Pages

Monday, February 28, 2011

Three

Every Sunday evening, in preparation for the next morning, I lay out three sets of clothing.

I set three bowls and three spoons on the table, ready for the morning's oatmeal.

I dig through the storage baskets for three pairs of mittens, three hats, and three scarves, and lay them out with three snowsuits.

In the morning, I'll hear one little voice singing, "Happy burday!", "Baa baa baa" (to the tune of Baa Baa Blacksheep), and "Jude! Juuuude!" Soon, two other little voices will join, creating a trio of music that brings me to full consciousness. Their door opens, and I listen to their sweet interactions; Violet encourages Margot to take her hand as they set off in search of mommy, Jude telling them to wait while he goes pee.

It was a bit of a surprise when we found out about this bonus third child. Three tips the balance; you're officially outnumbered. As a friend of mine (and mother of five) said when I told her we were unexpectedly expecting again, "In parenting math, three is twice as many as two". Wise words, indeed, from one who knows.

I'm busy. These mornings of getting three kids in snowsuits out the door are sometimes harrowing, but increasingly rhythmic and peaceful. Two are dropped off at the daycare, one comes with me to school. For a few days a week, they are 2+1. But two plus one always equals three, and to me, three is a blessed number.


6 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way to awaken each day..to a "trio" of serenades..A Blessing Indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd love to have a third child...you're really blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are very blessed dear Stephanie:)
    xo xo
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stephanie, the three sets of everything laid out just makes my heart join in song with your little ones. Probably because I like order. But probably because I like the mayhem of many children even better. A wonderful post, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the number 3. My heart opened up at the photos of the threes. I have three siblings, and three girls in my life, too.
    What a beautiful post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Three is a magic number....I can attest to that.

    ReplyDelete

This space is a creative outlet for a busy mama; I warmly embrace your comments and feedback, as well as questions/requests for details. I do check them daily and will respond where appropriate! Thank you for visiting the Knitty Gritty Homestead!