Having 3 kids close in age...should I do it?

[jemima]

Hello!

I have three children with just under three years between all of them - our number three was an oopsie baby so I guess in all honesty even a year after her birth I still struggle at times to comprehend I am the mother of three young children.

Whilst I love the fact they are close in age so can/will play together I also find it extremely hard as I dont feel like any of them get the quality time I would like to give them. I know I probably have fairly high expectations of myself in regards to this but I kind of feel like all we do some days is survive and although I wouldnt change any of them for the world, I do (for us) think that the age gaps are too close. But in saying that you just have to run with it!

I have found that even though they are still only young I have definitely noticed the financial impact. We are in the process of working out what to do re a car - our car fits everyone in but we want to go to a seven seater and we now feel like we need a bit more space in the house - hence some renos.

There are pros and cons for close age gaps but I feellike it does put a lot pf pressure on you as a parent and your relationship with your partner and I know we will get through it but just some days I feel like crying LOL!!

Planning/routine is the key - I feel like ther eis never a moment where I am not thinking "ok what do I need to do to make things easier" eg - if we have to be somewhere in the morning clothes re out, bags are packed, lunch boxes out and what is to go in them in all sorted and inthe fridge. I guess you have to do that even if you have one or two children but it is especially important with three plus!!

Like Lucy said I find the shopping soooooo hard and I cannot wait until they get online shopping in SA as that will make my life so much easier!!

But I love seeing the three kids interact and they two eldest are now at an age where you can converse with them and we get lots of "i love you' from them which is fantastic. I am looking forward to family holidays (we are planning an o/s trip next year which could end up being the worst idea in the world - time will tell!!)

I hope this hasnt come out like a post about me cause I guess I just wanted to say this is what it is like for us to give you some insight. I am sure whatever decision you make will be the right one for you and I wish you the best of luck.

Take care
Jem

[BekZ]

Well I am slightly scared!!! But I am crazy and most of your stories sound like my house now.
I hate shopping with my kids too, although if I just take Loren (8month old) it is ok.

As Loren is only 8 months old I am giving myself another 4 months of exercise and good diet and then we'll ttc. Assuming I conceive easily and I don't miscarry I should be pregant by early to mid next year which makes Loren nearly 2yo and Sara nearly 4...not bad age gaps. DH and my relationship is another major consideration because we have been pregnant since 8 wks after we got married. Like most parents we have not had a lot of time to build a relationship past everyday type activities...But DH wants another one (hopefully blue) and I do too.

Willow - If Loren was a good sleeper I'd be ttc now!!!! but I am waiting a bit longer and crossing my fingers that she'll magically sleep well