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For New Moms & Expectant Moms

Share your advice and get tips on what to expect when you’re expecting.

I am going to be the newest mom!

Posted on 12/15/2008 by Denise

As one of the Walmart Eleven Moms I am going to be the newest mom! My husband and I are expecting our first child (a baby boy) on March 12, 2009. This is what drives my obsession to learn to live on less! I grew up in a one-income family with a mom who stayed at home until my brother and I were both in school. I feel that this has impacted the person that I am today in a big way, which is why I am making it my mission to become a stay at home mom and to go from living on two full time incomes to one. We’re making a slow transition.  I plan to work half time at my current job as a teacher and we’ll see how we can juggle our finances before I quit cold turkey!  I am a firm believer that if you are a wise steward with what you are given, God will be your provision and take care of the rest! By honoring Him with my finances He will see that I am MORE than provided for.

I am chronicling my pregnancy and writing all about it here.  I can’t wait to share my experiences with you all and to share my thoughts on the products I will be purchasing (check out my registry here) and trying out.  But, I am going to need YOUR help too!  I am a NEW mom, and I need lots of advice.  It would be so awesome if you would chime in on some of my questions in the question and answer area.  And, if you have questions of your own about me, my pregnancy, my honest opinion, or something you want other’s advice on, be sure to leave that in the question and answer section too!  Lastly, be sure and check out my column here each week as I am sure it will be quite entertaining as I bumble along as a new mom!

Comments
42 Comments
  • Congrats. Do the blog now cause when the baby is here you may not have time. LOL!
    teckyone on 12/22/2008 at 1:39 PM
  • We made the transition from one income to two. It can be done! You can see some of the blog posts related specifically to our single income journey here: http://www.engineeradebtfreelife.com/search/label/single%20income You may find lots of the reader comments in our blog posts helpful - we sure did! Good luck! Momma, feature blogger at Engineer a Debt Free Life
    Momma on 12/22/2008 at 10:04 AM
  • good for you! In this day, being a stay at home mom is so difficult. there are so many temptations out there trying to destroy the family and one of the best ways to do that is to take the mother away from the home. as you have made this decision you will find some women will make you feel like you are stupid and just can't do anything else with your life so you HAVE to be a stay-at-home mom rather than CHOOSE to be. Another temptation to tear mothers away from their children too early is pre-school. it would always break my heart when i would hear about mothers who put their children in pre-school at the age of 3. i believe you should be with them and have the responsibility of teaching them all the moral and social skills they will need to survive the temptations children and especially teen agers face in public schools these days. they have plenty of time to learn their abc's and 123's and a mother can teach those things too. i guess what i'm saying is that you only have complete influence on them for about five years and then they go to school and are hit with all kinds of bad influence. those first five years is where you build their character, their strength, and their ability to say "no"! i'm not saying your teaching stops when they hit school, its just you are now competing for their time. good luck- there is no greater joy in life than that of being a mother!!!
    shellie on 12/21/2008 at 11:52 AM
  • I have to say, as a Mom of 5, the best money saving tip on being a new mom, without a doubt is breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed!!!! More importantly than the HUGE financial savings, the entire experience is something you can't put a pricetag on. It's the most intimate bonding you can have with your baby and it was something I absolutely treasured with each and every one of my children. There's also alot of support out there now for breastfeeding moms, which is all very helpful, but really just remember above all to TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCTS!!!! This applies to not only breastfeeding, but EVERY aspect of parenthood!!! If you think something's just not right, it's probably not, so don't let your pediatrician convince you otherwise. Also, we are a family of 8 now, with my oldest daughter having now had a baby herself at 16.....ugh. But, anyhow, we are living on just one income, too, and it is VERY hard, but the time with my little ones is truly irreplaceable and it goes so so fast. My youngest is 4 and I recently realized this is the first time I've ever had a 4 year old and not had one on the way, or a younger one I was caring for also. When she starts Kindergarten will be very hard!!!! Congrats!!!!
    Bonnie on 12/19/2008 at 8:02 PM
  • Denise, 6 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, I thought that all the baby gear was that was out there was required. However, 3 babies later, and more frugally minded now than ever, I know that that was a mistake. Most of the "things" never got used. A stroller, a boppy pillow, blankets, crib sheets, clothing and diapers were all I ever really needed. My swing, exersaucer, and many other items didn't get much use. I quit my teaching job cold turkey and never regretted a moment of it. You learn to live on what you have. Good luck to you! This is a very exciting time in your life. The years go by fast, so try to enjoy every moment.
    Michelle on 12/17/2008 at 6:17 PM
  • How exciting! Can't wait to read all the great tips and ideas for moms everywhere.
    Susan on 12/17/2008 at 12:29 PM
  • Congrats! I am looking forward to following your blog!
    Tanell on 12/16/2008 at 10:27 PM
  • Congrats on your new blog!
    Sarah on 12/16/2008 at 10:06 PM
  • I was so happy the day we bought a swing. i used the same one for all 3 of my kids. we bought it a day or 2 after i had my 1st. i was able to get 2 or 3 hours of sleep in when i was breastfeeding. the bouncer is a good one to. all 3 loved it and was very good at it!lol. last but not least recieving blankets in my opinon are a waste, you might use them for about 2 weeks and then you are stuck with 20 blankets.unless you can find something crafty to do with them get like 3 or 4. I find that i never have enough socks! and the portable cribs are a waste to. anyho! congrats to you a Dj on the baby boy and i hope to see you guys soon!
    jessica on 12/16/2008 at 9:48 PM
  • I'm so happy for you. Everything seems to be going good for you. You'll be a great mom.
    Adrienne on 12/16/2008 at 9:21 PM
  • this will be cool since I have a 3 month old grandchild and I love your other blog and trust your opinion. I will be able to share ideas and opinions with my daughter
    angie on 12/16/2008 at 9:17 PM
  • Hey Denise congratulations on the new member of your family. I'm expecting too. I'm 8 mounths preagnant and I'm having my first baby girl and its a beautiful experience. I like the way you see things in life and also your strong believes in God. Thats a very positive way of thinking and I'm pretty sure your baby's going to love you...
    Elizabeth on 12/16/2008 at 7:10 PM
  • congrats on the new venture :)
    Valerie Mitchell on 12/16/2008 at 6:44 PM
  • Best of luck with everything. I know how pregnancy and raising children can be tiring, so it's great how you can help others in similar situations with your ideas on how to save money!
    staceyk on 12/16/2008 at 6:05 PM
  • I am looking forward to reading about your pregnancy......
    RENEE KIRBY on 12/16/2008 at 4:47 PM
  • Read Babywise and do it. You'll have the best baby on the block. I am sure that God will provide for your family if you make the choice to stay home.
    Lisa on 12/16/2008 at 4:45 PM
  • I'm due about the same time as you and people are asking what they can buy me for Christmas for the baby. I have enough clothes. I'm looking for items in the $100 or less range. Any ideas for a new mom who doesn't know what she needs ? :)
    Andrea on 12/16/2008 at 3:34 PM
  • I can't wait to read about your upcoming new mom adventures!
    Christine on 12/16/2008 at 3:11 PM
  • Wanted to be the first to congratulate both you and your hubbie on your "new" baby son. My son was also born in March but back in 1982. So much has changed since then. We used cloth diapers - Pampers were available but money was tight - as it still is now. The biggest savings was my breast feeding! All of our children were fed this way - Hope you do the same! Blessings and prayers to you all! Debra of DeVito Designs
    Debra DeVito on 12/16/2008 at 12:45 PM
  • Congratulations to you and your husband! I think documenting your pregnancy is great. You can also share it with your son when he gets older. I noticed you had Dr. Brown's bottles on your registry. I highly recommend those bottles. I used them with my first son - 9 years ago. Everyone would stare and ask questions about them. They weren't that well known back then. It helped calm the colic too. Good luck with you pregnancy!
    mom_of2boys on 12/16/2008 at 11:47 AM
  • Words can not express what it feels like to become a mom. One of my first thoughts when my first child was born was that life up to that point was just practice. This is what you were put here for. Good luck!
    Christy on 12/16/2008 at 11:33 AM
  • I know you from the "Cent" sible Sawyer and I am amazed at your creative ways and all that you do being pregnant and all. I think this is a cool idea also. I'll keep checking back. I am going to go answer some of your questions. I want a chance to win the Hotsling! You'll have to share with us how they work and if you like it. Til Later...Have a blessed Day!
    Dianne Martin on 12/16/2008 at 11:15 AM
  • This is great! I became a new mom myself this past February. Looking forward to reading more. =)
    Sandi on 12/16/2008 at 11:04 AM
  • looks like this will be a great blog! i am new at this too, so will be checking back to see what the pros say to your Q's :)
    mary on 12/16/2008 at 10:21 AM
  • Yay Denise! How exciting!
    The Bargain Shopper Lady on 12/16/2008 at 9:14 AM
  • this is a great idea! reviewing the new products is a good thing for ALL moms.
    tami lewis on 12/16/2008 at 9:05 AM
  • I will check back daily. You are a virtuous woman and trust God and honour your houseband and you will be home soon!! Kelley
    Kel on 12/16/2008 at 8:57 AM
  • Hey Denise! I am excited about your new blog! I can't wait to come back and learn more about you and your family. Good luck with your upcoming arrival! I hope your able to find the answers to all your new mommy questions through this blog!
    Ashley Bass on 12/16/2008 at 8:23 AM
  • Congrats Denise I didn't know you are pregnant. I've enjoyed your money saving blog. I look forward to reading this new one! You must be starting to get big. I actually enjoyed maternity clothes thereare alot of stylish choices and they are pretty comfortable. AND I love looking pregnant. :) Hsve fun!
    Maya on 12/16/2008 at 8:17 AM
  • Denise, I am so happy for you and all that you have become. You truly are an inspiration to me and others. Thank you for your time that you put into your blogs to help others like me to live a more frugal lifestyle. I look forward in following you on your new journey to motherhood. I miss you bunches and tell hubby I said "hey". I love you.
    Sarah Burris on 12/16/2008 at 7:46 AM
  • bumgenius seem to be the most popular cloth diaper, but actually i have no clue! I'm due in June with my first as well. I'll be curious to see what others say!
    Lindsey Morrow on 12/16/2008 at 6:51 AM
  • I am expecting my 5th child in June 2009. I have been a stay at home Mom for over 10 years now. I always knew I wanted to stay home with my kids and so from early in our marriage we made financial choices with that in mind. I think a big tip for a first time Mom is that you do NOT need all of the stuff you see advertised. SO MANY of the products that are pushed on you are used for such a short time that they really are not worth the money. Hand me downs, Craigslist and yard sales are goldmines! Do not buy too many dressy outfits for the 0-3 months. One piece rompers and onesies are best. Good Luck and God Bless you and your Family, Kammy
    Kammy on 12/16/2008 at 4:56 AM
  • I want to say congrads on your pregnancy and this new blog that you have. I have been following you for a couple of months now and I really appreciate all that you have done. Your advice and opinions really stick with me. I have 3 kids of my own and the most important advice that I can give you is to not forget to take care of yourself. You to be cared for as much as your little one will. Hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and I will continue to follow your blog.
    Dee on 12/16/2008 at 1:27 AM
  • Glad to see this is here! I would love to share it with our mom's in our moms group at the church I serve as the Minister of Childhood Education. I appreciate you including your faith- they will too.
    Tara Waldrop on 12/15/2008 at 11:18 PM
  • So looking forward to reading all about your pregnancy and mommy-hood journey here!
    Lora on 12/15/2008 at 11:13 PM
  • Denise, I follow your Centsible Sawyer blog too. Now, I'm really excited to follow this one too! I am hoping to be a mom soon too, so this is all info I will be really interested in. Thanks for doing this, and I'll be a follower here too! :)
    JS Hess on 12/15/2008 at 11:00 PM
  • I can't believe that I'm the first to comment! I am a faithful blog reader of yours and have been wondering how the pregnancy is coming along. I have a two year old little girl and still consider myself a new mom! Motherhood is wonderful:) I'm looking forward to updates!
    Jenni on 12/15/2008 at 10:19 PM
  • Very cool!! It's gonna be a great ride:)
    A Cowboy's Wife on 12/15/2008 at 9:16 PM
  • This is great! I am really happy for you. :-) I'm also happy to hear that you will be a stay at home mommy! God really works things out when you follow Him! The one income thing seems impossible...but it's not! And you will be so blessed and happy that you are home with your boy!
    Bree on 12/15/2008 at 8:43 PM
  • I am going to love your new blog! I am a mom of 4 and contemplating the 5th so I hope I can answer some of your questions.
    Amanda on 12/15/2008 at 8:33 PM
  • Hi Denise, You are wise to entrust God with your endevours. He will provide and bless you. Mercedes
    Mercedes on 12/15/2008 at 8:26 PM
  • Denise - Congrats on your upcoming arrival. I'm so excited for you. And this page on Walmart will be an amazing way to get incredible advice and ask super product questions so us moms who have been through the drill can let you know our thoughts. The best advice I can give though is that you need to figure out the system that works for you and your baby. Every baby is different. And buying the essentials first and seeing how you manage might be a way to save you money down the road. For instance, with my daughter we did not buy a swing. And I found I never needed one for her as we managed wonderfully without it! Can't wait to read your column each week!
    ClassyMommy on 12/15/2008 at 8:24 PM
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