Shawn Johnson East’s admission about missing her ‘big kids’ amid newborn life is so relatable

After welcoming her third child in December, Shawn Johnson East is getting candid about life as a mom of three on Instagram. And while it seems like she’s loving all the newborn snuggles, the retired Olympic gymnast admits that time spent caring for her new little love means less time spent with her two eldest kids — an adjustment period that any parent of multiples will instantly relate to.

In a since-expired post on Instagram Stories, Johnson East shared a selfie snuggled up to her 4-week-old son Barrett “Bear” Madison. She opened up about her feelings in the caption of the shot, admitting that she’s missing her “big babies” these days.

“Most amazing thing about this special small window of time with a newborn is being able to hold, cuddle, nurse, and be with him 24/7,” she wrote. “It’s a time like no other that you’ll never get back.”

“BUT. The hardest part of this short phase is missing my big kids,” she continued. “Daddy is doing the best job in the world showering them with attention and adventures but this mama misses her big babies.”

Johnson East shares son Jett James, 2, and Drew Hazel, 4, with her husband Andrew East, and while it seems like they’re both in good hands with their dad during this time of change, it’s totally understandable why Mama might be missing her two toddlers.

The couple has been open on social media every step of the way since becoming parents, even sharing that they might be open to adopting another child in the future. In a Q&A on Instagram back in December, Johnson East shared that while she is “done with pregnancy,” another child via adoption is “on the table” for the family.

In response to a follower who asked “Do you want any more babies after this one?” she replied: “I have just said to Andrew that I feel like my body is done with pregnancy. I’ve been so blessed and lucky but 3 full-term pregnancies, 3 c-sections, 3 BIG babies have taken its toll on my body specifically and I want to be as healthy and active for my kids as possible.” So, she added, “Adoption is on the table.”