As I watch my children tumble out of our family van like clowns from a tiny car, I can hardly believe that not long ago, I was filled with doubt and worry about becoming a parent. Yet, with a mix of modern science, lots of hope, and a little help from Clara the spiritual guide, here I am with three lovely daughters—five, almost four, and nearly three years old.
Living life as a circus ringmaster is my new normal, so it’s not surprising that people often ask how I manage this chaotic yet joyful existence. If you’re considering taking on three kids in three years, here’s an insider’s look at what this adventure entails:
1. The Humor Never Stops
Every day seems to bring a fresh wave of “comedy” from well-meaning strangers. While I love a good joke, it gets old when every unsolicited comment includes a tired punchline about my busy life. You know the routine: “You know what causes that, right?” followed by an inappropriate nudge. I get it; they’re trying to lighten the mood, but could we please retire that line?
Sometimes I fantasize about responding in ridiculous ways, like breaking into a silly dance in the grocery store aisle or maintaining an awkwardly long eye contact until they feel uncomfortable. But in reality, I usually just let it slide because, honestly, life’s too short to engage with every oddball out there.
2. Mastering the Art of Multi-Tasking
These days, multitasking is second nature to me. My partner, Jake, often grows frustrated because I find it impossible to just sit and chat. I tend to get up mid-conversation to clean or prep for the next day. I became a pro at juggling tasks when I was pregnant with my third child—think diaper changes while nursing and feeling nauseous. Now, I can do my taxes while sitting in the dentist’s chair or shave my legs while washing dishes.
Every day is about efficiency; we’re like a well-oiled machine that must keep moving to avoid a breakdown. For instance, getting everyone ready in the morning is a logistical puzzle—shoes and jackets must be donned while we’re on the move, and there’s no time for style debates.
3. Cutting Corners is Key
Being efficient often means cutting corners, which some might call laziness. When my toddler claims she’s wiped properly after using the bathroom, I want to believe her so much that I do. It’s only later that I discover the truth when an unfortunate swarm of flies makes themselves at home.
With my husband, Jake, working only a few days a month, I handle the majority of the household chaos. Sometimes, I declare “National Mom’s Checked Out Day,” allowing myself the freedom to serve popcorn for breakfast or let the kids run wild with crayons. Sure, their teeth might feel like taffy by day’s end, but it’s all about survival and hitting the reset button.
4. Benefits of Close Ages
Having kids so close in age offers some unexpected advantages. They can share friends, toys, and even clothes, which is a blessing and a curse. Think about it: they’re all in the same swim class, and we can streamline activities. Sure, three in diapers might sound daunting, but I managed to score a travel trailer with points from diaper purchases!
While there are inevitable squabbles over clothes and toys, the camaraderie they develop is worth it. It’s a wild ride, but after nearly three years of figuring it all out, I feel like we’re finally finding our rhythm. Yes, there are still tantrums and occasional mishaps, but our home is filled with joyous preschool chaos.
As we all know, parenting is an ever-evolving journey, and each day brings new challenges. But I’m ready to tackle whatever comes next—whether it’s managing the latest meltdown or planning a future family reunion worthy of a reality show!
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Summary:
Raising three kids in three years is a unique journey filled with both challenges and unexpected joys. From mastering multitasking to embracing the chaos of daily life, there are many lessons to be learned. While humor and patience help navigate the craziness, the bonds formed between siblings and the shared experiences make it all worthwhile.