re: Going from 2 kids to 3 kids…Who here has made the jump?

The outnumbered thing scared me, but there's really nothing to be concerned over. We did have to buy a whale SUV and have kept it for many more years than most people keep vehicles. With three that young, you probably should consider pulling them from daycare and have mom raise them. It's tough, believe me it's tough, but well worth it in the end.

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getting outnumbered, having to buy at least one large vehicle with a third row seat, most likely a mini-van, having kids in college for 8 or 9 straight years, already paying out the arse for day care…other than that we love little kids and our first two are pretty cool. The main thing is I"m almost 40 and I'll have kids in my house until I"m damn near 60

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well, there's that. We have 4 (ages 7-18mo). It's a freaking challenge at times but well worth it. My philosophy is if you want more, pack them in tight, particularly if you're near 40.

I have 9, 7, and 2. The challenge is that the 9 and 7 year old are fairly self reliant, but getting more involved in school and extracurriculars. They brush their teeth, shower, and occasionally pick up after themselves. However, my wife spends her life driving all over the place for gymnastics, ballet, swimming, jazz dance, and piano (all are girls).

The 2 year old is forced to be mobile by necessity. It will be great when she is out of diapers, but she is our most headstrong and defiant child. Trying to coordinate naps and diaper changes between the older girl's obligations, homework, and school is a bit of a challenge, but doable.

I am almost 40. I have a 16 yr old, 5 yr old, and a 1 yr old. I use a private sitter that reinforces my beliefs in raising my kids. I only pay $15.00 a day for it, and nothing if he goes. Try and find a private sitter to lower costs. My 5 yr old tested into the advanced studies school, so I saved on not having to pay for school there. We do have a Honda Pilot that works perfectly with all of us, even with traveling. The biggest monetary difference is school. Food and all will go down after they are off of formula. As far as managing their behavior, it will really depend on how the others help. My 5 yr old acts like a mom with the 1 yr old. That helps a lot. Trips to the park after work for our runs is harder, but we manage. If you care about your kids, and know how to manage money, it won't be difficult unless you get that terror kid, lol.

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having to buy at least one large vehicle with a third row seat, most likely a mini-van

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Definitely buy a mini-van. Super practical and only a problem if you are insecure or vain.

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having kids in college for 8 or 9 straight years

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By the time your kids turn 18, college will be totally different than it is now. It will not be for everyone and it will not be expensive.

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already paying out the arse for day care

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Rearrange your life so that your wife can stay home.

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other than that we love little kids and our first two are pretty cool.

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There's nothing like it. Nothing you trade that next kid for (money, free time, lavish vacations, etc) is more valuable than another human in your family.

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The main thing is I"m almost 40 and I'll have kids in my house until I"m damn near 60

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Who knows. You might live to be 150, depending on how medicine advances.