Saving £100k for mortgage, living a simple life

Hiddenidenity

I hope all is well x

earthgirl

Hi All,

Well long break from posting, as I had baby Elliot Andrew on the 21st of September (same day as twinklie delivered too!).

Things did not go to plan at all, and the shirty midwife who answered the phone advised me not to go into hospital when I first rang. By the time I had had the bath (and oh decided to have a shower too) babys head was practically out, the ambulance got lost, and OH delivered Elliot in our bed. All I can say is OWWW!!!!

He is adorable though and I am just struggling a bit with the night feeds and then keeping DS1, who is just 2, entertained during the day.

Not much money saving going on I am afraid. I am using a double buggy that I got from freecycle. Its amazing silver cross (very retro though) but has EVERYTHING with it - how lucky am I? I am insisting on breastfeeding and I have made my own thank you cards for gifts but thats about it!

I have tried taking the two boys shopping for food, and it didn't go well - He was only a week old and too unpredictable, so I have been having shopping delivered. I will try to make this the last week, and get back to MrAs next week - it is so much cheaper!!

I will also try refilling water bottles instead of buying bottled water (need lots of bottles all round the house when I am breast feeding), and I will try to limit the "payed for" activities that I do with DS1 to keep him amused whilst I feed.

I have been given £70 cash as a present "for the family" so I am unsure how to spend this, but I would like ds1 to get some singing and music in his life (I have now taken him out of childminders and he loves this). I will try the libraries next week to see what I can find for free before I commit to a course.

Other than that, my new car arrived, and I love it it is so practical and easy to drive, and good mpg, so all in all a happy bunny here!

Hiddenidenity

Huge congratulations My first was born exactly the same way!

As for keeping the 2 year old entertained, does he not like reading? I sat DS down and read him a book while feeding DD so he didn't feel left out. Doesn't work for everyone and I hope I don't sound patronizing just a suggestion as there's the same gap between my two x

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Hello,

Many congratulations on the birth of your son, sounds as if his arrival was quite traumatic but at least it was quick! Yes, ow ow ow! How lovely, autumn, a lovely cuddly new baby and some time out from work, although of course it is just as hard at home, but so much more rewarding. I am very very envious. Wish I could do it all again.

On the ms front, very well done on the free double buggy. They cost s fortune and probably most of the time ds1 will want to walk, but you still need it for when you are in a hurry or if he starts to flag so good to get a free one. You sound very sorted.

Lots of love to you all,

Squirrel:j

CathT

Congratulations! I remember trying to do a jigsaw with dd when ds was born and the best I could do was hand her the pieces as I permanently had him attached! Could you get out for some nice autumnal walks?

wantabetterlife

Congrats EG..fab news!! :j:j:j

earthgirl

Thanks for the suggestions on keeping ds 1 amused. He is just so intent on kissing and hugging ds2 all the time, and then when he gets bored with that he gets a bit silly and naughty. I can't get him interested in books or toys whilst I feed - he knows whats going on!!
I will try alternating his toys more so that he is more interested in them.

Posting on here has been good. I have now substituted disposible breast pads for washables, and I am thinking of other ways I can cut back and cut down!

museumworker

Apologies for tardiness in wishing you a massive congratulations on the arrival of your newest family member . Great name too .

I found putting DS in a sling after feeds meant I had hands free and time to spare for DD. Also helped with his wind/colic.

Fantastic news on double buggy, that represents a significant saving!

greent

OOh, congratulations on your new arrival! x

earthgirl

Thanks for the well wishes!

All is going well in the EG household.

Little baby Elliot is doing well, and is above average weight for his 3 weeks. The breastfeeding advisor is popping in on Monday, as he is still being sick two or three times a day, I probably need to adjust my positioning so he gets lets wind.

DS1 hit him the other day, and infront of the health visitor no less. She said the way I am dealing with it is fine, and advised me to stop the demand feeing and try to move towards 3 hourly to give me more time with LO.

We went to a music class (free trial) this morning. LO enjoyed it, but not that much (£4.50 /class) there are two library ones I will try for free after half term.

I have also managed to do an @ldi shop which will same us some money. HM curry tonight instead of takeaway.

I managed to do a bit of gardening and clean downstairs so I am pretty chuffed and looking forward to my 4 hours sleep!!!

The washable breast pads leaked, so back to disposibles for another few weeks, but I have a voucher for a chemists I can use.

I will try to use up cotton cloths (free) and water instead of wipes as I am changing nappies constantly!

I can't think of anything else to save money on at the moment, but just posting on here gets me in the right frame of mind.

Enjoy the weekend all x