Preparing for Four Kids Under Six

I’m not going to lie. Right now, I’m imagining having four kids under six. OMG.

My oldest two were 13.5 months apart. I remember that was the hardest for my husband and I. Adding a third was easier than managing a toddler and newborn.

This time around, I will also have a toddler and a newborn. I’m just imagining the chaos of my life right now. Especially when I go back to the work routine in the fall. Ah!!!

I know that the newborn days may get a little hectic, but I’m optimistic that life will adjust. When I’m grey and old with four grown kids, I’m hoping I remember the craziness and amazing memories I’ve had with them at such a close age. I’m hoping they always have playmates with the similar age-appropriate activities they can share and talk about!

As for my current state of my household, here’s where we are at with less than a week until baby’s arrival:

Baby Nursery

There is no nursery. We’re planning on bunking a set of them. If its a girl, Ansley and Aubrey will bunk. If its a boy, we’ll bunk Conrad with baby boy. It might not even be a bunk bed – it might be two full size beds side by side. I know, I know. I’m totally unprepared from the looks of it. I got a bassinet second hand for $30 after I sold my other ones – that’s pretty awesome right?! I figured baby would probably sleep in our room for about six weeks before we transfer baby. That should be enough time to figure out the bed situation.

Our Kids

We are heading into birthday season. I’ll have kids turning two, five and six. Yes, that means TWO of my kids will be school agers – which is a sad, yet joyous moment at the same time.

My youngest, Conrad, has got to learn how to use the potty. Seriously. Boys are slower than girls at this potty training thing. I’m not sure I can handle two year old diapers.

My middle child is sweet and super excited for Kindergarten next year! She’s doing amazingly well at soccer this year (as opposed to last year).

My oldest child is super smart, but also has a little too much confidence. She’s going into first grade, so we’re working on how to be humble.

It is a little loud in our house starting at 6:30 in the morning to 8:00 at night. It drives both of us bonkers, but we’re doing well at taking turns tuning them out from time to time.

Our Marriage

Last, but not least, Ryan and I will be celebrating our 8 year wedding anniversary in May. I love that man with all my heart. Love is patient (very very patient) and kind. He’s an amazing friend, sounding board and romantic in his own way!

Current Home Renovation Projects

For our home redesign and renovation projects, our focus this last month has been starting our garden. Ryan created an excel sheet on how he plans on optimizing every square inch of our tiered garden. I personally think he went overboard, but I will definitely be enjoying the “vegetables” of his labor.

Work/Life Balance

Work is getting pretty busy. I love my career. I love the people I work with. I also love my side hustle as a blogger. Balancing all of this does take a little bit of skill, but nothing I can’t handle. Sometimes, I wonder if I invite crazy in my life (my husband would answer yes). My typical 45-minute commute has trimmed in half thanks to some reshuffling at work, so I’m really excited about that!

Overall Feeling with Four Kids Under Six

Overall, I’m feeling optimistic. I’m excited to go on this journey with an amazing man who will hopefully keep me grounded and less loopy! Having four under six will be insanity, but I’m excited for what it has in store for us! Update: I’ve written the birth story of our fourth child here. It’s been an amazing journey.