Three kids seems so much more work than two kids. I’ve heard parents say different things about two kids, three kids and four kids. Some think the rest just fall into place and it doesn’t seem like more work. I feel like it is so much more work. Maybe once Zeke starts sleeping 6 hours or more at night I won’t be so unfocused and scattered during the day. I feel like my days include just surviving. With two kids I had some down time, just me time, you all know how important that is. Some days I just don’t get it at all. This morning I had some me time at 6am. I was really hoping to be sleeping but all three kids were awake at that time. I took a shower—a really long shower. I had already been up since 5am. Malachi and Elijah played cars in their room and Zeke fell back asleep soon after 6, but I couldn’t fall back asleep, so I just got up. I prayed a lot in the shower. I had such a bad attitude, I just wanted sleep! Today was a good day and I have some just me time right now–it is really nice. Brian is gone at darts right now. I love him, but it is just nice to have total quiet and nobody around.
Tomorrow Brian and Elijah are taking another plane ride…..this will be Elijah’s last freebee(how do you spell that?). They are going to Indy for Brian’s sister’s graduation. It’s a quick trip, they fly back on Saturday morning.
After the boys woke up from their naps today, Malachi played upstairs on the balcony while Brian worked and Elijah played downstairs with me. It was so nice. I loved having some one on one time with Elijah. He was so sweet. I wish I had more one on one time with him. It was fabulous not to hear arguing and crying(Chi wakes up cranky regularly). Then when it was time to do dinner, Elijah played in the kitchen. He didn’t cry like he usually does when I start dinner. He played with a whisk and bowl and other kitchen utensils. Which he managed to get his fingers stuck in the whisk which he got stuck in the dishwasher, funny boy. It was wonderful. When they are both around, I can’t have them in the kitchen when I’m getting a meal ready because they get into everything and it stresses me out. I feel so much more relaxed tonight, I think we’ll have to do this again. It was wonderful–did I already say that?
A few days ago we went to the beach for an hour or so before dinner. The boys had a blast playing in the water. I’m going to miss this beach. It has been so great living three blocks from one.
Zeke—this boy is so big and sturdy. I don’t know that I’ve ever met another 7 week old that is so solid–I’m sure they’re out there. He’s cooing and making noises, it is so precious. I love listening to him and talking to him. It is the most wonderful sound.
Doesn’t he look huge in my arms!!!!
These are the matching shirts I got for the boys. I actually bribed the older two to sit and smile for some pictures.
It worked!
the view finder by tsdg 
I admire you so much. The boys look great, and so does your hair. In that last picture, Zeke looks just like Brian.
I totally agree with you that three is more–amen! I can so relate with what you were saying, especially about one on one time with each child–I wish I had more of that with each of our kids too. And, I’m glad it was relaxing for you to make dinner–our meals have really become so simple because it’s just hard to do it (sad too ’cause I love to cook). It has gotten better for me though–naptimes became more predictable/established as Elisha got older and I still have that so much needed alone time in the afternoon. Some afternoons are better than others…but I really think that the possibility of having some “you” time every day will become a reality as Zeke gets older. Hang in there–you really are doing a great job and your boys all look adorable in their matching green shirts–so cute and they are all smiling at once–I so love it when that happens!! I really hope we can see you all this summer!!
Wow, this has got to be such an exausting time. I am praying for you. Hopefully, as Tara said, things will ease up a little as Zeke gets older and sleeps better. You are one of those hero moms, you know? But I’m specifically praying for some rest for you. Even heroes need sleep. Your boys may be a handful, but they are adorable. All of them. I love the matching green shirts. Having that beach so close is awesome.
I really don’t know how you do it. And I think you do it well. But I know you’ve got to be so tired. I’m praying for you too. For some sleep!! Elijah looks so old in that last picture.
Thanks for the honest picture of what it’s like to have three. I understand the desire to have alone time with Elijah. I have so many great memories of times with Mckenna, especially since we were living overseas when she was little. It sounds like you are learning how to work things out to get things done and have time with each boy, and I hope you get alone time sometime soon. I do so much praying in the shower, too…sometimes it’s our only time completely alone! 🙂
I’m sure these first few months will be the hardest…I’m praying that it will ease up as little Zeke gets into more established routines. Sounds like the older boys might be adjusting some–that’s good! The boys are adorable. Hang in there! You’re doing great! I think my only goal the first few weeks was survival and you’re doing much better than that! 🙂
I have to echo everyone else because you are a truly amazing Mom. Even though it is tough it is so obvious that those precious boys are LOVED and that they love you. You truly are a hero! We’re praying for you; for strength to continue to be consistant in your parenting, for sleep, for some time alone when you need it most.
Elijah looks so grown up in the last picture. They are all growing so fast! Zeke looks like a 6 month old not 7 weeks! Wow!
wow, I don’t know how you do it. I pray for you. Zeke does look big for 7 weeks. I think that cute picture of the three of them was worth a bribe. Yesterday Wrigley slept late after her nap and Theo got to play alone for about 35 minutes. This never happens. I think he really enjoyed it.
You’ve got to be so tired. Zeke DOES look big! How much does he weigh now? That’s a really awesome picture of the three boys. It was a good use of a bribe.