3 Under 3 - Omaha,NE

I don't have 3 under 3, but 3 that are 3 1/2 and under. I think my biggest advice is probably something you already know....cut yourself slack on getting things done, try not to have too many concrete expections (be flexible), plan ahead and be okay being late. What an exciting time for you. Good luck!!

I have 3 under 3 1/2....I don't think you will have anything to worry about. 1 to 2 was a much harder adjustment. I really just worked on my oldest becoming as self sufficient as possible. He dresses himself, he climbs in the car and gets in his car seat...my two year old has mastered that one now too. Include your children in helping with the baby. My husband travels a lot for work, so it is me and the three quite a bit. I am pretty anal with my schedules, i.e. dinner time, bath times and bed times. Sounds like you are busy mom, I am sure you will have no trouble with your new addition.

I am expecting #4 in November, that will give me 4 under 4 (for a couple mths at least) I agree 2 kids was a cake walk. I never had a problem and life was calm and balanced. 3 has almost killed me. #3 was collicy. She's 1 now and getting better. I hope #4 just blends in. Anyway, not to scare you (it is truley wonderful!) my biggest issue was meals. Especially w/ #3 crying so much if the time. I would definetly have a freezer FULL of ready to go meals. Start now if you feel up to it. Or if ANYONE askes what they can do tell them meals! If they are willing tell them 1 when the baby is born and one for the freezer. Be very specific w/ people this time when they ask! No one will be offended. If you feel like meals will not be an issue then be specfic with other things. Keep a calender to organize meal drop offs, or (like I said if you have that under control) schedule others things. "Can you come over on Tuesday and help fold laundry?" or " I've been gettin behind on dishes every third day, could you come over on Monday and load the dish washer?" Be specific w/ people! And invest in lots of paper plates. Good luck!

I'm sorry I don't have much real advice, as I have never had children quite that close (though I have a couple of friends who have, so I may send the page to them), but I just wanted to comment on what a wonderful thing it is. Children are so awesome, and you have been very blessed. As they grow older, they will be such super friends and so glad to have siblings so close in age. I will say that 2 1/2 is not too young to be very helpful (neither is 1 1/2). My 2-year-old was my lifesaver when his little brother was born. Try to be constantly thinking of things that they are able to do to make it all easier for you (even stretch to things that you don't know if they can do, but think they might be able to--you will both love the feeling of discovering that they can). They can rock a bouncy seat to keep a baby content, fetch all kinds of things, hold onto this while I.... I know some moms move their eat-on dishes to the lower cupboards for a while so short ones can unload the dishwasher and set the table. Also, they may put snacks and water in a place where little ones can get them if you are too tied up. I saw a lady at a conference who had trained her 1 1/2-year-old to take her diaper to the trash after having it changed each time. It was so CUTE! Just don't underestimate them. It will also be a huge help to them in accepting the baby. Mine were never really jealous of the baby. Maybe because they were too busy taking care of him.

Hi K.,
My name is K.. I just gave birth yesterday to my sixth child all together. I have three step-children who live with us full time and three biological children who also live with us full time. All six of my children are close in age. They are ages 7,6,5,3,1,and newborn....So yea my hands always are full with at least one child usually two...lol.
My best advice is just relax as babies are blessings and even though at times you feel like you want to rip your hair out this will pass. If you feel stressed just take a two minute breather. Put the kids in a safe place such as a room with their toys and just step out for a moment on the front porch to catch your breath.
I have learned to just take life as it comes. There will always be stress and you will most likely feel overwhelmed nine times out of ten. But within a few years you will be asking where the time went. It feels as if just yesterday I had all my kids home all day and now I have two kids in school full time and one child that goes two times a week until next year.I miss having all my kids now but a year ago I was itching for them all to be in school....lol.
Just remember that life goes by quick and that God only gives you what you can handle....If you ever need a friend to talk to just email and I will always write you back....
Sincerly,
Mother of six under seven,
K.

I did have 3 under 3 until last month, and I would have to slightly disagree with the mom that said going from 1 to 2 was the hardest. My 3rd is probably the best baby ever, however, I have two hands and can fit two kids on my lap, and the third has been the one that has pushed me to my limit.

Some things that helped me with the third was not nursing. It never went well with the other two anyway, and I just couldn't spend hours upon hours making it work, so no guilt, just didn't do it. I keep a strict nap and bedtime schedule. I need time off and need to know that the day will end at a certain time. I have been working with my kids to pick up after themselves so that I am not constantly tripping over toys. I view a successful day as getting one or two loads of laundry done and maybe dishes once, and have hired someone to come in twice a month to do the things like bathrooms, dusting, etc, that I just can't ever get to.

Some things that have been difficult: not being able to do anything without being interrupted. Feeling like I am either a good mom or a good housekeeper, but never both. Getting a shower every day. Getting enough sleep. Feeling like a prisoner in my home. Feeling isolated. Realizing that in a few years the busy will be a little less intense.

Try to take any help offered. Try to get enough sleep, you are going to need it. Try to get exercise and eat right. And whatever you do, don't be too hard on yourself, if anyone thinks that you should be doing something different, they have never had 3 under 3. Try to get some alone time with your husband and keep your marriage strong, you need that to be the best mom to your babies. And be sure to enjoy the babies, they will grow quickly....at least that is what I keep telling myself :)