The Miss Elaine-ous Life

random acts of life, family and photos

Are Three Kids Too Many?

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Tim left today for a ‘business trip’ in which he got to go back ‘home’ and see old co-workers and some family.

And don’t even think about trying to find me to rob my house or anything, now that you know this because I have mean, scary neighbors with big guns. I don’t really know this for a fact but this is the South so they must have some guns. So yeah, be scared.

Anywho, I was a little stressed yesterday before he left because this is my first time to do the “just me and my three kids” gig.


I got a little mad at him on the phone, while he was running an errand for me, for no reason really, claiming he didn’t help enough in the kitchen last night, but see… he did. He helped a lot. And he always does, so I was actually upset because I knew that my main and BEST helper was leaving.

Having three kids is hard sometimes. I know some people probably shake their head at my saying that and think, “really, three kids are hard to handle? Nah.” I know some people have more and may even think it’s no big deal.

But. I am not them.

And one of my three is still a baby and demands A LOT of me. The same one that STILL gets up between 4 and 6 a.m. for bottle.

On the other hand, The B Man can do many things for himself. Although. Guess what? I found myself wiping his tushie today. Haven’t done that in a while.

But all of that doesn’t matter. What really matters is how I feel. And sometimes, no matter what anyone thinks, I feel overwhelmed.

I look around and think, “ME, I, ONLY ME RIGHT NOW, is responsible for these three human beings.” And then my mind follows with a “Woah.”

And there are moments when the baby is crying with her nose running and she’s sitting in her spit-up before I can wipe it and the boys are horsing around, and Little G tackles The B Man (yes, it goes down that way) and then hits his head on something and starts cyring.


Those moments, although somewhat amusing after-the-fact, and when everyone is fine, they are the ones that make these feelings come to a head.

But after the crying stops and things are cleaned up and all is fairly calm, that’s when I can stop and realize that yes, they are all of my babies, the ones God has entrusted to me and my husband.

Are there times that I wonder what He was thinking? Sure there are.

And in the grand scheme of things, I know it’s all in the plan and that He gave them to me because he knew I could handle it.

But, there are still those moments…

elaine

Comments

  2. I haven’t been left alone with my kids for longer than a work day since my husband was deployed from 2008-2009. Then two of them were toddlers (3 & 2) and one of them was an infant (3 months old). Now I’ve got two kids who are constantly fighting, and a toddler who is in to EVERYTHING.

    And they’re taking my husband for two weeks this Thursday, and I’m scared. lol

  3. Oh man do I know the overwhelmed feeling. Unfortunately I’ve gotten used to the absences and sometimes I wonder what I will (hopefully) do when he gets a job where he’s home every.single.night. Seriously. Will we still like each other after years, heck weeks, of being together? It hasn’t happened in a long time. But you’re going to do great. I know it.

  5. I remember the first time my Tim left me for a trip with the 3 kids I was mad at him the entire time…I resented it..even though it was required for business. I kept telling him that he should not be tired as HE had a full nights sleep.
    NO matter how many kids, doing it alone is a tough gig….you can do it!

  6. He could’t have picked a better person! Enjoy your week…just go with the flow! There is no pressure only love and laughter!

  8. I kind of wish I could hug you right now! You are so sweet and thoughful! I love this post and I also know that God knew exactly what he was doing 🙂

    xoxoxox

  9. I always tell people that the hardest transition for me was none to one. Sure, having a lot of kids is busy and chaotic at times, but all of us feel overwhelmed–whether it is one kid or six kids. I am sure you will do fine on your own, but I’ll pray for you, for a peaceful home while Tim is gone. And then I hope you’ll get a mani/pedi or something when he comes back. 😉

  10. Of all the people to be dealing with this situation, YOU are someone I have utter faith and confidence in, Elaine. You are so together.

    But I’m comforted by knowing that even though you seem to be juggling perfectly that you even have your moments. And I only have TWO kids….

    Keep up the good work, mama! You are awesome and inspiring!

  11. Oh man. I know that feeling. It is a lot sometimes. It is draining, and there is never a spare moment. Not even when they are all sleeping because your are still on edge waiting for something to happen! 😉
    AGH! It is hard. But I know you can do it.
    Hang in there, mama!

  12. Oh man. I know that feeling. It is a lot sometimes. It is draining, and there is never a spare moment. Not even when they are all sleeping because your are still on edge waiting for something to happen! 😉
    AGH! It is hard. But I know you can do it.
    Hang in there, mama!

  13. Yeah. Me too. Except when my husband left for the first time, it was for 10 months! Now he is back home and we are having to re-adjust and get used to seeing him so much, ha ha. I am overwhelmed a lot, but I notice that it’s worse right around my period, wonder why that could be!!!!

    Moms of 3 ROCK!

  14. Before I even read your post, but just saw the title, I was saying out loud, “YES!!!!!!!” 3 is a lot, sometimes too many, and sometimes insane. I’ve felt more overwhelmed going from 2 to 3 than I ever did from 0 to 1 or 1 to 2. 3 is insane because you don’t have that many hands and you only have 2 eyes, and you only have one brain that is whipped, tired, and just done at moments. Good luck, and know you are in the midst of wonderful company, crying right there with you 🙂

  15. The first time my hubby went away leaving me with my girls was terrifying for me LOL. I too have a very helpful and hands on daddy so it was a long week but we got along just fine. 🙂 And yes those moments do happen.

  17. Oh Elaine, this post resonated in my heart. With three kids I felt totally whacko most of the time, and then I got knocked up again and now I am on the verge of insanity. 😉 Hang in there until your helper gets back!

  18. Oh I so know what you mean. I felt just like that on Saturday. I only have two and they are 10 and 6! I only knew if I heard the word “mom” again I thought I would just fall over! I think we just get those days and personally…we are entitled!