Baby movement feels like I swallowed a live gerbil or two. Somehow I still struggle to connect it with a baby even though I saw pregnancy end in DS last time.
We kept DD off vision and dental the first year until open season then we added dental. Only reason I did dental so early is because my family and DH has had a lot of dental problems so I wanted DD covered early. We took her in for her first appointment at 12 months and have done one every 6 months since. She has perfect teeth so it was probably unneeded, but for us it was about 120/year to add her and each visit they charge about 200. So for us I'm happy with the choice just so I don't worry as much and we can catch issues early.
Also...if your lo will be in daycare, ask if they do anything. We have a military daycare and they bring in a dentist 2ce a year for checkups and fluoride treatment. It's free. They also start brushing the kids teeth daily at 6 months or first tooth (whichever is later). My 2yo is a pro toothbrusher and I honestly can't take credit!
$120/yr is awesome! Our would be $500ish. We are hoping to avoid daycare with a modified work from home schedule for me combined with family help, at least until baby is mobile! I have a feeling it will become much more difficult to work from home after he is moving around so we will have to look into our options.
STMs....do babies (first year) need dental and vision?
They don't need vision, but it's a good idea to take them into the dentist when their teeth start coming in, or around their 1st birthday. So you could hold off on the dental for a year and be totally fine.
If you have a good pediatric caregiver they can check the basics of eyes and teeth and would refer to specialists if they had concerns the first few years.
Off topic, but last night I was feeling really upset. Like I mentioned in my TW yesterday, I'm taking a big pay cut for this job for the next two years in the hopes that it will lead to a much higher paying job afterwards. I've always been the breadwinner in the family though, so to see us struggle financially, I'm just feeling really responsible. So after shelling out a ridiculous amount of money for this conference (that is crucial in helping me land a good job 2 years from now), I ran into the bedroom to feel sorry for myself.
Little DD came in and climbed on the bed with me. She started stroking my forehead and then cuddling my face and leaning over my head to give me kisses. We're at a stage where I generally have to beg or blackmail for kisses, so it seriously made my night that she was giving them so freely. My mood totally improved. It might be the cutest thing she's ever done.
I am in the same boat and it sucks. When I got laid off, I took a job where I could still work from home--but initially I have to take a pay cut because it's a newer business just getting contracts. I was told that once we get a certain contract at the end of the fiscal year, I will get a salary that is my market value (20k more than I'm making now). So far, no word on if we are actually getting that contract...and EOY is in a few weeks.
DH is in school right now and he does work part time and gets money from the military for housing. But, they do not pay him during the summer, and his part time work doesn't bring in much. Then this new insurance with $250 each visit until the deductible is met...then $50 each week for the doctor...we have burned through more savings than I'd like to admit. I make a budget every pay period, and it seems lately like it doesn't even matter.
DH gets his school stipend again this month and we can build back the savings we have, but I am frustrated and trying not to feel responsible. I love the people I work with, and it's a great environment, but lately with all of these bills I'm wishing I was making more, even if it meant being in a shitty environment. I just want to stay home with Ashton, and I'm sure that will be awesome...but right now I'm pouting.
Yea I'm going to start hitting my dad up for money this weekend. In addition to the conference we've just maxed credit cards out on, we still have yet to buy any of the furniture for DD2's room, and I'm pretty concerned about the 6 weeks of unpaid leave I'll be taking from work. We aren't making enough right now to even save anything from each paycheck, so it's not looking pretty. But we'll figure it out one way or another. We may cancel cable <AH 1st world problems!> or trade the nice car in for a crappier one with a better payment. But we'll figure it out.
@LinziLoo09@dmontgo - dh's family was straight up dirt poor growing up. Like their water was funneled into their basement from a spring. They never had new or nice things. Christmases and birthdays were so modest. But they had an amazing joy filled and healthy childhood.
my parents weren't rich til I went to college but we were always financially secure and gifts were a big deal and status symbols were a thing and shopping was the only appropriate girl hobby (another beef for another day).
while, unless something crazy happens, we will always be able to pay our bills and save more than totally necessary, our house will be run far more like the down to earth one dh grew up in.
Aint no shame in penny pinching! And getting my stuff used is practically free and then you feel no heartburn if something happens to it also, older simple cars don't draw theft
@LinziLoo09 I'm sorry you're dealing with this financial thing. I completely understand. I'm the breadwinner in our family, too, and while I haven't recently taken a pay cut, we don't have money to save right now. I may not get much paid leave at all, and I'm having heart palpitations about it. Add to that all the stuff we need for baby, and it's hard.
Randomly....I heard this morning on the radio that even Donald Trump is arguing for mandatory 6 weeks paid maternity leave. Not that new policies by either candidate will help us, but hopefully it'll change at some point.
Even though it won't affect me, I REALLY hope the US mandates paid maternity leave some time in the near future. Seriously. Not good for the economy to put us into poverty when we're already having to pay for a freakin' baby/serious medical procedures/etc.
So on a more entertaining note...I'm trying to be fit dammit! I joined a gym this week and started working out. Today on my lunch break I went to try out their 30 minute "Band It" class. It's advertised as strength training using resistance bands and weights. In reality it is a slightly vigorous geriatric stretching course. I was the only one there under the age of 70, but I didn't want to leave and insult anyone. The best part was at the end when the lady next to me told me to "take it easy" on my weights so I don't pull a muscle in my face (what?!). Mind you, I was only using 7.5lb dumbbells for the 10 squats and 10 curls they had us do. I usually use more for those exercises and certainly do more sets and reps. I thanked her for the advice and told her I would be careful lol.
I stubbed two of my toes on our coffee table this morning, walking at full speed. Now they are swollen and throbbing and click when I bend them! I never do stuff like that when I'm not pregnant! So mad!
@LinziLoo09 ah! The face muscles! Lol, that was good.
I'm sorry about the financial struggles, we are definitely in over our head right now. We got married this year, and even though it was a small wedding, it still cost an arm and a leg. Well, the photographers did at least. Also, I had 2 months off of work and was applying for teaching jobs to start in August... When we found out we were expecting. Which is awesome, because we were TTC for years and had kind of given up. But now I'm not working, DH is so sweet, he knows how hard pregnancy can be as this is our 3rd. He doesn't want me working while I'm pregnant. And he got a new job in March, which pays better, but he travels so much and has to put all his travel expenses on our credit card. It gets expenesed, he gets it back, but it takes about a month and it's always a few grand that the company owes us. So we've been on a tight budget. Weave a lot of baby stuff from our DD's, but we had gotten rid of the crib and changing table I just need to find where I put the bassinet...
@yellingbanana I can't remember if you were participating in the thread that we were talking about credit cards a few weeks ago -- but one huge benefit you two could get out of your situation is to have a rewards card. If you're getting 1-2% back on the company purchases he's making and then getting reimbursed, it might help justify it a little. It adds up! I'm sorry you're on such a tight budget.
@LinziLoo09@dmontgo I am feeling financial pains as well. I was the primary breadwinner here but I've been reduced from a 6 figure salary to unemployment dough, while my husband works full time at a job where he is underpaid by $20-40k. It's demoralizing and has obviously hurt us financially at a pretty bad time, but I know we can get through it. Whether that means finding a new career if my current one doesn't pick back up (now or next year) or finding ways to save while staying home and taking care of baby girl once she arrives, I have no idea, but I have to have faith that something will work out. Based on what I've read, we're all smart and capable women! That has to count for something
Wow @ea301 that's rough! But you've got a great attitude about it. I know that my guilt hit hard last night because DH was inadvertently guilting me about the situation. He was upset a few months ago when he discovered the pay cut I was taking, and I've felt bad about it ever since. I was trying to turn this trip into a positive - it could be our babymoon (with a toddler in tow) just before the newbie is born. Plus it'll be the last time we can take DD on a plane for free. And I'm hoping we can make a cute little trip out of it around my conference activities. But last night I got the same deflated tone from him about money, and at one point he said, "With our money, you should just be going on this alone, but we've already bought my ticket. So I guess it's too late." Honestly his ticket wasn't much more money, and I would be uncomfortable traveling alone at 35 weeks. He didn't mean to make me feel bad, but you know it just does. He piped up after that, though, and has been more reassuring.
Maybe @ea301@dmontgo and I can farm our children out to be baby movie stars and make some of this money back? Child stars are always really well-adjusted, healthy kids, right?
@LinziLoo09 I know what you mean! My husband has made a few comments along those lines too. I'm sure it is just a momentary lapse for them both. Money was one of the things we talked about a lot before we got married, and I know it is a stressor for us both since we both grew up without much. And yes - baby superstars sounds like a great plan! I wonder what prenatal vitamins and rituals I can do to get this baby girl to learn how to sing or something... I'll call TLC and see if we can get a reality show lined up
Ugh, I'm on my way to the ER to get checked out. DH and I took DD to the park, and I ended up somehow getting tangled up in the jungle ropes. My ankle got caught in it, and I fell straight forward. I tried to protect my belly as much as possible. My ankle is swollen and throbbing, and I'm having some cramps. Any good thoughts you ladies can spare, will be appreciated.
I'm finally home!!! My ankle is severely sprained, so no "work" the rest of the week, and I'm sore. Everything checked out well with Michael as well. I'm just glad it's nothing worse. Thanks again ladies.
Random... I finally logged onto the bump from my computer, I usually just use the app. And I saw everyone's cute little tickers, I tried to put one on my signature but it wasn't working and only showing up as code in my signature. I would've figured it out, but my kids were 'sleeping' really loudly (playing when they were supposed to be asleep!). So I had to go regulate. Ans of course I'm now mobile bumping again. Sigh.
Random... I finally logged onto the bump from my computer, I usually just use the app. And I saw everyone's cute little tickers, I tried to put one on my signature but it wasn't working and only showing up as code in my signature. I would've figured it out, but my kids were 'sleeping' really loudly (playing when they were supposed to be asleep!). So I had to go regulate. Ans of course I'm now mobile bumping again. Sigh.
above the signature box, you have to click the "</>" link and enter the code there (took me ages to figure it out....)
I'm sitting in my car at lunch. I'm dead tired...but really just needed to charge my phone. Now I am trying not to fall asleep. I only have 5 minutes left
The interview went really well, I left feeling good and he said I'd hear something either way in a week. Fast forward to last night - I received a call at 6p with a conditional offer, pending references, HR, etc etc!!! Crazy!! There are semantics to work out but I'm pumped that a job that I applied for on a whim looks like it is going to pan out!! Whoot!!!
@jennbaylor12 That's awesome! In a similar vein, my old company that I left about 11 months ago reached out to see if I wanted to come back because they have an opening for a senior role. They know I'm pregnant, but I'm not sure they realize how close I am. My current company offers 4 weeks of paid leave, in addition to short term disability. Between that and the vacation time I've accrued I'll be able to take off 16 weeks, about 13 of which will be at least partially paid. If I go back to my old place, I get no paid maternity leave, I don't qualify for FMLA, I will have no vacation time accrued, and I don't know if I'd qualify for their short term disability policy since I'm already pregnant. So I told my old company they'd have to guarantee that same maternity package to get me in the door for an interview - anything less is a non-starter. I'm not unhappy in my current job, so if they really want me back they will have to pay!
Guys I haven't dropped off the face of the planet. For some reason I haven't been able to post via app and still can't post via desk top at all. I can log in and get to the group but cannot post anything. Super annoying.
Our stuff showed up to our new house yesterday! So ready to be moved in. I love my mom, but staying with her for almost 2 weeks is a bit much. Now the unpacking begins...
Re: Randoms 9.1
Also...if your lo will be in daycare, ask if they do anything. We have a military daycare and they bring in a dentist 2ce a year for checkups and fluoride treatment. It's free. They also start brushing the kids teeth daily at 6 months or first tooth (whichever is later). My 2yo is a pro toothbrusher and I honestly can't take credit!
home schedule for me combined with family help, at least until baby is mobile! I have a feeling it will become
much more difficult to work from home after he is moving around so we will have to look into our options.
Thank you!
like for me too! He must have moved because I don't feel him the same this week as last.
Due December 27th with baby #7
Off topic, but last night I was feeling really upset. Like I mentioned in my TW yesterday, I'm taking a big pay cut for this job for the next two years in the hopes that it will lead to a much higher paying job afterwards. I've always been the breadwinner in the family though, so to see us struggle financially, I'm just feeling really responsible. So after shelling out a ridiculous amount of money for this conference (that is crucial in helping me land a good job 2 years from now), I ran into the bedroom to feel sorry for myself.
Little DD came in and climbed on the bed with me. She started stroking my forehead and then cuddling my face and leaning over my head to give me kisses. We're at a stage where I generally have to beg or blackmail for kisses, so it seriously made my night that she was giving them so freely. My mood totally improved. It might be the cutest thing she's ever done.
Baby #1
Baby #2
~04/19/16 EDD 12/26/16~
SaveSaveSaveSave
I am in the same boat and it sucks. When I got laid off, I took a job where I could still work from home--but initially I have to take a pay cut because it's a newer business just getting contracts. I was told that once we get a certain contract at the end of the fiscal year, I will get a salary that is my market value (20k more than I'm making now). So far, no word on if we are actually getting that contract...and EOY is in a few weeks.
DH is in school right now and he does work part time and gets money from the military for housing. But, they do not pay him during the summer, and his part time work doesn't bring in much. Then this new insurance with $250 each visit until the deductible is met...then $50 each week for the doctor...we have burned through more savings than I'd like to admit. I make a budget every pay period, and it seems lately like it doesn't even matter.
DH gets his school stipend again this month and we can build back the savings we have, but I am frustrated and trying not to feel responsible. I love the people I work with, and it's a great environment, but lately with all of these bills I'm wishing I was making more, even if it meant being in a shitty environment. I just want to stay home with Ashton, and I'm sure that will be awesome...but right now I'm pouting.
Sorry for the book! We will get through this.
Baby #1
Baby #2
~04/19/16 EDD 12/26/16~
SaveSaveSaveSave
my parents weren't rich til I went to college but we were always financially secure and gifts were a big deal and status symbols were a thing and shopping was the only appropriate girl hobby (another beef for another day).
while, unless something crazy happens, we will always be able to pay our bills and save more than totally necessary, our house will be run far more like the down to earth one dh grew up in.
Aint no shame in penny pinching! And getting my stuff used is practically free and then you feel no heartburn if something happens to it
Randomly....I heard this morning on the radio that even Donald Trump is arguing for mandatory 6 weeks paid maternity leave. Not that new policies by either candidate will help us, but hopefully it'll change at some point.
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
Even though it won't affect me, I REALLY hope the US mandates paid maternity leave some time in the near future. Seriously. Not good for the economy to put us into poverty when we're already having to pay for a freakin' baby/serious medical procedures/etc.
So on a more entertaining note...I'm trying to be fit dammit! I joined a gym this week and started working out. Today on my lunch break I went to try out their 30 minute "Band It" class. It's advertised as strength training using resistance bands and weights. In reality it is a slightly vigorous geriatric stretching course. I was the only one there under the age of 70, but I didn't want to leave and insult anyone. The best part was at the end when the lady next to me told me to "take it easy" on my weights so I don't pull a muscle in my face (what?!). Mind you, I was only using 7.5lb dumbbells for the 10 squats and 10 curls they had us do. I usually use more for those exercises and certainly do more sets and reps. I thanked her for the advice and told her I would be careful lol.
Baby #1
Baby #2
~04/19/16 EDD 12/26/16~
SaveSaveSaveSave
Due December 27th with baby #7
I'm sorry about the financial struggles, we are definitely in over our head right now. We got married this year, and even though it was a small wedding, it still cost an arm and a leg. Well, the photographers did at least. Also, I had 2 months off of work and was applying for teaching jobs to start in August... When we found out we were expecting. Which is awesome, because we were TTC for years and had kind of given up. But now I'm not working, DH is so sweet, he knows how hard pregnancy can be as this is our 3rd. He doesn't want me working while I'm pregnant. And he got a new job in March, which pays better, but he travels so much and has to put all his travel expenses on our credit card. It gets expenesed, he gets it back, but it takes about a month and it's always a few grand that the company owes us. So we've been on a tight budget. Weave a lot of baby stuff from our DD's, but we had gotten rid of the crib and changing table
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18
Wow @ea301 that's rough! But you've got a great attitude about it. I know that my guilt hit hard last night because DH was inadvertently guilting me about the situation. He was upset a few months ago when he discovered the pay cut I was taking, and I've felt bad about it ever since. I was trying to turn this trip into a positive - it could be our babymoon (with a toddler in tow) just before the newbie is born. Plus it'll be the last time we can take DD on a plane for free. And I'm hoping we can make a cute little trip out of it around my conference activities. But last night I got the same deflated tone from him about money, and at one point he said, "With our money, you should just be going on this alone, but we've already bought my ticket. So I guess it's too late." Honestly his ticket wasn't much more money, and I would be uncomfortable traveling alone at 35 weeks. He didn't mean to make me feel bad, but you know it just does. He piped up after that, though, and has been more reassuring.
Maybe @ea301 @dmontgo and I can farm our children out to be baby movie stars and make some of this money back? Child stars are always really well-adjusted, healthy kids, right?
Baby #1
Baby #2
~04/19/16 EDD 12/26/16~
SaveSaveSaveSave
Hope everything is ok! Keep us posted!
I finally logged onto the bump from my computer, I usually just use the app. And I saw everyone's cute little tickers, I tried to put one on my signature but it wasn't working and only showing up as code in my signature. I would've figured it out, but my kids were 'sleeping' really loudly (playing when they were supposed to be asleep!). So I had to go regulate.
Ans of course I'm now mobile bumping again. Sigh.
Baby #1
Baby #2
~04/19/16 EDD 12/26/16~
SaveSaveSaveSave
The interview went really well, I left feeling good and he said I'd hear something either way in a week. Fast forward to last night - I received a call at 6p with a conditional offer, pending references, HR, etc etc!!! Crazy!! There are semantics to work out but I'm pumped that a job that I applied for on a whim looks like it is going to pan out!! Whoot!!!
Cologne.
For your baby.
I'm done.