I never intended to have my children so close in age, but life had other plans. After welcoming my first child, I was amazed by how often people asked when I’d be adding another little one to the mix. My standard reply was, “When he starts school,” a response that masked my frustration at such intrusive questions. I mean, mastering diaper changes is a feat, and suddenly, everyone expects you to produce more babies!
As fate would have it, I did become quite the baby-making machine. Having three children within three years certainly gives off the impression that I’m a pro at the whole parenting thing. Strangers would often question my sanity (those same folks who were eager to see me with a second child). During my pregnancies, I’d jokingly say, “Nope, not crazy! Just very much in love with my husband,” but once the kids arrived, I was more inclined to admit, “Yes, we might be a little nuts!”
Through this whirlwind experience, I’ve discovered that having kids close in age is a blend of beautiful moments and chaotic challenges. Here’s a glimpse into that reality — the highs, the lows, and the “How on earth am I going to manage this?” moments:
- Pregnancy Feels Endless.
Your wardrobe from the first pregnancy stays relevant, and congratulations seem to fade into disbelief. People often look at your growing belly and ask, “Again? Wasn’t it just yesterday?” To outsiders, it appears as if you’ve been pregnant forever. - You Get to Know Your Doctor Very Well.
By the time I walked into my doctor’s office for my third prenatal appointment, she greeted me with, “Sorry, but you’ve reached your quota!” Thankfully, she remembered my preferences, like avoiding the scale during my last trimester. - Your Body Knows the Drill.
Your body responds quickly when you become pregnant again. By the time I hit seven weeks with my third, people were already asking about my due date! Those early signs of pregnancy come rushing back, and it’s less thrilling when everyone comments on your “bump” before you’re ready. - They All Nap at the Same Time.
For a glorious stretch, I managed to get all my kids to nap simultaneously. Feeding them lunch and putting them down became an efficient assembly line. It’s no easy task to juggle three little ones under three! - They Believe in Magic Together.
Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny are all part of the fun. With such a small age gap, you don’t worry about the older one ruining the magic. Just don’t forget to move that elf every night! - Multiple Diapers at Once.
When my youngest arrived, my oldest was still in nighttime diapers. On the bright side, I could potty train two at once, but managing three kids in diapers was a whole different story. - They Go Through Phases Together.
Whether they’re in sync or just behind each other, this can be reassuring and terrifying. You feel confident from your own recent experiences, but the memories of toddler tantrums can haunt you. - No More Waking Nappers for Events.
As they grow and no longer nap, you no longer have to wake someone up to go to your older child’s event. That’s a win! But it also means they’re awake and active all day. - You Use Them as Your Excuse.
“Sorry, I can’t. I have three little ones.” This phrase becomes a powerful tool to bow out of obligations you’d rather skip. - Multitasking Becomes Your Superpower.
No one can juggle tasks like a mother. I often found myself feeding one child while playing with another and fetching toys for the third. You start to operate with urgency as tasks pile up. - Getting Out is a Challenge.
The thought of buckling in three kids, navigating parking lots, and keeping everyone safe in public often makes me choose staying home over venturing out. I’d rather tackle laundry — and I despise laundry! - Perfection Takes a Backseat.
With three kids close together, striving for perfection is impractical. You quickly realize that survival is the primary goal, and that’s okay. - When One Cries, They All Cry.
Sibling rivalry kicks in early, and it’s amusing to see them compete for who can cry the loudest. This can lead to some very stressful moments for mom! - Outgrowing Kids’ Menus and Clothes Happens All at Once.
As they all transition out of the children’s menu and clothing sizes together, expenses soar. It’s a shocking realization — now I’m the one feeling overwhelmed. - Same Toys for Everyone.
With similar interests, it’s tempting to buy them all the same toys. While sharing is encouraged, sometimes it’s just easier for your sanity to give each child their own items. Just remember to label everything!
Regardless of how you space your children, there will always be pros and cons. Yes, having three kids close in age can leave you feeling like a frazzled mess in need of a quiet corner to hide in — frosting jar in hand — but I wouldn’t change a thing. If I had the chance to do it all over, I would. I cherish the dynamics of my family and the joy of their shared experiences. I often marvel at how if I can handle this, I can tackle anything life throws my way.
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Summary:
This article outlines the joys and challenges of having children close in age, highlighting the chaotic yet beautiful journey of parenting multiple kids under three. It discusses the realities of pregnancy, daily routines, and the unique bond siblings share when they grow up together.