It really is though, right? A few days ago I shared very briefly over on my Instagram about the stress of trying to create a budget for our family. So many of you left encouraging words or shared that you are in the same boat. I even had some say how refreshing it is to hear that I was going through something so similar to them and even asked for any tips I may have. Let me first start by saying that we have not been good at sticking to a budget, which is why we just started the Financial Peace University course through our church. We are only on week two, but let me tell you that Dave Ramsey does not mess around, so I have high hopes for us. Hopefully I’ll have some tips in a couple of months when we are in the thick of living out all of our new habits.

Now, I want to get a little vulnerable and share with you about the season of life we are in as a family.

You guys, I know how tempting it is to think that just because you see my highlight reel come up in your Instagram feed, that you can guess what my life is like. I know, because I catch myself doing it too! Honestly, I have to stay first that I LOVE my family and the sweet little life we have created for ourselves. We work really really hard and are always trying to balance to provide the best things and the best experiences for Elouise and our soon to be little man, but its tough. Right now we are in season of waiting. There are a few enormous changes coming this fall and I can honestly say that I don’t know what the outcome to any of them will be.

Cha, Cha, Changes

The first is that there are quite a few transitions happening at my husband’s work right now.  The last year was so healthy for us as a family and a big part of that was the fact that my husband was finally thriving in the workplace. My husband loves his job and the people he works with. Not to mention, we have an incredible community with his co-workers since most of them are our closest friends.  So thinking about any of that changing in the slightest makes me nervous. All this while I am a stay at home mama. We chose to make it work for me to not go back to teaching so I could be home with our babies as they grow, but the reality of living off of one salary is not easy. So much of what might change or shift in this area is still unknown, but we do know that it is changing.

Next is bringing home a new baby. We have no idea what life with two kiddos will be like for us. I’m sure we will absolutely love it, but I have known lots of families who don’t transition quite so smoothly and that very well could be the case for us. Then, there are the new requirements of my body, my energy, my time, my emotions, and all the while adjusting to caring for two tiny humans. It’s both exciting and daunting.

Then, the month after baby is due, our lease is up on our town home. Did I mention that we are renting the cutest little 900 square foot, one bedroom town home? No that’s not a typo, we live in 900 square feet with a wild toddler and all of her toys. I feel like we are about ready to burst at the seams so brining home another baby even just for a month into this tiny space feels like it may be chaotic. Not to mention how the thought of moving a month after delivering a baby and still healing makes me cringe. On top of that, getting unpacked and attempting to get my two babies settled into a new routine in a new home. That is all assuming we find the right home, at the right price, in the right area, and at the right time. No big deal.

He’s Making Diamonds Out of Us

I’m sharing this partially because it feels good to get it off of my chest. The other reason is that I want you all to know that my life is so far from perfect. I’m so thankful for our ability as a family to capture the sweet and pretty moments in pictures. I’m also really grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunities we’ve been given because of our ability to do just that. We still budget, we still have student loan debt, we still worry, we still don’t have it all figured out. Maybe you needed to hear that you’re not alone out there. I have to pray daily for the ability to find joy in the waiting, even though it may come with some teeth gritting.

In times like these I’m often reminded how a diamond is produced, its because of the pressure that is put on it that something so beautiful even exists. I sure am feeling the pressure lately, but I’m trusting that God’s got a plan to make things beautiful in the end. If you made it through this out-pouring of my pregnancy emotions, thanks for listening and I’d love to hear what’s going on with you.