One More on the Way

My boys were 2 and 4 when my daughter was born. At times it can be hectic at my house, but my 4 yr. old is a big help. I almost never go out without a double stroller. After the first couple months I bet you'll resume normal activities. The best suggestion I have for you is to give your boys an activity while you feed your new baby (when he/she is born). I have lots of baby clothes you are welcome to go through, girl and boy. Let me know if you ever want to get our kids together or swap stories or suggestions.

Hi Sweetie,

You sound just like me. I have a 4 and 2 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. My boys were 4 months and 3 when I was pregnant. My last two are 13 months apart. I know what you mean about overwhelming. Boys can be a little crazy some times. Your going to do fine. When I first had my daughter I freaked out a little the first weekend. I was like "what did I get myself into. I can't handle this." But that feeling soon past. It was a little stressful when she was still small. It's hard to explain to a 1 year old about being gentle with a newborn. As soon as my little one was about 5 months and getting stronger it was a little easier. Believe me it's always a little crazy!! And our house is pretty loud. But we love it. The kids play so well together (most of the time). The boys protect their little sister. It's hard to leave the house with three kids but I still manage. As they grow it will get easier to go places. Good luck to you and Congradulations on the new baby. Don't worry about having three kids, it's stressful at times but you'll do fine and you'll love your big family. I love having them close together, they really have an incredible bond.
Take care and best wishes! :)

D.

Almost in the same situation, but i have a 15 yr old girl. A 15 month old boy. And I am about 8 weeks Pregnant. Fun times huh. Wanted another---then everything seems so diffucult. Meaning the future. Don't own a house yet. live in a two bedroom apt. And with me not working, don't see much of a way out right now. Husband keeps reminding me everything will be ok---An to boot, haven't found a dr. my old ob moved to Scottsdale. If you need to talk---I am at ____@____.com

it is overwhelming. I've done it, my sister and brother as well (3 kids in 4 years). It is hard but there are no rules. You don't have to pack everyone up and go to the park alone...you can make your home an ez environment (all breakables away, large open space for balls sports and forts) and hang out together. The kids entertain themselves and become so close in the long run. mine are now teenagers and they take care of each other, it is so cute still to watch. if you can get a helper to come for 1 hour everyday, that will keep you sane. that helper should be willing to either do the dishes or watch the kids in the bath, yes 3 in a bath is fun.you will know that you have that 1 hour daily break that is not tiring you or your husband out.

Hi, L. (love that name, by the way - you're my biblical sister!) ~

I have three children: ages 7 (next month), 3, and 9 months. Only our 3-year-old was planned. Weirdest thing - he was the only one I was freaking out over! I was about four months into my pregnancy when it dawned on me that I didn't have it all together with my first son and I might just snap under the pressure of a second mouth to feed and listen to. I have a history of emotional challenges, including a great deal of anxiety, and ppd has always been an issue. But I have several excellent outlets, lots of support, and one in particular I couldn't possibly live without. I try to take it one "incident" or "task" at a time (if I dare to take it an entire DAY at a time, I won't make it). If you'd like some additional support, another friend to bounce stuff off of, or a walking buddy (of course, exercise is NOT optional for the overly stressed), feel free to contact me. ____@____.com

All the best to you and your family ~
R.

I saw your post and thought I was seeing myself 2 years ago (my name is also L. G, but I am not a full time student--I was moving across country at the time). It was a big change to have a third with the other 2 so young, but fun. I now have 3 boys and my youngest--17 months, just started walking a month ago. They play together really well. My biggest issue is getting out for errands, etc. It just takes more time to get 3 kids out the door and in and out of the car! You will do just fine, no need to panic. Enjoy your pregnancy and time with the 2 boys before #3 arrives!

Congratulations on number 3. I have three wonderful children and could not imagine what two would be like anymore. I have two boys and a girl that are each 2 years 4 months apart. I LOVE it!! You know that expression two's company, three's a crowd... well bologna! Three is a PARTY. Don't be worried, it all works out. The cool thing about it is they never get tired of each other. When one doesn't want to play the other two go do their thing. I am not going to tell you it is easy, especially when they all want to talk at once, but the benefits out way the problems. The most important thing is just to be sure that you are giving each individual attention. We try to make each feel special in their own way so they don't get jealous of the other two. (less fighting that way) Oh and on the whold "middle child" stereo type, I don't have a "middle child" I have a "youngest son". Also, try to have them "help" you do things for the baby. Let your boys know that they are getting a new friend to play with and have been promoted to a new position in the house. Maybe laundry folder, or professional toy organizer. Keep it fun and give them a little responsibility and you will be fine. Again, best wishes and don't sweat the small stuff!

My boys are 17 months apart, ages 3 1/2 and 2. My husband is gone 3-4 days/nights a week. When my youngest was 7 months I felt the pressure...in Costco! I left the store, got in my car and cried. I knew something was wrong, so I called my doctor and he saw me that day. He put me me on lexapro and gave me xanax in case I was having a really bad day. Unfortunately, I had to stop nursing, but my children had a happier mother. I feel some people have chemical imabalances in their bodies and need something to balance. It's OK to take meds, especially if your children will benefit!! Good luck!

Hi L.,
I have four young kids - the first two are 6 months apart (stepson) and my youngest are 16 months apart. It's definitely challenging, but you can manage best if you can:

-nap when they do
-get a sitter at least once a month - better if 2x!
-join a mom's group for support and socialization
-find humor in what you do:
www.mommasaid.net - great site that will make you laugh!

Read her book, "14 Hours Til Bedtime"
http://www.mommasaid.net/14hours.aspx

While your children are closer in age than mine, I also have 3 kiddos. I am a sahm by day and go to school fulltime at night and also work part time at night and on weekends. I will give it to you that it can be challenging, but I haven't lost my mind yet. I had post pardum depression with all three so I was a bit concerned, but my youngest is now going to be one and just as you do when you have baby #2, you get into a groove with things and everything works itself out. Just remember to schedule some "you" time so that you can maintain your calm and refocus if necessary.

Meg

going from one to two was hard for me. three kids is a breeze!!! dont worry, i was really worried with my third too. its really not to much harder then two. good luck!!

L.,
Congrats on your third. I have three sons...they are now 11, 15, and 17. I went to nursing school full time (however this was when they were a little older). I can say looking back when my oldest was 5 and my middle 3 years old and my third on the way....the most important thing is have a schedule. Kids will do well when they know what is expected. Have set bed times early enough so you can spend quality time with your husband or study for school. Have an outing to the park frequently, this is good for rumbunctious boys! They will enjoy it and they will wear out so they will take a nap or sleep well that night. This also will give you some break, you can always meet with other moms at the park, usually kids play with other kids then. And remember going to school can be stressful always set time aside every week for family! I hope this helps.
W.

Hi L.,
My name is G., I run a small Daycare along with my sister in law and we are very happy with the children we care for on a daily basis, as they seem to be very happy here too. They always have a bright huge smile every morning as they are being dropped off for the day. Which ofcourse makes us feel that we are doing things right. Parents are very happy here which again makes us feel great to be doing what we do. My advice would be... if you need to get away - even if it is for just an hour to be able to take a deep breath... you may drop them off here at your convience. We are located on E. University Dr. You may stop by to meet us both one day just to have a back up if you wish. Huge congratulations with the baby on the way!!! If you think you may be interested, please do not hesitate to give us a call at ###-###-####! Would love to hear from you.