One question that I often get is, "Are the triplets any easier now that they are older?" I have a standard, pleasant answer that I give everyone just to finish the conversation and get on chasing one of the kids.
But I have truly never give this question any thought until today. I was asked that question again and I gave my answer but the thought stuck with me. Instead of my pleasantries, I would like to answer, "Does it ever get any easier? Because if you have a secret, please fill me in."
Whether you have triplets or not, being a mom is a very difficult job and I don't think that it will ever get any easier. Each new stage or mile stone presents new challenges, trials and joys.
Most people think that triplets would be the most difficult during the first stages of life. And yes, this is partly true. In the beginning, it is a frenzy of feeding, diapers, formula, and sleeping. And you are so sleep starved that you don't know much else expect the every three hour feeding schedule.
But in the beginning the babies did a wonderful thing and that was sleep all the time. They would be awake for maybe 30 minutes and then back to sleep. It was a beautiful thing because then I could actually get things done and spend time with Hayden. Life was good.
When the babies were about 5 months old another beautiful thing happened, they were still taking 3 naps a day and they were only up once a night. They were awake for longer stretches to play but they stayed in one spot because not one was mobile. I was still able to get things done. Life was great.
Now fast forward to today, one year old. All is lost, I can no longer get anything done. They are all mobile. They are three different personalities that clash with each other multiple times a day. They sleep very little during the day. They get into everything. They want to be included in everything that is going on. They are able to voice their likes and dislikes. They feed themselves but are very, very messy. They all crave one on one attention from Mommy. They hit. They bite. They express themselves.
Now, you tell me what is more difficult and answer the question, does it get any easier?
My answer is this; It is ALL difficult! No matter what the stage there is always going to be challenges. I think ahead to when they are all Hayden's age and he is seven and I get a headache.
I can't imagine what is going to be like when I have three of them asking why this and why that. The noise level alone is going to be crazy. But just like I(we) did in the beginning, I(we) will get through it and figure out how to cope. As Jeff and I always say, when asked how we do it, "Necessity is a great teacher." I just think that in later years the coffee and the cocktails are going to get a lot stronger.
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12 comments:
it is all hard, that is the truth. but on bad days you look at old pictures in which life seemed manageable and happy and then you think 'maybe tomorrow will be like that'...but they keep having birthdays and getting older and it doesn't make any sense because you were pretty sure this week was never going to end. o, and dont start the cocktails before noon or you get too sleepy to put the children to bed!!
One thing to look forward to is when they are all in school...although homework and packing lunches and volunteering adds to the challenge, at least you have time to BREATHE for a few hours a day (and catch up on all that cleaning that you haven't done for the past six years!). My favorite response when people ask me how I do it (work, have three kids, scrapbook, sell Stampin Up, hold stamp camps, blog, exercise, etc.): God just gives me the energy I need to get through each day. For some, this is not the answer they want to hear, but for me it is the truth. So, hang in there...and save some cocktails and coffee for me.
Lindsay,
You give me hope. Knowing that you are living my future and you can still make jokes. Priceless. You keep me going. ((((hugs))))
Amen. On one hand there are things that get easier and on the other hand there are things that get so much harder. I feel your pain, sister.
Sending you wishes for lots and lots of energy anytime that you need it, good health and strength to enjoy these days while they are here.
Hugs,
Cookie
You just drove it home to me by imagining them at 7. I swear, my son asks me "Why" at least 50 times a day. Multiply that by 3...oh my.
You are amazing.
Nice post. Our friends without kids have asked how difficult our lives have become and I always explain that our lives are not too difficult. I then proceed to tell the curious about our close friends in Michigan that have four small children. You and Jeff are an inspiration. When Gwen and I are in a new situation I will sometimes look to how you and Jeff would handle our new problem. The two of you manage your shoe full of kids well. We wish we could be there with you two.
With each age and stage, some things were easier and some things were harder. Always. And, you have that multiplied, which can be good and bad, I'm sure. In a way, it's nice that they have each other to play with and aren't demanding mommy all the time...then on the other hand, they are more likely to fight and have issues as well. GOod and bad. lol
Nice post.
I have a new look and a new address for my blog now. Come visit!!
There is a special place in heaven for you. I have two 19 months apart and some days I don't know how I'll get through the day. But then I think about triplets and think I'd better just be grateful for what I've got and keep my yap shut.
I am sure feeling the love. I don't do anything special. Like you all , I am a mom with multiple children. No matter the number, it can be difficult at time. Thanks for all the support.
Yep, never gets easier. Once you get into a "groove" something changes. At least it's never boring!
I get annoyed when people say this to me but here I go;
I don't know how you do it...
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