How about going from 2 - 3 children?

[dejags]

I found no. 1 terrifying - the first six weeks were the most hideous time of my life.

Going from 1 to 2 was a doddle - I just adored the baby stage and never really felt anything other than blissful.

I am cr"pping myself that going from 2 to 3 is going to be a nightmare.

How was it for you?

i went from 1 to 3

feckin nghmare man.

ignore me i hate babies

nothing like the nightmare I thought it would be but still hard

dd1 is 6
dd2 is 23 months
dd3 is 4 weeks and 2 days

rofl custy

rofl Custy

anybody else?

Would love to be able to post with some advice here but it 'ain't happnin' IYSWIM! MM and all that . Would assume it would be the usual fun > tears > laughter and of course bigger car and maybe an extra pair of hands to help wouldn't go amiss. Enjoy and hope I can join you soon.

Oh dear...wish I could be more positive but I can't be. Sorry . Going from 2 - 3 has changed out lives so much. We're both knackered all the time, we have no time to do anything but the basics, I went pt at work when DS#2 was born so finances got very strained. It feels like living a nightmare at times. I'm not the same parent or person that I was before - angrier, less patient, I get less enjoyment from family stuff. But all that being said ....DS#2 is a beautiful child, loving, intelligent, funny and I wouldn't be without him for the world. And when I look at my 3 and see them playing happily together (happens sometimes!) and see the older ones helping and looking after the lo it makes me so proud. So there's good and bad I guess.

Oh dear Orm - this is exactly what I am worried about.

Some days I barely keep my head above water with two children. I fear for my sanity after no. 3 arrives.

It was fine - more work, less sleep obviously, but I knew no. 3 was my last and have loved every minute. Even sitting up in the middle of the night feeding her was a joy because it was time just for the two of us without feeling guilty about not giving the other two attention. Having said that, they kept each other amused (playing/fighting in equal measure) so no major problems. Does mean they get less individual attention though which they sometimes and I always feel bad about.

I went from 2 to 3 and to be honest I was dreading it - but it was so much easier than going from 1 to 2. However there were reasonable gaps between mine so by the time I had DS, DD1 was 8 and DD2 was almost 5 - so they were very helpful.

I'm positive about it! There's too much washing and frankly the house is a bit of a mess but otherwise it's great. I do feel I'm spreading myself a bit thinly sometimes but the enjoyment the children get from having each other to play with makes up for that. I guess it depends a bit on the ages(mine are nearly 7, 4.5 and 1.5) how hectic it will be for you but don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll manage. Perhaps just accept that your standards will have to slip a bit with regard to the state of your house, and not worry about telling the children to wait because you can't be with each of them as soon as they need you. Then sit back and enjoy the semi-chaos.

going form 3-4 is easy peasy dejags, can you adopt another one now before this one arrives so that you'll have 4 too

You'll be fine, you've been through it when its awful and when its blissful so either way you'll know what you're doing.

I was shi**ing myself when I found out I was pg with no3. It has all been fine. Much easier from 1-2. I think the more you dread it the more it turns out not to be so bad.

im due my third in august and my other two are 7 and 5[nearly 6] so bigger age gap this time and the only thing im worrying about is how to manage the bedtime routine with all three..any advice? and how do you manage school runs when you have to do a feed first thing? ..OMG what have i let myself in for

We have a reasonable age gap between the children, so maybe it won't be that bad.

DS1 will be 6
DS2 will be 2yrs9months

Quite similar to you Sari. Only time will tell.

Watch this space

my first post! I'm 10 weeks pregnant with number 3. DD1 is 3.3, DS1 is 1 on sunday. Always wanted 3 but now am really nervous about everything. Keep waking up in the middle of the night thinking how will we cope and what kind of car can we fit 3 big car seats in the back?!

Rofl at Custy - (I did the same!)

'feckin nghmare man' yep that summed it up quite well

Sorry Dejags didn't want to worry you... Obviously others have had different experiences so it might be OK.

I'm wondering whether expectations make a difference. I didn't expect to have a 3rd child and when I discovered I was really shocked. I had spent my entire second pregnancy mentally preparing myself for it being the last time. Also I was 38 when DS#2 was born which made a difference. My youngest was nearly 4 and my eldest was 6.

I am due my third in July and have Ds1 (3) and DS2 (18m). I found 1-2 easy but am a bit worried about 2-3!! I already have low standards at home so there is not much more to let go!!!
However this is my last and I am determined to enjoy it- I think you have to be positive.
In terms of bed time routines I found breast feeding on the toilet seat whilst the other one was in the bath worked and I'll be trying it again- or else they won't get a bath!!!
I hated DS1 babyhood (PND) and DS2 got very ill at 8 weeks so this time I am determined to do it right!!!