No plans will be put into action until after our (still unnamed) baby boy arrives, but we do need to start budgeting and figuring out how we will make this work. I feel like we've talked about it off and on since Marissa was born, but we never followed through with any of these tentative plans. If you know me, you know I'm a planner and I don't just "wing" things. Life is already in fast forward and I can't imagine what it's going to be like with 2U2, a toddler and a newborn! I know I will never get this time back with my kids and if cutting back my hours makes our family life better, then I think the financial sacrifices are worth it. It will be a transition period for both Danny and myself, but I think in the long run it will be the best thing for our family.
I fully plan on making and sticking to a budget, but there are some things the new baby will need. This pregnancy is going by so fast and I'm already almost 23 weeks along. That means that the nursery needs to start pulling together sooner rather than later. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good about what we have prepared for him and I think the remaining items should be our priority right now. Number one on that priority list is nursery furniture. We can do without a double stroller, but we can't do without a second crib. He can use pink bath towels if he has to, but he needs a bed to sleep in. At this point in time, if we can get a new crib and dresser for Marissa's room, I think we will be ready for our little boy to arrive. Like I've stated in my previous posts, I plan on DIYing a lot of the decorations for the new nursery. So I'm hoping to cut some corners and costs in that department.
I've also been trying to get sale items and consignment items when possible. Over the weekend I was able to get a new bouncy seat for $18.00 (so I will be returning the brand new one we bought for $35.00), about 5 outfits for each of the kids, including Marissa's Halloween costume for $5.00 and a brand new Christmas dress (with tags still on) for $7.00. I missed out on a great Craigslist steal yesterday. Someone was selling a gently used Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair for $20.00 (normally they sell for about $50.00). So I'm going to keep my eagle eye out for another good deal! I'm hoping that every little bit helps. It appears that I do have some of my dad's tightwad genes.
With that said, I am *officially* putting myself on the "cloth diaper wagon." Yes, you heard that right. Cloth diapers have become my weakness, I see a cute print and I immediately find myself clicking the green "buy now" button. I have a few diapers on the way but I'm feeling pretty comfortable with our "stash" and I think it will suffice for 2U2. I've actually sold a few diapers that we weren't actively using in the rotation and I am promising myself that I will not buy anymore unless I sell off more. That seems like a fair deal, right? I think this will be the hardest part for me...who knew that poop catchers could be so much fun!? :o)
I think that this will be good for our family. We will get more quality time together as husband and wife and more quality time with our children. I almost forgot how much I enjoyed being home with Marissa on maternity leave. You get sucked into your daily routine and you begin to forget what is most important. Sometimes I fear the unknown but I think this is something worth diving into!
Wish us luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment