Is it really that much harder going from 2 to 3?

[misty]

Another thing. I would be looking at the people making the comments and seeing how many kids they actually had before listening to their opinion on this topic. If they haven't themselves had three kids, then they aren't qualified to have an opinion on how hard or easy it may be.

[Traveller]

I found going from 0 to 1 the hardest. #2 slotted in quite easily. #3 and #4 were difficult for a number of reasons, mainly because my son was ill and that put a lot of demands on the entire family. Also being twins I got almost no sleep. But I would still say #1 was the hardest to adjust to. I had 4 under 3.5years so I don't think the age gap is necessarily the biggest factor. For me having them close was a major factor in having more so I just got on with it. I also think that not having another baby when you desperately want one and having to deal with that for a long time would be harder than adjusting to a 3rd baby.

[*EJ*]

Thought i might add also, that yes i too found DS1 the biggest shock of all time. DS2 i had these visions of having under control fairly early as i'd already been there once before.... didn't happen DD has been an absolute pleasure (not that my boys weren't) and yet she has presented us with the most challenges and yes i get frustrated at times but i know in myself i'm handling her much better/calmer this time around.

Life is crazy but i wouldn't have it any other way

[*Ash*]

Life is crazy but i wouldn't have it any other way

Yes! I agree.

[~ Mylitta ~]

I'm silently freaking out about soon having 3 under 3. For me it's not financial worries, it's all about "how on earth am I going to care for 3 babies?!" Lol. I remember thinking the same when I was pregnant with my second and wondering how I was going to cope with 2, but you just do. And I figure when number three arrives it'll be the same and you just work it out as you go along. My main worry is that my toddler might still be in the "tanty stage" that is so delightful right now, and that my DD will only be 14 months, so still such a baby herself. I'm sure getting out and about is going to be fun Hehehehe.

[Fleur]

I really think it's a lot to do with each person's own circumstances. For me it really wasn't that bad, yes it was hectic and yes it cost a bit more but it didn't kill us going from one to two was harder.

DD1 was 7 & DS1 was 4 so the age gaps were nice, not too tricky. And I heard the same, that after three you don't even notice another

For us financially having Pie has been harder because I have cut my shifts at work, whereas with the older kids I was a SAHM right through until DD2 was 3. So this time we have noticed the drop in income more.

Of course you know it's nobody's business, what you & your DH choose to do, but the comments get a bit wearing. I find on this, in particular, people like to share their 2c, everyone's a family planner and it's worse from people in smaller families who of course think you are crazy (those with bigger families already know you're crazy cause they're there too )
Just tell them 'lucky we get to make the decision that's right for us, huh'

[~mamaspice~]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and wisdom
The jury is still out for us but I think DH and I will make a decision early in the new year. Our DD is really wanting a baby sister (a huge turnaround from a few months ago when she was adament she didn't want mummy having any more babies)

Oh, and I fully agree traveller that going from 0-1 is the hardest. I definatly found it harder going from 0-1 than from 1-2. Just the total life change I guess, was a rude shock to the system for me