If I Had $2000...

Josh teased me the other day by telling me about a vacation we could take to Maui in March for $2000, including flights.  That was just cruel.  Now all I can think about is this hypothetical vacation and the wardrobe needed to make it perfect (both for myself and for Jared).  Now, $2000 is and isn't a lot of money.  Technically, we could spend the money and still have enough money in the bank to pay our mortgage for the next 3 years.  However, given neither of us are employed it would just be plain irresponsible.  Not to mention, our parents would kill us for taking Jared to Hawaii before we brought him home to Maryland.  

Yet, the thought prompts me to daydream that it is an actual possibility.  Let's say Josh gets the job that he has been interviewing for and does not have to start until the end of March.  We could go to Hawaii in March...right?  And our parents are each scheduled for visits in March, which covers us on that end.  Yes, I have put a lot of thought into this.  I have even picked out the dates, checked the flights, and selected the resort.  Fingers crossed that my daydream comes true...not just for the vacation, but for the security of Josh having a job!

Jared Gregory Weiner - November 26, 2008

It has been two months since Jared was born and it sounds cliche, but I cannot remember life before the little guy. As mushy as it sounds, he is the best thing that ever happened to me. 6 lbs and 19 inches of pure joy. The best part - he is a great sleeper. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that behind Jared and my husband Josh, the next thing on the list of things I love is sleep. I love to nap, I love to get a full 10 hours on the weekend, but I digress...

2 weeks after Jared was born, Josh was laid off. We were expecting it - he worked for Citi - no need to say anything further about that. We became the prototypical household of the new economy - a family of three with zero income. However, don't cry for us yet. Thanks to a generous package from Citi and the foresight of my frugal husband, we are fine for at least 3+ years. Although, of course, we hope it will not take that long for us to become employed. Having savings is wonderful, depleting it is not.

While it sounds like a terrible thing, the timing could not be better. Josh and I get to spend all of our time with Jared, which is priceless. Best part, not suffering from the typical sleep deprivation of new parents! We alternate the nighttime feedings, so each of us is getting at least 10 hours per night (unless you are Josh, who is a nightowl).

So our sense of normal has changed forever. But our spirits are high, our love for Jared is immense, and we know how lucky we truly are.