As my kids tumble out of the minivan like a clown car in action, it’s hard to believe there was a time I spent sleepless nights wondering if I’d ever become a mom. With a sprinkle of modern medicine, a lot of faith, and maybe a touch of magic from Luna the wise woman, here I am with three stunning daughters: a five-year-old, a nearly four-year-old, and a just-turned three-year-old.
Living life as the master of this chaotic circus, I often get asked how I manage it all, or I see the raised eyebrows that suggest I’m completely bonkers. So, if you’re considering diving into the delightful chaos of having three kids in such a short span, here are a few things you might want to know.
1. Cue the Jokes
Every day is filled with unsolicited “jokes” about my situation, mostly from older gentlemen who think they’re hilarious. You know the type: “You know what causes that, right?” accompanied by a cheeky grin and a nudge toward my belly. It’s not the jokes themselves that get to me; I’m all for a good laugh, especially at my own expense! But come on, gentlemen, let’s get some fresh material here! I’ve imagined various responses, from breaking into song to locking eyes and waiting for them to squirm. But in the end, I usually just smile and let them have their moment—after all, who knows how much longer they’ll be around?
2. Mastering the Art of Multi-Tasking
These days, I can’t seem to turn off the multi-tasking switch. It drives my partner, Jake, a little nuts when I can’t just sit down and chat after dinner; instead, I’m off sweeping the floor while preparing lunches—maybe while also cutting his hair! It all started when I was pregnant with my third and had to juggle barfing, breastfeeding, and diaper changes—all at once. Today, I find myself doing taxes during dental cleanings and shaving my legs while doing dishes. Life is all about logistics; we must keep the machine running smoothly, so the kids know they can walk and put on shoes at the same time. It’s like they’re little sharks—if they stop moving, they might just sink!
3. Cutting Corners Like a Pro
With three little ones, the art of cutting corners has become second nature—some might even call it “creative laziness.” When my three-year-old claims she’s cleaned herself after using the potty, I want to trust her wholeheartedly. That is, until I notice flies buzzing around her shorts the next day! As my husband, Jake, only manages to snag a few days off each month, I often find myself on “National Mom’s Checked Out Day,” where popcorn for breakfast and a few wild adventures become the norm. It’s a freeing experience to let the kids run wild for a day; who cares if they brush their teeth or not? They’ll survive, and I’ll have recharged my batteries.
4. The Perks of Close-Knit Chaos
There are undeniable benefits to having kids so close in age. They share everything—friends, toys, and even clothes! They’re all in the same swim class and on the same sports teams. And while three in diapers may sound overwhelming, I managed to score an Air Stream thanks to Pamper’s points in 2012. Plus, I’m already dreaming of a joint wedding (maybe I’m getting ahead of myself). Sure, there will be squabbles and hair-pulling moments, but after nearly three years of trial and error, I feel we’re finally hitting our stride. Sure, there are meltdowns and the occasional pee incident, but for the most part, our home is a whirlwind of lively chaos.
However, as we all know, kids are constantly evolving, bringing new challenges every day. Tomorrow is a new adventure, and I’ll always be just one mini-meltdown away from tossing on a wig and booking a one-way ticket to a tropical paradise.
Summary
Navigating life with three kids in quick succession is a wild ride filled with humor, chaos, and a constant need for multi-tasking. Embracing the madness, learning to cut corners, and enjoying the shared experiences of close-knit siblings can make parenting not just manageable, but also incredibly rewarding. Just remember, each day brings new surprises and challenges!