My youngest daughter is now two-and-a-half weeks old. My mom, who was generously here to lend a hand, has headed home. Life as a family of five is starting to settle and soon we will begin to figure out our new normal.
Several weeks ago, a dad proudly holding his newborn daughter told me that parenting three children was tough, but not as tough two children. While that initially sounded backward, I think I am starting to understand what he meant.
It is hard to obsess over details when you have three small kids. Juggling a newborn while engaging my toddler and preschooler is quickly teaching me that micromanaging is no longer possible. It’s amazing how creative and spontaneous little people can be when you’re not coordinating their every move.
I only have two hands. With three little girls wanting attention, sometimes they have to wait a little. And that’s OK.
As a result, they are learning to entertain themselves or play with each other. They are figuring things out and solving conflicts on their own. We are far from running smoothly, but the life lessons are invaluable.
We’re a lot slower than we used to be. While this isn’t a huge surprise, it is something to account for. My oldest does wardrobe changes as if she was on Broadway, my toddler has discovered the joy of spontaneous disrobing and my newborn, well, is a newborn.
Despite the incredible amount of time it takes to get out the door, the world is infinitely more interesting when being seen through the eyes of my three little explorers. I’m learning to accept things for what they are and enjoy the process.
So, life is a little crazy right now and some aspects of life will probably remain that way for quite a while. I won’t lie. I am exhausted. However, I feel more at peace than ever before. I still have a lot to learn about being a mom, but my girls teach me more every day.
Coffee in hand and surrounded by pink, life is good.
