congrats on the first baby....I was curious if there could be a possibility that u can find some part time employment? If this is not an option, how about finding something to go to supplement the incoming from home? Depends on how long u wish to stay at home during this time period, I would say be patient and hope everything works out for you. All the best!

I stayed at home until my kids could walk. Then I put them in day care as I felt if they could walk it was a good time for them to learn to socialize. I did work only part time and it made the time we had together more special. I felt better because I got adult socialization too. Any chance you can hang in there for a couple more months till they're mobile? Even if they're crawling.

Hi there! It seems our situations are similar. My little one is now a year and a half, but I have felt the same struggle since she was born. When we decided to have a child and that I would stay home, I had assumed I would be able to get a side job here and there to help financially, as I have always come across side jobs easily. Of course, since having my daughter, there have been no opportunities. I have to keep reminding myself of the cost of daycare versus the benefit of me staying home with her. I feel it is much more important than whatever money I could make to stay home with her. I think darkside2276 had great suggestions, of finding a way to supplement income if you can, especially if it would make you feel better. I am lucky that my husband makes good money, and has opportunities to make side money, though even with that it is certainly tight in our house. Don't forget how immeasurable the work you are doing at home is to your little one!

Queenb29, it sounds like you are under a lot of stress. That kind of stress really puts a lot of pressure on you, your family, and your sweet little one. Hopefully, this group can give you some good insights to help take some of the pressure off.

Have you thought about doing some financial planning with your husband and a professional to make sure you have a good budget set, you have a savings set up, etc. Something like that could set your mind at ease as far as, can you really do this and how to get it done.

Good luck! I will be thinking of you.

You don't need to distract from reality.

You need to confront reality fully. At the moment you're half in, half out the door. You can't see everything in the room, but you know the room is there.

The only solution to this state is to go into the room and investigate fully. Knowledge brings relief from anxiety. A plan, a solution, ideas and strategies, are what is required here. You are a mother with a small child: it's time to look at possible dangers and guard against them. And if you see a financial danger, you guard against it.

Identify the risks and dangers possible that you foresee. Identify how much money you need to save to deal with them. Start saving. Realistically, don't go overboard - but start putting money by. it will help.

Secondly: identify ways to reduce costs. You are now a mother at home. Some things must not be sacrificed, but some things may be sacrificed. Depending on your level of interest you could be growing a vegetable garden, or putting in some fruit trees, or growing mushrooms or having chickens.

Food is often the second biggest cost behind rent. You can have an impact on that cost, and at the same time be able to give your child a quality childhood and also as baby gets older, some fun activities that stand baby in good stead.

Meanwhile don't forget to go for a walk every day. at a time baby will sleep in the pram. It will help keep you sane and take you out of the bubble that we fall into when we have our first baby.

Wow! Thank you all for so much support and virtual love! I really appreciate you alls feedback. Yes, I believe most of it is coming from stress. Yes, we have talked about linking up with professionals to assist us financially. I appreciate the reminder and will take action. By me stating to "positively distract myself from my reality" may have been taken out of context. We all have to face our reality whether we want to or not. I am definitely a believer of facing our reality fully. What I meant by positively distracting is that I will make attempts to focus on positive things, the great things in my life, ways to get past our present situation, while calculating the good thoughts and not the negative. I refuse to be fully consumed by stress and fear. I also appreciate the the suggestions on cutting down cost in the household, as I am proud to state we have already made those choices, by changing our eating lifestyle, and exercise has always been in play. Updates: I am currently seeking work from home jobs. There hasn't been any success with it just yet, however, I am hopeful. Lastly, my husband is working towards stable transportation. Next step: Getting professional help with our current financial situation. Being part of this group has already made an impact. Again, thank you.

Queen B you sound like you're on track. :D Breathe....

you have time to let the dust settle. :)

Awww thank you bridgie101!! Ahhhhhhhh (breathing) :)