One week ago right now...

[theatokos]

I was in labor. Tonight my little boy will be one week old.

This morning was perhaps my lowest moment. I struggled with despair. I was so. profoundly. tired.

But, after an hour long nap and some actual grown up conversation with one of the nurses, Adam, and the NICU social worker I felt revived. We laughed. I was holding B while he was being fed (through the nose still) but we were talking about religion and Judaism and stuff and I felt like for that half hour my whole existence wasn't focused on the baby.

THEN, then Adam and I went to pay for the birth. I thought my insurance covered all of the birth but $500 (not that I was planning to have to use my Kaiser insurance, but I'm glad we have it!). Turns out we only owed $400. And the best part..... we owe nothing for the NICU stay. I almost burst into tears for my relief and joy. I had just resigned myself to an abyss of debt. Between credit cards and school loans, what's some medical debt? But, now, we don't have to worry. PRAISE BE.

I celebrated tonight with two glasses of white wine. A chicken is currently roasting in my oven. Tomorrow house cleaners are coming over to deep clean the apartment, courtesy of some of my girlfriends. We're still looking at - at least - a couple more days in the NICU. But tonight, things feel slightly more manageable.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I love you.

PS-Rock on Kaiser!

[said-by-me.livejournal.com]

I am so glad to hear about the insurance, the wine and the grown up convo

*mwah* much love to you

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful about the insurance coverage. I hope B is ready to eat the traditional way soon so you can bring him home!

[thekitchenvixen.livejournal.com]

What a blessing!!!
I am so happy for you. Soon things will start to be a little normal and your new family can settle into a new little routine. I can't wait until you have your babe at home and everything settles down.

[norasma.livejournal.com]

I was wondering about the bill you could get stuck with, I'm used to ahhhhh... free health care. But you paid baically what we paid for our 6 hour stay with Nora. Amazing. I'm so happy that you don't have that hanging over your head. It's amazing that you're a mama. And it is overwhelming at the best of times, but you seem to be handling it beautifully. Benn's a lucky boy.

[teamrose.livejournal.com]

It's amazing that a week (and one day) has passed since Bennett was born. I'm glad you finally got a nap, some grow up conversation/interaction, and good news! I'm used to free health care (thank the military) that I *forgot* about the medical bills and stress that come along with situations such these. I'm grateful for your sake that you are paying nothing for the NICU stay!

Please, think of me when you have your next glass of wine. I'm counting the days until I'll be able to hold Sophia and relax with a nice glass of Strawberry White Zinfandel (mmm)!

[miss-ogyny.livejournal.com]

it's a sad day when a new mother has to concern herself with money, and paying for things like births.

[alizarin71.livejournal.com]

WOW.

I am very happy for you on account of everything you said, especially the good support and conversation in the NICU. As we know, you are a fully-featured mama, with all your pursuits and passions included. I'm sure those parts of your life will accent your parenting just as much as the parenting informs the rest of your life. Go go go!

But my wow is for the good insurance news. (I don't often put the words "good insurance news" all together.) You know, that's just great. And it sounds like Kaiser has been good. Congrats.