dress: anthropologie | cardigan & shoes: target
photographs by Jessica Peterson
This yellow lace dress is a non-maternity dress but I bought it 4 sizes bigger on purpose so that I could wear it while I’m pregnant. I plan on altering it once I have the baby and return back to my pre-maternity size, however long that’ll take. I’m actually a little nervous about this being my third pregnancy and how it’s suppose to be harder to get back in shape the more kids you have, but I guess I’ll worry about that after this baby’s out. I also get nervous about having three kids because every single mother I’ve ever talked to has told me having three kids is by far the hardest and most overwhelming. One is easy, two is manageable, three is super tough, and after that it doesn’t matter how many kids you have, they all seem to say. One mother even told me(before I was pregnant with my third) not to have a third child and how I’ll regret it and to live my life instead because with three kids, my own life, goals and dreams would be over. Another mother also told me when her third child was just a couple months old, to just stop at two kids because it was so hard. I talked to a mutual friend several months later about how every single mother has told me how difficult having a third child is, and she told me she recently talked to one mother who said it was just the same as having two kids. I asked who that mother was and guess what, it was the same mother that told me to just stop at two kids. She must have deleted the difficult moments out of her memory and no longer remember! No wonder why mothers keep having more kids, right? It’s a big conspiracy, I’m telling you!
I used to get high anxiety about it where I would literally feel my heartbeat go faster and I had to take deep breathes to keep myself from feeling faint, but now I’m like, “Bring it on! It’s going to happen no matter what so I’m going on beast-mode and say I can do this!!” That attitude might change once the baby’s out, but you know, for now it helps with my sanity so I’m sticking to it!
If any of you are mothers with three or more kids, feel free to send me some advice/reality along the way so I can prepare myself mentally. Thank you. Gracias. Chao.
Mel says
I love the purple and yellow combo – not a combo I have ever tried even though I love purple. I am 27 weeks and have just been wearing one or two sizes bigger – the bump is blooming now though! x P.S People talk a lot of rubbish!
Emma Jo says
Here's what I say: Don't listen to negative feedback about a lot of kids…you will never regret having any of your babies. I have 5. It's hard. It's A LOT of work and it is draining physically and emotionally but there is no reward greater, none. Nothing on this earth can replace the joy that my family brings me.
Extra hard things, are extra worth it.
You'll be great.
Jessica says
I have three kids, aged 10, 4, and 2. Having three kids is a little bit harder than just having two…but so is having two when you only had one before. There's a brief adjustment period but then you get into your new family routine. Then the not so good moments disappear from your memory and you wonder how you got along without that third little love in your life. Congratulations by the way! I'm a longtime stalker-reader! I read your blog all of the time but I don't think I've ever commented. Keep up the good work and we're all looking forward to this next chapter in your life!
Melinda says
I loved having three kids, sure things were a little different but it was more just adjusting than being harder! π I would say four kids for me is MUCH more overwhelming but of course I wouldn't change a thing! Generalizations are silly, every person has different situations and different personalities. What if your kids are very mellow and calm, then three isn't going to be as hard as someone who has three kids with disabilities, right? You'll be fine! I always think if you tell yourself its going to be hard and horrible, it probably is! haha Good luck and don't let negative people tell you how things are going to be! π
The Angles says
I'm pregnant with #3 and when baby is born I will have a 3year old, an almost 2 year old and a brand new baby! I know it's going to be tough, but we planned it this way and I figure it'll be tough for a few years while they're so little and dependent BUT I wouldn't have it any other way! Sure I get freaked out some when I think about how hard it will be but I love my babies and I would NEVER regret having a child. Like someone said above me, extra hard things are extra worth it. You be great!
Libby says
I have four adorable kids, ages 3, 5, 7, and 9. I always got my pre-baby body back after a few months. After number four, though, it took 2 years and a LOT of exercise. I'm not gonna lie, having this amount of kids is tough, but it gets easier as they grow older and become more independent. Now, they help each other out and they are so precious, it's totally worth the tough few years.
Melissa says
I am the mother of 3 boys and I have never regretted the decision to have my third. My oldest child has significant physical and intellectual disabilities and requires a great deal of our time and energy. I also work full-time in a demanding job. My 3 boys are my joy and happiness! It's quite true that you will have very little time for yourself and you may need to put a few dreams on hold for a while- but it will only be a while. They will only be 'kids' for such a short time and we just have to do the best we can. One wise lady told me that you never regret the children you have, but you will always regret the child you always wished for and didn't have. I would have a 4th if our budget could cope! Enjoy this amazing ride and don't let the negativity get you down.
AisRae says
I am definitely not old enough for three kids, let alone one, but I love your style! Some expecting moms wear frumpy maternity clothes and turn into sweatpants monsters, but not you! And you already have two kids! Props to you! Keep it up. Check out my blog for more fashion inspiration! http://www.wheniwearthisdress.blogspot.com
Bonnie says
You look awesome. Such a cute dress, anything lacy-looking is good by me. So I have 3 kids. They are boy-girl-boy, 7-5-almost 2. This is my take-away from having them: just like you went through an adjustment from 1 to 2, you will do the same with 2 to 3. I didn't find it "harder," just a different balance. The fun part of having 3 is that the older kids are old enough to help, to play on their own while you spend time with the baby, to be excited about the pregnancy with you (I found this super rewarding), and they think the baby is so cute! At least mine did and still do. I always knew we'd have at least 3, but didn't know about more than that. I treated my 3rd as if he was/is my last and I'm glad I went through the pregnancy and birth as such. I'm pretty sure we're done having kids and I feel really good about the decision and grateful I've enjoyed it all. I hear so many women say they regretted not enjoying their last more because they didn't know. Worked for me. π Also, my friends with 4 say it doesn't get easier after 3. Just crazier and never put-together. But as always, worth it. Good luck!
oheloartist says
I must comment to this question (smile) If I didn't have my third wonderful child you wouldn't have your wonderful husband. Just think about that : ) What I found was that after the third child that it gets easier, as the others are old enough to help some with various things. How grateful I am that I had all seven of my wonderful imperfect children. After all Grandpa and I were imperfect parents, but we did the best we could and it is amazing how all of them are growing and learning and contributing to society and living good lives. My number THREE is a GEM that I am thankful I had : ) your girls call him "Papa" : )
Julie says
Love the dress! Looks so amazing on you! And what a great outlook on life. My youngest brother is the third child and he's the best one out of all of us! I would be not be the same person if I did not have him in my life and I know my parents are so grateful for him every day. You're such an amazing and humble mom, it would be a dang shame for you not to have more beautiful kids! And just think about cute baby clothes!
xoxo, Julie
//OBSESSED//
myorii says
I love the dress and the contrasting colors π I wish I had dressed nicer when I was pregnant with my 2nd child but I got lazy after the birth of my 1st and had never recovered from that.
As for the 3rd child thing, I've heard the same things from friends who have had 3 or more kids. Apparently, the learning curve is steep with the 3rd child but like every child, you figure things out and find your own rhythm after some time. I'm sure you'll do fine since you have two beautiful girls who will want to help you with the baby.
andrea says
I was always told before I had kids that 3 would be hard, challenging and never a dull moment. I now have three kids ages 7,5 and 6 months and I don't look back at having a third. It has been nice to have my oldest help with her baby brother when I'm in the middle of dinner or other things. It really has been a blessing. I know everyone has an opinion and just want to help so just take the advice and then see what best fits you. Good luck with the rest of the pregnancy and get ready for more chaos (and I mean it in the fun way) π
Talitha Richardson says
omg that is horrible, have as many kids as you like! It depends on yourself and how you handle being a mum.
I really want 4 kids, but that may change after this first one haha.
btw, you look stunning, love the purple and yellow combo π
Kat McEachern says
Hi Sarah! I just found your blog and I LOVE it!!! You have definitely gained a new follower! Your diy projects are AMAZING!
You look beautiful in these photos! And if you ever tire of that dress… I'll take it!! he! he!
I would love for you to check out my blog!
http://www.aandfphotos.blogspot.com
Blessings and God Bless!
Kat
MaryKate says
You can do it! I have three girls 9, 7, 3. And I love their smiling faces, snuggles, giggles and personalities. Life is hard and than we get over it and enjoy what we have:)
tina says
you will never regret having another child. i can tell you, we quit at two, and now wish we would've had more. and you have such a helpful hubby, you guys are a great team! (just remember, divide, and conquer! lol) and who knows, we talk about adoption, and fostering! maybe our family will still grow! π
Amy says
So my sisters both have three and said "Three brings balance". So not everyone feels that way, plus the gap between your girls and baby will make it so much easier, because you have two girls that will be spending most of the time helping you out, they will want to bring you diapers, and pick his clothes, and entertain them. When I had Axel and I would attend my sisters two older ones, they were about the same age as your girls, it was soooo nice to have the extra helpers, and they were so good with him. You will see, you will love it! Because he will be Ana and Adi's baby too. They aren't babies anymore.
abbsquake says
I say having 3 kids is exactly what you decide it will be. So if you want it to be good, decide it's going to be good. Just because some can't appreciate what they have in their lives does not mean you must live the same experience. Also, I am very partial to the 3rd child – my sister & husband are both 3rd children & are 2 of my favorite people in the whole world… So I say the 3rd time is the charm (if you let it be). Just let that negative stuff roll off your back & focus on the blessing.
Heather says
No one can embellish it for you… raising children is hard work if you want to do it right. But is it worthwhile? Yes, yes, and another yes. π I have four girls ages 10, 6, 2, and 1. This past year was a blur, but I am so happy. We all survived, and I learned to be more relaxed about the things that don't matter much. The house is a mess? It can be picked up. The girls' dresses don't match? The girls themselves don't care much anyway. It's only one season in your life. Cherish your brood! π
Sarah says
So we're pretty much the same with our due dates!
Sarah says
I agree that things that are extra worth it are the extra hardest. thanks for your comment!
Sarah says
Thank you Jessica! And thanks for commenting! I agree that with any number of kids will be hard in the beginning of the adjustment period. But that will soon pass! π
Sarah says
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Melinda!
Sarah says
Oh my goodness, three under three! COngratulations!
Sarah says
Thanks for sharing your story! Going back to your pre baby body in a few months with 3 kids is incredible!
Sarah says
I've heard that too and agree that you never regret having more children but you will regret not having more children. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Sarah says
Haha, you are so sweet! I am in my sweatpants a lot, I just don't post pictures of it! Who wants to take pictures of themselves looking frumpy? lol.
Sarah says
Thanks Bonnie! I love anything lace too. π And it's so true the older kids are so much more excited about the pregnancy! It's the cutest thing to watch. π thanks for your insight!
Sarah says
Grandma, hello! That is SOOO true, I am so glad you had your third child! π And you guys were wonderful parents, you still are and are a wonderful grandma! LOVE YOU!
Sarah says
You are so sweet, thank you! And I think 3 kids is perfect! At least for me! π
Sarah says
It'a never too late to dress nicer! π but trust me, I am in my sweats a lot of the days. π
Sarah says
Yes, I think since my girls are older, they'll be such a huge help, just like your two older kids have been! π And thank you for your wishes!
Sarah says
Congrats on your 1st pregnancy, how exciting!