Hi J.,
Wow, I was in a similar situation ten months ago. I had three kids three and under. It's hard and overwhelming but also a lot of fun. I have two boys 4, and 2. and a ten month old girl. I did get my oldest potty trained before the baby but he was 3 1/2 by then. That was a long struggle up to that point. Don't worry if your oldest is not potty trained. Don't rush him, it takes time (I think it's harder with boys also) When I had my daughter I spent the first few days at home freaking out. I never had post partum blues with any of my babies, but after the third I freaked out a little. I would look at her and think what did I get myself into. I think I'm in over my head, how can I do this. The feelings didnt last long (and from what I hear, its normal to feel that way) It's hard to have three babies close together, but it is also amazing. Now that the baby is getting bigger she plays very well with her older brothers. She crawls and follows them all over the house. Believe me the house cleaning is still overwhelming (expecially laundry for five people, I can never seem to stay on top of it, I always end up with huge baskets of unfolded clean laundry) Don't be so h*** o* yourself!! Get the cleaning done when you can. I actually stay up till like two in the morning a few times a week because at night is the only time I can really give the house a good cleaning, or spend some quiet time with my husband, or read a magazine alone. The next day isnt fun getting up in the morning but hey, I'm still young. You gotta take the time when you can. After you have your baby the first few months will be the hardest. My second child was 14 months when my baby girl was born, that was hard. He didnt understand that she was a fragile little thing. I couldnt wait for her to be stronger. It's really hard taking care of two kids and an infant but once they hit 5-6 months it starts to get easier. They play more together and my oldest watches out for his baby sister. That also gives me more time to get things done. I think the house cleaning part will always be overwhelming (I know it is for me) I just try to do what I can when I can. During naps or when they are all busy, or eating. Just do a little at a time and tackle the big stuff when they are asleep. It seems like I can never get one chore done from start to finish, there are always interuptions. I have just embraced it and sometimes I go to bed with a very messy house. I saw a magnet once it said "A good mom has dirty floors and happy children" Take time for yourself (I don't get much of that either, I'm lucky if I can lock the bathroom door and get a shower every other day without one of the kids screaming by the door the whole time) and take time to play with your kids, they need that. Play games all together, read stories, or just act silly. And they also need one on one time. You don't have to schedule a lot of time with each child. I find like after I change my baby girl sometimes I sit on the floor with her for twenty minutes and play with her or when the younger to are sleeping and my oldest is up I spend time with him doing bigger kid stuff. Just find little moments here and there to spend time with each kid. That's what they need, you don't have to go to the park everyday. We try to go once a week, but life happens you don't always get the chance. The mall is a good place to go with there soft new playlands. They love that. Well anyway, I am going on and on. I just wanted to let you know that it seems like your doing a great job already!!! Being a mom is the hardest job there is (its 24/7, no breaks, no sick days) but its also the most rewarding job there is. Just relax a little, have fun with your boys, they grow up so fast! Don't sweat the small stuff like dirty dishes. You can get to them when you get to them. I promise once the baby is older the three of them will be best friends because their so close and things will get a little easier on you!! :)
Good Luck and Best Wishes!!!
D.