Becoming a parent is a profound journey, one that transforms you in ways you never imagined. For us, having three kids under the age of seven has been an incredible, challenging, and rewarding experience.

My Journey: Three Kids in Six Years

I had my first son, Artur, at 31. By then, I was still in good shape, active and walking everywhere. My first pregnancy went smoothly, but despite wanting a natural birth, I had to have a C-section. When I became pregnant again at 34, I tried to find a doctor who would allow for a natural birth after C-section. I found one, but as the due date approached, there were no contractions, and I had no choice but to schedule another operation.

By the time our third child, Olivia, came along, the decision was already made and there was no stress or panic, another C-section, and this time, I was completely at peace with it. While the pain was still there, it felt easier to handle, and I recovered much faster. I knew what to expect and had the mindset to push through the recovery process, even when it was hard. With each pregnancy, I learned that resilience grows, and experience makes a difference.

A Decision Beyond Numbers

Society often pressures us to conform. For some, the "perfect" family has two kids. But why should anyone dictate what’s right for your family? I’ve always believed that life is too short to live by someone else’s expectations. If having kids makes you happy, go for it. If it doesn’t, then don’t. Parenthood is a monumental responsibility. It’s not a checkbox on a social norm list; it’s a lifelong commitment.

For me, the decision to have more kids was deeply personal. When I was seven months pregnant with Artur, my younger brother passed away in a car accident. That loss stayed with me, and seeing my mother’s sorrow solidified my belief that I didn’t want Artur to be alone. I wanted him to have the bond only siblings can share, a source of love, support, and companionship.

From Two to Three: A New Chapter

After Mateo was born, we thought we were done. We joked about how exhausting having a third child would be. Yet, deep down, I wanted a little girl and I also believe my husband too. Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2022: I took a pregnancy test late at night and saw the two lines appear. Then I took another, just to be sure. Both tests confirmed it, Olivija was on her way! I was overjoyed, but I was also scared. That night, I couldn’t sleep. I began reading blogs, forums, and stories from other parents of three, trying to prepare myself for what lay ahead.

The third pregnancy was tougher, my body felt heavier, my muscles weaker but I knew what to expect. I was 36 and classified as "old," which came with extra tests and precautions. Olivia’s birth was smooth, though she spent her first day in an incubator due to breathing difficulties. Seeing her there gave me an indescribable determination to get up out of bed despite the paid. Therefore, recovering from my third C-section was easier and faster than the other two times. Step by step, despite the stitches and soreness, I made my way to the nursery to see her. I remember leaning on the bed rails and walking carefully, knowing that each step brought me closer to her. Each visit gave me strength. Knowing the baby was waiting for me made all the difference.

What It’s Like to Have Three Kids

Having a third child changes everything. Your house is never quiet; there’s always someone to care for, to cuddle, or to discipline. There is always someone that wakes you during the night. But the experience is different from the first time. With Artur, I was clueless, learning everything from scratch. By the time Olivia came along, I felt like a seasoned pro.

The best part? Watching the sibling bond. Seeing Mateo take care of Olivia or Artur helping her walk makes the chaos worth it. Yes, it’s more work, but it’s also more LOVE, more laughter, and more little helpers running around the house. I love seeing their hugs and kisses and how they work together.

The Challenges and Rewards

Let’s be real, parenting isn’t easy. Sleepless nights, tantrums, endless laundry, it’s exhausting. But human beings adapt. What seemed insurmountable with my first now feels manageable. It’s like the pain after a C-section; it’s tough at first, but you get through it and grow stronger.

Having three kids has brought so much joy to our lives. It’s chaotic, yes, but it’s also full of beautiful moments, tiny hands held together, spontaneous hugs, and the pure delight of watching your children grow. And while the third pregnancy was more physically demanding, the recovery process taught me how strong I can be, and the joy Olivia brought made every ache and pain worth it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether to have a third child, my advice is to listen to your heart. Don’t let societal expectations dictate your decisions. Parenthood is deeply personal, and what works for one family may not work for another.

For us, three is the happiest number and our "perfect mismatch," a blend of chaos and love that fills our home and hearts. And if you decide to take the step into the world of three kids, know this: you’re stronger than you think, and you’ve got this.

Life is short, so do what makes you truly happy, whether that’s one child, three, or none at all. After all, your journey is yours to define.

Traveling with family creates memories that last a lifetime. For us, Greece has been a cherished destination, being only five hours from our home. It offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. This article recounts our adventures in Greece, highlighting our trips in 2018 and 2022, and the lessons we learned along the way.

Our First Trip to Greece: Summer and Early Autumn 2018

Our love for Greece began back in 2018 when Artur, our first son, was just a baby. We were enthusiastic about balancing travel and social life alongside raising our son. In June 2018, we embarked on our first trip to Greece, spending about four days in Asprovalta. It was just the three of us, my husband, Artur, and me. The serene beaches and warm Mediterranean climate provided the perfect backdrop for our family getaway.

One of our memories from Asprovalta was discovering an amazing bakery. However, a word of caution for fellow Greece travelers: if you’re not a goat cheese lover, be careful when selecting feta. In Greece, fresh feta is often goat cheese by default. Amauri and I experienced this firsthand when we couldn’t enjoy some pastries because we didn’t ask in advance about the cheese type. Since then, whenever we visit a bakery, supermarket, or restaurant, we always double-check the kind of cheese being served. Despite this hiccup, we absolutely loved other typical Greek foods, with giros being our favorite. We always seek out local spots where the locals go, enjoying fresh pita bread with simple garnishes like tomatoes and a Greek salad. Amauri, on the other hand, delights in the variety of salads they offer.

Later that September, we chose Neipori as our next destination, eager to explore more of what Greece had to offer. Neipori has a reputation for being a great family-friendly place. Artur, at 11 months old, was growing curious and active, eager to explore his surroundings. For this trip, we brought my mom along to help with Artur. Having her with us allowed us to enjoy our vacation while ensuring Artur received the attention he needed.

Discovering Neipori: Our Favorite Spot

Neipori's beach is beautiful, with vibrant bars and diverse dining options making it a perfect getaway. While checking out the bars by the beach in the center of Neipori, we discovered Venus Bar, a charming café bar that offered a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment. We thought it was the prettiest spot, enjoyed some laughs, and had delicious pizza. The bar had a volleyball court and a small playground for kids, making it an ideal spot for both adults and children to enjoy.

We played a bit of volleyball, we brought a ball, but I wasn’t very good at it and gave up quickly. Artur enjoyed the playground outside, which they had thoughtfully set up. The comfortable chairs and excellent food made our stay even more enjoyable. We also loved the refreshing cocktails, expertly crafted by a super nice bartender who left a lasting impression on us. Artur delighted in his fruit salad, and my mom thoroughly enjoyed the beach and our cozy Airbnb apartment.

Back to Greece: Our 2022 Family Trip

June 2022 marked our return to Greece, now with Mateo joining us. It had been three years since our last seaside trip due to the pandemic and my pregnancy with Mateo. This trip was a testament to our ability to adapt and cherish the moments that matter most. Neipori welcomed us with open arms, and we were eager to revisit our favorite spots and discover new ones.

When we planned to go to the beach in 2022, we naturally chose Neipori again, hoping to recreate the wonderful experience we had at Venus Bar. However, things weren't quite the same. While the food remained similar, it felt different after three years—we were older, more tired, and had more experience. We stayed for four days in Neipori but didn't spend as much time at the same Venus Bar. After the kids played at a pirate-themed bar, we went to Venus Bar and ordered the same fruit salad and pizza, and overall, it was still a pleasant experience. The water was refreshing, but traveling with kids meant we were mostly taking care of them in a new environment and didn't get a much chance to swim as much as we wanted. We had to be well-prepared, packing big bags with reserved clothes, wet tissues, diapers, band-aids (you never know when you might need them), toys, and little books to keep them entertained. This time in 2022, we brought many toys to the beach and even parked a car nearby each time to easily access what we needed.

Since the Venus Bar experience wasn’t quite like last time, perhaps because my mom wasn’t there, we were older, and we had an additional child to manage (Artur, now seven, had become more obedient since starting preschool), we decided to explore and discover other beaches. We searched for nice sand and warm, clean water. Neipori boasts a beautiful long sandy beach with plenty of bars, supermarkets, and family-friendly facilities. On our last day, we decided to buy umbrellas and chose a more deserted place called Skotina Beach. I wanted something close to Neipori with trees and shade because both Mateo and I are quite pale and need good shade protection. We bought umbrellas from a nearby shop and ended up at Skotina Beach, renowned as one of the prettiest beaches in Neipori. The beach and sea were wonderful. We took some drinks from a café, spent time under our umbrellas on the sand, and the kids loved it, it felt more private and magical. I can still remember Mateo’s joyful and sparkling eyes and Artur’s loud laughter, he is the more outgoing one. We hope to return there again, this time with Olivia.

Travel Tips from Our Family

Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations: Airbnb offers a variety of options that cater to families, providing the comfort and space needed for a relaxing stay.

Involve Extended Family: Bringing grandparents along can make the trip more enjoyable and manageable, especially with young children.

Explore Local Attractions: Discovering local bars, cafes, and playgrounds can enhance your travel experience and create lasting memories.

Be Flexible: Adapt to changes, whether it's the dynamics of traveling with older kids or seeking out quieter beaches. Flexibility ensures that you can still enjoy your travels despite unforeseen circumstances.

Cherish Every Moment: Whether it's your first trip with a new child or revisiting a favorite destination, every journey is special. Embrace the moments and create beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Pack Smart: When traveling with kids, always pack essentials like extra clothes, wet wipes, diapers, band-aids, toys, and books to keep them comfortable and entertained.

Double-Check Food Preferences: Especially if you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, always verify ingredients in restaurants and bakeries to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Reflecting on Our Travels

Looking back, our travels to Greece have been a journey of growth, adaptation, and togetherness. From our early days balancing travel with raising a young child to expanding our family and exploring new destinations, each trip has strengthened our bonds and enriched our lives.

Traveling as a family has taught us the importance of togetherness and the joy of discovering new places. Our trips to Neipori, Greece, in 2018 and 2022 were beautiful chapters in our travel story, filled with laughter, exploration, and love. We can't wait to see where our adventures take us next.

Earlier this year, in July 2024, we held a movie night featuring Disney’s Moana, one of our family’s favorite films. When the scene with baby Moana appeared on screen, I couldn’t help but laugh at the resemblance to our own little Olivija, the hair, her playful expressions, and those wobbly first steps! With her first birthday approaching, I knew we had to make it a Moana-themed celebration.

We kept the party small, just family, but I wanted to add some special touches to make it memorable. So, I decided to make a Moana costume for Olivija by hand, using simple materials and a bit of creativity. Here’s how you can create a similar costume, along with some decorating tips that brought the theme to life.

What You’ll Need:

• Red fabric (about 50 cm) for the top
• White fabric (about 50 cm) for the skirt
• White pearls or small shells for decorating the top
• Large shells for decorating and photo props
• White frangipani flower for the hair accessory
• Needle and thread (or a sewing machine, if available)
• Paper and scissors for the Moana symbol template

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

I started by picking up 50 cm each of red and white fabric. You don’t need much for a baby’s costume! Though I had initially hoped to find tiny shells to decorate the top, I couldn’t locate any locally, so I opted for white pearls instead, which worked perfectly. If you can’t find shells, any small white beads or pearls will do.

Step 2: Create the Moana Top

Cut the Red Fabric: Measure and cut the red fabric to fit your baby’s torso, making sure it’s snug but comfortable. I shaped it as a simple rectangle to create Moana’s signature bandeau-style top.

Sew the Fabric Together: I hand-sewed the edges together, securing them tightly so Olivia could wear it comfortably.

Add Pearl Embellishments: Sew small white pearls (or shells if available) along the top and bottom edges for that island-inspired look. The pearls add a beautiful texture and sparkle, creating a beachy, tropical effect.

Step 3: Make the Skirt with the White Fabric

Find White Shorts as a Base: To create the skirt, I used a simple pair of white shorts as the base. It’s a practical solution that keeps the costume comfy for your little one.

Attach the White Fabric: Cut the white fabric into a rectangle to wrap around the shorts like a skirt overlay. Hand-sew or machine-stitch it onto the waistband of the shorts.

Add Moana’s Symbol: For the signature Moana spiral symbol, I created a small paper template, traced it onto the fabric, and cut it out. Since we were staying at a weekend house far from town, I made do with what was available and stitched the symbol onto the white skirt by hand.

Step 4: Craft the Flower Hair Accessory

I had found a white frangipani accessory earlier in the year and knew it would be perfect for Olivija’s costume. I didn't have a pink one as in cartoon but white one did the trick. If you can’t find a pre-made flower, you could create one by cutting flower shapes out of firm fabric or felt, layering them, and stitching or gluing them together. Secure the flower to a small hair clip or headband.

Step 5: Set the Scene for Photos

To enhance the Moana theme, I collected large shells as props for a beachy vibe. They turned out to be a hit with Olivija and her brothers! Olivija loved playing with them while I snapped plenty of adorable photos. Large shells or starfish make fantastic and affordable decorations that also double as toys and props for pictures.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch: A Moana-Themed Cake

No themed party is complete without a matching cake! We ordered a Moana-inspired cake, and as soon as the party began, Olivija, Artur, and Mateo couldn’t contain their excitement. The costume, the decorations, and the cake brought the theme to life, making it a magical day for our little “live” Moana.

Tips for Crafting Your Own Moana Costume:

• No Sewing Machine? No Problem! I made the costume by hand-stitching, which worked well. If you have access to a sewing machine, it’ll make the process faster, but hand-sewing works just as well for this simple outfit.
• Alternative Decorations: If you can’t find small shells, white pearls or beads give a similar beachy effect.
• Frangipani Alternatives: If you can’t find a frangipani flower accessory, you can make a DIY flower using white and yellow felt or fabric.
• Take Advantage of Nature: Large shells or even tropical-looking plants add a fantastic decorative touch without much cost.

Creating Olivija’s Moana costume and decorating for her birthday was an absolute joy. Watching her toddle around in her outfit with her brothers cheering on their “live Moana” made it a day we’ll never forget. I hope these steps and tips help you create your own magical themed celebration, no professional skills needed, just a little creativity and love! 😊✨