Our--ahem--news

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Our--ahem--news
25
Wed, 03-29-2006 - 8:03pm

We're expecting another baby! This was not in our plan, but obviously it was in someone's, and we're very happy.

It turns out, too, that although we'd gotten rid of all our baby stuff, it's not going to cost much to restock, thanks to a series of coincidences (providences?):

1. It just so happens that my friend in Pennsylvania is moving to Utah and clearing out all her maternity clothes. Not helpful since she's so far away except that I happened to call while her parents, who live near us, were visiting. So she's sending me her whole maternity wardrobe with her mom!!

2. My neighbor and friend has just collected all her baby stuff to sell in a yard sale and is giving me pretty much everything else I'll need (actually, I wanted to *buy* it from her, but she won't take my money, so we're working out a trade arrangement, but it will cost me no actual hard cash)!

We breastfeed and use cloth diapers, so there will be very little ongoing expense until the baby is old enough for solid food, then expensive activities, then college (ugh! LOL).

SO... the only expenses left are:

Diapers (we used cloth with both our first two, and will again this time, but I gave all my diapers away and now have to restock). I plan to save money by making most of my own diapers--I made some before, and I can do it again. I use old cotton receiving blankets given to me or purchased for a dime or quarter a piece at yard sales, so it's very inexpensive. I'll probably spend an additional $25-30 on supplies.

Midwife (we plan a home birth, as we did with our first two, and the midwife charges around $800 for the birth, which is VERY inexpensive even compared to what many people pay out of pocket for a hospital birth, so we consider ourselves lucky here; there's also a $25 charge for each prenatal visit and $10 for blood tests, which are only done once unless there's a problem)

My iron supplement, which is about $30 a month (I have had trouble keeping iron levels up with both previous pregnancies, so this is pretty much a necessity)

Birthing supplies (when you have a home birth, you have to provide certain supplies, like waterproof pads, sterile cord clamps, etc.--these can be obtained for $20-$30 total)

MAYBE another car seat. This is complicated, but can at the least be postponed for a while, since my neighbor is giving me both an infant carseat and a narrower convertible carseat (necessary since we now have to fit three carseats across the one back seat)

I think that's it. What am I missing?

Dh originally wanted to buy a minivan to replace our station wagon, but after talking to a friend who is also having a surprise third baby, he's realized that we really can do it with our station wagon. I'm relieved, as this would almost certainly have added to our debt burden.

Sorry for the long post. Needless to say, this is big news and I'm trying to think of everything to avoid big expenses. Oh, yes, also--my small inheritance, I think we now need to set an additional $1000 aside from it for a third college fund, leaving us (after tithing) about $1500 to pay down debt or put in a CD or whatever. So it does change things there.

Anyway, thanks if you've made it this far. I don't blame you if you haven't! Blessings,

Heather

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-02-2004
Fri, 03-31-2006 - 9:36am

Congratulations!!!!!

I'm glad to read you considering this occurrence a gift. I, too, had a "surprise" tag-a-long, "in-spite-of" birth control baby at age 37. Once I got over the shock, I was delighted. I'd gotten rid of all my baby stuff as well, but you can always get more stuff. Plus, people love to give to babies, LET THEM!

Sounds like you're planning extremely well. Now it's time to relax and enjoy being pregnant for the LAST (?) time. Your surprise baby must be destined for something great to offer to this world. That's what I say about mine, God must have a great plan for her, since she overcame great obstacles (birth drama) to exist. Nine years later, she's the light of my world.

Best wishes to you all and may you have the very healthiest of pregnancies and babies.

Momsacupcake

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Sat, 04-01-2006 - 10:14am

Congratulations! What a wonderful surprise! How great that you are able to get all of those maternity clothes and other baby items! That will help so much. I too gave ALL of my baby stuff away so I would be in a pickle!!

You seem like you guys are in a good place financially (from reading many of your previous posts)~~ you have plans in place~~ this will be a snap for you!!

I just wanted to mention WIC (I used to work there- it's such a great program!) I'm not sure about your income and family size, but you can have a sizable salary and still qualify. And it's not welfare. I qualified for it when I had to quit working there to have my 2nd baby. Pregnant and breastfeeding women qualify for Farmers Market vouchers~~ I got tons of apples for pies, pumpkins, nectarines, potatoes...delicious!!!

Best of luck to you and of course keep us posted every step of the way! Nicki :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-09-2004
Sat, 04-01-2006 - 1:17pm

Heather,

Congratulations on the great news. Our son was also a surprise. We did intend to have a 2nd but I was not planning on getting pregnant when our daughter was only 7 months old but it has turned out to be such a blessing! I wish you a happy and healthy 9 months!


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2003
Sat, 04-01-2006 - 1:54pm

Oh Heather, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Sorry I'm late posting this! Already you seem to have everything well planned and under control even if the pregnancy took you by surprise ;)

Wonderful news at any rate!
Kassandra

Kassandra

"It is said that life has its peaks and valleys.  The challenge is to accept them equally and experience them

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-18-2004
Sun, 04-02-2006 - 4:16pm

I am little late jumping in on the congrats bandwagon, but I wanted to tell you how happy I am for your family. You sound like you have everything well under control. I truly believe that no matter what we do, the size of our families is out of our hands. I have had too many friends end up with the unexpected third (or fourth) to believe that we truly have any control. And, as with you, while it may have been unexpected, they were all joys and terrific blessings.

I think all of us on this board are totally thrilled to share in your joy.

Good luck and keep us posted every step of the way.

Kellie

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