A Good day

I'm feeling good today. The baby actually slept in her swing for a couple hours yesterday and I got a lot done. Today she is back to napping in my lap while I eat lunch, as I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast. But it's ok cuz I'm in a super mood and feel so loved. I desperately need a shower and to brush my teeth, but I'll settle for getting out of jammies before I pick up Julie from school. I need to show her where to wait in front so I can just drive up to get her and not worry about what I'm wearing or the grease factor of my hair.

We're trying cloth diapers. Another way to save money. I'm feeling especially frugal ordering them online for the same amount as a large box of disposables. And I got free shipping. I even got a couple for the pool.

I'll be using tax refund money to get the next size carseat and purchase materials to make my own laundry detergent. That should be interesting and will probably be a blog on its own. I'm thinking it won't explode on me like the homemade all-purpose cleaner. I'll wrap up my "yay me" blog, as I am spilling cold lentil soup (nice and thick, as it was left to boil for a good 10 minutes while I changed a diaper, then didn't get to eat it for half an hour after that) all over us. And we need to leave in an hour to get Julie. Still a good day!

A New Day

Well I have mastered typing while nursing and keeping baby asleep on my lap (typing with one hand). I'd like to say I'm proud of myself, but in the grand scheme of things, it hardly seems an accomplishment.

I was feeling quite proud of myself, spending what seemed like hours clipping coupons and going through weekly ads. I sent my oldest to the store with a list and the stack of coupons. I ended up spending $60 on specials, but little to make a meal of or anything we normally buy. Lesson learned. I also ended up with the largest tub of margarine I have ever seen. Rethinking the costly convenience of sending the 17-year-old to the store.

This morning my partner offered to go to the discount market to get things to fill in the gaps. I ended up with the biggest bag of potatoes I have ever seen. At least we have enough margarine for all the baked potatoes we'll be having. I think I need to get over my anxiety of shopping with the baby and just do it. Crazy that with my third child I'm overwhelmed at the thought of taking her to the grocery store. She just isn't as easy going as the other two and it's easier on us both if I respect that.

So far a good and semi-productive day. I got a load of laundry in (yes it's done and just sitting in the washer), teeth are brushed, I think I put deodorant on, and I emptied the dishwasher. I think back to my hectic working days and get frustrated with myself that this is all I've been able to accomplish, knowing it's actually a lot compared to some days. "Those days" I call them. The ones that are all about baby. Days that would make a dentist shake his head in disapproval. Days when you think, "What's that smell?" then realize it's you and you honestly don't remember the last time you showered. But not today. Today I put the dishes away! 

Introduction

My name is Stacey and I'm 35...er 36 years old. Funny how your own age means nothing once you have kids! I have to ask my oldest how old I am sometimes. Anyway, I am mom to three girls, age 17, 7, and 3 months. Yes, I spread them out. I had my first at 18, so spreading them out is a good thing.

My reasoning for starting a blog occurred a few hours ago when I realized I was supporting other moms online through message boards and Facebook and not venting and sharing my own wacky experiences. 

I recently decided I could not leave my baby and would not return to my job as a full time special education teacher. Luckily my partner is very supportive and silently agreed by process of elimination to be the sole provider. Being in public service, the providing won't be that great. Things will be tight. I take it month by month and cry pathetically when it seems impossible and start looking at job openings until something saves us and gives me more time (paid family leave, tax refund). I am so desperate to stay with my little love I have resorted to making my own baby wipes, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner. Sure it feels good to be "green" and not use a bunch of chemicals, but honestly it's to prove to my partner that I can live frugally and deserve to be home. I clip coupons, go through ads, unplug everything to save energy. I struggle to cook and clean and make everything perfect. I am in total denial this will work, but I'm gonna ride it out as long as I can!

Join me on my journey from career woman to stay-at-home mom and all the craziness that comes with it! Wow I was able to type all this in a 2 hour span, being interrupted only 3 times!