Parents of six sons: people often joke at the store – why so many loaves of bread, are you feeding anchovies?

Jurgita and Mindaugas Gaudiešiai, a couple from the Telšiai district, have six sons—two biological and four foster children. In an interview with LRT.lt, they shared their journey of building a large family and the joys and challenges that come with it.

The couple initially took in two girls from a relative’s family in crisis, caring for them for three years before they returned to their mother. Soon after, they were asked to temporarily foster a five-month-old boy, Laimonas, who has since become a permanent part of their family. Not long after, they welcomed three brothers, who also stayed.

“At first, you don’t know what to expect. On the second day, you ask yourself, ‘What have I done? Did we need this?’ But then you move forward,” Jurgita said with a laugh. Mindaugas added, “It’s good—there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself.”

The children, once reserved and unsure of humor, have since blossomed. The parents now enjoy their lively household, where each child has their own talents. Lukas, 14, is an avid reader and excels in sports dancing. Rokas, 13, is sensitive and artistic, while 11-year-old Tomas plays the piano and is the most mischievous. Tadas, their biological son, has always wanted to grow up surrounded by siblings. Laimonas, the youngest, was the first foster child to join their family.

Jurgita and Mindaugas take pride in nurturing their children’s abilities and maintaining a warm, supportive home. “When we’re all together, it’s never boring,” they said.