Real Mom Talk: Adjusting to Life with 3 Kids

I’ve been wanting to share all about our adjustment to adding our newest baby to the family for a little while now. As things have settled down a bit, I thought now would be a good time.

To be honest, I was a bit worried about how my older kids would adjust to having a new baby in the house. It had only been the two of them for the last four years, after all.

Last time around, my daughter was too young to really know what was going on, but this 3rd pregnancy was different in many ways. And I was also a bit apprehensive about us parents being outnumbered by the kids.

But to my surprise this has been my smoothest and easiest adjustment out of all three kids.

The first time around was a learning curve. Becoming a first-time parent is a big change. Not only are you adjusting to a baby, but you’re also adjusting to a brand new life. I thought I was prepared ahead of time, but there was so much I had to learn and relearn.

The second time around, my firstborn was still so young and needed me for so much; it was rough. Going from one kid to two was another big learning curve for me in figuring out how to balance my time between both kids and discovering the differences in what worked for each.

But this third time…it must be a charm because it has been the easiest transition for me so far. Going from two kids to three, as overwhelming as it sounds, really hasn’t been that hard. Sure, there are still adjustments and a balancing act (like always), but I haven’t found myself stressing about it all.

I’m sure it helps that my older two are a bit older and pretty independent, so I have a little more wiggle room with them needing me. And my recovery has been the quickest this go-around too, both physically and mentally. I am very thankful for that. I know that’s not the case for a lot of women.

I don’t know what is different this go around but something just feels that way.

Maybe it’s because I’m more experienced as a mom. Maybe it’s because it’s been four years since I last had a newborn. Maybe it’s because I’m not stressing about every little thing. Maybe it’s because I’m older and wiser. Maybe it’s just luck. I don’t know, but whatever it is, I am very thankful for this transition.

Everyone has been adjusting well to the new addition and has been very loving and welcoming to him from the beginning. I’m so incredibly blessed and don’t want to ever take it for granted.

I’ve also heard many people say that once you go to three kids, any more after that is a breeze and it’s all the same. So I guess someday we’ll find out if they’re right. I’ll keep you posted. Lol. For now, I’m just going to enjoy every moment and love on these three little blessings every chance I get.

What was your hardest kid adjustment? 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, or beyond? Let me know in the comments below!

Focus: My Word for 2023

Last year my word was “believe”. While in a season of waiting, I still believed I was where I was meant to be. While I didn’t hit all of my goals for the year, I made so much progress and am happy and more content with where I’m at. After 2022, I can say with certainty that I know I’m where I’m meant to be.

When I started thinking about a word for 2023, I kept coming back to one: Focus. As I begin to settle back into a rhythm after welcoming my new baby at the end of 2022, I am determined to focus on what matters most.

Focus

(noun): Close attention or concentration.

Focus on dreams.

This year, I plan to focus on my goals and dreams. To get back on track with my blogging and screenwriting after a break over the last few months. Since welcoming my newest baby, things have been put on the back burner (and rightfully so). I had been in such a good space chasing my dreams prior to my new baby, and now that things are settling down a bit, I want to get back into a good routine with my goals and dreams again.

Focus on family.

I plan to focus on my beautiful growing family and invest time with them. To stay present and go on new adventures together. To enjoy them, make memories, and document all the moments.

Focus on others.

I want to focus not only on myself but on others. To make a difference and help others around me. To encourage and support others. To listen and be there for those who need it.

Focus on the present.

I want to focus on being more present. Enjoying the here and now. Embracing each phase of life as it comes. To not take things for granted. To not wish to be somewhere else. I’m going to work hard to reach my goals while also embracing where God has planted me. Accept where I am now and be present for it.

Focus on the future.

While I want to be present, I also want to keep moving forward and not get stuck in one place with no progress. So I plan to focus on the future. To make plans to better my whole family’s future and life. To work hard every day towards those goals and to make all our dreams a reality.

All about focus.

Focus on what matters to you and make a difference today. Stay strong and keep on focusing. This year, I want to continue focusing in my everyday life. And I want to challenge you to keep the focus too.

Focus more. Focus longer. Focus better.