The news of triplets is only a week old and I feel 100% more confident than I did last Friday! What I was most surprised about was the lack of compassion from some of our family members. This made my husband and I realize that with 5 kids under age 5 we will need to hire some help for at least a couple hours a day (so he can go to work and I can shower and maybe take a nap or run to buy milk).

Are we the only ones whose families look inside themselves and say - oh, this is too much for us to handle, we don't know you anymore?

Even if our families come around with the emotional support, they do in fact have their own lives and we really don't expect them to give that stuff up. What do you look for in a time nanny's credentials? What's a reasonable rate? (3 new b's, 3 yr old, 5 yr old).

I know you aren't the only one with these issues. It was amazing how some family, friends and neighbors really chipped in and helped, if we asked or let it be known we needed it (mowing lawn, taking care of them, getting groceries, casserols etc.) However, it was even more amazing who didn't help us and who all of a sudden seemed to have a lot of reasons why they couldn't be here even a couple hours. I can't explain why... all I know is they have missed out on an amazing journey and they are the poorer for it.

We have a nanny but she is local in a small town and was easy to check out... (I mean when 3 different people with no connection suggest her, you know she is a great candidate. We managed to steal her from her part time positions ) So I can't really give you a lot of info there. I do know that a good one is worth it and you will be so grateful after the first few weeks she is there.

Susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




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My mom has helped us by buying things we need, even groceries sometimes and clothing, diapers etc... she is not physically able to help out much though because she is 73 and has back and knee problems. Other than that everybody wants to come by and gawk at the babies but nobody really helps like doing dishes or laundry or something. My mil is so weird, she was helping out a couple of times a week and then her husband said something about her coming over too much and so now she doesn't even come at all. She went to help her niece with her single baby but can't come to help me! I think there are a lot of jealousy issues with the other family members who have babies or something. Much to my suprise we have gotten more help from total strangers! A friend of a family member's sister gave us a card with $100 in it and we have never met her. People that I thought would love to buy gifts or help have not lifted a finger to help out. We cannot afford to hire help either so I do have to just go without a shower sometimes,lol. We have 4 under 4 plus 2 more so it is just downright crazy around here and we just have to live with it. A lot of people kinda have the crappy attitude that we asked for triplets or something, now we are supposed to just deal with it. You really find out who your friends are!

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Amy Mom to 9 kids!
ggg 32 weekers born 8/12/07
Mama surviving USMC Bootcamp (I miss him)