Are We Nuts?

Since I've been pregnant, I've been extra observant of other moms in public (especially those brave enough to take out 3 kids).  Witnessing the insanity every time just freaks me out more and more, coming to the conclusion that it's not going to be easy, and I may never take all 3 kids out together for a long time.  Two experiences I vividly remember:

1.  We're at the library in our "playtime" classroom when I noticed a mom with 3 boys.  Of course I'm always intrigued by moms who have all the same sex kids (as we may be in that position too).  The older 2 are playing really well and the baby is sleeping most of the time.  I'm impressed with her ability to tend to both boys, making sure they share with others, etc.  As we're leaving the library I notice a little boy following us out the doors with no mom in sight.  I immediately recognize him as one of the "3 boys".  I ask him where his mom is, and he's too young to really respond.  So I take him back into the library and wait for his mom, as I'm expecting to see a fractic lady running and screaming to find him.  A couple minutes later she walks up and thanks me for stopping him.  Now I'm freaked out!

2.  At the grocery store this week I notice another "3 kid" mom, with 2 older girls, and a young baby boy (could also be us).  She looks like a pro with the 3 of them.  I immediately sympathize with her as the 2 girls are chasing each other around the cart - been there.  Done that!  She has a "talk" with them and redirects them - everything better.  She's making this look too easy.  Then she's behind me in line checking out.  I glance stare over at them and see the girls grabbing every candy bar they possibly can.  Meanwhile, the little boy had opened the honey jar and was eating the honey.  She continues to remain calm, but I could tell she was stressed, worn down.  I felt incredibly bad for her.  I have trouble shopping with 1 kid, let alone 3.

Luckily Steve doesn't work long hours or travel too often, so hopefully I won't be doing the errand trips with kids.  But I know there will be days I'll have to venture out with them all, and I just hope I can keep my cool and not have a mental breakdown.  As moms we're always worried about making sure our children are "well-behaved" in public and worried about the opinions of other moms.  I think most of us sympathize when we see another mom struggling with the kids, because we've been there.  Done that!