TheMainKatie

Single mom of a Teen, 2 cats, and a hyper pup. I drive a Prius. I have naturally curly hair. I am infatuated with food and saving money. I workout some too. I am blessed to have family nearby and believe family is important. You'll notice all types of topics get my attention. I am very random. If you have a suggestion for a post, message me and let me know. Checkout my Amazon storefront: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/home/account/tag/manage?tracking_id=themainkatie-20

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Exhausting Yet Beautiful Journey of Working Full-Time and Caring for My One Year Old

Working full-time while caring for my almost 16-month-old is an experience that can only be described as both exhausting and profoundly rewarding. The daily routine is a whirlwind of activity, from early morning wake-ups to late-night work catch-ups. Every day is a balancing act, trying to meet the demands of my job while ensuring my little one gets the attention and care he deserves.

The exhaustion is real. There are days when I feel like I’m running on empty, with barely enough time to catch my breath. The constant juggling of tasks—responding to emails, attending meetings, preparing meals, and managing nap times—leaves little room for rest. It's a relentless cycle that often feels overwhelming.

Yet, amidst the fatigue and the endless to-do lists, there are moments of pure joy that make it all worthwhile. The first smile in the morning, the giggles during playtime, and the quiet moments of cuddling remind me of the incredible blessing that motherhood is. These moments are fleeting and precious, and they provide the strength and motivation to keep going.

Balancing a full-time job and caring for a toddler requires a tremendous amount of energy, patience, and resilience. But it also brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment. Every challenge overcome, every milestone reached, is a testament to the strength and love that define this journey. While the exhaustion is undeniable, so is the profound blessing of watching my child grow and thrive each day.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Just a little goes a long way

I just realized today that the 529 I opened for Nathaniel at birth is still open. I forgot about it after I got busy as a single mom going to school, working, doing homework and housework.

Every month from March until December of 2006 I put $5 a month in it (we were poor poor). In 2007 it received a deposit from Upromise (cash back incentives from shopping). Nothing since.

Today the account that I haven’t personally but anything in since 2006 is worth $289.89.

17 years of just sitting in an account growing with the market.

I wish I had continued to contribute to it because imagine what $5 a month for 17 years would have looked like when $84.28 increased by over 343%.

My point is that 17+ years from now, even saving as little as $5 a month will grow your savings more than not saving anything at all. Whether you save for yourself or your children, you won’t regret putting that $5 away.

*Btw this account was abandoned but he does have another 529 so he will be ok.

If you’re interested in saving for your child with as little as $5 a month we have been using College Backer and highly recommend it. Not only can you set an automatic contribution as as low as $5 a month but you can also invite friends and family to contribute.

For myself, I use Stash to grow my savings. For just yourself it is $3 a month and you can also set an automatic contribution for as low as $5 a month. You can upgrade your account to contribute to an IRA and/or custodial accounts for your children. I also use Robinhood but just for myself. Robinhood has cryptocurrency and options available but you should know these can come with higher risk.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Missing my cousin

Time is a thief while watching a little one grow. However, when mourning a loss, it doesn’t pass quickly enough.

This morning I woke up thinking how my cousin should have been 40 today. I couldn’t help to be overwhelmed by not just what he missed but also what he might have accomplished.

He never got to go to prom.

He never got to graduate high school.

He never got to be engaged or married.

He never got to have his own family.

He never got to be successful.

Passing at 17, changed his family but also his extended family. We will never know what life would have been like with him here these past 23 years.

I wish we could be celebrating this milestone with him. Instead, we are missing him more today than ever.

Happy 40th David. 💔

#forever17

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Baby “Cookies” made from Baby Food

Devon is loving these little bites I made from his Littlle Spoon purée. It was easy to make, they are delicious (I tried them) and they are healthy for him.

This recipe only uses 4 ingredients!

It’s a great way to use up some of the baby food you have left.

1 container of purée (here is Little Spoon ancient grain banana + coconut cream pie)

1 egg

1/4 cup of Gerber Organic Oatmeal

1/4 cup of cheese

Blend and drop in small bites onto a parchment lined pan.

Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

I only make one tray at a time because he’s only snacking on these. He eats about 2 while I make my coffee and fix our breakfast, 2 while I prep our lunch, and in the evening he has 2 while I prepare dinner. Since these are made with excellent and nutritious ingredients I feel good about giving them before (or after) meals.

#babysnacks #babycookies #pureecookies #cookies #foodforbaby #blw

Sunday, December 10, 2023

My Oldest Son is Transitioning to Adulthood this Coming Year

As a mother, the odyssey of raising my only child has been a profound journey, filled with a spectrum of emotions that swell as I witness my firstborn son embarking on the threshold of adulthood. Today, my heart is both aflutter with pride and heavy with reflection as he proudly dons the mantle of an Eagle Scout.

The achievement of Eagle Scout is more than a badge; it symbolizes a voyage of growth, resilience, and commitment. I marvel at the transformation of the young boy who eagerly joined the scouts into the poised young man whose accomplishments stand as a testament to dedication and character.

Come February, we will mark his 18th birthday – a significant waypoint in the timeline of his life. It's a moment to celebrate the passage of time, as well as an opportunity for me to acknowledge the profound changes in him and in our relationship. The days of bedtime stories and scraped knees feel like distant echoes as he stands at the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood.

The culmination of his high school journey in May is a beacon on the horizon, illuminating the memories of countless school projects, soccer games, and shared laughter. As a mother, watching him stride confidently toward graduation is a poignant reminder that the child who once sought my guidance is now ready to navigate the world on his own terms.

This juncture prompts a delicate dance between holding on and letting go, as the nurturing instincts of motherhood collide with the awareness that he is prepared to chart his own course. The values instilled during his formative years become the compass guiding him into the uncharted waters of independence.

The achievement of Eagle Scout, the upcoming 18th birthday, and the impending high school graduation are not merely milestones but markers on a map of shared experiences and shared growth. The quiet evenings of homework assistance and the exhilaration of accomplishments both big and small have sculpted the contours of our familial landscape.

So, here's to my son – a new Eagle Scout, on the brink of adulthood, and poised for the exciting journey beyond high school. May the winds of change carry him forward with the wisdom, resilience, and compassion that have been nurtured through the years. As a mother, I embrace the ebb and flow of emotions, knowing that our bond will endure, even as he sets sail into the vast expanse of adulthood.