Acceptance

Q: Which is harder: the transition from 1 to 2 children or the transition from 2-3 children?

A: Depends on you.

For me, at this point in time, the transition from 1 to 2 was more difficult than it has been from 2-3.

Why?

I've come up with the following:

With 1 I was still able to have free (ALONE) time at for at least 2 hours a day.
With 2 alone time during the day is impossible.

With 1 I was able to engage in more community/civic events, attend meetings/luncheons during the day, take lessons after J was back from work, etc.
After 2 I am lucky to make it to daytime bookclub once a month.

With 1 I had free time.
After 2 what time I carve out for myself during the day is at the expense of someone else.

With 1 multiple errands on one trip out were a cinch.
After 2 errands are carefully organized to no more than 2 places in a row.

With 1 husband and I had all night to hang out.
After 2 someone is always on call.

With 1 housework, laundry, meals, and ironing were easily carried out on a schedule each week.
After 2 we are lucky to eat out of a clean bowl in the morning.

With 1 I was in charge of providing all entertainment.
After 2 the kids have each other for play and fun.

With 1 I thought I was in charge.
After 2 I know who the real boss(es) are.

So after I experienced the above reality checks after having my 2nd, the 3rd doesn't seem to change much. I am already used to taking care of two little people full time, so what is one more? I am already used to more laundry, more spills, more crying, and more creativity from two kids, so what is one more? I am already used to limited expectations about what I can accomplish in a day, about what activities I can be engaged in, and about what time I can spend alone with my husband, so what is one more?

At the end of the day I realize I am now a real mom, and that taking care of my home and family is a legitimate full time job.

And I wouldn't rather be doing anything else.