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!
THanks for the "pep-talk!" When I hear success stories such as yours, it gives me continued strength to be living paycheck-to-paycheck as we do now that I'm home with our son. Nice to know others have made it work for so many years when I have only been home for such a short time!