I have gotten a lot of "How are things with three?"
Good! Quite honestly, easier than the transition to two. I've mentioned before that George is a great baby and that is a huge factor. If he was super fussy or colicky then I know I would feel differently.
But really, life hasn't changed all that much. Before he was born I was caring for kids 100% of the time, and now that he's here I'm still caring for kids 100% of the time.
Plus, I was so uncomfortable and huge those last weeks of pregnancy. It had really slowed me down. So now, physically I feel so much better and energetic even with the lack of sleep.
I'm finding that running errands is impossible. I have yet to take all three of them anywhere that we have to get out of the car and go in - like the grocery store. I think I'd rather eat dirt than take them all to the store right now.
Also, it's helpful that Laurie and Stephen have each other to play with when I'm tied up with the baby. They have really bonded through this whole experience of having a baby brother.
Mornings are hard. I have trouble getting out of bed, and I feel that I'm getting my deepest sleep around 6:30 a.m. when Stephen and Laurie wake up. COFFEE. Got to have it. Also, I'm over my guilt about putting them in front of the TV first thing in the morning while they drink their milk. This gives me time to nurse baby George, make breakfast and lunches, and have a little orientation to my day without people all up in my face.
I notice I'm leaning towards lots of structure, planning, organizing, simplifying. You may know I'm kinda into this anyway, and the three babies sends me into overdrive. I want to make a list and a plan and a schedule for everybody and everything. I want to declutter every nook and cranny. And I have time to do it because I'm "stuck" at home.
Capt' Steve has been most understating and helpful. He's in the trenches with me. He makes the coffee the night before, and that really speaks to my love language. This morning he stayed home with George while Stephen was at school and I took Laurie to the grocery store. He did this so I would not have to spend the better part of my Saturday morning at the grocery store. How romantic is that? At this point in my life - very.
We are pretty much "on" all the time. But you do what you gotta do. You rise to the occasion. Amazingly, God provides.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention wine. A full bodied glass of Cabernet doesn't hurt my feelings at all these days.
So happy to hear that the transition is going well. Love the frequent posts!! But of course, those cutie patooties come first, so no pressure :) Y'all have a fabulous weekend!
ReplyDeletewell, I'll say it again: I love your attitude towards life! I'm so pleased to hear how things are going. That photo says a lot, too!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say " . . . people all up in my face". That's the perfect way to describe it!
ReplyDeleteOh, and almost 2.5 years later, I still do NOT take all of the children into a store with me. Don't know if I ever will.
I've heard many a momma say the same about the transition from 2 to 3 being easier than 1 to 2. I'm glad to hear it. You are doing so well and just rolling with the punches. Up until a few weeks ago, I couldn't imagine birthing another life into my home, but I'm feeling encouraged!
ReplyDeleteI so love that picture. Definitely worth 1000 words!
Thank you for the encouraging words about life with three. That will be us very soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteloved this.
ReplyDeleteThey are mighty cute!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog for a while now, ever since clicking over to it one day from my cousin's blog, Wanting What I Have. I have a family like yours, just a few months ahead...a newly 4yo, a 2.5 yo, and a 9 month old. I too found the transition from 2 to 3 to be easier than 1 to 2, and am finding that as my older two get older and become even better playmates, it really is just getting easier in a lot of ways.
Anyway, I wanted to share with you my taking-them-all-to-the-store philosophy, which also applies to taking them most anywhere...instead of viewing just the procurement of the groceries as the goal of the activity, I decide a while back to begin viewing the whole entire shebang as the activity/outing. It doesn't really matter to them *why* we are putting on our coats, driving in the car, riding in the buggy, etc. They just view it as their activity for the moment, so why shouldn't I? And all those moments spent preparing and packing up and loading children in and out of various contraptions are moments I'm not spending at home, picking my brain for the next educational activity to engage them in.
For me, deciding to take this view of it takes a lot of the pressure off and makes the whole thing more enjoyable. Who cares if it takes 15 minutes for all the car seat buckles to get buckled? Just cheerfully work away at it and enjoy their company all the while. Who cares if I can only get half the groceries at a time, because my cart is full of children? That gives an activity for another day! There are plenty of days I fail miserably at adhering to this attitude, but when I make the effort to see things this way, it really helps my spirit and I think my children enjoy me and our time more!
Not sure why I felt compelled to share all this in the first time I ever comment on your blog. Ha! But something about your post just resonated with how I felt at the beginning of having three! Best of luck to you!
Elizabeth Snodgrass
Elizabeth, I love your thoughts on this. Super encouraging. Thank you. I think I can do it with that mindset. It's just the activity for the day. I like it.
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