Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I'm Really Going to Have Three Kids?!?!

I think it has just really hit me that I will have three kids in a few months. I mean, my head has always known this (duh…this baby was planned), but it’s like reality has actually set in.

Every day to work I drive by the exit to my hospital. I love the hospital I deliver in. In fact, my favorite part of having a baby is the two (or three depending on how long the child decides to take) days I get to spend in the hospital. And today when I drove by it, my mind flashed back to the last time I did this.

My son was a quick delivery…5 hours from the time they inserted the first needle until he made his appearance (and that was with some serious pushing because he was not ready to come out!). He was a pistol in the hospital, but so was my daughter, so I just assumed that it was the whole “getting used to the world” thing.

When we got home he continued to be a pain. Not quite what I would call colicky, but he cried a lot, and hardly ever smiled. We took two vacations right after he was born (like I did with my daughter…maternity leave means extra vacation time!) and the one in particular was the most miserable trip I’ve ever taken. He spent the whole time crying, and in turn making me cry.

I had a hard time getting used to having two kids. I can’t pinpoint exactly why…but it seemed to take forever to leave the house, and my son was so demanding that I really thought I was neglecting my daughter. And the whole pregnancy I was so worried about how I was going to love two kids, and how anyone would be as precious to me as my daughter was, and here I was spending all my time with my son.

Life got so much better when he was three months old. It’s like it all “clicked.” And he became a much happier baby! From that time on (even now) he has been so laid back and happy most of the time.

So as I was remembering this, I was thinking about how it would be getting used to having three kids. I’ve heard people say they had the hardest time going from 1 kid to 2 kids, and yet others say it was harder going from 2 kids to 3 kids. I hope my hardest was the former, because I don’t think I can deal with it being worse this next time.

So for those of you with three kids…which was harder for you? 1 to 2 or 2 to 3?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

By far 2 to 3. 1 to 2 was a walk in the park compared to 2 to 3.

Anonymous said...

I'm terrified of going from 1 to 2 so, the thought of 2 to 3? Scares the life outta me!!

You're an awesome Mom--I think you (and the kids) will adjust to the new baby just fine. I want to be like you when I get big.

Oh. Wait. I AM big. Well, crap.

:)

Jen said...

Hmmm...probably not what you want to hear, but 2 to 3 was the hardest for me. My husband and I were outnumbered and going out got much tougher. Now, though, a few years past the baby stage, and it is back to being easy.

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

Well, my situation is a bit different I suppose. I have 3 kids, but I went from having one 4 year old, to having one 4 year old and an 18 month old when Chris and I married and then 7 months later, Alyssa was born. The transition was probably easier for me since Haley was not a baby, she was a toddler, but even after Alyssa was born, it wasn't that bad.

Your kids are older so they will be a big help to you and they are more independent, so all the attention that a newborn requires will probably be a bit easier.

Anonymous said...

I think the hardest part of going from 2 to 3 kids is when I go grocery shopping! It is hard to find a cart that will hold 3 kids and groceries! Other from that, it wasn't too bad. Now that my youngest is 2, I'm finding it harder only because there are 3 now that are fighting for my time AND energy! As much as I try to make everyone equal someone always seems to feel left out. Knowing you and how you are, you will be completely fine. If you ever need anything, I am only a short drive and phone call away!

Christy said...

I only have one, but we are starting to plan for the next one soonish. I am freaking out about how I am going to handle and love another as much as my daughter. Have to say it is comforting to hear that it is apparently a 'normal' thing to wonder.

Don't worry to, you are a wonderful and I know will continue to be.

Kelly said...

Well I have no kids so I'm not much of a big help here. BUT, I have witness many many friends with 1, 2, and 3 and some even 4 kids..and from what I see, the key is to have the older kids a part of the baby's life. Dur! That sounds stupid. What I mean is have them involved..have them help out..ok if that makes any sense..It just isn't coming out the way I want...My brother and sister-in-law I'm sure are goign through the same exact "thought" process you are!

Radioactive Tori said...

I never only had two kids, so I have no idea how that would be. I do know for a fact that going from one child to three is a huge adjustment...but that is because twins are hard no matter how you do it! My 4th baby added in very easily to our family.

3XMom said...

2 to 3 is hard. But also wonderful. The other kids jump in and help out and become so much closer themselves. It is really great. I freaked out when I was pregnant with my 3rd (not planned) and now, of course, we can't imagine our lives without him. Your third helps you appreciate all the amazing things about a newborn. And the sweet cuddliness of a little baby. You will love it, I promise!