cost of a BABY

Holy crap. Babies are expensive. She's not even here yet and our bank account is hemorrhaging cash (that right, I said SHE). Let me lessen the pressure on our poor unborn and share that less than a year ago we paid for a wedding. Less than two months ago we bought a new house. The bank account hemorrhaging has not only been HER fault. Here are some highlights of the outflows of our hard earned money lately in preparation for "Operation Baby": - Medela Breast Pump: $275 - Diaper bag: $60 (it is AWESOME and worth it) - Chicco Car Seat/Stroller: $275 - Sherwin Williams nursery paint: $60 - Baby bedding: $130 - Nursery Furniture: $1,500 * * We saved every 20% off coupon to Babies R Us for this purchase - and this doesn't include the cost of a Rocker (=$350).

We have already spent well over $2,000 and this little critter isn't even here for us to woo and ahh over yet. The only thing I've gotten from her is stretch marks.

Thank goodness for wonderful family and friends!! We were showered with many gifts that helped us prepare for baby Nelson recently (special shout out the Missy, Heather, & Stacey for the rockinest baby shower). Some of the highlights of showered items:

zen bounce seat, diaper genie, diapers, blankets, burp clothes, baby clothes, baby-bathing stuff, car seat base (=$80, geesh), books, toys, bibs, diaper changing accessories (mattresses, changing pad covers, changing stations, etc.).

We were also lucky enough to have friends hand-down some of their baby items - bassinet, clothes, Boppy, swing, toys, etc.

Check back in November and I'll give you an update on the cost of baby wipes, diapers, etc.

Then check back in February and I'll give you an update on day care costs! Whew!

life in the RANCH

We're officially living a life in the `burbs. The Denver house sold and we made the move to Highlands Ranch to find the house of our dreams. Actually in my dreams, the house had a 3-car garage to support all of Brian's hobbies, but for this house, I settled for 2. We moved to Highlands Ranch on July 1st and we LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The neighborhood has been so welcoming - homemade dinners, cookies, breads, and weekly block parties. Not to mention that we're LOVING the house. To all of my friends and family that knock Highlands Ranch - suck it! That's right - I said it. It's wonderful down here. (we're hoping you still come to the house warming party after that). Details on a housewarming party coming soon!

and then there were THREE

After getting married we had a plan a plan for 2010: 1. Sell the Leyden house 2. Buy a more family appropriate home 3. Take a honeymoon 4. Spend the summer enjoying the life of newlyweds 5. Sleep in 6. Drink beer 7. Be lazy Something you probably didn't see on that list: BABY. In March we found out that we were expecting a baby Nelson - an ABSOLUTE surprise. We were actually avoiding getting pregnant. No pill - but tracking days carefully to avoid "those" days. One thing everyone should know: SPERM LIVES for numerous days. I've always been one to learn lessons the hard way. We are still adjusting to the shock and adjusting to my growing belly but are overjoyed with the thought of a baby.

for sale SOLD

After only a few shorts months of being married and NO honeymoon, we put our house on the market. That sold in record time! Seems like no big deal but selling & buying a house is supposed to be one of the 5 most stressful things families experience. With our Leyden house sold (tear! I loved that house), we moved into a temporary condo in Lakewood and started our house hunt. Little did we know that would take 2 months +. We are still living in Lakewood and are STILL looking for the home of our dreams.

married and MORE

Anyone who knows me well is aware of how long I waited for the BIG day and how patient I was with my beau, Brian. We started planning in March 2009 and on October 9, 2009 I became Mrs. Nelson.

It was the happiest day of my life & perhaps the best wedding I've been to (only because it was my very own).

Marriage is a life changing experience. You're supposed to spend time honeymooning, planning your life together, and just being newlyweds....RIGHT? In our case...WRONG! We had been dating for 6.5 years when we got married and we knew marriage wasn't going to knock us off our feet. The few things that followed sure would!