[aniles]

Hi Everyone,
We have 2 kids - Thomas (from Guat, will be 3 in Jan.), and Sophia (bio, 18 mos). They are about 15 mos apart and just adore each other. We are considering having a 3rd baby and planning it such that the new baby would arrive around the time Sophia turns 3. Here's my question for all you seasoned Moms:

What are the pros and cons of having 3 kids (we would be done after no. 3)? How hard is it to transition from 2 to 3? Basically I just want to hear opinions (good and bad) of having 3 kids and transitioning from 2 to 3. Thanks!!

[dadtothree]

we went from 2-3. When arriving home we had a 8 year old, 3 year old and then a 2 year old. The boys are 1 year and 2 days apart. It is wild . Fun. Tiresome. Need to count the kids now, where did their names go? more laundry. more food bills. more car seats. more expense on traveling esp airlines, more bills. Would we add more...................YES

[Carlee1boy]

I was once told by a mother of TEN that the biggest transition is going from two kids to three. Now that I have three, I definitely see what she meant. At two you can maintain order relatively easily, not to mention that the world is made for families with two children. Vacation planning, etc... seems to be primarily designed for those with two children.

Three is chaotic and wild! Mine are 7, 3 and 2 (my youngest two are 15 months apart). There is never, ever a dull moment. You just have to decide to hang on and enjoy the ride!

I love being the mother to three children--my husband and I would add a 4th if we had the $$$.

Good luck!
Carolyn

[Clare'sMom]

My saying... Once you have Three Kids you My-as-well have ten... Once you are out numbered your out numbered! hehehe

Three is the hardest to transition to. You have two hands, two sided of your lap... you get it... But also as I say, The More the Merryer!!! Thriple the love!!

Best of Luck!! Ann
Soon to be Mom of 10.....

[mommytoEli]

when you go to 3...you run out of arms if you are by yourself! lol. but i agree with ann....i also had heard once you had 3, it didn't matter how many more you had, the chaos wouldn't increase. and i totally agree. 3 is the push you over the edge number....after that, you might as well keep going! lol. i think because you can play with 2 kids, monitor 2 kids, take 2 kids to the park, make a snack for 2 kids, 2 is manageable.....when you put that third one in the mix, they dart out of your line of sight, you will find yourself always wondering where ONE of your kids are...lol, you can't carry 3 plates of snack to the table at once....

now, let's get something straight. i have 5. and i still want one more. i love my life SO much. i love all my kids. i enjoy the chaos. my kids get plenty of attention. i would have it NO other way.....but life sure was easier and quieter with just 2. lol!

[annaguat]

I thought one child was the hardest but I also found three to be challenging. When we had three the children were 18 months and then 2 yrs apart. The third one got left out as the first two grew up to be more buddy like becaus eof their personalities eventhough no. 2 and no. 3 were the same gender. Even now as adults the first two are close. When I grew up I was a middle child of three and was left out. I guess that is very common too. It probably depends alot on the children's personality, gender, how you parent and the ages of your children. We have now 11 children and I found 6 to be a magical number. We have 5 older children and we have 6 younger children. So I will be doing 6 or close to 6 twice. Have lots of fun with your little ones. I am sure there are issues pro and con no matter what number of children you have. Anna

[FourAndDone]

Since I am a single mom to three kids, I might see things differently. But honestly, the hardest thing about having 3 for me is someone is always left out (mine are all boys oldest 5 youngest 3). Two are at any one time "best buddies" and the other is left out, then they change. That might be a boy thing, but that is my observation. Regardless, nothing else really phases me. The money, the food, the laundry, the cleaning etc. is insignificant. I just want all of my kids to get along!

Diane