Three in Three Years

It's all finally paying off.

Remember that time I had three kids in three years and it was the most exhausting demanding intense parenting experience ever?

Well times have changed.

I remember getting that third unexpected positive pregnancy test and thinking, "Oh, this is going to be impossible."  Mimi was 2 1/2 when Silas was born, Jude was 16 months.  Three under three. Jude could hardly walk. Mimi had nothing resembling judgment.  Everybody had car seats, nobody could dress themselves, nobody could feed themselves.

As soon as Si was born I instituted the rule Only Two People Crying at Once and for the most part, they cooperated.  They learned that their needs are important, but not necessarily going to be met at once.  

Because they were raised as a pack my children learned to either solve their problems themselves, help each other, or wait.  They learned independence, helpfulness and evaluative skills.  It was me and the three which made for a sink or swim situation.  They swam.

And now I am reaping the rewards.

For all the times I ran in and out of the house collecting shoes, I get to enjoy putting all three of them out to pasture in the backyard knowing they have playmates.

For every seatbelt I buckled, I now have kids who just climb right in the car and buckle their own seatbelts.

Where I used to chase babies saving them from imminent drowning, I now lounge and watch as they make up games in the pool.

At the park where I used to stand for hours lifting them in and out of baby swings, I get to watch as they push each other on the swings and pump themselves.

For every kiddie singing class I went to, I am now rewarded when they request Johnny Cash, Green Day, and The Four Seasons and then sing every word at top volume.

For every sleep interruption they caused, I am now encouraged to take naps (so they can have screen time and help themselves to food.)

My job is just not that labor intensive anymore.

The best part about this stage is their genuine affection for each other.  I do not know how this really came about.  Perhaps it's the old adage, "You love the ones you serve." If I'm unavailable they have to help each other.  Mimi can reach cereal bowls.  Jude can make toys and video games work.  Silas can fetch things and doesn't mind being bossed around.  They're a team.

Their sense of security within their group I think has promoted their fearlessness.  Mimi is bold as a puppy and Jude, seeing her, is a lot more brave than he would be if he were first child.  Silas sees the others and wants a piece of the action.  They're not wimps.

They can also dress themselves, sort of.  Well, considering their primary fashion example, I shouldn't be surprised they come downstairs needing a little bit of outfit editing.

The last year has mellowed my minions.  They act as though they feel stable and well balanced.  They love their school, their home, their new dad, their friends, their church and their Salt Lake life.  They feel normal and act self confident. 

This is my last summer with my little triumvirate, but I think they are ready to focus their love on a tiny baby.