On Life with Three Kids
You guys, I can hardly believe the words I’m about to type but my sweet baby girl is officially 1 year old. ONE YEAR. Her birthday was actually on Monday and the whole day just felt surreal. It honestly doesn’t seem possible that her first year has already come and gone. I mean, how did that happen so fast? It feels like we just brought her home from the hospital like a month ago, right? This has definitely been the fastest year of my life, with so many amazing moments and some really hard ones too. I’ve been meaning to write a post about what life is like with three kids and I think now is the perfect time to do that. I’m in the mood for a little chit-chat today anyway, so let’s take a minute to look back at my first year as a mama of three.
When someone asks my husband and I what life is like with three kids, we just kind of shake our heads and laugh. Because the truth is life is crazy with three kids. CRAZY. But it’s a wonderful kind of crazy. It’s always loud and busy in the house, which I actually love, and there is never a dull minute around here. And even though it feels like controlled chaos most of the time, it’s just fun to have such a full house with so much life and energy. Plus now that Aves is getting older, the three of them are starting to really bond. She absolutely adores her big sister and brother. In fact she usually squeals in pure delight when one of them walks in the room. It’s pretty special.
I have to admit that making the jump from two to three kids has been harder than I expected it to be. I know this transition is different for every family, and a lot of factors play into it, but it hasn’t been as easy as I had hoped it would be for us. Don’t get me wrong, having three kids is amazing, but it’s a loooooot of work. And even though it’s the best kind of work and I wouldn’t change it for the world, I’m not going to say that it’s been easy. There is rarely a moment where I don’t feel pulled in 1729 directions at the same time. I now have three little people that rely on me for everything and even though I desperately want to be there for them in every moment, I can’t always do it. THAT was a hard realization to come to in the beginning and it’s still a balancing act that I struggle with at times. This past year in particular also had a lot of unexpected challenges, like the time we all got Type A influenza over Christmas and New Years, or when we all got HFM for two weeks in May. It’s been nothing super serious by any means, but we’ve definitely had our fair share of sickness this past year which only added to the chaos. And I can’t even remember the last time I had a solid eight hours of sleep. Really. I think it was maybe sometime in late 2016 but I can’t say for sure. You think I’m kidding, huh? I wish I was. But even though I’m perpetually exhausted, I try to remind myself that this is my last baby and I need to soak in those quiet moments at night when she only wants me. I know it won’t last forever.
Over this past year I’ve had to work really hard at finding balance in my life and being intentional with my time. As a stay at home/work at home mama with a husband that works long hours (plus a two hour commute each day) I’ve definitely learned to eliminate things from my life that only stress me out or distract from what’s important. And in a lot of ways, having three kids has grounded me because I just don’t have the time to worry about things that aren’t important. I don’t have the mental energy to stress over frivolous things because my mind is occupied with taking care of my three babies and keeping up with my work. It’s actually kind of a sweet spot to be in because life is very, very simple. And I love simple.
Despite all of the craziness this past year, we’ve had some incredible moments and I can’t even imagine life any other way. Right now we are in such a sweet spot and I wish I could pause time to just soak in this season as much as possible. Sure, we’re tired and the days are long, but there is something so special about this time in our life. This is what I always wanted and I’m just insanely thankful to have three healthy, happy babies. I can’t imagine even one second without them and I’m so happy God made me their mama. It’s truly my honor to walk alongside them as they grow.
Lastly, I have to say how grateful I am to have this blog and all of you. Even when things were challenging this past year, or when I was running on only a few hours of sleep, I always felt happy to sit down and write a post. And let’s be honest, I’d probably go crazy if I didn’t have this creative outlet in my life. What started as a fun hobby has grown into so much more than that and it’s been such a blessing in my life. You’ll probably never know what your kindness and support has meant to me. So thank you all for sticking with me for almost three years now. I’m sending bigs hugs and so much love to you. xoxo
The Comments
Stephanie
Hi Sarah! I love everything that you share on your blog and IG. From decorating, to DIY to family, everything in between, your posts makes my heart so happy. You are such a beautiful person inside and out and I appreciate you being genuine and vulnerable. My husband and I are getting ready to welcome our first baby into our lives in September so listening to other mommas speak the truth about the hard parts in addition to all the beautiful moments just gives me hope that we will be able to do this as well. There is no manual, but I sure appreciate seeing and hearing all of the stories, because we all need to support one another. You are doing a great job balancing it all and definitely an inspiration. Thank you.
glenda LaFont
Great life, beautiful family.
Becky
Dearest sweet Sarah, Happy Birthday to your baby girl! That time goes so fast. God has blessed you being their Mama. Nothing will ever be as important. Enjoy them and the days because all to soon they grow up. Then they bring laundry home , shop in your pantry and fridge. And that will be ok too! You have a wonderful day with the babies! We love you to Sarah!.You have given us so much. First thing I do in the morning is check to see if you posted! Ok first coffee then you! Lol Take care Sarah. xoxo Becky💕💞💞💞💜💚💛💙
Donna Bergthold
Good Morning Sarah,
Thank you so much for sharing everything with us. I look forward to your posts every day. Enjoy every minute of your time with your precious children. Before you know it they’ll be in college or working miles away. They indeed are such a blessing. Have a great day!
Candy
Sarah you are an awesome mom! Thank you for sharing your life with your family for us. I enjoy everything that you blog. I do know how hard it is with three kids…I had four in five years! You never have free time for yourself but what a blessing for sure. My kids are up in age now and I have great grandchildren and the love and joy is always there.
Happy Birthday to your little one.
sheilah l perry-rosales
Your youngest and my oldest share the same day!He’s 26 and while pregnant with my youngest i opened a home daycare!I know how you feel with 3 i had my two plus 6 more ages 2-6! Enjoy this time it does go fast!I enjoy your blog and youve enspired this “old lady” to branch out after a major life change.Keep going you are stronger than you think!
Barb
Sarah, I recently came across your blog and so enjoy reading it and seeing all your wonderful creations. I start my day on the computer and usually end it that way too…a nice way to begin the day and wind down at the end of the day. Reading your blog today reminded me of the wonderful times I had raising my two children (they are now 28 and 31) and my daughter is now pregnant with her first and our first grandchild! I am so excited for her because I know how much joy (and frustration at times) goes into raising kids but I would have never had it any other way! Enjoy them now because in a blink of an eye they are out the door and living their own lives. The feeling of worry never goes away and you always feel that you are responsible for their lives. We are so lucky to be moms! Happy birthday to your little girl.
G
Life is precious and every moment is to be lived to its fullest. That I do know. Blessings to you and yours…
Sandee
What a wonderful post today.
It’s pretty obvious to us that follow you that your a very talented and loving person. We raised 2 daughters and there was never a dull moment, I can’t imagine adding another in that mix. I don’t think you ever sleep good after kidos LOL. I’m loving you sharing more family here. Blessings to you Sarah and your beautiful family.
Joni Spear
Sarah, As a mother of three very close aged (now 3 in college), I can say it does not get any easier. Let’s face it, we’re outnumbered. Whether it’s the flu, a cold or strep you are going to get 3 weeks worth of it. You won’t sleep until they are in grade school. But no worries because it starts all over again with middle school (it’s the worst) ! Then when they are out at night. Oh my your mind goes to places you never imagined.
I do have some advise for you having lived through this myself. NEVER do their homework, Science projects or art fair projects no matter how fierce the competition. Let them fail. If they forget their lunch, uniform or instrument no matter how difficult, Do Not bring it to them. (I promise they will only do this ONCE).
Just remember to keep a date night for you and your spouse, we tend to neglect them as they are the biggest of the babies. Best to you! Joni
Bev
Hi Sarah
I am new to your blog and truly enjoy it! Happy 1st Birthday to your youngest! You have a beautiful family! I am at the point in my life now where my husband and I are enjoying our two young grandsons, ages 5 and almost 7 ! My three kids are 40, 38, and 33.
Time does fly , so cherish every moment with them!
Have a wonderful summer😎
Barbara Hastings
Sarah,
I can’t speak to motherhood in the way these other women have, but as a therapist, I often feel I have helped raise my clients from the pain of their childhood and that is being a mother in a certain extent, but of course nothing like what you and these other women have experienced.
I also read your blog and look at all the wonderful items you’ve turned into art. I’m just now getting into painting, and must admit, sometimes I wish I didn’t have a client so I can go paint and create something amazing, but more often a mess at this point 🙂
Thanks for your realness and truth. All of your children are beautiful. You are beautiful, and you must have a handsome husband, to have such lovely children.
Thank you for touching people you’ve probably never met, but energy knows no boundaries.
Barbara
Angela Servello
Thank you for sharing your life experiences. For many of us, we are way beyond your chapter in life, but can still relish all the memories and feelings that you share. For your readers who are experiencing the same things you are presently, you are giving them an incredible gift. Allowing them to hear how hard, as well as rewarding motherhood can be gives them the ability to feel however they are feeling….Guilt free. It’s okay, I’m overwhelmed but it’s okay. Kudos to you, Sarah well done. Love and hugs, Angela
Deedra
Loved this post!! You have a beautiful family and they are blessed to have you as their mama! I just love getting your posts. They really inspire me! And cause me to spend money!!☺️
Eileen
You have no idea how much this post touched my heart! You said the exact words I needed to hear. After struggling with infertility for 8 yrs my BFF became my surrogate & I now have 2 beautiful 1 yr old twins. I’m so busy all the time & some people just don’t get it. I’ve passed up many events with friends, but I don’t have tome to worry about their feelings right now. I have 2 babies that I’ve been dying to have for yrs & I want to spend all my time with them & that’s what’s important to me. So to hear you mention that as well is just a breath of fresh air. Thanks for the reassurance.. I’m doing the right thing!
Linna Grøn
Great blog post. Very honest and really explains the ups and downs of having three children. You make it look so easy so it is nice to hear your story.
The work/life/everything else balance can be challenging. Remember to be good to yourself. Lots of self care. And to praise yourself for all the hard work you do.
Marion
Sarah Thank You for the update on your family life. Your children are beautiful.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVE
Marion
Joan
What a beautiful family. Thank you for the update.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVE
Joan
Pamela
Love this post so much! Couldn’t agree more that life with three is a crazy balancing act, but there is no work that will ever be as important or meaningful.
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