Praise the Lord for the weekend! Work is getting to be VERY tiresome and difficult (with 6 weeks still to go).
The budget for this week is TIGHT! First thing Thursday we bought food for the cat and dog who were completely out. All day Wednesday all our kitty ate was treats. The food will last awhile but there's $36.56 instantly gone from the $84 budget for the week. Yikes that's a hit!
I do have to say that people are very generous and I'm so blessed by everyone in my life. Tonite a friend gave us a pump, a bouncy seat, a nursing cover, two boppy covers, and a boppy rest thing that you can lay the baby on. We haven't even had a baby shower yet and people have given us quite a lot of hand me down clothing, blankets, shoes, hats, and the mother in law bought us a really nice car seat and stroller combo. I'm keeping a journal for the little guy and I've felt compelled a few times to apologize to him for our lack of purchases (I haven't done it though). We really haven't bought anything for him yet. I know ALOT of first babies get EVERYTHING brand new and shiny. It feels almost neglectful in a way to not be buying him the world but I REALLY want to be financially stable, debt free with a nice savings and able to be there for him. I'd much rather be his mom than his stuff provider.
I dream of being able to stay home with him (and his future siblings), do crafts with him, take him on outings, spend TIME with him. It seems you must choose between time and money. All I've ever wanted to be really is a mom. My dream is coming true BUT I can't be a full time mommy AND maintain the debt we've accumulated. My priorities are set and pretty shiny new things just don't fit into the plan. Baby step, baby step, baby step...
Keep at it. I honestly wouldn't mind if my mother bought me new things or not (don't think they did, never found out, and of course you don't remember such things!). Don't worry about it AT ALL! All that baby will want is your time and love. Good news - it's free! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'll make a great mum! :)
I saw your January spending log and your debt rundown, and we are very much in the same boat! (except that we are 4 kids ahead of you, so you'll see very different numbers in our spending log.) I'm putting you on our blogroll right now.
ReplyDeleteTrust me he won't care. Our oldest came home to a one room converted garage to all used things. She slept in a dresses drawer.
ReplyDeleteAs long as he has want he needs it does not matter if the stuff is new or not. Honestly, teaching your child that may be the best lesson you can teach.
ReplyDeleteBabies need your time and attention way more than anything else in life! You're doing great. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to get distracted by all those shiny new baby things. But they are SUCH a waste of money if you have people giving you hand me downs. I knew someone who kindly offered her sister-in-law tons of very gently used baby stuff for her baby on the way, and she refused, saying that she didn't want things that didn't match...It's a crazy world that we live in. For financial security and for the well-being of future generations (and our earth), I am a firm believer in buying/using used baby items and clothes.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I know I don't know you that well, and I don't mean to sound creepy, but I really believe you will be a fanastic mother. And one final thing (and if this is unwanted advice, sorry...), if you haven't already done this, I recommend that you do - fill your freezer (I know it's hard given your tight budget) with easy dinners and snacks for when the baby comes. We didn't have anyone cooking for us when we had our daughter and ended geting takeout more than I wanted to. Just thought I would pass that on.
You are not being neglectful at all! So long as baby is warm and fed and has you, he will be happy! As Briallen said, the little guy won't remember what he wore the first two years - and to be honest, it seems crazy to spend lots of money on new clothes for babies and children when they grow out of them so quickly! It's not just frugal, but environmental to use hand me downs.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't mind my two cents. Have just found your blog and wanted to show my support.
I've been trying to get pregnant for a a few months & i've already started raiding my local op-shops for baby clothes! I've got quite a collection of second hand stuff in excellent condition, most onesies for only about a dollar or two and singlets for 50 cents each. Babies grow so fast, i think it is silly to splurge on brand new stuff and it's good for the environment! Don't feel bad about not buying new, it's such a waste!
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