Having multiples is not hard. What is hard is a world that is not ready or equipped for multiples.
The children themselves are not hard. Honestly, we have really great kids. Very well behaved and a joy to be around.
Hospitals and doctor's offices are not ready or equipped. I don't see how a physician office can have a facility with no handicap doors. Do they not see children in wheel chairs? What about a kid on crutches? Do you know how hard it is to open a door and steer a stroller that is over 5 feet long? It is hard!
My favorite: elevators that we don't fit in! This is very common.
Can they make the rooms any smaller? What? You want to sit Mr. Doctor?? Too bad, I'm squished in here like sardines and you can stand too!
Offices that do not know how to handle the care plan for 3 children that happen to be siblings. Why don't you get a piece of paper, write each child's name, the services they need, the days of the week, then match the therapist to the kids! Here..... let me do it for you! And no, we can't be here 5 days per week because you are not the only people we see. Would you like me to list all of our specialist?
You want me to remember what happened to each of them 10 months ago in detail? Don't you have their complete medical history in your hand that was very detailed, labeled, and given to you on day one? Sorry, I've had a few things that have happened since then but I might be able to tell you what happened 5 minutes ago.... maybe.
Stores that have very little isles. Kids, keep your hands and feet inside the stroller and don't breathe- maybe we can fit!
Then the people! As innocent as your comments may be, do you not realize how personal your questions are? You are a complete stranger, what makes you think I'm going to tell you the private matters of how I got pregnant and if my husband and I were surprised?
And for crying out loud, please don't say things like "I feel sorry for you" "Better you than me" "OH MY GOD" and anything that sounds like we are crazy, unlucky, or a charity case. We are very lucky and I wouldn't have this life any other way and wouldn't want a single day without each one of these babies. Trust me, I've been faced with several days that we may not have one with us. Walk in my shoes for a second and you would see things differently.
Oh and I can still hear you even if you are "whispering". Did your momma not teach you manners?
If I don't look at you, that means I don't want to talk or be followed. Again, you are a complete stranger and my momma and daddy taught me STRANGER DANGER!
So here is the sum of the lesson: World, adjust, adapt, grow, open your eyes. We are not the first family to have triplets/ multiples and I promise you we are not the last!
Thank you,
A very determined momma/ advocate
I am MOM hear me ROAR!
