It's becoming clear to me that we can't afford to have another baby. I was just doing some browsing on the Internet and I am amazed at how quickly things can add up. I saved a lot of stuff from when the Prince was a baby, but still, we need to replace some things that were worn out/didn't survive the move from Florida/got all mildewy and nasty from being is our basement for almost three years. I've been saying I wanted a new infant car seat/stroller because I hate the one I have, plus ew, mold/mildew, but after pricing new ones I went downstairs and sprayed the shit out of it with Clorox Anywhere cleaner. I'll see tomorrow if I killed the ick that was growing on it.
If you think about it though, unless you are a millionaire, you can never really afford to have a baby if you put it on paper. We definitely couldn't afford the Prince, the King was just getting started in his field after grad school and I was a SAHM, but somehow we managed. I should say King managed. I don't look at bank accounts/bills for my mental health. I would worry myself into an ulcer. I just don't ever buy anything ever, that's why I was freaking out in my last post. (By the way, King was not mad. He just made a face at me.) But I digress. Did I ever tell you that the Prince had massive colic when he was an infant? I mean tear your hair out/we were prisoners in our own home screaming bloody murder colic? Yeah, and stupid me quit breast feeding after like a day because I thought it hurt too much. You know what really hurt? The damn Enfamil Nutramegen formula that was $24 for a can that lasted 4 days! Talk about painful! Seriously, we had everyone we know calling the Enfamil company begging for coupons. That's why I am going to breastfeed this kid until my boobs fall off. (I've read that babies who breastfeed have an easier time with the colic. If this is a myth, please tell me. I am not looking forward to doing it.)
Oh, and what's the deal around here with the lack of selection regarding baby stuff in the first place? I found that was true with maternity clothing as well. OK, I get that this is a college town and college kids are not having babies, but what about the rest of us? I hate hate hate shopping online. You can never get a feel for quality, plus you have to pay shipping. What the f**k?
Since I'm in a baby frame of mind, enjoy a pic of the Prince from when he was one:
Yes, that is Desitin he smeared all over the carpet. It was his 1st birthday.
7 comments:
We felt the exact same way about PG - even more so because she was, ahem, a surprise. And since Bubba was only 15 months old when she was born, we had to buy doubles of a lot of things...we couldn't even reuse. Two cribs, two high chairs, double stroller, etc, let alone two in diapers. But you make do. You have to. :P
And I'm with you on the bfeeding. I hated every second of it. I wish I was one of those moms that bonded/enjoyed/relaxed/whatever, but the husband and I agreed that I would do it for six months and that was it. Do what's right for you.
Have you ever thought of having a "green/recycled" baby shower? Since your children are pretty far apart maybe you could have one of your friends (or even arrange it yourself) put together a shower where people bring baby gear they no longer need as gifts. Things like cribs, highchair, bouncy seat, exersaucer, etc...
That way they're getting rid of stuff and you don't have to buy new stuff. Free and good for the environment. =)
And you're right, on paper babies are impossible to afford! Somehow it always seems to work out though.
We should have lunch or something sometime, just to catch up. I need to at least swing by so I can visit my boyfriend William.
;)
Hey, you know the Co-op swap is just around the corner. I bet you'll be able to find all kinds of stuff there. :-)
Oh! The Orpheum is having their sale next weekend, too!
Check out The Happiest Baby on the Block from the library (book and there is a DVD). Dr. Karp's methods for calming babies REALLY work. And a lot of babies are labeled as having colic when really they can be quieted using his 5 S's.
It worked for us and I know lots of parents who swear by it.
I think it's awesome that you are planning to breastfeed. I nursed both of mine and I believe that breastfeeding makes mothering easier. Human milk is free, always the right temperature, the perfect food for baby, and nursing fixes everything. There are also health benefits for mothers. Many mothers find that it is helpful to talk with other mothers who have breastfed. It helps to know what to expect and talk to other mothers about what is normal for a breastfed baby and it helps to have support. I can't say enough about La Leche League meetings. You might find it helpful to go to a meeting before the baby is born so that you can get information about how to get breastfeeding off to a good start. You can also call a Leader any time with questions and of course go to a meeting after your baby is born. http://www.lllusa.org/IL/WebChampaignIL.html
Good luck!
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