What are you going to do with your PFD

[XmasEve]

This will be the first year that I get one. DH got one last year, but not the year before(bummer, $1,900 would have been sweet!). He's been in and out of Alaska for the past several years, so he's only gotten a couple. Last year we put it in our checking account and it was nice to have that extra bump while it lasted. This year we're thinking we'll each put our own in our respective IRAs. Next year, when we will hopefully get three(our first baby is due in December), we figure we'll have to use them to pay off debt. We have debt now, just the usual car loan and student loans. So our plan is to save while we can, but the best budgeting in the world won't keep us from having more debt as a family of three on one small income(unless the union comes through for us!).

Just curious what others do. DH heard at work last night that it's expected to be around $1,550. Any else heard the same or different?

Meg

[breathingmom]

This is our first year receiving the PFD too! I think we have spent a hundred times over in our minds. We are going to spend it on a donation to our midwife who is in the middle of some legal issues and pay for the new king size bed that we got 6 months. We have made the promise to each other that from next year forward it will go towards a college fund for the kids. My dh also said it would be around $1500 per person. I think they are suppose to announce the official amount next Wednesday.

How's your weather? They talked about the possibility of getting snow here last night but they only got some up on the mountains. It is definitely getting me in the mood for the holidays!

BTW, how is your search for a midwife going? Any luck talking with the one that is retired? I sending you positive energy for creating the birth of your choice!!
~Jill

[XmasEve]

That's so great that you're helping out your midwife! College fund for the kids... yeah, that would make the most sense. I never think of that one. I should, since I gripe every time another of DH's student loans comes due. But I had a free ride the short time I was in college-- I was actually making money! But that didn't stop me from dropping out. Teenagers. :rolleyes: Only 13 more years 'til I have one!

It's been raining here. But I totally forgot until I read your post that I dreamt last night that it snowed! That would be nice. Of course, I just shaved my dog so she'd be pretty miserable.

No luck with a midwife. The retired one is definitely retired-- she now runs the health food store. So in a sense, she's still a big help. What with my shopping for red raspberry leaf tea, cranberry juice, yellow dock root, etc., I see her more than I see my doctor! My plan is to labor at home as long as possible-- maybe all the way, but I could never vocalize that to DH. Still, I think he knows what I'm up to and hasn't said anything negative yet.

We're supposed to start a childbirth education class at the hospital next month. DH wants to because he has no experience with babies and thinks he could use it. I don't want to because it's held at the hospital (read: panic attack for me), and I'm worried what ideas it will give DH. I've had to work SOOO hard to get DH to accept some of my beliefs (like that the doctor does NOT always know best), that this could just be taking a million steps back. So I don't know what to do. :confused:

[breathingmom]

It's getting cold here really, really fast! Last week they called for snow! It seemed so early!! There's snow up in the mountains but not down here by us yet.

I understand your concerns about taking childbirth classes at the hospital! It would be so challenging to be in that environment.
The woman that ended up being our doula came to our home to give private childbirth classes. My husband felt so much more relaxed about asking questions and it was cheaper than the hospital classes. Do you think there is anyone in your area that may be willing to give a private class? I think that you could educate yourself enough to not need any classes at all but maybe it would be enough to make your dh feel better. Maybe even the retired midwife would consider it. It couldn't hurt to ask!

You must be getting close the the third trimester! I am so excited for you! All babies are special yet there is something so extra incredible about the time spent with the first one!

Let us know how it goes with classes!

~Jill

[XmasEve]

11 more weeks to go! Or 12, if I listen to DH's boss, who says anytime after that and she can schedule him to take some time off. I said I'll try. :wag

The only doula in town is the one teaching the childbirth classes. But they're taught at the hospital, so they're geared towards the hospital. DH and I have agreed to go to the first class and decide after that. I think we both know it will have to be a dam good class for us to keep going. The classes are held on the same nights as his firefighting drills (he's a volunteer). I think my mindset of educating myself may be starting to wear off on him... but he swears I'm going to get one of those "Question Authority" bumper stickers in my stocking this Christmas.

So DH said the PFD was $1,540 and change. And wouldn't you know the car started making a funny noise yesterday. :shake