When Does School Start?

I've read some great blog posts this past week that have really summed up my life lately. I've been in a kind of funk for several reasons. 

1) I failed at my second attempt at completing a Whole30. 

2) My motivation to do anything has slowly disappeared. 

3) My children are becoming more and more annoying every day. 

My oldest two fight like crazy. Carsen knows how to push buttons and he does so on a routine basis causing Ainsley to either tattle on him or scream her head off and cry because he's doing something she doesn't like. 

Carsen has also developed an attitude and can throw a fit like you've never seen. I'm talking about pouting, stomping, screaming, crying, kicking the seat, throwing his body around, etc. it's really a sight to see. 

And it's very hard for me to control my temper when he does this. I yell, I hit things, kick things, verbalize that I'm annoyed at something or someone, essentially being a great role model. (Insert sarcasm.) He's got a great blue print for how a fit should be thrown. 

I just don't know how many more days I can manage before school starts and he's gone during the day. Don't get me wrong having him home has been great. He keeps Ainsley busy and entertained (they are capable of playing together nicely), he is good about playing with Charlotte and keeping a eye on her when I need to leave the room for a minute, and he's got such an amazing imagination, he loves to create things and make art projects. 

His enthusiasm is so overwhelming though that I find myself more annoyed than excited when he shows me the tracking device or blaster he made out of Lego's when he's already showed me the prototypes before he finally got it right. And it's hard to get excited about the spaceship he made out of a shipping box when there are bits of cardboard box all over the kitchen table and floor. 

Every sentence starts with "Guess what?" and each question is asked at least 3 times before I can catch my breath and answer him. 

I've been especially hard in him these last few weeks and it's my attitude that needs to change. He's acting like a normal 6 year old boy and I'm acting like the worst mom ever. 

Adjusting to 3 Kids

It's been 2 months since I had my 3rd child. I now have 2 girls and 1 boy.

We had plenty of help on the big day and for weeks after that. Between grandparents and Hubby taking time off I was never alone w/ all 3.

My mother-in-law was the last to leave. That evening I cried to Hubby that I was scared. I didn't think I could handle all 3 on my own. My son was still going to preschool 3 mornings a week. I was nervous about getting everyone in the car and unloaded then doing it all over again when it was time to pick him up.

But the next day came and I survived and I've been surviving. Sure there have been a couple of days I've yelled more than I wanted to or Hubby came home to find me in tears. What Mom hasn't been there?

B/c this is my 3rd child, I don't feel bad about letting my baby cry for a minute or two while I attend to my other kids. Have you tried reading a bedtime story to your kids while holding a screaming baby? It's not enjoyable for anyone.

Evening is the worst time. Between 6 - 8. The first few weeks were really bad. Hubby and I had to eat in shifts, one would hold the crying baby while the other ate.

She's since gotten better about sitting by herself. The swing is a Godsend. She takes all her naps in it. She sleeps in her crib at night and does pretty well w/ it.

Everyones first question is always, "How is it w/ 3?" I tell them the truth. It was hard. Especially b/c she was/is a fussy baby. After 2 months though we've gotten into a routine and she can go longer between feedings (I'm nursing). Now that summer is here we've got lots of activities going on every day.

My other 2 kids don't show any signs of jealousy. My older daughter has started acting out a little, but she's also 2 years old. I don't think it has anything to do w/ the attention her baby sister is getting. If anything the baby gets less attention.

The only one who is really feeling neglected is the dog. He spends most of his day outside. Good thing its been so nice out.