Feeling Good

* I had a good weekend.  I got to go out to lunch with friends.  My friend Stacy brought me food, Gigi's cupcakes, and some outfits for Logan!  It was good to be out laughing it up with the girls.  Laurie had a few errands to run, so I tagged along for some shopping fun.

* I meal planned, searched circulars, and cut coupons while making my grocery list.  The whole process took quite some time, but we were able to get a ton of food at a good price.  Between what I have stocked up on, and what some friends have brought for my freezer, we should be good on food for the first two weeks.  I'm not going to lie--I'm looking forward to Michael having to (mildly) think about, plan, and make 3 meals a day! :)

* I wrote out all sorts of lists.  I have a list for Olivia.  It includes her nighttime routine, foods she'll likely eat... things like that.  I have a list of food written out for Michael, so he knows what he has to choose from.  I was also able to check a lot of things off of the lists that I already had.

* I have everything ready for Valentine's Day.  It's all in a little tote. :)  Olivia is just getting a few little treats and things from the dollar section.  She doesn't need anything.  Plus, it was just Christmas and she's getting a gift from Logan.  I cut out hearts for us to "heart attack" her door like last year.  I even have some fun food planned for the day.  Michael may go out and get her a balloon or flowers or something, but if not the day will still be celebrated.

* For whatever reason, since moving to Ohio Tuesday has become my laundry day.  I got all of the laundry done.  Then from there I packed my hospital bag.  I was getting nervous about it.  I could be totally wrong, but I don't feel like I'm going to make it to 40 weeks, so I wanted to get that checked off the list.  Actually, each member of our family has a bag packed. :)

* I was sent on a circumcision scavenger hunt.  Ok.  Maybe that doesn't sound right, but I don't know what else to call it.  My insurance doesn't cover circumcision.  My OB doesn't do them.  I had heard from a few people that having your own pediatrician do it could save you hundreds as opposed to doing it in the hospital.  First, I called the hospital to try to see how much it will cost.  They said my pediatrician would do it. So I called my pediatrician.  Nope.  She doesn't do it any more.  Oh my goodness.  Who knew having a boy circumcised would be such an issue?!?!  So I called the hospital back.  They said, "Well, we need to know the doctor's (code number)".  I said, "I don't know it.  It's your doctor.  How would I know who will be on call?"  We went round and round in circles and then she said that since I'm paying out of pocket, it will be covered under the newborn price.  I told her that's all well and good, but I better not be getting a bill later then.  That is why I am trying to research now.  How sad is it that I am trying to "get the best deal" on MY SON'S CIRCUMCISION.  She said she'd check into it and get back to me.  After a few days of her researching, it turns out that it is not covered in that price.  It is an additional $707.  Awesome.  I am going to call a few urologists in the area (ideally who I would like to do it anyway), but I'm guessing it's just going to cost a small fortune regardless and we will be "stuck" with the on call pedi.

* Buuuut, that leads me to some good news.  While on the phone with the hospital (the first time), I asked how much it will cost for labor and delivery without maternity insurance.  There is a cost for me and then a cost for Logan.  If I have to have a c-section, it will cost $16,307 for myself and $7,286 for Logan.  That would be a whopping $23,593.  If I have a vaginal delivery, it is $10,904 for me and $4,481 for Logan.  That price is more "manageable" (rolls eyes) at $15,385.  So I said, "Is there anything I can do about those prices, or am I just indebted to the hospital for the rest of my life?"  Then she tells me that I can apply for financial aid.  According to her, based on our income we could get 75% covered.  That is huge!  Then when I called back for my second go around with the circumcision debacle, I asked that lady (also in the financial department).  She said that yes, I would get 75% off.  I stated that since Michael is self employed, technically my gross adjusted income is less than what I stated.  She said if it was $3000 less than the number I gave, then 100% would be covered. Whaaaat?!?!  Who knew?!?! I'm planning on having to pay the 25%.  Even that will be great.  I have already paid $3000 to my OB and lab costs, and I will STILL come out cheaper than having my handy dandy Obamacare "maternity insurance is included in every plan" deductible.  Hopefully since I had two people give me the same exact information, this is actually the case.

* So I'm feeling good.  I think I'm done.  My house is not going to be decorated before Logan comes, and honestly likely won't be done for months.   But each room is livable and things are in it's place.  Everything else on my "to do list" is done.  I have to get a nursing bra and some tanks this week, and we are ordering some new video monitors.  Other than that, I am going to try to do a good cleaning of the house.  All my other time is going to be spent relaxing and hanging out with Olivia.  We've already had game night, family movie and ice cream night, and have done some other special things with her.  She's not one that usually demands a lot of our attention.  She entertains herself easily and often, but we are still trying to give her as much attention as we can now before her world gets turned upside down.