Three is a lot

Three kids is a lot.

A lot of responsibility. A lot of needs. A lot of energy. A lot of attention. A lot of work. A lot of clothes, shoes, food, diapers....and everything really. Which means a lot of working for mommy and daddy.

And most days right now were just....tired. Physically, mentally, emotionally.

Some days it seems as though no matter how hard I try to give each kid individual attention and affection and play, etc it's just not enough. They're like bottomless pits right now.  Probably because we're still in the "newborn" phase of baby #3, but man, it is exhausting.  I can have a day where I can say I truly focused on them instead of housework or anything else and I'm not sure it made much of a difference by the end of the night.  Played play-doh and cars with the two year old instead of doing the dishes and sweeping. Said yes to jumping on the trampoline and doing "school" with the 4 year old instead of saying yes to making a dent in the 5 baskets of laundry and cleaning the bathroom. Played with the baby and laid with him while he talked to me and cooed instead of picking up the toys everywhere and vacuuming. And even on a day like that, they're acting like I didn't spend a drop of time with them since last week. Take a little weekend trip just our family and spend the whole time with the kids doing fun stuff, making great memories. And they're still acting as though they're deprived of us this week. 

All we can do is put them to bed and kiss each other good night, half asleep ourselves and get up and do it all over again tomorrow. Trying to be consistent in discipline and abundant in grace. Trying to keep healthy food in the fridge and on the table to eat. Trying to pay the bills and buy all the stuff they/we need. Trying to make time for ourselves and each other to stay healthy physically and relationally...trusting that this high maintenance, demanding season is just that....a season...and it will pass.

In spite of all of the challenging stuff..we're also trying our best to not miss the sweet moments that the long days and nights do hold. Trying to enjoy these little crazy blessings. Trying to enjoy the ages they are, even if it is a lot a lot of work. 

Because four may be attitude-y and whiney but it is alsofun. And two can be bossy and frustrating but it is also really sweet. And little baby can be tiring but is also really precious. And they will be a little older tomorrow. And never this same age again.