decision to have the babies at all, and are really, really happy with their big family. The kids are adorable, outgoing, and sweet, and they love their Mommy and Daddy. It’s just nice, and makes me (and , who I actually have watching the show now) feel all misty about our own kids.

But we are definitely stopping at three :).