What It’s Really Like Having (my) Three Kids Under Five

People often say, “Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” and honestly…
I have more kids than I do arms, so yes—they’re full.

My two younger kiddos are just 12 months apart, so I also get the “Are they twins?” comment. Sometimes even, “Are they triplets?” Which is… interesting, considering my 4-year-old is the height of a 6-year-old and my 2-year-old is still clearly in the babyish phase. But hey—I guess genetics are wild, right?

So what’s it really like?
Let me start by saying—I’m not a fan of the word chaos. It sounds too negative, and that doesn’t describe this life with three littles. I like to call it Toad’s Wild Ride vibes. It’s nostalgic. It’s beautiful. It’s deeply meaningful. And yes—sometimes you want to throw up (or have to clean up after someone else who did).

It’s a rollercoaster. Wild, hectic, and fast. But you love it. It makes you smile ear to ear. And just like any good ride, when you get off—you want to run right back in line. Because there’s nothing better.

ok here comes the raw real talk…

I haven’t had to set an alarm in six years.
I’ve watched about 1,500 sunrises.
My mornings start at 5 a.m. with the sweet screech of “I want snackiessss!”
My coffee is usually cold. My back hasn’t been the same since baby #2—either from back-to-back pregnancies or because I now sleep on 1/4 inch of the bed most nights. (If you know, you know.)

My house is full of arts and crafts, and more books than I could read in a year. I find Legos in the most random places. I recently moved my toothbrush to a higher surface because I have a very spirited child I do not trust not to use it for creative play in the sandbox. Or something worse.

Most of my day is spent trying to reason with a child under the age of three to keep their clothes on. I eventually gave up and implemented the “Underwear At Least” rule. It’s a win for both of us.

I fold more tiny clothes than I can count—and mom hack: do not buy matching outfits for your girls who are a year apart. They’ll look adorable, yes, but you’ll curse every time you have to sort laundry by checking tag sizes. On the flip side, if they don’t have matching outfits, they’ll fight over who gets to wear what. So… good luck with that.

I get to DJ a fashion show and a dance party every single day.
My mind stays sharp thanks to the 10,000 questions hurled at me all before lunchtime.

When I had my daughter, I thought age four would look like playing with dollies and learning colors. Instead, she’s obsessed with science, asks me about quantum physics, and has me building 3D models of bacteria for fun. I really should’ve paid more attention in sixth grade.
And forget Green Eggs and Ham—while other parents are browsing the picture book aisle, I’m over here scouring the library archives for anything on microbiomes, molecules, and the mysteries of the mitochondria.

Meanwhile, I’ve also been promoted to part-time fashion designer for my 3-year-old, who insists on dressing for the royal ball every single day. She struts through the living room like it’s a red carpet and considers glitter a primary color.
And then there’s my other daughter—my budding scientist—who couldn’t care less about her outfit as long as it includes a lab coat and maybe some goggles.

At home, I also serve as the household referee. Whoever says girls are calmer than boys clearly hasn’t met mine. My daughters wrestle like WWE stars. They parkour off the Nugget couch. Honestly, my 3-year-old could probably take me in a fight—and I mean that in the best way. Fierce daughters are a blessing, right?

But you know what?
I get more cuddles than I ever dreamed of.
I’ve laughed enough to fill a universe.
My kids say the funniest things—sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident. (That’s probably a whole post in itself.)

Alongside my scientist child and my comedian-in-the-making, I’ve also become a Play-Doh sculptor, a crayon artist, and next week, I’ll be collecting creek water samples so my “four-nager” can study them under her microscope.

Here’s the truth I’ve come to hold close:
Every motherhood journey looks different.
Every child is different—with their own spark, struggles, and surprises. What feels wild and overwhelming for one mom might feel normal to another. What brings joy to one child might be chaos to the next.
But the thread that ties us together? That deep, raw mix of overwhelm and happiness. The way we all feel stretched thin one minute and totally in awe the next. The beauty, the mess, the grace it all requires.

It’s a wild ride—like Toad’s.
But wow, it’s a fun one.

My best advice?
In those overwhelming moments—when everyone’s crying, or nobody’s sleeping, or chaos is knocking at your door—try to laugh instead of panic. Because this season…. It lasts but a moment.