Having our third! Advice?

[emh1129]

We just found out that we're expecting our third baby!
I'm still a bit in shock, but I do know that we have to reschedule our Disney trip, because my due date falls right in the middle of January, the week we were scheduled to be staying at All-Star Movies. How's that for timing?
I'm hoping that we'll be able to go late this fall, perhaps, but if that won't work, we might try for March. I don't know how tough it would be to bring a 2 month old, though.
Ds is so excited about the trip, and I don't know if he'll think a new baby is a good trade for a WDW trip!
I'm also nervous about the idea of having a third- we're going to be outnumbered!
Any advice from others who have btdt would be awesome!

 

[Kahana-ri]

No advice, but congratulations on the great news! You never know, maybe Ds would like a little sibiling instead of a trip to WDW Naaaa..

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

The youngest was when we did the Poly when our kids were 5, 3, and 8 mo.; off-site when they were 6, 4, 18 mo and with DD last in the oven; and again at ages 8, 6, 4, & 2. A couple of other Orlando trips followed between then and now and all sorts of other vacations, including a five week camping trip to Yellowstone and Glacier when they were 9, 7, 5, & 3. They are now DS21, DD19, DS17, DD15 and we are going back June 6 with the younger three for a week at WDW.

You may well be better off going midterm of your pregnancy rather than with a two month old. Either way it will be difficult at times but... It's all good

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Baby #4 on the way here! Congrats! Advice? Just enjoy it. Don't get caught up in the little stuff like a spotless house etc. Being outnumbered? No biggie. Nothing better then when they all jump on you for hugs and kisses. Arms full of babies is my favorite place to be. You will be fine. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

[shelly3girls]

Congrats! Our #3 is 11 months old now, boy the time has flown! DS has been to WDW twice already. The first time I took him on our annual girls' trip. I had all three kids (7, 5, and 8m) with my sister, niece and mom. We then went as a family when he was 6 months. I personally think that 2 months is a pretty easy age. At that age my kids slept and ate anywhere. I nursed which made it much easier but I definitely think it is easier before they become mobile. March is spring break though and it could be very crowded.

Aside from WDW, having a third was much easier than I thought it would be. He is laid back and goes with the flow. I kid that he has to be b/c everyone would ignore him if he made a fuss.

 

[Perditamarie]

Congratulations! Nothing better than babies, and I guess yours wanted to go to Disney too!

Here are some ideas:

* Get a schedule and stick to it. That way when you are sleep deprived and buried in laundry, you can go on auto pilot.

* Only do laundry once a week or so, or you will always be doing it and it will take over your life. Be ruthless about weeding out clothes (and toys)that are outgrown or damaged to consign/yardsale/donate/toss.

* If dd isn't in a toddler bed, plan the transition well before you start making up baby's room so she has no attachment to the crib.

* I think that you will be pleasantly surprised that baby will fit right in with your family, schedules, lifestyle. By the time they are old enough to collaborate with their partners in crime you will have several clever mom schemes to counteract being outnumbered!

* If you have a YMCA in your area, they offer great baby & children programs -- and babys first year is free. We love the gymnastics and swim programs and had fun with the baby classes too -- membership there is worth its weight in gold. That is one of my mom schemes -- keep 'em busy.

* If you can't go to WDW in the fall, March should be okay as long as your dates are no where near Easter. It is a crowded, packed-to-the-gills madhouse at Easter and you don't want to do that with small children. If you go with your newborn, a sling would work great to be close to baby and get him/her out of the stroller, cuddle, nurse, use while in line, dining, etc.

* Go to WDW as often as you can before baby turns 3 -- then room choices get more expensive and then there is one more ticket to buy as well. We ended up buying DVC and love it.

Congratulations and happy planning.

 

[emh1129]

Thanks, guys!
Yes, if we go during March I'd definitely have my sling with me. I think they're so much easier than the baby seat/stroller combos. I don't think we'd have too much baby gear since I'd be nursing. Just loads of diapers

Mama house- "arms full of babies is my favorite place to be" that made me smile We definitely want a big family.. I think the reality is just blowing my mind a little bit!
If we go in March it would be the week of the 17th-23rd. I hope that's not a super busy time

Perdita- awesome tips I especially felt the one about decluttering. I'm already drowning in clothes, toys, etc. We're having a yard sale this weekend and I'm trying to be ruthless!

 

[shelly3girls]

March 23, 2008 is Easter. I am afraid that the crowds will be pretty bad. I fully support taking an infant but we swore we would never return during Easter break. I would wait until April if you can. It will be a little hotter but the crowds should be better.

 

[Microcell]

Congrats! I have two and a puppy so I feel like I have three! Resign yourself to the madness!

 

[blessedby3]

We are expecting #4 in our family. Cant wait. Due October 1st. This ones a girl and we are taking our newest princess in Jan when she will be 3 1/2 mos. old. I think it is a great time to go. She will be in the sling most of the time and we will be nursing too, so no bottles, food- only diapers and wipes. Dont worry about being outnumbered. We have been that way for 8 years and it is no problem. The older kids help out with the younger ones. I have a big space difference in my kids, though. Oldest is 17 1/2 and the youngest right now is 8 1/2. I dont think I would travel at Easter time either. I just cant handle the crowds with 3 able bodied kids, much less an extra infant. Maybe you can pick another week that would be less crowded.
Congratulations on your new baby!!

 

[java]

Mom of 4 here! And honestly I think we would go for one more if I was capable of having another(we are thinking of adoption...... )The more the merrier. And having my kids pile on me with kisses and hugs fighting over "MY mommy" oh it's a great feeling.
I agree with the comments about letting go of a clean house. Tidy is the best we go for these days. Believe me if your house is full of laughter nobody notices the laundry lying around(and if they do they don't get invited back!)
You just have to rethink your defense now- no more man on man- You need ZONE defense!
I think it is great and wish you the best of luck.

 

[WendyinNC]

You just have to rethink your defense now- no more man on man- You need ZONE defense!

DH still remembers this advice when we had our 3rd. I do think #3 was a difficult transition but not as difficult as #1. I obviously recovered from 3 because I now have 4. BTW, moving from 3 to 4 was super easy. I think I can handle anything now!

 

[Chris]

We just found out that we're expecting our third baby!
I'm still a bit in shock, but I do know that we have to reschedule our Disney trip, because my due date falls right in the middle of January, the week we were scheduled to be staying at All-Star Movies. How's that for timing?
I'm hoping that we'll be able to go late this fall, perhaps, but if that won't work, we might try for March. I don't know how tough it would be to bring a 2 month old, though.
Ds is so excited about the trip, and I don't know if he'll think a new baby is a good trade for a WDW trip!
I'm also nervous about the idea of having a third- we're going to be outnumbered!
Any advice from others who have btdt would be awesome!

Congratulations on #3! My 3rd was very unexpected as well and was due 3 day's after we were to return from FL! We changed it and went 3 months earlier!! It will all work out! Enjoy your pregnancy and your trip

 

[emh1129]

I didn't realize Easter was so early next year! We will definitely have to rethink that, then.
Thanks for the reassurance, everyone It's so cool to see so many big families!

 

[deejohn]

Congrats! My advise is don't have a fourth (father of 4)!! It gets really expensive at WDW, since all the resorts are geared for families of 4 (5 with an infant or POR).

 

[pigget74]

We went to DW when DS number 3 was just 8 mths and then again when he was 14mths and then again at 18mths. He did well on all the trips. He loved Pooh's Play area and in the countries when there were not a lot of people we would let him walk around some. I am now expecting number 4 and we are already planning on when to take her.

 

[SylviaL]

Congrats! We just got back from WDW with DS(6 tomorrow!), DS4, and DD12wks. The baby was easy. I bought a solarveil Hotsling and she loved being in there. She slept in it all the time. All the rides that your 2 yr old will go on, you should be able to. Good luck!

 

[toesmom]

Congratulations on baby #3!!!!

I read you were going to stay at the Movies in March when you finally decide your dates. You'll have a great trip. Just take the trip at slow pace if you can. Get to the parks early and make sure you stick with a nap time for your kids. March will be much busier than January would have been for your family, but with proper planning, you can get around the crowds.

When you do decide your dates, let me know as we have an ongoing fridge swap available for any families staying at All Star Resorts. Fridge (& coffeemaker, electric kettle) are free to use for entire length of stay, just need to return to guest services at All Star Movies and make sure it's clean when returned.

Disney charges $10 plus tax per night for use of fridge.

Available dates include July 21 to July 30, Nov 8 to Nov 20, Jan 4- Feb 2, Feb 18- March 6 2008, March 9 - May 25

Here is the thread if interested

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1395455

 

[emh1129]

Neat idea for the fridge swap! I'll check that out

Sylvia- I've heard great things about hotslings. I didn't know they had a solarveil one, too. That sounds perfect for Florida!

 

[sara74]

Congrats (potential) neighbor!

We are in CT too, and went to WDW last year when I was expecting #3. Our older kids were 4 years old and just past 2 when the baby was born. And all in all it has been great. I thought the transition would be harder, but like other posters have said, the third baby has slid right into place beside the other two without much fuss. And if he did fuss, there is enough chaos that we might not hear him anyway!

Wearing DS2 has been a great way to keep my hands free to keep the other two in line. And ditto to the YMCA - the Y in Granby, CT has a great dropoff child care center so you can take an older child to a class, take a parent/child class with the middle one, or go and work out.

Sorry, laughing at myself at the very concept that I would get off of my duff and go work out!!!