Living With Multiples

Yet, developing their own independent personalities is encouraged. Jessica tries to give them each some time to be alone, which they really enjoy, she says. "At times I feel guilty that I can't give them more, but they don't seem to mind."

The House: Staying Organized

This really goes in stages, says Jessica.

What the house looked like when they arrived home from the hospital: Neat and organized with all the bottles filled with powder lined up on the counter. All the necessary items (bibs, diapers, burp cloths) were set up in each room. A big crib was located downstairs, along with three baby chairs. Another crib was set up in the bedroom where the boys could sleep together until they started to get too big.

Their house now: "It's just crazy!" There are gates everywhere, including around all of our furniture so they can't climb on it. Three high chairs are at the main kitchen table and a small table for the boys because "they are literally jumping out of their high chairs." They are in one room together with their own cribs. Larry Junior now has a tent on his so he can't jump out anymore. Also, there are cabinet locks all over and special door handle protectors. "This too shall pass," Jessica assures herself. "In a few months they will have better safety awareness, and we'll move on to the next thing. It's just a learning experience for all of us."

Organization tips from Jessica? Try from the beginning to designate areas for things and then keep them there. For instance, have specific bins for toys and books to help keep the living area neat. Also, invest in rolling storage racks for the garage or other storage area to store diapers, wipes, and other space-taking necessities.

Support Team

For families with multiples, it is important to have a support network. For Jessica and Larry, this consists largely of Jessica's mom, who retired in January to help out. This allows Jessica to go to work one full day a week and to maintain sanity while at home. "We tease my mom that she is like our nanny/housekeeper, but we really couldn't do it without her!" Both sets of grandparents visit often, as well as siblings, friends and other valued volunteers. "We would not be here today if we did not have the wonderful people in our life that we do," she says.

Being in a community with other parents of multiples can be extremely valuable. Just hearing someone say "I know exactly what you are talking about" can help with the realization that your feelings, emotions and daily experiences are "normal." Jessica finds support in a Mothers of Multiples group.

Jessica's Important Reminders

Life goes on—mess, dirt and all.
There are days when I just want to cry because I feel like my house is chaos 24 hours a day. I rarely get to take a shower and sometimes don't brush my teeth until the afternoon. But really, who cares? We are not the picture of perfection, but we're happy. We have three of the happiest children I know, and that's what is important—not how clean your house is or how good you look.