Monday, February 13, 2012

The Brutal Truth About The Third Child


Part I: The Pregnancy

First Baby

When you have your first baby, you become the centre of the universe. No one has ever had a baby before, this is the most important event in the history of the world. You are able to rest and nap every day. You walk around like an earth mother, hand on your belly, waiting, waiting, waiting for a 'proper' bump.  You feel calm and smile a lot.  You love the nausea and vomiting because it means your baby is growing. You eat fresh organic food, abstain from alcohol, and take all your vitamins. You never want it to end.

You are overwhelmed with information and advice.  People feel compelled to tell you their horror labour stories. Your obstetrician actually talks with you. You have baby showers and play games where someone smushes a Ferrero Rocher into a nappy and pretends it's a baby poo. You think it's slightly gross.

People bend over backwards to help, to shop, to give you their old baby clothes. People are excited for you. They want to touch your bump. Everyone asks if it's your first and when you say 'yes' they give you a big warm smile.  They tell you it will be the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you. You believe them.

You read books like 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' and 'Up the Duff', subscribe to parenting magazines and sign up to online baby forums. You spend months decorating the nursery, making sure everything co-ordinates.  You spend hours researching SIDS and developmental milestones, you buy all the latest safety gear, harnesses, slings, and bouncers.  You put special plugs in all the empty power sockets, and put all the poisons and medicines in a high locked cupboard accessible only with a six-digit combination and certain phases of the moon. 

You carefully cut the tags out of baby clothes so they don't scratch your little darling, and wash everything twice in super-soft, extra-sensitive, environmentally friendly, baby-friendly organic detergents.  You vow to never give your baby a dummy, they won't suck their thumb, you will breastfeed on demand, you will turn them every night so they don't get a flat head. They won't watch TV until they are eight, and only then educational, G-rated programs. They will never own a computer game, never use a mobile phone, never get any piercings, and you will not allow a single piece of commercially branded rubbish (like Dora or Disney) enter your house.

Your child will be a Nobel Prize winner.

You have written a birth plan in great detail, and provide it in triplicate to the doctor, the midwives and your husband.  You have made a new playlist for your iPod of calming music, you have scented candles, you have new pyjamas.

You haven't thought about what happens after the baby comes out.

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Second Baby

When you have your second baby, your toddler is the centre of the universe. You have forgotten all the 'baby' stuff, and can only dwell on your pregnancy at night when the toddler is sleeping. You are unable to nap during the day because the toddler has just dropped their day sleeps. You look like you are six months pregnant by the time you hit the second trimester. You feel harassed and yell a lot. You love the nausea and vomiting because it means you get five minutes to yourself in the bathroom. You eat your toddlers leftovers, try to abstain from alcohol, and remember to take your vitamins sometime in the middle trimester. It feels like it will never end.

You are pissed off with information and advice. People feel compelled to tell you their horror stories about toddlers locking the baby in the cupboard. You forget to attend half your obstetrician appointments. You get a few cards in the mail from friends and family, but no parties.

People who have finished child-bearing start dumping all their old baby stuff on you. Whether you want it or not. People are mildly interested in you. They tell you how big your bump is and how swollen your ankles are. Everyone asks if it's your first and when you say 'no' they look disappointed and walk away.

You drag 'Up the Duff' off the shelf and leave it in the loo for the two minutes you get to yourself each day.  You start reading your parenting magazines and online forums for advice about siblings and making the transition easy on your toddler. You unceremoniously dump your toddler out of the cot and tell them they are now a 'big girl' in a bed.  You throw out some broken toys, re-wash the cot sheets, buy some new wall stickers and a box of newborn nappies.  The nursery is now done. You look at all the harnesses, slings, and bouncers from your first baby, most of which are still in the box, and consider using them this time. Your toddler has taken all the special plugs out of the empty power sockets and is still alive, so you don't replace them. The poisons are under the sink with a child-proof lock.  The medicines are next to the wine and spirits above the fridge, easily accessible for only those over five foot.

You rewash the old baby clothes in your normal detergents, throwing out the ones which look totally dodgy. You buy a new packet of dummies and leave them near the cot.  You'll certainly need them. They will only watch TV when you are really tired, really grumpy or trying to make dinner. You consider Foxtel to be an investment in your sanity.  You will try and wait until they are three before they get a computer game. They will never get any piercings.  Dora and Disney toys are an accepted part of life.

Your child will finish high school.

You forget all about birth plans and look forward to your time in hospital as a break from the chaos at home. You leave the scented candles at home, and instead pack your laptop because you plan to Facebook your entire hospital stay. You have new pyjamas, but only because the other ones haven't fit for over two years.

You don't care how the baby comes out, but you are wondering whether you will be able to breastfeed as passionately as you did last time, and buy a pump and some bottles, just in case.  And some formula.

Third Baby

When you have your third baby, you have a pre-schooler and a toddler both claiming they are the centre of the universe. Loudly. You don't even realise you are pregnant until you figure out the reason you have gained 15kg in four weeks is not solely due to all the playgroup morning teas. You look like the living dead and have learned to nap with your eyes open when you are meant to be watching ballet lessons or swimming lessons. You look like you are six months pregnant by the time you walk out of the bedroom. You only stop yelling when you are asleep, and when you are asleep you snore.

You carry around Coles bags to vomit into, and throw them out with the dirty nappies.   You eat your main meal at morning tea, and snack on Maltesers throughout the rest of the day.  If your kids won't eat vegetables or salad, why the hell should you? You don't even bother trying to abstain from alcohol but it tastes like crap and instead drink 1L of choc milk every day. You take a box of pregnancy vitamins the day you find out you are pregnant and forget about it for the rest of the pregnancy. You are able to redefine 'eternity' based on the endless questioning from your pre-schooler about whether 'the baby will come today?'.

No one even bothers offering you information and advice. People either think you are crazy or irresponsible.  Everyone assumes it was an 'accident'.  Old women get huffy with you at Woolies when you are pushing around a trolley with a screaming toddler, a pre-schooler, 5kg of bananas, and four tubs of icecream.  People feel compelled to tell you their horror stories about middle children who wind up being axe murderers. Or politicians. You see your obstetrician for the first time the day the baby arrives. You get a few looks of sympathy from friends and family, but no parties or cards.

People who have finished child-bearing return to work, lose weight and look glamorous and well-rested.  They have nothing for you but pity. People are disgusted by you. You are disgusted by you. Everyone asks if it's your first and when you say it's your third, they laugh hysterically and walk away.

You have given your baby books away, and can't afford magazine subscriptions any more.  You read celebrity magazines at the checkout hoping to be inspired for another name.  When you start considering Wednesday Apple, you realise you are seriously scraping the bottom of the barrel. You force your toddler out of the cot, take away their dummies and try and toilet train them in a weekend.When that backfires, you buy another cot, another change table and some locks for the doors. You start arguing with the pre-schooler about who is the 'biggest big sister', because you know she really means 'best' big sister.

You drag out an open box of newborn nappies from under the stairs. The nursery is now done. You take all the harnesses, slings, and bouncers from your first baby, which are still in the box, and trade them for a wine fridge.  You ask the older children to try and not kill the baby. There are no poisons under the sink because you haven't cleaned the house in years. The medicines are next to the wine and spirits, in your bedside table.

You look at the crusty old baby clothes and figure that the baby can just be nude for its first few years of life. You buy three packet of dummies and pack them in the hospital bag. You install a TV in each of the kid's rooms. They won't get any piercings until they are at least twelve. You have bought shares in Dora and Disney and are the only reason you can afford the third child.

Your child will attend kindy.

You take a list of all the drugs you want when you are in hospital and look forward to your time in there because you won't have to cook for anyone. You pack a family size box of chocolates and some ear plugs. You have new pyjamas, but only because you haven't done any washing in months.

* * *   * * *   * * *

This baby will come out eventually, it doesn't matter how, or when.  That bit was never important anyway.

This baby will make you realise how much love the human heart is capable of.  You look at your older children with fresh eyes, and realise how painful it is to be away from them.  You will look at your husband and be grateful for three precious gifts he has given you, and forgive him for (almost) everything else. Your life will be hectic and crazy and loud and full of shouting and frustration and love.  You will have even more of those special experiences, even more of those breathtaking moments.

You will finally be complete.



You hope


_______________________

To read more The Brutal Truth About the Third Child...

The Brutal Truth About the Third Child, Part II: The First Few Months

The Brutal Truth About the Third Child, Part III: The First Birthday Party


and behind the scenes, an article on how writing this post changed my life...

The Brutal Truth About the Brutal Truth About the Third Child

and from my writer's blog


or buy the eBook on Amazon
The Brutal Truth About the Third Child by Shannon Meyerkort




180 comments:

  1. Shan - gorgeous!!!!! Of course you have UTTERLY put me off EVER contemplating a third child .. except for the small redeeming paragraphs at the end. Very well written. Perhaps pregnancy has enhanced your writing ability? It seems to get better and better and better.

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  2. Let me just wipe the tears of laughter away... keep thinking of all those gorgeous family photos you are going to have in the years ahead! And let me say (a) I have nothing but admiration for you, and (b) I will always be ready to pour you a big glass of wine when you need it. Should I stock up now? :-)

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  3. What a wonderful piece of writing. So unbelievably heartwarming and humorous. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. So funny, and so very, very true. I especially loved the part about people laughing hysterically and walking away when you tell them you have three kids!
    I did notice a slightly different reaction to pregnancy number three when babies one and two are the same sex. Instead of assuming it's an accident, they always ask a variation on, "oh, you must be hoping for a girl" or "trying for a girl?" What is wrong with people????

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    1. So true! I had a friend who used to say, 'No, we are trying for a giraffe'.

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    2. Well done! So well written (as i sit here expecting #3 which isn't an accident and not likely to be a girl considering we already have 2 boys and i'm about to write packing choloates and earplugs on the must take list. )
      Glad we can share the humour together as mums.
      United by spit, sleepless nights and pooey nappies.

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    3. I agree, i had a boy & a girl and when i announced my third pregnancy, i got "but you already have a boy & a girl".... If i ever have a fourth, IM NOT TELLING ANYONE!

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    4. Or the other response when you are not pregnant but already have 2 children of the same gender, when's number 3 coming because of cause you would like a little girl because you have 2 boys or your husband would like a boy because you have 2 little girls.

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    5. So true!!!! I am a mum of 3 boys (under 4) and have a very busy, demanding, exhausting life. I wouldn't change it. Our little "oops" just turned 1 and he is the light of both my husbands and my day. I was diagnosed 6 weeks before he was born with a severe depressive disorder - a very dark time for all of us. I will never again comment on another pregnant woman's bump - other than she is beautiful and doing an amazing job. So many times I would be pushing my 2 boys in the trolley, pregnant and at my wits end with their public behaviour. Not once did anyone say, great job or hang in there - instead "oh, you must be hoping for a girl" me "no, we have our third boy on the way" them "oh, you must be devastated!". Oh right, wait, yes I am devastated that our third child is healthy! People have zero tact or respect when it comes to pregnancies. I am happy to say that I am working through my illness, and I am very lucky to have the support system I do. Having our number 3 is the hardest thing we have done, but by far the most rewarding. This little man was meant to be here - and yes, we are now complete.

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    6. So funny. I was just commenting to my husband that people really don't care that we're having our fourth. By now it's just like going down the shop for milk - whatever, yeh, boring - they're getting another kid!

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  5. So funny and lovely and true (not that I can vouch for the third part!). You write beautifully, can't wait to hear your news too. Liz x

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  6. ps. I forgot to say, 'ENJOY'! Three kids are wonderful!! I did have a girl and it's lovely. Three boys would also have been lovely.

    My life does feel complete in a way it never did after two, no matter how much I loved my boys.

    It's crazy and chaotic, and I wouldn't change a second of it! (and you can fit three seats in a Holden Commodore Wagon or a Subaru Liberty...)

    And hopefully in amongst all that you'll find time to keep writing - because you're great at it!
    xx

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    1. Thanks Bek
      I am so glad when I hear people say that three children has fulfilled them. Mostly because I am terrified part of me will want another!

      xxx
      Shannon

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    2. The more the Merrier! I went for #4 & got a girl after three boys. Grandma had 10 and I always remember as a child (I'm 70) what a fabulous time we all had when we got together. Now Christmas Eve is still celebrated at my home known as Nana's Happy House! I'm 70 -- I still cook the family Christmas pudding and the mothers all bring favourite dishes... the fathers bring the drinks and guitars for a jam session. Everyone sleeps over squashed in like sardines. Fr Christmas creeps in during the night and we all have brekky together and open our presents. Life is what you make it.... a heaven or a hell... just be sure to stop and smell the roses and kick the cat occasionally.

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    3. I have 3 and it's off the charts busy. I don't know what I am doing half the time, I am out of breath and I crash into my bed at 830 every night. 10 years is going to go by and I will not know what hit me. Yes, it is intense. No, it isn't easy. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. In fact, ask a mother of two, at some point in her life, she will say she regrets not having that third baby. But, you will never hear a mom of 3 regretting having had one more!

      More pain.. more gain! Enjoy!

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    4. Love it! Thanks so much for the blog and all the comments... #3 (oops) will arrive in 5 sleeps or so and while it took a while to get my head around it, I agree it will be totally worth it. We have a boy and a girl already so this addition was just meant to be. Love love the comments esp fitting 3 seats in a Subaru Liberty..... one of our many wonderings but always ending with - oh well, we'll make it work. Made my morning!

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  7. Thank you everyone for your comments. And yes please, put the wine on ice and somone find me a big tub of pate!

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  8. Hey Shan,

    We were in class together first semester last year, and I've been skulking about your blog for the past few months from my new home in Melbourne. I'm so excited for you and baby number three, and even though I'm still years away from motherhood I get a good laugh and sense of perspective from your stories.

    I love that even with a growing family and house renovations and that thing called life, you're still writing like a pro. Don't ever stop!

    Good luck with bub, I look forward to more stories!

    - Tegan

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    1. Hi Tegan

      I totally remember you. I loved Creative Non-Fiction and am a little sad about having to defer my studies for 2012.

      I am thrilled you love my stories, I hope one day I get to read yours should you venture down this path.

      I hope Melbourne is treating you well.

      best wishes
      Shannon

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  9. Shannon This is hilarious!! I am now terrified at the thought of having a third child - if I show this to my hubby it may never happen!
    Looking forward to hearing your news :)

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    1. In our case, it was HIS idea... Maybe I should have read this blog before agreeing :-)

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  10. I love this! Now to convince my husband that we should have a third child - I will NOT be showing him this. LOL!

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  11. bahahhahahahaha this is so so so so so true!!!! now I remember why I didnt want a fourth, thanks for that I was starting to get clucky ;) lol

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  12. So true... with 3 boys we are done, although everybody asks are we going to have a girl! The looks I got when I was pregnant with number 3 are similar to the ones I know get when they realise we've got 3 boys! Thanks for sharing.

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  13. OMG.. this is me.. I swear I could have been the one who wrote this.. I laughed aloud a number of time... thinking.. OH thank god its not just me!!! I am sharing this with EVERYONE! I loved it!

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  14. Thanks everyone for your support and comments. I have been overwhelmed with the response to this post.
    It will be very interesting to see what reactions I get if Baby Number Three turns out to be Girl Number Three... but I guess that will be the subject of another post.

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  15. Shannon, I have 3 gorgeous girls and they are all different and special in their own ways. They are currently 6 years, 3 years and 11 months. I do not know (or want to think about) how their teenage years will be but at the moment it is mostly lovely. And no, I have no desire to go again to try for a boy. The three princesses are enough:)

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    1. I must admit the female teenage years ahead terrify me. At the moment the Bombshell is four going on fourteen. We are already looking into boarding schools. Just kidding. [Cough]

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  16. I laughed out loud at least 4 times whilst reading and then teared up at the end, which in my book is a perfect post. Thank you so much and good luck!

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    1. Thanks Lee, and everyone else for your comments.

      xxx
      Shannon

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  17. Loved it! My 3 are now 11, 8 and nearly 7, but I remember those years sooo well! To all those contemplating a 3rd, it's great, but those years with a pre-schooler, a toddler and a newborn are HARD. Just remember, it does pass, and suddenly they're all at school and you have some modicum of life...until they get home from school anyway :)

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    1. When the youngest is at school and all of a sudden the house is empty, is that when you breathe a sigh of relief, or when you get get clucky and start thinking about Number Four?

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  18. THAT WAS/IS MY LIFE. Our youngest, of three, is now 1.5yo (eldest just turned 5). They just eat bread, cheese and chocolate. All of them! It's just too hard to try and get them to eat anything healthy! And we just buy clothes that can double up us pjs to save on washing and dressing!! Just kidding (sort of!) Love this post xx

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    1. That's very clever - the pj/clothes thing for kids. But I reckon they need to do that for us mums, so we don't even have to get changed in the mornings. That's another five minutes I could spend making lunches/referreeing fights/changing nappies/sobbing uncontrollably/dressing someone else...

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    2. omg this is HILARIOUS b/c i'm preg with #3 and for the first time in my life ever i've been wearing what i wore during the day to bed and if it's not too smelly the next day, I'll wear it again!! i'm a hot mess!!

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  19. Brilliant! I wrote a post this week about wanting to go for number three at some stage. This puts it in perspective! Your accounts of child one and two are soooo true!

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  20. I am currently 11 weeks pregnant with number 4! after having three girls. To be honest I am not really sure how we are surviving but this reminded me why it is all worth it!

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    1. Brilliant! Congratulations. I would love to hear what Number Four is like (people keep telling me they think I will go for another). Keep in touch!

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  21. Gorgeous post! I'm due with #3 next month, except my first 2 are both in school this year. Love the bit about people's reactions when you tell them its your third... and YES so totally looking forward to my time in hospital ;)

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  22. Thank you for the belly laugh!!! Im a mad mum of 5!(nope not a typo 5!)and to be honest after youve been "broken in " by youre 3rd child ,no 4 and 5 really arent that bad!Granted with 4 boys our shopping trolley looks as though we are catering for a small country but the laughs and smiles in our home are magic! Enjoy life with youre brood and thank you for a great article!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it. I bet with five you have some amazing stories.

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    2. Certainly do! but most importantly (and surprisingly)after no 3 ive learnt to chill!if its not sterilised /perfect or wont wash off who cares!! live life in a way which makes u smile! would love to chat further but got to remove the tampons master 3 just shoved into master 7s nerf gun thinking they were bullets...oh the joys :-)!

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    3. And being a male he doesn't realise (or care) how expensive tampons are!

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    4. I love this! I'm supposed to be in bed as I'll be getting my usual early morning wake up call from my little monkey's, but I just couldn't resist reading on. Fantastic post and great comments!

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  23. Brilliant post, I'm currently pregnant with No.2 and then I'm done!

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    1. I remember thinking that :-)
      Best of luck with yor pregnancy!

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  24. I did a lot of laughing at this post. Then POW - right at the end I'm all teary!

    Really well done and I can relate SO much! I had 3 under 5's for a short time. I remember looking forward to going in to hospital with number 3 for the break.

    Rebecca - another Mum of 3.

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  25. I've just had number two and not sure if I should get hubby to read that or not LOL

    Great reading, your writing style is very easy to read and reminds me of the "Up the Duff" book :)

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    1. I love Kaz Cooke - so am thrilled with the comparison. Thank you.

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  26. Awesome post! Just stopping by from Daisy's blogroll

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  27. I could'nt stop laughing. This is my life! I have a 5yr old son, a 2 and a half yr old son and a 3month old daughter. The last few weeks i have added starting school and toilet training to the mix - now thats hard. I love having 3 children and every time someone would ask if it "was my first" i happily told them "no, my third". I got the raised eyebrows followed by laughter when i told them i already had 2 boys and then assumed i "was hoping for a girl". I was blessed with a daughter but 3 boys would have been just as nice - another thing noone could quite understand. Who knows having a 4th isn't off the cards for us yet either. Maybe you could write something about having a 4th child so i can decide.

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    1. At least with four kids the maths is easier, right? Icecreams tend to come in boxes of four, you can get 'one adult and two kids' tickets to things, two lots of bunkbeds, that sort of thing.

      But I am trying to stop at three (see my latest post about the Woolies bag).

      Really. Pretty sure I can't do another.

      Are you convinced?

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    2. Love your "Woolies bag" story. I have a few hesitations about having a fourth and that is one of them. i was blessed with no vomiting spells during any 3 pregnancies but you do tend to forget the reflux, haemorroids, heartburn, breathlessness, sleeping sitting up, restless legs (ohhhhh boy did i have them bad), the constant pull of your impending stomach as you feel like you are "bottoming out" like the front of a car over a speed hump. AND then theres getting up to yet another child during the night "mum, my bandaids coming off" was shouted at me at 5am this morning! Theres the financial side, but that rarely stops the ones that really can't afford to have them does it!...... Or am i just being selfish for not wanting to endure another 10 months of pregnancy (all 3 were late) to bring another life into this world? If i, or should i say "we" decide to have another i will definately be getting my partner to sign a written contract into how much he is going to help out this time and not complain about how poor we are every time i go on maternity leave for 16 months. He is, afterall, the one that wants another!

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    3. I sometimes think that if it were men who carried babies, they would have figured out how to get women to do it by now: long before they spent all that effort putting man on the moon/plasma TV etc...

      You might be onto something with the written contract idea...

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  28. You've deccribed it to perfection. I have three children and the youngest is turning 5 this year. I felt so incomplete with only two and it was so hard to convince my husband that 3 was the way to go, particularly when his arguments for only two were so logical. We are now complete and have no regrets. The first year of our youngest's life is a complete blur...we did what we had to do on very little sleep. The year he turned 3 we went on a holiday - no nappies, no pram, no afternoon sleeps - it was perfect and well worth the wait :)

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    1. So there IS life after three. I'm inspired. Thank you, in so many ways.

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    2. Oh, how did you convince your husband? I'm in exactly that boat at the moment!!

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    3. Actually it was his idea. I think he whispered subliminal messages while I was sleeping, because one day it just felt 'right', and Number Three was a given.

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  29. OMG I have not laughed so friggin hard since I find out I was pregnant with my third boy, and that doesn't really count cause it was more of a insane 'how the frig did this happen' kind of demented cackle. Thank you for saying exactly how it is. Brilliant!!! off to share this now!

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    1. Thanks Sonia, I think I am also very familiar with the demented cackle... I guess there will be plenty more of that in the years ahead.

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  30. im classed as the insane person that had 5 kids (4 boys, 1 girl)we are done now, hubbys had the snip no more
    No4 & No5 arent as bad as what it seems apart from you need to get a 7 seater car & my bedrooms resemble dorms with all the bunk beds....but i have to say our house is never boring & theres always something going on :D

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  31. JU SO FONII !!! My trio was spaced out a bit more than yours, but oh hija, do I know your world. Best mantra, "This too shall pass."

    Just remember to keep saying this when ::shudder:: puberty comes...and your wine fridge well stocked. ;)

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  32. I think we can all relate to this. I only have two, but I know that's exactly how it would go for me if I had a third.
    Awesome!

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  33. So well written. I stopped at two. Smart move by the sounds of it ;)

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  34. ROFL !!! [seriously nearly fell off my chair and rolled on floor laughing] and i only ever had ONE who happens to be now a 25 year old man! but my sister had three GIRLS ! now 32,30.5 and 26...THAT was fun hanging out with them for all those AUNTY/COUSIN memories....being the youngest siter by ten years ,i`d often look at all the wine and spirits on top of her fridge and her daily routine of complete makeup and hair done FIRST...[I NOW KNOW IT WAS TO HIDE THE "walking dead"look LOL ...some of my younger friends [hey i`m only 44] are having babies ,have a few etc and one 45 year old even had her 1st...doubt she`ll have a 2nd after reading this ,lol...WELL WRITTEN and i think you brought a teary eye to all at the end with the underlying 'it`s all worth it" ...awesome work! ...looking forward to being a Grandmother ONE YEAR IN THE FAR FAR FAR OFF FUTURE...:)CHEERS FROM Hope Imogen xO

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    1. That's so true... I only just started wearing powder and mascara again with this pregnancy because I too, was trying to hide the walking dead pallor I had with the constant sickness.

      I spent more on anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-death-eater cosmetics this pregnancy than in my entire previous life!

      Thanks for commenting

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  35. I heard this once, when the first child drops the dummy you boil the pot of water and sterilise it. When the second child drops the dummy you suck it and give it back to them. When the third child drops the dummy you ask the dog to pick it up for you. then you give it back to the child.

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  36. Thank you for making me feel soooo much better. Luckily for me I have three beautiful children but only had to go through pregnancy twice with babies 2 & 3 being twins. With My DD I was sooooo careful, germophobic and "the perfect mother". Now I'm the "yeah whatever" mother. My DH still freaks out but I'm just cruising along and enjoying them. Being premmie I have to be a bit "germophobic" but I am definitely a Mum of three now!!!

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  37. I have a 2yrd old and a 10mth old and we are planning on adding a number three early next year! We make such cute babies that we will be having more after that!
    Great article... :)

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  38. Love it! Very funny. Was wiping away tears of laughter. I'm due with our 3rd in July. Thanks for sharing!

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  39. Glad you all thought it was funny. I feel sorry for this poor child who is already being given 3rd world citizen status. Why get pregnant again if this is how little you care about the child?

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    1. Kathy, I am sorry you feel that way but cannot help feel you have misread the post. By the time you get to Number Three, the desire for that child is even more intense.

      No one has more children if they don't have the love, time and capacity to care for them. Especially me.

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    2. Kathy, I think that child will be really happy to have been given a mum with such a bright sense of humour and the ability to look at child rearing a little light heartedly, instead of taking life so seriously. The fact that Shannon clearly adores her children was very easy to read between the lines in my opinion.

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    3. I agree with Shannon and Anon - maybe Kathy didn't read the last couple of lines? I think all of Shannon's children are enormously cared for and what struck me more is how selfless she is and should probably spend a little more time caring for herself, as well! I still adore this post (but am still not having three myself).

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  40. Not only was this funny, but I read every word and didn't scan, not once - promise! I wasn't looking for blogging bullet points or easy reading because I was enjoying every word, and the rhythm of the piece. I loved the bitter sweet pathos at the end, but most of all I enjoyed the progression of the article and the wry humour. Mia Freedman - watch out :)

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    1. For someone who hopes to be a 'real' writer one day (ie. me), this is the ultimate in compliments. Thank you.

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  41. Love this piece and I related to it all too much. I did however go onto to have #4.

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  42. Just superb! I love ' Your life will be hectic and crazy and loud and full of shouting and frustration and love." because it is absolutley spot on!! x

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  43. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have just made a very dull Monday evening an enjoyable event! SO, so true.
    Niamh (mother to 3!)

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  44. Mum to three here too.... and spot on!! For the record, three is wonderful, NOW I feel finished, and my third has been the best experience.... no "surviving" here, just "thriving". All the best xxx

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  45. HI. I read this post via a FB share. I was just at an awkward stage that after two steps sones, one 9 year old boy, nearing 40 and a career lull that I could just maybe look at another one. Now I remember why I just so could not. 3 is enough! Love your blog

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  46. Hope you don't mind me adding my take as a Mum to 6 kids.

    Well by baby number 6 you have a teenager, pre teen, a couple of kids and and a toddler. Things like dummy or no dummy are almost laughable when I look at my almost 16 yr old son and realise that those decisions have in no way affected the way he has turned out. Infact all decisions about the baby are easy now compared to the ones I have to make about which parties my almost 16 yr old can attend and which he can't. I have new worries about things like underage drinking and teenage sex. The decision about breast or bottle is really no biggy in comparison to these things.
    Life is so busy now that I carry the baby in the sling most of the time, done it so many times now its just like grabbing my hand bag on my way out the door to one of the children's many activities. The poor baby spends so much time getting in and out of the car and going to different places that he is unsettled if we actually spend a whole day at home. Oh and the birth plan for number 6 is hoping you can fit in going to the hospital to give birth between the other 5 kid's various activities, lol.
    No one ever offers you advice anymore, they ask you for it instead. People look at you like you have lost the plot, which you do on occasion question yourself. When they ask if this your first baby and you tell them its your 6th, they also assume you must be catholic or need educating on contraception.
    You come to realise that you actually thrive on the organised chaos in the household and you would be lost without it. You look at your 6 wonderful children all at different stages of their childhood and realise how fulfilling they make your life, even though at times they have you yelling or wanting to tear your hair out. Whether it be the smiles the baby is giving you, the cute things the toddler is saying, the award one of the children bring home, the thoughtfulness of your pre teen or maturity shown by the teenager. You realise how lucky you are to have so many proud Mummy moments.
    As these children get older and are growing into polite, caring and well adjusted young adults with big dreams you start to think that maybe, just maybe its more than a coincidence and your hard work has paid off :)

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    1. Lee, that's beautiful and inspiring and a little terrifying too. But it wasn't so long ago that the thought of three terrified me. (And I distinctly remember being scared of even one).

      What I take from reading your story is how people stop telling you things and start asking you things. You have become a wealth of information, an asset. I have a good friend who is one child ahead of me, and I am constantly seeking her advice and reassurance. She was a big part of my decision to have number three (not that she probably realises that) but I took from her the confidence that I could do it too.

      Also, I love how you finish by saying that it is not a coincidence that your children have turned out so well, that it was hard work (and lots of love). As mums we are all so hard on ourselves (and too often, each other) so it is nice to see someone say 'hey, I did a good job'.

      Love your story, thanks for adding it.

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  47. I'm 23 wks pregnant with my first, but I think I've skipped to the second! Pregnancy has been awful and I'm tired of people asking / talking about it. All I want to do is sleep until my little man gets here in June. But he won't be using a dummy ;)

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  48. I'm speechless! Loved the guts out of this post. This rings (way too) true for me. Number three boy is now 6 months & I have the preschooler & the toddler boys to go with. We are also renovating, running a business from home & have some very needy pets in our possession. I would love to see a post after your latest little treasure arrives titled; "Even if you can get the kids to sleep at night the dog WILL vomit on the carpet at 3am"! I know one day hubby & I will look back on these days & laugh at the things we did & said just to get through the day, but for now it's nice to not feel alone in "survival mode". Thanks for the laugh & enjoy watching the love (& chaos) grow in your household.
    P.S I am currently brought to you by coffee & maltesers.

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    1. Thanks Leah! You sound like you have a very full plate at the moment, but I am a firm believer in doing all the crazy stuff at once (we are planning renovations later this year, but there is no way I am letting the kids get a dog, despite their father's constant pleas).

      Love the fact that you are on maltesers and coffee at 5.22pm... a girl after my own heart.

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  49. I had 2 boys and when I was pregnant with #3 everyone assumed that it was because we wanted a girl when all we actually wanted was another baby. I found that I obsessed with #1 and spent a hell of alot of time saying 'I will never...' or 'This baby will never....' and to my surprise that all went out the window about 15 mins after #1 was born lol. I had my bag packed a month before and had 9 hrs of music burnt onto discs to last my labour. With #2 I was more realistic and had things like dummies BEFORE I went to hospital and packed my bag a week before. Washed what I thought I would use and didnt bother to pack things like those useless socks you can never keep on. By the time I was pregnant with #3 I had a hard time remembering I was pregnant at all! (Until I kept bumping into things with my belly) I would take a bucket with me to change nappies so that I could keep going and throw up at the same time. I threw a few things in a bag the morning I went into hospital and even less for the bub-to-come. (No bloody socks at all lol)Poor Emma, we quite often forget we have her at all pmsl.

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  50. Thankyou for such a good laugh! Mum of three beautiful girls here. 6,4 and 6 months! And that last paragraph is just soo true...our little 6 month old completes ALL of our lives! My older two are experiencing something that not many get to experience and I am so happy myself and my husband have given this to our family! Life gets crazy and hectic, but is also fun and full of laughs and love!! The older two are soo excited with every milestone the littley reaches! As far as having a newborn and all the trials that come wiht that..I love every minute of it, the sleeplessness doesn't last and they are only little for such a short time!!... and finally I KNOW...that I CAN do this motherhood gig, I am the best person for the job of bringing up my babies. I make the decisions and back them!! I did have the whole you are after a boy comments...but no, I was after 3 beautiful healthy children!...Probably will get the "you need to go again" comments for the next few years also!! Your blog was fabulous and so true for each of the little babes!! Goodluck on your journey! and thanks for the laugh..and the little tear at the end. x

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    1. Thank you for adding your story. I especially love how you say

      "and finally I KNOW...that I CAN do this motherhood gig, I am the best person for the job of bringing up my babies"

      I feel that way, even when my almost-five-year old and I are yelling at each other, identical pitch and volume. She is a mini-me, both good and bad. I think 'we were meant to be together, I was given these children for a reason: I am the only one for them'.

      Perhaps that is overstating it a little, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

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  51. A MOTHER OF THREE.. So true.. Can't believe I've just read it all and can relate to it like it was only yesterday.. Now my children are all grown up.. Two girls 37 and 34.. both don't want any children, and my son is 32 married to his high school sweetheart of 8 years.. I now have two adorable grandchildren.. My Charlie is just over two and my little William born on the 17th of Jan 2012..
    I watched my daughter in law with the first pregnancy and it was like I was reading her story.. Now with the second one.. out came the dummies and so on.. Amazing..
    Thanks so much for sharing your story with us all.. A few tears for remembering and a good laugh seeing it all happen with no changes with my gorgeous daughter in law.. x

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    1. Thank you, I love the fact that the basics of being a mum will never change. The tools (and the rules) may develop over time but in essence it remains constant. Congratulations on your new grandson.

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  52. ... by the 4th and 5th you only care about where the wine is kept!!! ;)

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  53. This is lovely & funny and made me laugh and cry! So much of it happened to me!! I look at my third child and can't imagine life without her!! (or the other 2). I can't wait to show this to my sister but I might wait until she's had her first child......hehe

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  54. My friend sent me your link because I'm going to have number 3 in oh about 3 weeks & I giggled the whole way through, then I thought about it & I may just cry!! LOL gotta love 8 month pregnant hormones *sigh*

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  55. Cried with laughter, pregnant with my third at the moment. The laughter really tested my pelvic floor! Lol

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  56. FUNNY!!! Great writing :) I love it.

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  57. Hilariously funny and so true! I have 3 - 2 boys (6 & 4) and a baby girl 10 months old. I love the bit where you say 'you look forward to your time in hospital because you won't have to cook for anyone'. Add to that clean, wash and dress them! I had 4 wonderful days in hospital. And so true about people laughing hysterically and walking away when you say it's your third. I did get lots of cards and gifts though, probably because it was my 1st girl after 2 boys.

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  58. Very well said. A lot of moms can relate to this. More Power and Keep it up!

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  59. Great post. I have seven children......the story could easily continue.

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  60. Thank you!!! I am due to have my third in 3 weeks, and just loved it, especially considering I have just had my two girls rearrange the nursery with all the same things from my first pregnancy...and rather than moving it all back, I said good work and walked out! The reality of it all is perfectly summed up in your closing paragraph. Thanks again for sharing :)

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  61. my wife left this page open i read it and laughted all to the bottom of the page but u have hit the nail on the head but we have 5 kids all boys that all love 2 punch on im so glad i go 2 work every day

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  62. Loved this! My number 3 is 5 months old ( also 4 year old daughter and nearly 2 year son) people used to say "haven't you figured out how that happens yet?" when I told them it was baby number 3. Wonder what they'll say for number 4? Yes we will have 1 more! :-)

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  63. This is hilarious. I love it. My first baby is 13 mths old and we are currently trying for our 2nd. I laughed out loud many times, knowing the truth of what you have written. Well done - especially the last line! :)

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  64. My third child gave me the strength to do what i needed to do (get a divorce) and, although hugely demanding as a toddler and teen, has always been a living example of what we can achieve as mothers!

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  65. And I was silly enough to have a fourth!!!!!!! OMG, I am feeling it now!!!!!!

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  66. I am 22 weeks with my 3rd, already have a 14mth girl and 3yr old boy and I get the 'you're crazy' line every day! I laughed so hard I cried because this is my life and it made me so happy to read that someone else is going through all of the same stuff too.. Having kids is the best thing I have ever done and the intensity of my love for them grows every minute of each day and I can't wait to have my baby boy in a few months... Yay for chaos!

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  67. Laughed myself to tears and showed all my friends. I only have one (age4), which may be all that we're given, but I can so relate to the second stage! Our neighbours have 7 - I don't know how they manage breakfast and dressing and school bus...

    Thanks Shannon for the gift of laughter - blessings to you and yours.

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  68. Absolutely fantastic piece of writing Shannon! Laughed long and loud! One piece you did leave out though was the complete and utter lack of sterilizing by number 3 (and def #4!) I am the proud mum of 3 beautiful girls (7, 6 & 3) and one beautiful 6 month old boy and no we didn't go back for 4 just to get a boy, although he is a welcome change!! We wanted four beautiful healthy kids and that's what we got! Life is very busy, crazy, frustrating, loud etc but so full of love and laughter too. Number 4 def completed our family, and I often say I have enjoyed my third daughter in an entirely different way to my first two as she just brought so much more energy and laughter to our lives, and we as parents were in a much better place to appreciate her as the truly unique little girl she is because by now we know we're good parents and aren't going to break them so we have more capacity to enjoy them! We're planning our very first OS holiday as a family in a few months and finding accom for 6 has been a challenge but although shepherding 4 kids through customs, airport waits, overnight flights etc is going to be challenging, we wouldn't change a thing! For all of you contemplating have 3 or more, they definitely bring an all new level of love and laughter to your lives!!!

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  69. Hilarious! I laughed hysterically until I cried! Proud Mom of two and this blog couldn't be more true!

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  70. My Wife passed this on for me to read and I've just spent the last half hour laughing my ass off. Gold, Gold, Gold

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  71. This is the MOST truest thing that I have ever read..absolute classic..just love it, and I have 4 teenages..2 of which arent at home anymore..and I also have a 22mth old..lol so I know where you are coming from :)

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  72. I am contemplating number 3....thankyou for sharing this beautifully written and extremely funny insight to motherhood, I needed a laugh today!

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  73. Thanks for the laughs! I found it so true with how each of my pregnancies has evolved into being so much more 'relaxed' I guess lol I am expecting my no.3 and have only told family and am already getting the oh I bet your hoping for a girl (since I have 2 boys already - almost 4 and 6). I am dreading the telling all the friends etc as I know it's going to be so much worse. I do believe I am having boy no.3 so will just keep telling everyone I think it's a boy and I am happy with that and not going to go back for no.4 no matter what as my body is done. :)

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  74. Too funny and so,so true, I can relate to just about all of it! Lol..... I have 3 boys :)

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  75. Lol! I won't tell you what happens when you have #5...

    (Loved the comment about dragging out some newborn nappies, and that's your nursery ready!)

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  76. brilliant, I only have 2 but the gulf between me and friends with onlys often seems huge!

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  77. Oh and they never tell you when you have your first that you will be repeating/doing years Kinder thru Grade 12 PER CHILD!

    When my first came home in 5th grade with a project every month I gasped, "Projects! But I HATE projects!!" Then I realized I had two more sons coming up to 5th grade!

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  78. I have 5 and can't really relate to this much at all but its amusing nonetheless.

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  79. Perfect - except I don't have a booze cabinet cause it usually doesn't last long enough to warrant a special place. I had 3 in three years and that was so spot on. I am in the midst of trying to off load baby and toddler clothes to friend having her 2nd :) I vaguely thought about scrubbing the Phil and Teds clip on high chair but it is so revolting I think I'll just pour a glass of wine, say goodbye to it and bin it.
    Thank you for such an entertaining read.

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  80. I love you. Marry me.

    (typed one-handed, eternally breast-feeding #3 while listening to the distant singing indicating #2 will once again oversleep and need to be forcibly woken in order to make school drop-off in time to prevent further recriminations for lateness from #1's teacher...)

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  81. Stop having more children than you and the planet can handle!
    - Huge advocate of 2 kids or less

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  82. About to expect my third child, I can relate to most of this! Thanks, especially for the ending! xox

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  83. I just read this post to my husband with great difficulty through the tears of laughter. We had 3 daughters, so it rang very, very true. We found there was a consensus amongst mothers of 3 or more that 3 children made it into a 'family' in a new way; although the workload increases exponentially with each additional child. Also, there is something special about a family of all girls. Ours are now in their 30's (and we have 5 grandsons!) and are still close friends.

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  84. Loved your story, I have 3 kids and love every minute of it, a boy 4yr, a girl 2.5yr and another little girl 15 months and I want one more and soon. I also run and after I had my last girl i trained for and ran a half marathon and am about to do the herald sun run for kids. I have to say I have been blessed with good kids who sleep brilliantly which makes all the difference but it can be done, it just take organization and taking the time to enjoy them and not just get frustrated at the difficult tmrw, which of course there always are some of.

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  85. ummm thanks... I don't have any kids, but after reading this, I don't think i'll even care to have number 1

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  86. This is so funny! I have three girls, my eldest had just turned three when I had my youngest. Oh this made me laugh SO mucH

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  87. as a mum of 3 kiddies 5, 3 & 8 months I can totally relate to this & I had a great laugh at it. I notice the women with "first time mum syndrome" as I like to call it walking around with nappy bags the size of suitcases, massive top of the line prams & newborn babies dressed perfectly & I have to have a little chuckle to myself. By #3 you realise the simple, practical things work best. I must say though, for me #3 has been a breeze. I feel so much more organised, I keep my house pretty clean & tidy, went back to work 5 months after my c-section, I have a shift working hubby & I actually seem to get to places I need to be on time. I think by #3 you are so much more relaxed & know what your doing & #3 baby just seems to fit in so easily. With time management & organisation I think raising 3 little ones can be just as easy as 1 or 2 or maybe I was just extra lucky 3rd time round! Thanks for the great read :)

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  88. Oh dear! I laughed and laughed and laughed, and was glad I was alone in the office today!
    All of it, true, so true. I felt comforted and assured. If I hadn't already had children, I would have been terrified and possibly have not believed you :)

    xx Verity (Peter's mum)

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  89. I just had to say whilst I read this I was crying with laughter! Fantastic writing and so true...

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  90. This really is a fab piece of writing. It has had me smiling, nodding, laughing and then crying. Thank you for your thoughts. I love it!!!
    I am sort of thinking about No three but OH isn't too keen - most of the time! My two keep me busy as they are definitely spirited(!) and have tons of energy. Somehow though I can still see us with another - probably another little boy too, though OH thinks it'd be a girl. Whatever, with us as parents and my little monkeys as brothers it would be crazy, boisterous, stubborn and very very loved!

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  91. Great! I was just getting broody after watching one born every minute. This has answered my musings on the third, probably best not go there! Lovely writing and so nice to read something from someone real, not all the guff from people who pretend they are an 'Earth Mother' and were, themselves, 'Born to give birth!'

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  92. Great story...I have two kids and just found out #3 is on the way, I'm a little scared. My husband is over the moon, only wished I was. Maybe adding one more won't be so bad. The story made me laugh and cry a little. I think I'll have that wine now.

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  93. Just a visitor who stumbled across this blog whilst looking into having a third baby. I laughed the whole way through and then cried and cried at the last paragraph. Thank you for sharing these experiences with us, I related to it all (especially the TV). Thanks you, Jasmine.

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  94. I am a visitor to and I have 2 children, boy age 7 and girl age 4. We are looking to have a third. My husband don't mind either way but I can't put it behind me, it keeps coming up so think I'm going to go for it. It's helped me reading all this.

    Leeanne xx

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    1. I hope it helped in a good way and hasn't scared you off :o)

      Some families are complete after one or two kids, mine needed the third child to fill the gap.

      Best of luck, Leeanne
      cheers
      Shannon

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  95. Omg my husband & i just finished reading this together we laughed so hard we are about to start trying for our third we have always wanted three we are worried we cant afford it or if its not fair on our other two but we are so excited i dont think i would feel complete without a third

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  96. Thank you so much for this great article! It made me laugh like crazy. There is so much truth in what you say! :) Thank you! :)

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  97. Awful, just plain awful though very amusing. i felt complete before i had any kids. however, i so very humbly thank you for your candor. this is the best birth control i have ever read.

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  98. I am a mom of 2, contemplating 3!
    Your article made me laugh and cry, the last paragraph was beautiful! I can and can't wait to have a 3rd!

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  99. hilarious post but very true. I can't wait to have a 3rd child but I do dread the pregnancy bit while looking after 2 active boys! It was absolutely lovely to read!

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  100. I have read a few of your blog posts and they litterally have given me goose bumps. They are awesome and I can relate in such a way I cannot even explain. Thank you!

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  101. Enjoyed your post so very, very much! So nice to know us mamas are not alone. We went back and forth before deciding to have the third baby...... Imagine that moment they told me that "third" baby was actually identical twin boys! : ) With 4 kids 4 and under, people will actually call you a "freak show" out loud! Thanks for the laughs!

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  102. This was so funny. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard reading a blog post. I'm 39 and I have two kids and I'm coming to what I think is the end of my fertility journey and I feel surprisingly sad about it. I found your blog while searching to see if this is a normal feeling. I have a healthy boy and girl and I can't afford anymore children lol! I guess I was just wondering what life would be like with a third child. It sounds like alot of work, chaos, love and fun.....Kind of the way I figured it would be. Love and enjoy your beautiful family and thanks for sharing your story!

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  103. this is my life!!xx

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  104. my situation was very different I had baby 1 and baby 2 together as twins b/g there 5 now and wondering wether to have another but the possibility of twins again is very high not sure what to do :/ but I know ppl will think im mad :) x

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  105. Just wait until after baby #5 and still looking like you are 6 months pregnant. Then you will get lots of are they all yours, horrified looks at your belly, and my you are courageous comments. That's when the real fun starts!

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  106. I so love your web blog, Glad I found, Oh so complete.

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  107. Very humorous and true. Hope you don't mind if I share this on my blog.

    www.gen-y-mum.blogspot.com

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  108. I had a huge laugh at this! Made my evening. I have four children. 3.5 years between first and last. Eldest is now 4.5 second is just over three third the only boy will be two next month and fourth our surprise on the full pill is 9 months and 12 days younger than her brother. I am very busy. My husband is a dairy farmer so gone before kids get up and home after they r in bed. I love my kids. But the one thing big pet hate I have is the comments of "haven't u realised what causes it" or "are they all yours?" As if you r trailer trash. So.im with julia above on this one!

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  109. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. I so badly needed to know I wasn't the only one and I needed to laugh a little. I have 10 weeks to go for my third and a 2 yr old and almost 5 yr old at home. whew is this pregnancy different but feels much more normal hearing everyone else's stories. Thank u again, I will have a better outlook at my next doc appt when I set up my c-section (i have no choice due to being high risk) and when people give me that "what are you, crazy?" look, ill tell them to watch out, don't try and steal my sunshine! :)

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  110. Very true and totally agree, but we have 7. Trust me it just gets worse in the preparation from here on in and the house is never clean and I mean never but the children are just as beautiful as the first one.

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  111. Ok, I just HAD to comment because it's be AGES since i read a blog post (ANYWHERE) that made me laugh out loud all the way through!
    Brilliant brilliant brilliant.
    As a mother of three I completely concur.
    thankyou!!

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  112. I have a 6, a 5 and a 3 year old, and I have just had my fourth, (6 weeks ago) and honestly am finding it no harder than having three. I was busy before and am still busy now. My house was messy and yip, it's still messy. I wish I could have number 5 but hubby does not seem to be on board... If you are thinking about adding another one, go for it! Running round after all of them makes that baby weight just fall off too.

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  113. I stumbled across this post because I too was looking to find out how do you really know you want another baby? I think my situation would be a little different because I have 12 and 10 year old daughters. So I feel like "the boat has kinda floated" I cant imagine starting ALL over with all the baby stuff. I mean I could possibly have a grandchild in 7 years if my oldest follows the same path as me I had her at 19. So its almost like I'm in a different milestone like we are all in the teenage growing up and older and the baby years are all gone. But for some reason I have begin having a feeling like maybe I want another but then I am sitting on the couch on the computer for a couple hours goin to bed when I want the girls are in their room doing their own things now and I am like are you crazy to mess this up? I truly don't know..what I'm feeling my husband says it will keep us young and I can see my girls being such a big help but sooo much time has passed and I am so confused about these feelings like do I really want a baby or am I just missing my girls being babys how do I decide the difference????????????..many pros and cons for sure. I will be 32 in December.

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  114. What a classic post! I've hopped over from GreatFun4Kids and I'm so glad I did. You've cheered me up no end! Too funny and too true!

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  115. Stumbled across this after having a good cry because I am too pregnant to handle the two kids I already have. So true! You got lucky with girls, believe me!

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  116. I am expecting my third, we haven't told anyone, I'm a little worried about telling anyone, cried when I found out a total surprise to us my partner is excited, I'm trying to perk up a bit reading your blog has helped though thank you. With 2 girls already I'd love a boy this is my last pregnancy so will just see what it brings......do you think i can blame it on cake then just turn up with a baby ha ha?

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  117. I've been slightly broody lately. My son is 5 and my daughter is 3. I've always been adamant I only wanted two until the last few months where I've wavered.

    This has just brought me back to my senses! Thanks!

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  118. I'm pregnant with my third. This is hilarious. I laughed until I cried! I'm sending this to all of my friends with 2 or more kids. Thanks for making my day!

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  119. New here. Just found this entry/blog b/c I am just insane. I have a toddler and an infant and I am having a crazy baby fever. Following you. Keep writing!

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  120. new here. thinking about a third baby (have a toddler and infant). thanks for this.

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    1. I am very curious Dana, did you end up having the third baby? Thanks for reading xxx

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  121. This is hilarious. I've got a 6 year old, a 2 year old, and pregnant with #3. Fun times!

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  122. This is so hilarious. I have not laughed like this in a long time. My first child is just 11 months. She's definitely the center of the world. Looking forward to changes when hopefully siblings arrive!

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  123. Just found this. Love your article, love your blog. Felt all teary, as I'm just found out am expecting a 3rd at nearly 39yrs old and have truly freaked out about it, never imagined I would feel like this...but maybe things could work out ok??! Thanks for the inspiration and love shown through your words x

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    1. I'm sorry it's taken so long to reply - can I use the excuse of having three kids? - but I hope that the pregnancy is going well - you may have even had the baby by now! Three is the new black! Best wishes and let me know how it is going.

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  124. I have twin 3 year-olds and am about to have my 3rd child. This post made me laugh until I cried. Like, heaving laughter to the point my husband thought I was having some sort of seizure. Thank you for this absolute gem.

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    1. I love your name, twinthusiasm, have you changed it though now since Number Three has come along? Twinsplusone? Not as clever, really. How are your three year olds enjoying being the older siblings?

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  125. I recently found out that I'm having a third child. Thanks for writing this! Now I don't feel so bad for how worn down I feel.

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    1. Even though the worn-down feeling may never leave, your life is going to amp up to a whole new level - which somehow, like drinking coffee and wine at the same time - balances each other out (and with some serious side effects). I just want to say the BIGGEST congratulations to you L.G., my third is turning three tomorrow, and every day I am glad I had her.

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  126. you have such an excellent blog. Do visit me to. Keep on writing !

    PB Legacy
    This is my blog

    ReplyDelete

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