Cow Tipping

Spring is (finally) here in New England and it could not have come at a better time. We've spent the last couple of afternoons at the park, and it's been a glorious way to ensure a good night's sleep for all, while also giving H some challenges and fun.

I've hit the big 34 on the preggo chart, so only 6 weeks left (in theory.) I finally gave in and started napping when H does so that I'll have the energy to give back as much positive vibes as he's giving me. I feel fully energized and great until it's about to wind down for the day and/or I stop for more than about 30 seconds and I suddenly feel like a cow; not just because I'm huge, but because I could easily sleep standing up. Although, I'm pretty sure it would be a fire hazard, because my first attempt would have been tonight while making dinner, standing over the gas burner.

I've gone through a couple more fits of manic purging resulting in more cash to feed the piggy bank. I decided awhile ago that all proceeds from the sale of H's goods will be kept in his bank so that he can do fun things with other families while I'm blissfully adjusting to life as a mother of multiple children. Fair trade, right?

Today I got my weekly "Hello, you're pregnant, now buy some crap you don't need" email from BabyCenter. The Couples Corner article was entitled "Money fights: Four steps to ending budget battles" and contained a number of sensible suggestions for looking at your budget and ensuring you aren't spending money you don't have on frivolous baby items, as the number one cause of fighting in the third trimester was reported to revolve around family finances.

IMMEDIATELY UNDER the article was a large bar that said "Shopping help from the BabyCenter Store" which helpfully pointed out all the things you'd need for your new baby. Isn't that ironic, don'tcha think? (Alanis, that's irony...a black fly in your chardonnay or rain on your wedding day is just crappy luck.)

This came fresh on the heels of an email I received from a friend, about a recent Talk of the Nation segment on NPR with author Pamela Paul whose book, Parenting, Inc., unveils and investigates the amount of money parents are pouring into the economy in the name of the baby-raising business. Says Paul 'Today, the "mom market" is said to be $1.7 trillion, with the toy industry for babies between birth and age two alone generating more than $700 million a year. "Parents will do anything to provide for their children. Marketers now know that this category has tremendous opportunity for growth," said Jan Studin, publisher of Parents magazine.'

It's oh-so-easy to say you won't get a bunch of crap you don't need...until you have kids. I'm blushing as I think about J's look of derision when he said 'S., that's just wasteful!' in response to me explaining that we'd need a new infant carseat, as the one we have goes with our old single stroller, and would no longer match the fabric of the double stroller I'd registered for. Needless to say, we'll be keeping our old car-seat. Here's to doing my part to raise great kids without forfeiting our retirement!