Cost of kids

According to Parenting.com, J will cost us $29,400 in the first year and $724,000 up the time he graduates college (assuming he goes to private university). Here's their breakdown:

• Housing: $202,600, not including the mortgage
• Food: $150,000
• Transportation: $52,000
• Clothing: $28,000
• Healthcare: $46,000
• Childcare & Education: $48,000 (we're well on our way with this one
• Miscellaneous: $60,000
• Higher education: $138,600, this estimate goes down to $73,000 if he attends a public university

When someone breaks it down like that, it seems daunting.

But imagine if you could put a monetary value on first smiles, first words, first hugs, first kisses, first steps, first giggles, and all the subsequent ones to follow in 18 years, I'd bet we'd come out on top!

Remembering to enjoy parenthood, 
Lisa