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This is 3, 5, 7

A lot of times this summer, when all three kiddos are out and about, I get many people asking the age gap of my tribe. So I say 3, 5 and 7. It sounds so cool when I rattle those three numbers off, but it’s only for these two months of each year that their ages are numerically two years apart. In the early days of parenthood, we didn’t give it much thought on the gaps we wanted between kids, but when Ryder was around a year old, I started doing the math on how old he would be starting preschool, and it was then that we decided that we wanted to grow our family. You may think you want these certain age splits for your kids, but it may not turn out the way you plan.

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I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about this here, but it took us over a year to get pregnant with Siella. Probably one of the hardest years of my life, both mentally and psychically. Getting pregnant was something I began to obsess over, especially since every other mother in my moms group was getting pregnant with their second. Fortunately, we were already blessed with one child, as I knew friends experiencing the same difficulties having their first. After five months with no results, we sought help from a fertilty doctor, because I knew something was wrong. A barrage of testing revealed that one of my tubes was severely damaged, probably as the result of an infection from my c-section, with Ryder. It took some more time, but after three IUI’s, and one IVF cycle, we were pregnant with a baby girl, our precious Siella. When she was born, the feelings of dispare and discouragement had faded as I barely remember that rough year. I knew I didn’t want to go through that again, if we had similar difficulties conceiving a third time. Our thoughts were if it happened, great, and if not, then it wasn’t meant to be. But by some miracle, I got pregnant with Gemma when Siella was around a year old, and I couldn’t have been any happier. What would it be like to have three kids, I thought? Well, after three years with 3, yes it’s a ton of work, but it’s so much fun having this little trifecta. If I could freeze time, it would be right now at ages 3, 5, and 7. I feel like I may say that every year, at every stage, but I don’t care. I’m just really enjoying every bit of it.

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This summer we are diaper free, nap free, and almost stroller free, except for those long walks in the early afternoon hours. Of course, we still have our fair share of meltdowns, and fighting just like any siblings; but that’s balanced by three of them together playing, watching out for one another, and entertaining each other no matter where we are.

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Coming up on his 8th birthday, Ryder is slowly maturing. We are plowing through all summer with a tutor three times a week. Even with camp schedules, I am diligent about this extra work, as we are desperately trying to bring him up to 3rd grade levels. Summer activities are balanced with everyday reading, and reviewing all that he has learned from his tutor. His results are impressive, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.

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Siella is growing at the speed of light, and leaves me in awe, every single day. She’s a smart little cookie, who is sweet, kind, and caring. One of those kids that just gets it, if you know what I mean. I’m excited for her to start kindergarten in the fall, and based on this past school year, I know she is going to love it. In these short summer weeks, she’s been an extra gentle big sis to Gemma. Every morning she dresses herself for dance camp, with such excitement while also picking out an outfit for her lil sis. Witnessing this growth brings us such joy.

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Not sure if you’ve been following along my instagram, but Gemma had stitches on her forehead, yet again, after less than 6 months from her first trip to the ER. Luckily she’s young and on the mend, and as long as we keep these scars covered all summer, they should fade over time. But what a trip this little girl is. Gemma has the biggest personality; definitely the comedian of the family. She’s a fearless little one, and I hope she stays that way forever. School letting out has been great, because it means her big bro and sis are home all day to play with her.

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It’s only two weeks into summer, but so far it’s been a blast. We just got back from the beach, coming off one of the best 4th of July’s we’ve ever had. Next week, it’s  camp for all three. And this is 3, 5, 7 and I am feeling more blessed than ever.

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