Lifestyle downgrade

My life before kids was somewhat lavish....

Pedicures and eye brow waxing every two weeks, eating out and movies in the theater as much as I wanted, clubs and drinking as much as I could handle (without getting arrested....again), Prada bags (ok, just one) and designer jeans, facials and massages at least monthly...

Now?

I think I can count on one hand the number of pedicures I've had in the last three years. And waxing? Three times maybe?

Eating out with TWO KIDS and a husband? No thank you! Not only does it break the bank, it is far from a fun time. Take out for eating at home or the park is our favorite splurge now.

Clubbing and drinking? Too expensive AND kids don't give a crap if you're hungover at seven in the morning.

Designer brands? HA! I'm super excited to get a new shirt off the clearance rack at Target.

A facial and massage? I'm lucky to wash my hair AND shave my legs in the same shower.

Life has changed....a LOT! But that's what happens when you give up half your income and add two mouths to feed (and freaking insure - our health insurance DOUBLED) at basically the same time. Plus our utility bill went up significantly because someone was home all day every day (we're talking over $600 in the summer months).

So after the initial shock of being a mom AND surviving a major loss of income and therefore downgrade in lifestyle, I would not give it up for ANYTHING! I can have nice things and treatments later (including botox....love me some good botox). My kids will only be young once and for a very short time. Even though I never thought home cooked steak would be a luxury, I'm loving every minute of it....and so are my kids.