Becoming a parent is an extraordinary journey, one filled with love, laughter, and challenges you never imagined. As a mother of three ages 7, 4, and 1, I would like to share an honest reflection for those contemplating expanding their family.

When I had just one child, I thought adding a second wouldn’t be that different. I imagined they’d play together, making life easier. But now I see that having two isn’t just double the effort, it’s a shift in family dynamics that depends greatly on each child’s unique personality.

Life with Three Kids Under Seven

Each child brings their own traits and challenges. Mateo, for example, is more sensitive and shy compared to Artur, but he’s also more obedient and easier to negotiate with. Artur, on the other hand, has always been active, happy, and full of energy, though he was quite disobedient as a toddler. Olivija, my youngest, is calmer, much like Mateo was at his age. It’s fascinating to watch their personalities emerge and evolve as they grow.

What I’ve learned is that you never really know what kind of personality your next child will have. They are their own little people, full of surprises. However, as parents, we have the opportunity to nurture and guide them with love and patience. Parenthood is a journey of adaptation, and with each child, it becomes clear that every family dynamic is unique, constantly changing, and full of unexpected joys and challenges.

When your kids are close in age, the challenges multiply. Each child still needs constant attention, and none are independent enough to significantly lighten your load. Our daily routine feels like a whirlwind. My husband and I work during the week, juggling school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, and evening homework. My mom helps care for Mateo and Olivija, while Artur is at school. Evenings are a race against time: cook dinner, check homework, bathe the kids, and get them to bed. Weekends bring laundry, cleaning, and errands and Olivija, my one-year-old, keeps us on our toes as she toddles around, picking up things and handing them to us with pride.

Sibling dynamics add their own challenges. Olivija has started becoming possessive, and when Mateo takes her toy, she’s quick to express her frustration. At four, Mateo doesn’t yet grasp the nuances of sharing with a younger sibling who can’t negotiate or understand reason. Meanwhile, Artur, my seven-year-old, helps where he can, but we can only trust him for short stretches to watch his baby sister.

Then there’s the constant physical demand. Olivija is still breastfeeding, waking me at night. I breastfed Artur until he was 2 years and 6 months, and Mateo for 2 years and 4 months. The process has its ups and downs painful and tedious at first, yet rewarding and second nature with time. Breastfeeding Olivia, my third, feels more like an act of habit, love, and commitment. Despite the exhaustion, I remind myself it’s one of the healthiest things I can give her.

What Changes When You Have Three Kids?

To anyone considering a third child, in my opinion, these are 3 main realities you will be facing:

The Challenges:

You’ll Lose Privacy and Face Exhaustion
Life with three kids demands constant multitasking, juggling the needs of different ages. You’ll wonder if you’re giving enough attention to the baby, if the middle child feels included, or if the eldest is adjusting well. The emotional toll of trying to balance everything is real, and the physical exhaustion, especially if you’re breastfeeding or handling sleepless nights, can be overwhelming.

Your Home Will Never Be Fully Organized
Chaos becomes your new normal. Toys, clothes, and random objects seem to multiply, no matter how much you try to organize. There’s always noise, activity, and something that needs fixing. Your house becomes a hub of energy and occasional chaos.

Everyday Logistics Become Complicated
With three kids, simple tasks like driving somewhere, packing for a trip, or organizing activities feel like monumental challenges. Each child has different tastes, needs, and schedules, making planning and execution more complex.

The Rewards:

Unconditional Love
While you give so much emotionally, you receive even more in return. The look in your baby’s eyes, the trust they place in you, and the moments they fall asleep in your arms fill your heart in ways words cannot describe. Each child is a unique soul, a blessing you’re privileged to nurture and love.

A House Full of Fun
Amid the chaos is an undeniable joy. Picnics, walks in the park, or family trips are livelier and more enjoyable with a bigger family. Watching your kids play, laugh, and bond with one another creates memories you’ll cherish forever.

It’s Manageable with Planning
Yes, having three kids adds financial and logistical strain, but with a bit of organization, it’s achievable. You adapt, learn to multitask, and develop routines that make even the most hectic days manageable. And the love you share makes every effort worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: What You Gain and Lose

If you’re considering adding to your family, know this: life will change dramatically. BUT, I could never imagine our lives any different than they are now. Yes, the days are chaotic and exhausting, but I know that just a few years from now, it will get easier as they become more independent.

I see it already with Artur. From a disobedient toddler, he has grown into such a thoughtful, curious, and smart 7-year-old. Watching him change has been incredible, and it gives me so much hope for the years ahead. I’m truly looking forward to the day when I can have similar conversations with Mateo and Olivija, to see them as little smart people, full of their own ideas and perspectives. The journey is demanding, but the reward of seeing them grow into amazing individuals is worth every challenge.

I have never been happier. When I was single, I always felt like I needed something more. Right now, I have so many moments of complete happiness, and I know that this is it. This is the life I always hoped for, and though it’s messy, it’s mine and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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.

Before starting my story, take a look at this adorable drawing of a couple that I created using AI prompts. I didn’t manage to make it look like us at all.🤷‍♀️ BUT It looks amazing and it is great what we can do nowadays and all the possibilities available! ✨

Serbian by birth, I have always been deeply passionate about languages and embarked on a continuous journey of self-discovery through exploring the world. From a young age, I was captivated by the melody of French, which led me on a path that transformed my life in unexpected and beautiful ways.

A Passion for Language and Travel

My love affair with languages began as a child, with French being my first love. Studying English alongside French, I became fluent in both, eventually majoring in French. Driven to perfect my skills, I started traveling at 19, each trip an opportunity to immerse myself deeper into the languages I adored.

By 23, I added Spanish to my repertoire, which opened doors to a whole new world. I became a French teacher and worked as a freelance translator and reviewer. Always eager to challenge myself, I began exploring Portuguese, intrigued by its similarities to Spanish. In 2015, I tried out some language apps to start learning Brazilian Portuguese, a decision that would set the stage for one of the most significant meetings of my life.

Our Unlikely Beginning

In 2015, my now-husband messaged me, hoping to practice his French. I replied briefly, but our conversation faded out until April 2016, when I decided to reply again, just before a planned trip to Prague. Our exchange instantly captivated me. We spoke about philosophy, and then he sent a recording of himself playing guitar and singing "Garotos", a moment I remember vividly. His charm and openness intrigued me, and I was drawn to his thoughtful spirit.

The first time we met over video, I was immediately struck by his warmth, his deep love for the French language, and his dedication to learning the piano. Language could have been a barrier, his French was limited, and he didn’t speak English, so we began communicating in Portuguese. The challenge only added to the excitement, and we would spend hours talking, connecting deeply in our conversations.

Falling in Love Despite the Differences

When we met in person in August 2016, everything fell into place. Despite coming from different worlds, me, a Serbian with a fair complexion, and him, a Brazilian of mixed heritage, our bond felt natural and right. He’s quieter and more introverted, while I tend to be more outgoing, but we share the same values, which makes all the difference.

Incredibly, after just 10 days together, he asked me to marry him. I remember feeling both thrilled and scared; the pace and intensity of our connection felt almost surreal. But he was so calm and understanding, listening to each of my fears without a trace of impatience. That calmness, his readiness to listen deeply and offer advice, is one of the things I love most about him. From the beginning, he has been my rock, always there to support and encourage me.

I wondered how my family would react, but to my joy, they welcomed him warmly. We quickly realized we were a “perfect mismatch.” We may not look alike or come from similar backgrounds, but our differences make us stronger together. We share values, make decisions swiftly, and are always aligned on what’s important.

Building a Family Together

Our three children, Artur, Mateo, and Olivija, each carry a unique blend of our backgrounds. Artur, with his brown skin, has sparked some curious looks and even a few misguided comments in public. But these moments have only reinforced my conviction that love and family go far beyond appearances.

I’m grateful to see the world growing more open-minded, with interracial and international families like ours becoming more accepted. While some may see our differences at first glance, we see a powerful bond built on shared dreams, values, and trust.

A Perfect Mismatch

We didn’t match on paper or by appearance, but I couldn’t have chosen a better partner to share this life. He is my friend and the person I can rely on through every journey. Even our son Artur, though only seven, occasionally teases us by saying, “Serbia and Brazil do not go well together,” then laughs and adds, “but it is over right now.” His innocent humor is a reminder that, while we may come from different worlds, our family is beautifully whole.

Our story is proof that sometimes, love finds us where we least expect it, beyond similarities, in the depths of shared dreams.