[rocky88]

"Cool, this is me.

Personally, I notice a big difference in parents my age (34)from parents that are just 10 years older."

DITTO. My husband and I give up everything that's not a neccesity in life in order for me to stay home with our son. Sometimes it is hard but we know it's best in the bigger picture. Hubby is from a broken home but I'm not, and we both had working moms, although mine didn't work til I was 8. We just both want to be there as much as possible for our son and future children. Plus, IT'S FUN!!

Life's too short and no one ever wished for more "stuff" while they were on their death bed. We just threw a first birthday party for our son over the weekend and because we spent outside of our budget we will have to go without paying a bill or two this month. But I have to say the party was worth it - they only turn one once, right??

[samiam1972]

We threw a party for our now 4 and 6 year-old this weekend, too. Their birthdays are 4 days apart so we combine them. We're going to be eating a lot of grilled cheese and PBJ until the next paycheck comes in!! It's hard not to get too carried away!

I was a teacher until we started our family. I'm at home right now but am finally considering getting back into the work force part-time. 6 years with only one income is finally taking it's toll. Fortunately, my parents just moved back to town and have offered to watch my daughter the 2 days a week that I plan on subbing. I've really enjoyed being at home with my kids and wouldn't change that choice for anything. We're not as well off as those who waited to have kids or chose to have 2 incomes via daycare. However, our kids are very well-behaved, smart, happy and healthy children! The time with them is priceless!

[muir_redwoods]

We did the same and I'm 54. One of the things we were always grateful for is that we had the sense never to value money and material as much as our three daughters. They came first whether we drove used cars or went camping for vacations.

[BBT]

Next year he'll turn two and you'll want to do more than this year, because by then he'll be old enough to really have fun. That birthday party compounding formula goes over the top at about the age of seven, when you are hiring Spiderman to make a personal appearance, etc! ha

You sound like great parents, and are very blessed.

[GOP_1900AD]

If you can, have or adopt more kids. Our values need to be propagated. There are 70 plus million Boomlet kids, who are chips of the hippy block. Our offspring need to be more numerous than we are.