If anyone had told me how my life would change when I had kids, I definitely wouldn’t have believed her. Not that I had a wild and crazy life pre-kids. I have never been one to visit “da club.”I always tried to follow my Granny’s life motto- “Don’t smoke, drink, chew, or run with girls who do.” No, my idea of a wild night was going to Kohl’s after work, followed by dinner out, then coming home to sew a pair of curtains and grout the bathroom floor. And I mean that literally. It’s not figurative for anything else. And our dinners were always very succinct, like this NickMom illustration exemplifies:
My life before kids was extremely…..organized. I knew where everything was all the time. Nothing was ever misplaced. I decorated for all seasons. We had themed Christmas trees for every room, for heaven’s sake. Check out the decor behind the hubby and me. Think that would withstand kids?
For those of you who don’t know, now I have four kids- this includes a set of triplets.
Wait, what?
Yeah, I saw your double take through the computer screen. And I heard that “How on earth does she do it?” gasp through my wi-fi network. No, I don’t have a nanny or anyone here with me. Yes, my husband works– two jobs. No, I haven’t gone insane yet. But what I have lost is that oh-so-precious sense of order and everything-in-it’s-place. For someone with borderline OCD, it’s freak out time. Want a few examples? I’m glad you asked. Here’s a sneak peek into my mom of multiples, post-kiddo life.
Would you like to have a seat on my doorway resting bench and remove your shoes? Or maybe leave your handbag?
OK, great.
Wade through the triplets’ car seats and don’t knock over the three pound diaper bag on your way there. Anyone elderly or clumsy, just throw your gear on the floor.
Did you know that Babies’ R Us comes here to buy sippy cups and bottles? We have a full selection– one in the cabinet, two areas on the counter, and overfill may be found in the dishwasher.
The best part is the ginormous baby playpen on steroids that is in our living room. We rearranged our entire living room to accommodate this ten-panel necessity.
The crazy disorganization that I now call my own reminds me of a quote by Ray Ramono, “Having children is like living in a frat house.” Well, it’s a truth around here. From complete personal experience, here are Five Ways My House is Similar to Living in a Frat House.
Our day is not complete unless someone has thrown up. Many times over. And on big sister’s new baby doll.
‘Poo’ hits the fan. Literally. And the floor. On a daily basis.
2:30 am isn’t a time to sleep. It’s a time to accomplish the two above tasks.
Someone is always at least partially naked.
Everything is communal. Private bathroom time, clothes, food, undergarments- nothing is off limits. Share one, share all.
So what in your life has changed since having kids? It’s nice to laugh about it sometimes! Want more giggles? Visit NickMom or the NickMom Facebook page!
Lol…triplets sure have a way of changing things, I’m sure!!
This is hysterical! Your house still looks great considering that you have four kids. I have one and we do massive play dates with four to eight kids at a time and the house looks like it’s been hit by a tornado.
Oh, my! I can only imagine. I know what it’s like when we have playdates for my oldest. Crazy!
ROFL!!! My life is SO different with kids…. really nothing NOTHING is the same. However it has gotten easier not to think about the differences… because I can’t think past the next meal. lol
I totally agree! I used to be such a planner….it stresses me out to think of how little I plan compared to before…
Hahaha. My house is in a near constant state of mess, and I only have 2!
Oh man, this used to be me a few years ago!! Although…we do have to play countless games of tic-tac-toe when we go eat out! It is crazy! But with the years kids learn to settle down a bit…yeah, we still have some problems to deal with that give us gray hairs but I still wouldn’t have it any other way!!
Soon you’ll be done with car seats and, my favorite, diapers!! and you’ll want to give yourself a trophy for making it out alive!
Oh my gosh – this post had me CRACKING UP! I don’t have kids but my husband was in a fraternity in college and yep… it seems like haven kids IS like living in a frat house 🙂
What a great post, Melanie! I have 3 kids (just one at a time, thankfully) and they sure did change my lfie!
That infographic is hysterical!!
I don’t have kids yet although I imagine my Saturdays filled with shopping and crafting would drastically change 🙂
“Someone is always at least partially naked”. YES. And I don’t even have four! You crack me up, we moms have to keep our sense of humor!!
Yeah, I didn’t know a 8 month old could remove a diaper so fast until I had boys. Whew!
Ha! Ah yes, raising two sons my house was constant chaos! But, now I catch a whiff of dirty laundry and, I miss them 🙁 I’d take that chaos back if offered 🙂
HA! Oh wow. Ok first, you are so seriously awesome. Triplets AND a preschooler? Yea, I’m praying for you, k? Second, my daughter is now 11 but I most definitely remember the days of her being partially naked a lot of the time, and the throw up and poo everywhere. And finally, for the record, even at 11 years old, I still don’t have private bathroom time. Marley seems to think that’s good one-on-one time to tell me all about her day. (Sorry, there’s no hope of getting that back til…oh, college?)
Thanks, Kirsten! It’s crazy around here most of the time!
I can only imagine.
Haha! this was too funny!! And I thought my three drove me bonkers with their stuff everywhere!! LOL!
This is so great!!! Thanks for the mid day laugh
That comic really kills me, it’s hilarious!!
Love it! Your sippy cup cupboard made me laugh out loud! I thought that WE had a lot of cups, but you win, lady!
And I love your comparison to having kids and a frat house. It’s so true. Except there isn’t ever any sleeping in! 😉
Great post!
Ahh..yes…the sleeping in! Wish I could at least once!
I really DON’T know how you do it, and every time I read the word “triplets”, I literally begin to have an anxiety attack. My heart rate jumped about 100 beats per minute when I read the word for the first time in this post. I can hardly handle my three kids who span a ten year range. I’m afraid when they told me I had triplets, I would have give birth to them, sent them home with their father, and bought myself a new house where they could come visit me. It’s great to know I’m not the only person with some serious child-induced clutter. #client
I once read a blog that said the maximum number of kids that you can handle is the number of kids that you have. Somehow you just make it work- I know you would have had you been put in that situation. Plus we had 8 months of a daze to prepare…
Too funny! And pretty much spot on! 😀 I couldn’t imagine having triplets, though! You’re definitely a saint! 😉