Oh good grief, lost another entry! Well, let's see if I can remember some of what I wrote...
This is my first day back at work (I'll be working two days a week most weeks until July), and it's really strange being apart from AA. But NT is home with her, so it wasn't as hard as it will be when we send her off to daycare! But I have photos up on my computer and I keep staring at them, missing her more than I thought I would.
Not much happening financially. I already used up my flex spending account, except for a couple bucks, and I have tons of receipts unreimbursed, so I'll send in one of those to get the last few dollars out. I once again underestimated my out-of-pocket expense for the year. I've grossly underestimated every year except one, when I put too much aside and ended up having to buy really expensive prescription sunglasses in order to not lose the money at the end of the year. I wish there was a better system that was less like gambling; like why can't you get your remaining funds back at the end of the year as taxable income, or be able to keep your leftover money for future years as you can with health savings accounts? I wonder if this is yet another stupid thing that only happens in the U.S., like having to pay for incoming cellphone calls...
I recently did a little research because I was wondering if it was really financial beneficial for me to be breastfeeding vs. formula-feeding, since we bought a really good pump for $300 and I needed a prescription ointment that cost $55. Plus, we have to buy storage bags and possibly pads for my bra, although these things aren't very expensive.
I concluded that formula costs approximately $120 per month, so if I breastfeed for at least 4 months, it will work out cheaper. Also, if AS uses the same pump when she has a baby, and if we're able to sell the motor after that, average cost will go down even more.
Oh, and here's that op-ed: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/opinion/06herbert.html
We at SavingAdvice likely don't need reminding, since there are so many military families represented here, but I thought it was a really good piece.
Random updates & link to op-ed
April 7th, 2010 at 07:26 pm
April 7th, 2010 at 07:41 pm 1270669275
April 7th, 2010 at 08:14 pm 1270671249
Actually I think you can get them for much more than $300. We got ours at the hospital; the same brand retails at Target for more money.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:26 pm 1270682763
Also, you're breastmilk vs. formula calculations are missing several key pieces of data. Formula fed babies do get sick more often which results in greater cost for you both for health care and possible missed work. Breastfeeding is much healthier for you as well. You are at a decreased risk of breast cancer, you lose your "baby weight" much faster, and you also bond more with your baby because one releases bonding hormones when you are nursing. I know that nursing can be inconvenient when you go back to work but it is worth it.
April 8th, 2010 at 02:18 am 1270693127
What I do before hitting "submit comment" is right click and copy my entry. Then if something goes wonky, all I have to do is paste it back in the box.