The transition from 1-2 (and 2-3, which they might experience sooner rather than later if they’re against birth control) is hard. Like, hard hard. One child is a lot of work, but it’s a cake walk compared to juggling the needs of multiples.

There are so many new challenges; kids staggering wake times to actually keep you up all night and day (no more sleeping when the baby sleeps), two kids crying at once, trying to breastfeed while a toddler wreaks havoc, potty training while accounting for newborn needs and feeds, less time with your spouse because you naturally divide and conquer, harder to get out solo once both are mobile, more difficulty getting a sitter, trying to juggle two bedtimes at once, no more break during the day once the oldest drops their nap…I could keep going for a long time. It’s way harder. And it’s not just the newborn phase, Luca is getting ready to hit what I consider the most grueling of stages (ages 2-4, with 3 being peak difficulty).

We always wanted a big family, and had to stop at three because I knew that was the most I could handle while still giving everyone the individual attention they deserve. I also have pretty ideal circumstances - my spouse takes on more than half the parenting when he’s home because he knows how tough it is and wants me to have a break. We also have no financial concerns, and send our kids to half day preschool starting at age two.

I don’t want this to get too personal and “dear diary” -ish, but I just really don’t know how they’re going to manage. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the thought of doing it with a spouse like Paul….unfathomable. I sense a laundry room breakdown coming.