I never intended to have my kids so close together; it just sort of unfolded that way. After my first child was born, I was stunned by how often I was asked when I’d be having another. My polite response was usually, “Once he starts school,” (which was genuinely my plan) while I tried to suppress my frustration at the audacity of the question. Seriously, I was still mastering diaper changes, and suddenly everyone expected me to be a baby factory!
As it turned out, I became quite the prolific parent. Having three kids in just three years gives off the impression that you’re a fertility machine. People often looked at me like I was insane (the same folks who were eager for me to pop out another). When I was pregnant, I loved jokingly saying, “Nope, not crazy. My partner and I just can’t keep our hands off each other!” But once the kids arrived, I was more likely to shout, “Yes! We are absolutely mad!”
Through this whirlwind, I’ve discovered that there’s both beauty and chaos in having kids close in age. Here’s a glimpse into the good, the challenging, and the “How on earth will I manage this?” moments:
- Pregnancy Feels Endless
Your first pregnancy clothes are still trendy for subsequent pregnancies. Instead of congratulations, people just eye your growing belly and ask, “Again? Were you pregnant when I last saw you? Is it the same baby?” To outsiders, it all blurs together. - You Become Best Buds with Your Doctor
By the time I walked into my first prenatal visit for baby number three, my doctor jokingly said, “Sorry, you hit your limit!” On the bright side, she remembered my preferences: no weighing in the third trimester, certain tests I wanted to skip, and that I might shed a tear during each visit. - Your Body Knows the Drill
Your body quickly remembers what to do when you’re pregnant again. By my third pregnancy, just seven weeks in, people were already asking me when I was due! I had to wear maternity jeans right after I took the test. It’s less exciting when people notice your bump early or wonder if you’re having twins. - Naptime is Synchronised
Most days, I managed to get all my kids to nap at the same time. After lunch, they’d be down for five hours, only for me to repeat the process. It felt like Groundhog Day, and I became a pro at this assembly line of parenting. Putting three kids under three to bed solo? No small feat! - They All Believe in Magic Together
Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny—everyone’s on board. You don’t worry about the older sibling spilling the beans since their age gap is tiny. Just hope you remember to move that pesky elf each night! - Diapers Galore
When my youngest was born, my oldest still needed nighttime diapers. The upside? You can potty train two at once. The downside? Everything else that comes with juggling three kids in diapers! - They Go Through Stages Together
Either all the kids are experiencing the same phase, or they’re right on each other’s heels. This can be reassuring or terrifying, especially when you’re still haunted by the last toddler meltdown. - No More Waking Napping Kids
By the time they’re old enough to attend events, they’ve all stopped napping. This is fantastic—no more waking sleeping babies for a school play! The flip side? They’re all awake and energetic all day. - Excuses are Easy
“Sorry, I’ve got three little ones. Can’t make it.” There’s something empowering about that statement. I’ve thanked the universe that I don’t have to whip up an excuse to dodge obligations I’d rather avoid anyway. - Multitasking is Your Superpower
No one multitasks like a mom. I often found myself feeding one child, playing with another, and rescuing the binky from the floor all at once. You learn to move with urgency before everything piles up! - Getting Out is a Production
The thought of buckling in three kids, navigating parking lots, and keeping everyone safe in public is usually enough for me to just stay home and do laundry (which I loathe). - Perfection is Out the Window
Forget trying to do everything perfectly. Who has time to read parenting books? With three or four little ones close in age, every day is a reminder of what’s truly important: survival. - When One Cries, They All Cry
This can lead you to reach for earplugs and wine while humming “Let It Go” to drown out the chaos. Sibling rivalry starts early, and they love competing over who can cry the loudest. - Growing Outfits Become Expensive
They all outgrow the kids’ menu and clothing at the same time—don’t even get me started on shoes! Suddenly, I’m the one crying over the expenses. - Toys for Everyone
They share interests, which is great, but sometimes it’s easier (and saner) to buy each child their own toys. Just remember to label everything with a Sharpie to avoid epic battles over ownership!
Regardless of how you space out the years between your kids, there will always be pros and cons. Yes, having three kids close together has left me feeling like a frazzled woman in dire need of an escape (preferably with frosting!), but I wouldn’t change it for anything. If I had the chance, I’d do it all over again, just the same. I cherish how they share so many milestones, and I still get asked if my two youngest are twins!
In summary, while having kids close in age can be a wild ride, it’s filled with chaos, laughter, and unforgettable moments that bond them together.