Power of Three: why three is better than not having three

When you’re pregnant with your third, people say a lot of things. Some women have the shocking inability to control their jaws and tell you about their horrific birthing and postpartum health issues. Others say–many say–you’re outnumbered now–or the very confusing–you’re playing zone defense. People smile, sigh, and if they already have three or more, they give this sort of look. This look like you have no idea what you’re in for. Of course you don’t. Because you’ve never had three kids before.

Don’t forget my sample day with three kids under 5. Or how to juggle them.

And if you’re like me and your kids are about two years apart, you soon realize that the newborn isn’t the issue. Newborns you can do in your sleep. And, in fact, you do do them in your sleep.

Mocs courtesy of Freshly Picked

And the four year old? He only flaps his arms and tantrums on occasion. By now, his brain has grown leaps and bounds in the self-regulation department. He gets not getting his way. He gets sharing. He’s been sharing for two years now. If he’s like my son, he’s very sweet tempered and affectionate, naturally a snuggler and wants to please.

The two year old. Let’s talk about how a two year old sees the world.

Mama, I want that.

You can’t have it right now.

I NEED IT I WANT IT I NEED IT I WANT IT WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Okay, when I am done using it, if you would like it, you may stop whining and ask nicely.

I DON’T WANT TO STOP WHINING. I CAN’T STOP WHINING. I CAN’T!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please, stop crying, you’re waking up the baby and I spent an hour getting him to sleep.

I WANT THE BABY. I WANT HIM UP. I WANT TO TOUCH HIM. I WANT TO HOLD HIM. CAN I HOLD HIM NOW?????????

He endures a lot, that baby. The body slam hugs. The shrill shrieks of joy echoing in his entire facial cavity when a little girl finds out she gets to hold him. The petting on the ears. The armpit tackles when she needs to “make him safe” from something, aka, his toy, aka her doll’s toy, NO it is his toy. But he’s resilient and has survived more than eight months in this madhouse.

I never knew how much work three kids would be, especially as I’m home with them and no one is in school. I also never knew how much the moments when they’re all happy and loving each other would mean to me. I truly carry them in my heart and the top of my brain when I want to scream (and do) for everyone to stop whatever awfulness they’re engaged in.

My heart has tripled. Counting my husband, maybe it’s quadrupled. The baby is adored by all of us. He adores his us, but especially the older kids. Three is thirty times better than two. We are so blessed.

So moms who are expecting your third who’s growing inside or in your heart. Just hug that belly or your bigger kids. It’s gonna be amazing.

Ask BabyLoves.

And thanks for voting me a tied runner up in the Lifestyle Blogger category over at A Knotted Life’s Sheenazing Awards! Tied with Dwija from House Unseen, and we were both bested by Kendra at Catholic All Year. Check out all the nominees & winners over at Bonnie’s.