Survived a Trip to target....

We survived a trip to Target and only got what was on our list (a cell phone card and diapers). This seems like a victory in operation get the budget under control because while my husband considered getting a few lego sets, none actually made it down the checkout lane despite the clearance stickers on them.

I've started browsing the mommy facebook and "varage" sale groups in my area and I was able to score a free sealed container of the formula we supplement with and I might be able to get another in a week or so from a gal who lives a little further north, but will be coming down this way soon and is holding it for me...

My neighbor just gave me six 8oz containers of formula (Enfamil Gentlease) out of the blue and while its not what we are currently using unfortunately, it was really nice of her. After browsing the mommy groups online I'm hoping I might be able to trade or swap it for what we are currently using to supplement since trading formula brands is okay on their site (Selling formula is a no no because it can promote WIC fraud). On a side note, we had been given a bunch of formula from friends before the baby arrived just in case (leftover cans and different brand samples), but I passed those on to a family that wasn't going to be able to breast feed since they weren't supplementing formulas (not sure if there is a difference there???). If I can't swap them, we'll pass them along to them again, but if I can swap them for supplementing formulas that would be great... especially if my neighbor keeps dropping us off samples. (She works in a pediatricians office and she said next time she would bring us some supplementing samples). If this becomes a regular thing, we may end up switching brands because I get coupons for Enfamil in the mail, but no discounts for Gerber Good Smart (what our pediatrician recommended). I see the pediatrician in August so I may discuss switching brands and if there is a real difference in the two. (My neighbor also knows my current pediatrician as she used to work with him before he moved over to Kaiser).

Also scored a Free $10 gift card from Target on the diapers we bought. Apparently if you bought 2 boxes, you got  a $10 gift card. The boxes were $24.99 a pop so it dented our baby budget for the month, but these are apparently cheaper than Costco (We paid 32.72 for the same amount of diapers there in bulk earlier this month, the Kirkland brand ones. I can't find the receipt to return them to costco, but since the box is sealed and I paid with my AMEX, I may call to see if they will allow me to return them without the receipt. If not we'll use.)