In 5 days or less, I will have 3. Three children, 3 and under. YIKES.
Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to have a baby girl, to be less out-numbered, to be un-pregnant again, to start eating better and exercising again (hopefully without this constant back pain I’ve been fighting for the ENTIRE 9 1/2 months!) and lose this baby weight and all other excess weight that is hampering me and making me feel fat (because at 38 1/2 weeks, I still look more fat than pregnant… Those glares when I park in the “expectant mother” parking spots are getting old ::sigh::) to put on my socks without holding my breath, to not have to get up a million times a night to use the restroom, (oh, wait… now I’ll be getting up a million times a night to nurse… shoot!) to kiss some sweet baby cheeks and watch my little boys adore their sister, to have a name picked out for our little girl, to watch our amazing little family grow, to have a daddy’s little girl, to have my sister come and spend a week with me… I am excited about all those things and more, I promise.
But…
Do I still have time to change my mind?
Because having three kids scares me. Really bad.
And, seriously, am I old enough to have ONE kid, let alone THREE?
And, by the way… Is it seriously 2010?
You can do it! You can do it! My mom had 4 under 4 when she was your age and she has always said that she would tell herself “One day at a time”. Big prayers coming your way!
You still have not had that baby yet? (Just kidding– I only say that because I’m too far away for you to hit me for that!!) So are you having a c-section? For some reason I thought you were. Anyway… you’re going to do to great! As crazy as it is to have 3 kids so little, it’s not without its rewards. Just keep your expectations low. If all you get done during the day is feeding your kids, wiping their bottoms and taking a nap, consider it a success. Cleaning, preparing healthy homemade meals and all that other stuff is just a bonus if it ever happens. And start thinking of fun stuff to do at home with your kids… because that’s a heck of a lot easier than trying to go places with them. I used to get jealous of all the stuff people would blog about– taking their kids out to museums and zoos and stuff… it’s hard with 3 kids. No, downright impossible! I don’t even try that stuff anymore because it’s more stress than it’s worth.
Anyway… I’ll end my novel here. Can’t wait to “meet” you new little one. Good luck with everything. And I just wish I could be closer to do something to help you out!
You guys are the best. I know I will be fine. A LITTLE stressed about about the next couple of months as we all adapt to less sleep, more stress, more hassle, and more cuteness, but I have a feeling she is going to be the easiest baby so far (just because she’s been pretty mellow in the belly). I am actually looking forward to having her here, and want to “change my mind” only in jest (well, today, anyway!) The boys can be very helpful most of the time. It’s just hard to believe she’ll be here already.
And, Danielle– You’re amazing. I just want you to know that. You handled three like a pro. Wait. Three, one who was just diagnosed with Diabetes type 1, and another with club foot and all the treatments that came along with that… AND you’re having another one.
See, I have great role-models!
Amaree– you’ll do wonderful. You’re a great mother and I don’t think having another baby will change that!! I can’t wait to meet little girl and hang with my sister and see my nephews in a few weeks! I can’t wait to help you a little and make you feel as comfortable as possible- so start a list on things you would like me to do!! Love you!