MOMania

By MA

December 11, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

We have one in college and one in high school. We are finished, but, they get more expensive as they grow! Good luck to all those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or even just thinking about it.

By AtlMom

December 11, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

With daycare costs more than my mortgage…and the economy not doing too well…if you a planning on having a baby I would really think it through. Parenting is a big responsibility and it comes with a lot expectations and a lot of the unexpected. But hey if you can afford it go for it.

By Nah...

December 11, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

…and we’ll continue to practice as often as we can!

By Mr. Nice Guy

December 11, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

We did not have a child until we had cash in the bank, a house we could afford and a very stable job and most importantly - a well footed marriage. This economy is going down the drain; I think it would be foolish right now to get pregnant.

By Numbers Guy

December 11, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

We agreed on only one before we got married, and we already have him. However, we planned like fiends before getting pregnant, made sure we had enough savings to survive on one income, and were darned well prepared when we finally came off the birth control.

If we were still in the planning stages now, I’d have to think strongly about waiting.

By JJ

December 11, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

A child is not something you “afford”. A child is a blessing. Yes, children are expensive but they should not be a personal goal that you try to reach nor an object to obtain when you can “afford” them. When we put a price on having children what we are really saying is “How can I have a child and not sacrifice my lifestyle?” The simple answer is you can’t. You may not be able to take a vacation because of daycare costs. Isn’t a child worth more than a week at a luxury resort? You may not get the new Iphone this year but isn’t coming home to a smiling child worth more than a new grown up toy? I look at some of the poeple who waited to have their children at the age of 40 because they wanted everything to be “perfect”. Some of them are now divorced because they had lived alone with their spouse so long the change was to drastic, others have quit their “perfect” jobs because they realized it wasn’t that perfect after all, and some are struggling trying to keep their pre-baby lifestyle and be a parent.

By Bad timing

December 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

I am currently 3 months pregnant with my first child. My husband and I have been married six years. We waited and waited and waited some more to start our family. First we wanted to just be married for a year or two, then we wanted to move to Atlanta, then to be sure we were secure in our careers so we could provide for a family… Finally, we pulled the trigger, knowing that we’d regret not having kids one day… and two months into my pregnancy I was laid off from my very good job on the day I had actually called a meeting with my manager to give him my news. My husband and I were nearly 50/50 income earners in our household.

I realize that I am going to sound horrible for saying this, but if I had the opportunity to go back and delay this pregnancy, I would. I am in a race against time to find a job that comes even remotely close to the one I lost. I will likely start showing over the next month, and although it is disgusting… the fact of the matter is that most companies shy away from hiring pregnant women. There are plenty of legal reasons to not hire a person - even if they are qualified. I feel like my husband and I did everything right… and now our relationship is on the brink of collapse as we wade through our new financial situation, and struggle to figure out how we can add another member to our family in the midst of all this. I do not feel an emotional connection to my baby, and that stresses me out in addition to everything else. I am just so upset that this once-joyous occasion in our life has been completely overshadowed by this economy.

By Tim

December 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I was planning on breeding my German Shorthair Pointer but due to the economy I will likely wait.

By Mom of One

December 11, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Yes it is … I am 40 now, and we’ve been blessed with one child. We’d always hoped for one more and thought this was the year, but I think my baby making days are over.

My husband was laid off a few months ago and hasn’t been able to find anything at any level, much less the senior level and payscale he previously held.

Fortunately, I have a very good and fairly stable job, but there are no guarantees these days. The prospect of getting laid off and having to conduct a job search while pregnant is enough for me to say “I think our little family is complete!”

By different perspective

December 11, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

At the present time, it’s not going to delay us. My birth year is one year off of the “low fertility point,” so I’ve got the perspective of my parents of having kids when others are not and times are tough. Plus, the fertile years are waning.

By Mom of One

December 11, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Bad Timing - my heart goes out to you. Rest assured you will never regret having your baby. He or she will be the light of your life and will make even the toughest days easier to handle.

By Martin

December 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Well, we probably would have waited for the next one, but we just found out we are pregnant with our second. I don’t think having a child is something that should be rigorously planned. The timing will never be perfect, but as long as you have your head on straight and are going in the right direction, things will be ok.

By Becky

December 11, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Amen JJ…I understand wanting some security before having children, but I think some people push it to the max..

Most people aren’t willing to give up their grownup toys to make things easier for their children..

I have a niece that is pregnant & I am praying for her every day..This is her third pregnancy & she has miscarried twice..Her & her husband have very stable jobs, so hopefully things will be good for them..

By Numbers Guy

December 11, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Sorry, JJ, but a child, like most everything else, surely IS something you “afford”. Frankly, if you haven’t thought it through to at least that extent, you’re doing no one any favors by having children.

Even if you have thought it through, you can get bitten. Bad Timing, you have my complete sympathy. I truly hope things work out for you.

By new mom

December 11, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Well, we learned the hard way that all the planning in the world can’t guarantee when you will be blessed with a baby. Eight years of trying, medications, surgeries, etc., and we were finally blessed beyond words with our baby girl.

We still aren’t sure about our second—the main reason we’re not yet is our first’s age. I just can’t imagine keeping up with her while pregnant, or doing everything I did with a new baby with an active toddler too. We’ll see…But we have been pretty smart with our money all along, and don’t have any debt other than our house. For us, at least for now, the economy isn’t our reason.

Bad Timing—I am sorry you feel so conflicted and that it’s taking a toll on your marriage. If I could offer advice, it would be to try to work through these issues with your hubby before your sweet one arrives. Jobs will come and go, the economy will inevitably go up and down, but you want your marriage to last forever. And trust me, nothing will test a marriage like dirty diapers and 1 hour of sleep between you! I wish you my best :)

By Jane

December 11, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

There is never an absolutely perfect time to have a baby even when the economy is doing well. Not everyone has the luxury of time on their hands and have their children before their clock has ticked. As long as you have a job and can support the child do your thing.

By Rocky

December 11, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

My heart goes out to Bad Timing.

Children are blessings and you need money to provide for them. It infuriates me when I see folks who are broke, no job, and immature having kids each day. Then wanting the government to take care of them.

Children should be planned especially in this economy.

By dittohead

December 11, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Consider..there was a CRASH in 1929 & FDR’s policies prolonged the GD for 10 years. The economy only picked up speed in 1952, under IKE. Any woman who waits can be beyond her childbearing years-??

By Mr. Nice Guy

December 11, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Sorry JJ, I see your point and agree with most, but you need to have a secure job, cash in the bank and be in the right position to have a child. Its called “Quality of Life” and enhanced opportunities for the child (schools, lessons, braces, sports, music instruments, etc).

The smart people don’t reproduce enough…. The morons reproduce too often perpetuating the cycle of red-neck-dom and mullets.

By Mom of One

December 11, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

I agree there’s no perfect time for babies. I also agree this will likely be a long and drawn out recession. Things got really bad, really fast and we all need to adjust to this new reality.

On the upside, I’m hoping many of the middle- to upper-middle class parents will stop sending their children to private/Catholic schools and start supporting local public schools.

Wouldn’t it be nice to save $7,000 to $15,000/year/child and get some return on the taxes we pay?

By new mom

December 11, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I think there’s a happy medium between being ‘prepared’ for babies, and having babies just because you want them. We worked very hard to prepare ourselves for a future addition, like not going into debt, saving money, and working our butts off in our careers. That has helped us be ready for our girl, and even has allowed me to stay home with her. We would NOT be in this position if we hadn’t made those hard decisions very early on, starting 13 years ago when we got married. It’s not easy to have the willpower to say NO to the house someone else says you can afford, buying a new car because your friends have a new one, etc. If it were easy, no one would be in debt. (not meant to hurt feelings, but just the truth).

Just a thought: I bet children born recently and those born in these economic times will grow up with a deeper appreciation for money, hard work, and have more realistic expectations. And hopefully be more caring and compassionate to those around them. I’d bet they will be more well-rounded adults then some teenagers I know who are spoiled rotten.

So this might not be a good time to actually have the children, but it might be a great time to create some future smart, caring adults for our future ;)

By Mom of One

December 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I agree there’s no perfect time for babies. I also agree this will likely be a long and drawn out recession. Things got really bad, really fast and we all need to adjust to this new reality.

On the upside, I’m hoping many of the middle- to upper-middle class parents will stop sending their children to private/Catholic schools and start supporting local public schools.

Wouldn’t it be nice to save $7,000 to $15,000/year/child and get some return on the taxes we pay?

By Becky

December 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Rocky, you must of met my family…LOL..I have a nephew that has 3 daughters (all under 5), he has no job, they live in a 2 bedroom trailer & is on probabtion, yet wants to have babies until he has a boy..

He was in jail when his first 2 were born & he didn’t see his first one ntil she was 6 months old..Then had the nerve to get mad at me, because I told his wife that she was an idiot if she had any more children by him..

By no more!

December 11, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I am D-O-N-E having babies! All mine arrived before the recession & my husband works in the candy industry so right now his job is pretty secure.

FYI~there is NEVER a “good” time to have a baby

By Planned 1 Had 3

December 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

You cannot plan everything. I had only been married a few months and we decided to try to have a baby. We did not have lots of money in the bank but had no debts. (We were also young and had no idea what we were getting into!)

Had #1 when we had only been married 16 months, 2 years 10 months later had #2 (was not trying) 2 years 9 months later had #3 (was not trying). They are now 17, 14, and 11.

I believe that all children are a blessing. My only regret is not having more.

For years, I worked days and my husband worked nights so we did not have to put our kids in daycare. We also determined when one of us was further along in our career, the other would stay home. My job ended up being the better of the two, so my husband quit and stayed home until our youngest was in 5th grade.

When I look back there were plenty of stressful times and times we were not sure where the money for everything was going to come from.

We have provided for our family and I believe that we are better for all the tough times.

If you wait for the perfect time, you may wait forever.

By new mom

December 11, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Sorry mom of one, but this is one former public school teacher who is saving her nickels and dimes so she can send her baby girl to a private school.

Too many reasons to list here, and I don’t want to get a big debate started, but basically I want more for our child then the environment I worked in and saw firsthand.

We’re not too worried about the return on our tax dollar, now that’s another topic for another day, huh? :)

By long term outlook

December 11, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

For those of us who are already pregnant, let’s take a longer term perpective. The economy WILL come back eventually - if birth rates drop in the near term, our children born during the recession will have less competition when applying to schools (even daycare wait lists will shorten). Plus, when our kids are looking for jobs after college - maybe there will be fewer candidates to compete with.
I know this is a scary time - let’s tighten our belts for a while, enjoy these babies and believe that everything will turn around eventually. You are not alone.

By lakerat

December 11, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

I was a test tube accident.

But I’m STILL better than all of you.

By Planned 1 Had 3

December 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

One more thing…

They do get more expensive when they get older, so I say have them now!

By Jeff Saunders

December 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I think that it is responsible to know what you can afford and plan accordingly. Too many people have babies and let the government/taxpayersprovide for them.

By Bun In The Oven

December 11, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Hell, no! With the price of everything going up so much, trying to make babies is about the only recreation we can afford. It’s free, it keeps us warm and cozy, and we forget about the troubles of the world for awhile every time we attempt it!

By Ready for One

December 11, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

“Planning” a baby is not something that comes easy. I believe that it will happen when it happens. Though, times are hard right now, a baby should not change things. “Affording” a child is ridiculous. No one will ever be able to “afford” a child. They only want more & need more as they get older. So, if you are wanting a child, don’t let the economy stop you from starting your family. I want a child now, but I am not having one right now because my husband & I are too busy & want to do too much together. Not because of the economy.

By Ready for One

December 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

“Planning” a baby is not something that comes easy. I believe that it will happen when it happens. Though, times are hard right now, a baby should not change things. “Affording” a child is ridiculous. No one will ever be able to “afford” a child. They only want more & need more as they get older. So, if you are wanting a child, don’t let the economy stop you from starting your family. I want a child now, but I am not having one right now because my husband & I are too busy & want to do too much together. Not because of the economy.

By MILF Hunter

December 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I would be more than happy to assist with whatever baby-making plans you may have MILFS.

By Kathy

December 11, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with Numbers Guy and Mr. Nice Guy. You have to be able to “afford” the doctor visits (we have been 5 times this month alone!), diapers, clothing, college tuition and still have a good quality of life.

We planned and saved before we had Little E in 2005. We purposefully paid off both vehicles and all the school and CC debt so that I could stay home and we could live off of my husband’s salary. Our plan was to take one year at a time, but be hopeful that I could stay home until she was ready for Kindergarten, then I would go back to teaching and take her with me. Last year we had the “do we have another baby” discussion and after much thought, we decided that Little E would be our only one. Human beings are expensive to raise. We gave careful thought to the future: our cars are aging and we will probably need to upgrade, we are already growing out of our house and will need more room, our appliances are aging, college will be astronomical in several more years, doctor visits, braces, etc….. we just wanted to be smart about our lives. We have absolutely no debt and we are frugal people. We just don’t want to struggle any more than we already do. I agree with JJ that children are blessings. I am not out to get IPhones or time at a luxury resort or a brand new car every year. I just want us to have a good, quality life and be able to afford the things we need and also enjoy doing things as a family. Now, if we were to have a little “oops!”, then we would certainly love him or her and make it work, but I am on FABULOUS birth control so hopefully that won’t happen!

By theman

December 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

God said go out into the world and multiply, not go find a good job first. … Is this really a Christian society???

By Couvade

December 11, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

JJ, There’s nothing wrong with wanting adult luxuries and an adult lifestyle more than a child. There is something wrong with waiting until after you have children to admit that to yourself. If people were more honst about this, we’d have far less child abuse and neglect.

By Mom of One

December 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

New Mom - I agree public school isn’t an option now (in most intown areas anyway). Our daughter is in private school.

Until there’s a large influx of middle/upper-income home-owning families willing to support the public schools, they will continue to be undesirable.

If the recession continues, I think many families - particularly those with two or more children - will have to pull out of private schools and consider other education options. If that happens, it may be the catalyst for real change.

Until then, it’ll be private school for us … unless, of course, I also lose my job. (God forbid.)

By motherjanegoose

December 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

MA -

It’s great that you have older kids but why do you feel that you need to share that with the rest of us. WE DON’T CARE!

Also just in case anyone really cares I am the one that is constantly attacking lakerat because I’m tired of her coming in here and pretending like she’s better than all of us when in reality all of her friends probably only live in the computer. I mean get a life sisterfriend.

By Jeff

December 11, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

T and I have been working on it for a year now, and we’ll continue regardless of the economy.

Agree with those saying kids born now will probably appreciate things more…

By Jesse’s Girl

December 11, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Hey I attack lakerat by pretending to be her too. She’s an evil beeotch.

By Lakerat imposter alert...

December 11, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

He is now posing as motherjanegoose and Jesse’s Girl! What a total creep - pretty soon he will be using everyone’s name.

By Lakerat imposter alert...

December 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

And she might even be posting as you just because she can.

Anyone else crosseyed yet?

By JJ

December 11, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I wish lakerat and the lakerat imposter would just go away and leave us all alone.

It was so much better here before you showed up.

By Brandee

December 11, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to pass on something for fellow bloggers about what my company is up to!

Dad Creates Web Site to Help Kids Continue to Believe in Santa Claus. Site offers photographic “proof” capturing Santa in Your Home…check it out!

By new mom

December 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

This problem with using others’ names will only continue and get worse until the AJC decides to update their software and require everyone to create an ‘account’ and ‘password’ to post. That way, chances are very slim that your name can be used by others. And that technology does exist, most more reputable websites use it.

I would think that all of the blog moderators on the ajc would want this security badly. This kind of cyber-hijacking is a sure way to turn off potential bloggers. Perhaps we should all email the management and request it. And also not blog until it’s in place….

By momtoAlex&Max

December 11, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Brandee: can you post the website?

On topic, in my house, the factory is, as they say, out of business. We have two and that’s all we were going to have regardless of the economy.

By DB

December 11, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

“Life is what happens when you’re making other plans”. That’s the quote that is on the bulletin board over my computer at home, to remind me that no matter how carefully you plan, life WILL come around and surprise you, more often than not.

If I was in the baby-marking market again (with a 17 and 20 year old, the baby-factory is long-closed!) I don’t think I’d worry too much about the “economy” if we wanted to have a baby — it might mean no trips to Disney for a while, or a newer car or a new TV, but children are not commodities. They should be an expression of the love between you and your spouse, and a testimony to faith in the future. Of course, if you’re jobless and can’t afford to care for yourself, much less another person, then you shouldn’t be having a baby regardless of the economy. But to use the uncertainty of the economy to make childbearing decisions seems rather calculating, to me.

By new mom

December 11, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Cyber-hijacking is fun.

You’ll never find out who I am and you’ll never stop me either.

By Scared!

December 11, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Well I just found out I’m pregnant and I’m single and I’m terrified, so I really hope you guys are right about the recession driving down day care prices :(

By JJ

December 11, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I wish JJ would go away - always talking about her kid and poor, poor pitiful me - wait, I am talking about myself! Could it be the lakerat imposter posting as me? I am so confused!

By Becky

December 11, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

We are all confused JJ.

But I agree with you. I wish lakerat and the lakerat imposted would just go away too.

By Georgia Girl

December 11, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

This one hits close to home for me. We’ve been married a year and were hoping to start trying this year, aiming for a little one at the end of ‘09. Hubby got laid off several months ago and has gone back to school, so all plans are on hold for at least another year or two. Thank God for my job, but I’ve certainly learned that everything is at risk in times like these. We’ll get by, and end up better off for it, and in the meantime, I thank God that we are young enough to wait and for birth control that puts the decision in our hands. And it is. No “accidents” happening here.

By Becky

December 11, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Becky - I wish Becky and JJ would go away too - wait, I am Becky so why do I want myself to go away? This is crazy, but then I am the one posing as myself, so maybe I am the crazy one!

By Lakerat (the real one)

December 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Why all the hate for me? I have not been disrespectful nor antagonistic on this site. It does seem that the guy who keeps posting as me, and now as motherjanegoose, and as Jesse’s Girl, and as new mom, and now as JJ and Becky is the one causing all of the consternation. He is the one that we all wish would go away, but, for whatever reason, he enjoys riling you folks into a dither, and you are letting him. As many of you have suggested, just ignore him and enjoy the other posts that are good and well intentioned.

We could all change names, but then we would not know who was who, except for Theresa, and she can’t change her name. So, what do we do?

By Theresa

December 11, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Gang,

I’ve been talking with the IT folks here at ajc.com and as it turns out the person posting under different names is not just one person.

Apparently the source comes from multiple locations meaning either this person is extremely fast or different people are conspiring together.

That is basically all I could find out and I’m so sorry about these disturbing posters.

We are looking into a more secure login procedure though.

By motherjanegoose

December 11, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

MOTHER JANE GOOSE WAS WORKING AT 12:48 TODAY AND NOT ABLE TO POST ON THIS BLOG.

I just got home and it annoys me that someone is impersonating me ( and many of the other regulars) and cannot come up with their own ideas. I can get myself into trouble…thank you and do not need any help.

I already got accused of being lakerat last night by old teacher who thinks I am obnoxious and arrogant….I am lucky that he or she does not pay my bills and that the people at the over 50 schools I work with each year( who actually know me) do not share his/her opinion.

We planned for our children but they still get expensive…yesiree Ours were 4 years and 51 weeks apart…both arrived right after school was out in the spring and I had all summer to nurse and be with them. Not everyone has that luxury but it worked for us.

Just as the idea I mentioned ( checking in with actual teachers who can tell you about receiving baked goods) after the attacks I received yesterday in old teacher’s 5:38 p.m. post, those of you who are looking at having an entire brood need to check in with parents of teenagers and college students…we can tell you a few things…kids are expensive!

The old be fruitful and multiply thing was long before car insurance, cell phones, and college tuition. I believe this command was given because the earth actually needed people on it…can we say that now?

I agree that there is nothing you will have…fancy cars, jewelry, boats or a big house that can compare with loving a child…giving birth to a brand new person is an awesome experience!

By Lakerat (the real one)

December 11, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

You people are so stupid.

I am so much better than all of you.

By Jeff

December 11, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Theresa:

It isn’t necessarily true that he is more than one person. If a person - such as a computer person, as this guy clearly is - knows their way around a computer even half competently, they know how to change their IP address at will. There are even forms of internet connection that give you a different IP every time you log in.

A basic login system - such as the one AJC.com already has in place when you view X number of articles - would be sufficient for the attacks we are seeing. Even then, however, you will still have these style attacks, but at least the person will have to get even more creative with creating new login information each time he is banned…

By dd

December 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

MG - I’m not lakerat but I’m tired of your long drawn out post(s). Please summarize them like everyone else so I don’t have to scroll through them everytime. I’m really interested in some of your post(s) but don’t read half of them due to the length. thanks

By JJ

December 11, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Just for the record I only posted once!I’m tired of being impersonated. I come here for a friendly debate and to share opinions and then people think I’m an a* b/c of a troll.

By TaraKaye

December 11, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

There’s is definitely wisdom in waiting to have children until you are financially able to meet their needs.

That being said, I think we’ve become a birth control dependent society who expects to be able to plan everything. Why do we feel that a parent must be able to afford I-Pods, private school, and every extra cirrular activity under the sun? Meeting children’s needs means having the food, shelter, clothing and abundant love to offer. Contrary to what many seem to believe, children do not require their own bathroom, designer clothes and numerous family vacations to be happy and well-adjusted. I cannot tell you how many friends I have who have taken birth control for years waiting for just the right moment only to find they cannot get pregnant when they decide it’s convenient.

I’m not advocating being stupid and reproducing like bunnies, becoming a burden on society, reliant on welfare. But maybe there’s a happy medium between recklessness and overplanning.

By I'm a Troll Get Off my Bridge!!!!

December 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

You people need to learn to take a joke.

BTW I’m not lakerat either. But I understand.

By motherjanegoose

December 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

dd ( glad to have you onboard)….you are correct…no one has ever accused me of being brief…I come but this honestly as I am typically hired to speak for 3-6 hours on a subject. Skip me if you wish…that is AOK. Was that short enough? LOL

By dd

December 11, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

MG - that’s cool. I guessed that you may not have realized it. Thanks for the welcome.

By Becky

December 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Basically, I think it all boils down to the parents & what they are willing to sacrifice in order to have children & as others have said, give them what they need, not what they want…

I know that I as well as most people that I know, could do without over half of the things that we have..

As someone else said, you are never financially set to have children, because no matter how much you have, something always comes along to change your plans..

To all that want to or to all that are pregnant now, I wish you the best in whatever happens..Just love them & let them know that they were wanted & things will work out..

By Lakerat (the real one)

December 11, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

JJ I know you are the one impersonating me.

Aren’t you supposed to be almost 50? Real mature.

By DB

December 11, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Mom of One, I’m curious at your comment: “On the upside, I’m hoping many of the middle- to upper-middle class parents will stop sending their children to private/Catholic schools and start supporting local public schools. Wouldn’t it be nice to save $7,000 to $15,000/year/child and get some return on the taxes we pay?” Later on, you comment that you are in a private school, yourself.

I don’t see the economic issues facing people today as a catalyst for improving the public schools! The people who chose to spend $7-15K each year (like me) for private school do so for a variety of reasons, and I have to tell you, even if the public school in my area were at the top of the Georgia heap (and they are in no way close), I’d still chose to send them to our private school for other reasons, including small class sizes, superior college counseling, and knowing that the school shares my value system and are active in supporting it.

By Shaye

December 12, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

As I am quickly approaching 35, we have decided not to put off trying to conceive. We are financially okay, even though my husband was laid off in September, but we had already thought about him being a stay-at-home dad, so as long as I keep my job, we should be okay. If my kid expects an I-pod and a cell phone, okay, but I guess he/she will have to wait until age 16 and get a J-O-B. I agree there must be a happy medium between having kids when you are clearly not financially ready and wanting to make sure everything is “perfect” (no such thing).

We have been married 2.5 years and are confident in our relationship—most important to me. We will do whatever it takes to make things work financially, baby or no baby.

For those of you worried/scared with little ones here or on the way, I hope everything works out. just remember, things usually do work out.

By Lakerat (the real one)

December 12, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I’m still better than all of you whining women.

By Jesse's Girl

December 12, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

@Hunter…are you serious?

By MA

December 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

I quit. I will not read Teresa’s blog anymore because there are way too many impostors on here. Good bye y’all! Have a great life!!

By That's what...

December 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

…JJ said a few weeks ago, and she recently came back!

By Another one bites the dust

December 12, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

And another one down, and another one down, another one bites the dust….yeah.

By Jessie's Girl

December 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I had MILF Hunter last night and he was F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S.

By anyone

December 15, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

You’re blabbering on a public blog, and worrying about “identity theft.” you’re just words on a page… don’t use the same name every time, cuz no one knows/cares who you are here. btw, no worries about affording babies. when the welfare state comes, big daddy govt. will give us our bread and cheese. the illegals already have a head start!

By Mom of One

December 15, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

DB - private schools are great for all the reasons you mentioned, but to send your child to one is practically a requisite here if you’re middle class or higher. It would be nice if there could be just a little choice involved in the matter.

I adore my daughter’s school and teachers, but honestly, if our public school was comparable to those in better performing states like New York (where I grew up), I would probably send her there.

Many of my neighbors feel the same. It’s a little sad that all of our children go to different schools and grow apart as they grow older. The neighborhood doesn’t feel as tight as it used to when they were tiny tots with regular play dates, all going to the same great little pre-school.

By motherjanegoose

December 15, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Mom of One

I totally understand the private school dilemma.

One thing I would encourage everyone to do it check out the GREAT SCHOOLS web page.

Our school is Collins Hill HS and while I do not like everything about the school, it is rated a 10 on the web page. Impressive.

I mentioned this before but we had friends who moved to Minnesota several years ago. He was at Ga Tech and took a job in MN. Everyone told them how much better the schools were in Eden Prairie ( even the realtor) but when the child got there ( from Gwinnett Schools)… he was WAY ahead of everyone else…imagine it…a southerner smarter that a northerner….LOL.

I know nothing about schools in New York but if you look at your school on the GREAT SCHOOLS web page you can see where it stands compared to the schools in your area and/ or in GA.
It may well be far superior …worth a look!

FYI…many public schools in metro Atlanta are excellent schools and we moved to our area of Gwinnett solely for the schools.

Please know that I am not criticizing you but there are so many tell me how much better the schools are in _ when it is simply not the truth. Check it out for yourself…I hope you are correct!

The reason I know so little about New York schools is because they typically do not want to hire a southerner to train their educators as they just know how stupid we are. I find this fascinating as school districts in 46 states have sent their teachers to hear me speak…LOL.

Also, the reason our SAT scores look lower is because nearly everyone takes it here in the state, not just those who plan to attend college.

Students who are at the bottom quarter of the class and not college bound but suitable for many other professions still take the test.

In other states, only the college bound take the test and these are typically those who on the top half of the spectrum ( hence a higher score average).

Please know that I am not trying to be snobby…just the facts…some are not cut out for college!

By Mom of One

December 15, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

We bought our intown home when our daughter was just a glimmer in our eyes and schools were the last thing on our mind. I agonized over the school dilemma when five years passed in a flash, so I am very familiar with great Schools … Unfortunately our schools are far from great: elementary and middle schools get a 1 and 2 rating (out of 10) respectively.

They stink!

We’ve considered moving to a better district, but the pros out weigh the cons at this point.

By Mom of One

December 15, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

In fairness to the staff of our local public schools, I should say they seem to be a fine and dedicated bunch, with decent facilities and resources. I’ve spoken to several of them and they are constantly fighting an unwinnable battle against a transient student population and virtually ZERO parental involvement. They want the local homeowners to send their kids and create more stability, but none of us are willing to take the chance.

And there’s the catch … Our schools won’t perform better until we start sending our children, but we won’t send our children until the schools perform better.

By motherjanegoose

December 15, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

mom of one…you have done your homework and you are right on target in the fact that the schools are only as good as the parents who are committed to their children’s education.

When parents are not part of the triangle: teachers/children/parentsthen the school is not as good as it could be.