Now 24+3 weeks pg and sh*tting myself about having 3 children.........

[fannyannie]

it suddenly hit me last night in a quiet moment at work that I probably have less than 16 weeks before I'm mum to 3 Dc's....and although I've always wanted 3 children just don't know how I'm going to cope. DS2 and DC3 weren't planned - but I've ended up with a nice gap between all 3 of them - 3yrs 3 months and 3yrs 5 months so I'm not worried about the age gap. It's just most of my friends I now have happent have 3 children and they keep telling me how hard it was going from 2-3 children compared to 0-1 or 1-2. I often feel I'm struggling with just the two and if it really is going to be as hard as they say I'm going to be a totally cr*p mum.

somebody please (try to) reassure me that I'm going to cope ok with 3 and not totally lose the plot

You'll be fine. I think the biggest shock is from 0 kids to 1 . My 3 have 3 years between each one and it was great. Yes, you are busy but you will soon learn a way of adapting. It's not such a steep learning curve. Much of what you will encounter you will have dealt with before. The biggest challenge is time management. . Don't worry, you'll love it.

3 is great. It's mad, manic, exhausting but fantastic. My elder two look after the little one loads, so I actually have MORE time than I did when dd was little and I was the only one entertaining her and ds1. You'll be fine! Just don't try and do too much too quickly!

I found going from 2 to 3 the easiest - the third really does just slot in. I have slightly smaller age gaps than you and it works well.

I DID find it hardest going from 2 and 3. But am still here . It is lovely though, you have age gaps similar to mine and the sweetest sweetest thing has been how dd2 has loved being a big sister. It has brought out a side of her that I may never have seen otherwise .

Be prepared to lower your standards! If you can do that and remain happy then you will love it.

I'm 25+3 with dc3,and I have moments of sheer panic at times.
There'll be 3.8yrs between my oldest and youngest.
I found going from 0-1 the hardest by far and if you had told me 3 years ago that I would be having my 3rd child by now I'd have never believed them.
I'm just trying to imagine the worst scenarios then if things turn out better it's a bonus!
Sorry that's no help is it but I'm sure you will be fine!

i just have to send you lots of good wishes. i was there! terrified through most of my last pregnancy. 3 under 4 when no3 was born. it has at times been harder than i'd hoped, it has also been more joyful and fun than 1 or 2! lowering your standards is fab advice. Also i have to say being pregnant with 2 littlies was much much harder than actually having a babe in arms with 2 small children--and you are NEVER lonely!!!. all the best

You'll be fine - really, you will. The sleep deprivation was harder this time, because I'm old now, but No 3 is so easy in that they slot in and you are much calmer.

Plus, you waste less energy worrying about No 1 as they now have No 2 to play with.

i was shitting myself too at the thought and i would have to say the first 8 weeks weren't exactly a walk in the park but dc3 is now 6 months and i wouldnt swap him for the world! To see dd and ds1 cooing at him and him beaming back makes my heart melt! We have no family help around so i think if i can survive with 3 kids then anyone can!

I feel the same, I am 35 weeks and am starting to think I cannot continue in denial as this little one could appear soon. Have no idea how will do the school run etc but I'm sure when the time comes you just get on with it.