Everyone assured me that adding a third child to our family would be a breeze compared to the transition from one to two. “You won’t even notice the difference,” they claimed. However, it turns out those people were not being truthful. Perhaps it’s the age gaps or individual personalities, or maybe our family is just the exception among those smoothly sailing families of five. Whatever the reason, when our third little one arrived, it felt like everything was turned upside down.
For us, the addition of a third child brought about a slew of new challenges that we had to adapt to:
Dining Out Became a Rare Luxury
My partner and I have always considered ourselves food enthusiasts, and prior to kids, we frequently enjoyed meals at restaurants. Even after our first two children arrived, we managed to keep that tradition alive. However, once baby number three joined the crew, it became an insurmountable task. With more children than adults, the thought of keeping them entertained and quiet throughout a meal was daunting. It was no longer just inconvenient; it was downright terrifying. Now, we’re all about takeout, often consumed quietly in the car while the kids enjoy their packed lunches, or even better, in front of the TV after the little ones have been tucked in for the night.
Coffee Became My Lifeline
I’ve always loved coffee, indulging in the occasional treat when I felt overwhelmed. In the early stages of parenthood, it was more of a luxury than a necessity. However, with a third baby who had a much more erratic sleep schedule than his sisters, coffee quickly became a daily requirement. I found myself drinking it multiple times a day and became less picky about where it came from. Instant coffee at home became my go-to, as just the thought of waiting for it to brew felt like too much. I needed that caffeine boost to keep my sanity intact while juggling three lively children.
Preparing Home-Cooked Meals Every Day Became a Thing of the Past
Now, I aim for two or three homemade dinners a week, but let’s face it—who has the energy for more? Most nights are filled with leftovers or frozen meals from Costco or Trader Joe’s. On particularly chaotic evenings, we’ve resorted to simple plates of crackers and pepperoni alongside a pouch of applesauce, and that’s just fine by us.
Screen Time Allowances Have Gradually Reached the Maximum Recommended
Before our second child, our first had no screen time at all. That shifted to a couple of PBS shows once the second was born. But with the arrival of our third, I desperately needed a distraction for the older kids while I nursed the baby. So now, we’ve set a limit of four shows a day, with the understanding that when illness strikes, all bets are off. If stomach bugs hit, it’s not uncommon for their screen time to skyrocket to twelve hours.
My Wariness of Germs Has Intensified
You’d think I would’ve grown accustomed to the chaos of constant exposure to germs, but after enduring a winter filled with flu, pinkeye, and other illnesses, my panic has only increased. I’ve spent a small fortune on vitamins and remedies in a futile attempt to ward off sickness. At this point, I’m almost ready to surrender and let the germs have their way with us—because honestly, the alternative is too daunting to consider.
I Started Relinquishing Control Over What My Kids Wear
It turns out that a three-year-old can dress herself! And who cares if my kindergartner wants to wear mismatched patterns? I learned to let go of these insignificant battles, and it has significantly lightened my emotional load. It feels like I’ve shed 20 pounds, all thanks to my kids!
This list could go on and on, but it barely scratches the surface of how our lives have transformed since welcoming our third child—a bright and spirited little one who has completely changed our world. Everything has shifted for us, and we are still adjusting in ways we never anticipated. Those who insisted that having three kids was no big deal were correct in one aspect: our lives are richer now. The laughter, joy, and love we share have deepened immeasurably. In fact, the good times have us even considering the possibility of having another!
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