So glad I had them close (22 months apart)
For anyone wondering how hard it will be, I think 22 months was actually a great gap. My eldest is about to turn 3 and has never been so difficult. Incredibly difficult. And I mean, for the first 18 months of his life we had to walk him to sleep (while holding him in our arms) for hours daily. For the first year of his life naps had to be contact or the walking around holding him. He didn't play independently for even a minute until he was 2.75 lol. And I ADORE him, all of that was part of the ride, I loved every minute you know but right now he is testing us constantly and lashing out at his sister.
The thought of bringing home a newborn at this age is horrifying. Outright terrifying. Meanwhile I've always heard the three year gap is perfect... Who knows, maybe an only child until 3 would be a different outcome and maybe it does go well but based on my current experience of an almost three year old, all I can say is I will actively avoid ever having a 3 year gap.
I think 1.5-2.5 years is all I will ever try for. We're on the fence about the third (well my husband is) so if it doesn't happen and my youngest is 2 or so I think we'll just stop at the 2.