As I watch my kids tumble out of our minivan like a gaggle of clowns, it’s surreal to think that just a few years ago, I was crying myself to sleep, wondering if I would ever be a mom. Thanks to a mix of modern medicine, lots of prayers, and maybe a little help from a fortune teller named Luna, here I am with my five, nearly four, and almost three-year-old daughters.
Getting used to this chaotic life feels like I’m running a circus, and I often get puzzled looks or questions from others about how I manage it all. So, are you brave enough to consider having three kids so close in age? Here’s a peek into the wild ride that is my family life.
1. Everyone’s a Comedian
Let’s start with the constant stream of cringeworthy jokes I face daily. It seems every awkward man I encounter can’t resist chiming in with, “You know what causes that, right?” accompanied by a nudge to my belly. While I appreciate humor, it would be great if these guys could come up with something fresh. Honestly, I’m tempted to respond in increasingly absurd ways, like breaking into song or staring them down until they back off. But I usually let them have their moment; they’re old, after all, and who knows how much time they have left to entertain me?
2. Multi-tasking is a Way of Life
Multi-tasking has become second nature to me. My partner, Jake, often gets frustrated when I can’t just sit back and relax after dinner; I’m up sweeping the floor, prepping lunches, or even giving him an impromptu haircut while we chat. My pregnancy journey with my third child honed my ability to juggle everything—think barfing, breastfeeding, and changing diapers, all at once. Now, I find myself doing my taxes during dental check-ups and shaving my legs while washing dishes. My life revolves around logistics; every day is a balancing act of getting everyone from hair to breakfast to the door in one piece.
3. The Art of Cutting Corners
With such a busy life, I’ve mastered the art of cutting corners, which some might call being lazy. When my three-year-old insists she’s wiped herself after using the potty, I want to take her word for it. It isn’t until I see a swarm of flies buzzing around her shorts that I realize I should have checked. Some days, I declare a “National Mom’s Checked Out Day.” On those days, breakfast might just be popcorn, or the kids can drink out of the toilet. By the end of it, their teeth may be a sticky mess, but I’ve hit the reset button, and we all survive to see another day.
4. Benefits of Close Age Gaps
Having three kids in quick succession has its perks. They’re all in the same swim classes, on the same sports teams, and they share everything from friends to toys. While three in diapers may sound daunting, I managed to score a travel trailer with diaper points, so score! I’m already dreaming of a big family wedding down the line. However, I know from experience that sharing can lead to drama—like when someone decides to “borrow” another sibling’s favorite shirt in the night.
After almost three years of trial and error, we’re finding our groove—sure, there are meltdowns and the occasional pee incident, but our home is filled with a delightful kind of chaos. Still, parenting is a constantly evolving challenge, and each new day brings its own surprises. Who knows? One of these days, I might just throw on a wig and book a one-way ticket to a tropical paradise!
For more insights on becoming a parent, check out our other post on home insemination at this link. If you’re exploring options for starting a family, this site is a fantastic resource for home insemination kits. And if you’re dealing with infertility challenges, this support group offers invaluable information.