Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Changes Abound

Thanks to all who checked in with me during my recent blogging hiatus.  I confess that I prefer blogging from my work computer (on my lunch break!) because it's much easier to pull up financial data at a desk with a pen and paper and a real mouse.  Laptops are great for web browsing but not much typing or research.  Unfortunately my work group of thirteen attorneys has dwindled down to a measly eight in the past few months and, as a result, my work load has tripled (yes tripled!).

But, have no fear, they recently gave me a three percent cost of living adjustment - my first since 2009 - remember how excited I was back then?  Factoring in the Social Security reduction sunset, it's like $20 more a paycheck.  Thanks a lot!

While my coworkers have wised up and abandoned ship, I have no immediate plans to look for another job because of the great work/life balance..which is more important now that I have a baby on the way.  Yes, a baby, finally!  It's been almost exactly a year since I wrote about our fertility struggles and how they were putting our plans on hold.  I'm happy to announce that after a successful IVF cycle I am now five months pregnant.  Our SON will arrive hopefully mid June. And, while achieving pregnancy was a herculean feat, the actual pregnancy so far has been pretty easy.  I'm healthy, baby is measuring big and healthy and I feel great.

We are still living in the condo and are here until we can scrape up enough funds to put at least ten percent down on a house.  Originally we thought we could pull it off by the time the baby gets here but that won't be happening save some sort of financial miracle.  Our modified plan puts us moving shortly before the end of 2013.  Technically we have almost half the money saved already...but most of that is in our Emergency Fund and I will resist the temptation to drain that with a baby on the way just for the convenience of a few more months with an eat in kitchen.  Non-shared laundry would be nice though.  Sigh.

In other news, this was the first year we've been married that we didn't greatly miscalculate our tax burden.  Instead of owing we ended getting back over $3k so that was a nice addition to our savings plan.  DH is still interviewing for a better job and hopefully between his forthcoming bonus in March and any salary increase he may see, we will exceed our goals by the end of the year.

I hope to write more about our plans for the baby and hopefully moving soon.  It's a very exciting time.

10 comments:

Morning Noon Evening said...

Long time reader, first time commenter - I just wanted to say congratulations on your pregnancy! So exciting! He will be well loved!

I have an 18-month-old and are house hunting after living with in a small apartment. We have found that we are just now feeling cramped in our space now that she is "toddling" and needing more space to run/play. When she was an infant, it really didn't matter - so I think your timeline for moving sounds really perfect.

laughing808 said...

Congrats! I pray that the duration of your pregnancy is easy as well.

Dee said...

Great news!!! I am also a long term reader, first time commenter. I am really happy for you. :)

www.Chickyapps.com

undercover vixen said...

Big congratulations! Both of you must be so excited!

Karin said...

Wonderful news! So happy to read this. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

Susie B said...

Congratulations!

Kat said...

Hey - its Kat from Savings Not Shoes! I just thought of you when reading another blog and thought I'd checkin to see if you are still at it. And you are! And you're having a baby! I actually teared up because you were such an inspiration to me changing my financial situation and being honest about my student loan debt (mostly to myself). You've inspired me to start blogging again. Best wishes!!

Sallie's Niece said...

@kat, thanks for your kind thoughts!

Anonymous said...

So thrilled to see this post, although I already knew your big news since we emailed a bit. :) Glad you are feeling great. I'm right behind you (18 weeks today)!
We find out if it's a boy or girl on March 28.

I was looking for a job before I got PG, too...but like yours, mine has a good work-life balance (and flex time) so for now, I'm staying put.

Hope to see more regular posts from you!

Bonnie

Chitown said...

How are you doing with your student loans?