how do you cope with 3?

[redwill]

Oh my goodness, I've just found out I'm pg with number 3. There weren't going to be any more! DD will be 4 next month and DS will be 2 in September, same month as this baby. I'm so scared, as I work 3 days a week, money is tight anyway, I just can't immagine how we are going to cope. I can't afford not to work, and the stress? Im so worried, we won't cope. Any tips from mums (or dads) of three?

Cant help you but I am pregnant with DC 3. DS 4 in july, DD 2 in September. Work full time. I am not considering anything but positive and hoping it will all be fine.

Join me in burying your head in the sand if you like

Oh and congratulations!

i have 3, dd4 ds1 3 and ds2 nearly 10 months. i also took on a puppy and kittens too when baby was 6 months old, but i dont work. You will cope and everything goes in a blur! Good luck x

I am 37 weeks with DC4, DS - 5, DD1 - 3.5, DD2 - 16 months (all unplanned) and can throughly empathise with you. I cried my eyes out when I found about 3 & 4. But yes money is tight and sometimes I forget what my sofa feels like against my bum and this on top of working, school runs etc etc (also have 2 stepdaughters 15 & 9)but you just manage, money stretches and the joy I get from them is beyond words!
Cheesy I know but true.The only thing I can recommend is routine & patience and a I am truly grateful that I have a fab DH and family & friends that listen when I think I may have fried my brain with cbeebies.

Good luck xx

I echo serialmum - although I am only 25 weeks pg with number 4 which was VERY unplanned. My number 3 will have JUST turned 2 by the time this one arrives and is already having stupendous temper tantrums.

I work 3 days a week and actually have had counselling to get my head around having another baby as I had said to DH that our gorgeous three were enough, and I wasn't sure I could cope with another one. I hope that it will help me to avoid getting PND as I was very depressed when I found out I was pg. It really helped me and I'm now feeling positive, even if not excited (yet).

You will manage - somehow you do! The baby gets less new stuff - we've just recycled loads of things and as I was working FT when DS1 was born and spent a fortune on his wardrobe, DS2 has benefitted, so I haven't had to buy new clothes etc. We've been promised lots of stuff by friends this time round as I had given EVERYTHING away after DC3 was born - I really didn't think we were going to have another!! We haven't been on holiday for a while, and our car will have to die on its wheels as at the moment I can't imagine being able to buy another one, ever, but I'm sure that things will change. Watching them all play together is wonderful, and makes it all worthwhile!

To answer your original question, I actually found going from 2-3 easier than 1-2 to be honest - the baby just has to slot into the routines and get on with it!

Congratulations, and hope that you get your head around it all soon - it's quite useful having 9 months to adjust sometimes!

thanks everyone, still in complete shock. Will def bury my head in the sand for a while with you peppapighastakenovermylife x

I'm currently 8 weeks with DC4; DS1 is 5, DD1 3 and DD2 7 months. I sometimes think I must be insane for doing this, but DH and I thought we would like 4 but also look forward to this stage in our parenting being over, so might as well do it soon. It goes by so quickly so I am determined to really enjoy it.

As for money, it's very helpful that you already have a dd and a ds, so whatever gender this baby is, you won't have to buy much at all.

Third babies are born with an incredible amount of patience and will fit in with your busy family life. It's all they will know and so it will be just what they love.

Congratulations!

Awww, I'm glad to seee some happy stories - I too have been scared silly at the prospect of having 3 children. Currently 12+3 with dc3 so not due for a while - plenty of time to get my head around the idea

peppa - I'm in your boat - chuffed to bits at planned No. 3 and just sticking my fingers in my ears going 'lalalalala' at the moment the the money, work, car, lack of family help etc situation. Think if you thought about it too much from a money and time perspective you'd never even have 1.

I'm another who is currently 16wk with DC4, and like panicmode, totally unplanned as my 3rd was the last! I currently have DD 6, DS 5, DD2 18mths.

I must admit DD2 fitted in without any problems at all, and I think its becuase they have too! We have to be up and ready in the mornings, so you just cope! I'm hoping number 4 will fit in just as well, as I'm currently wondering where we'll find the space/money/time for another!

Before you know it baby will be here, and all those worries disappear with the love you feel

To everyone in the same boat... Good luck!
And... I will be sterilised after number 4, no more accidents for us lol ;)