So...I have a tiny confession to make. I'm kind of an extreme couponer.
Let me give you a little background before you stamp me as a hoarder. Because I really am not. No, seriously. I am not.
It started in California, among the chaos of organizing a massive cross country move...etc. I saw the TLC show. I was intrigued. I'm good a math. I am good at shopping. And the impending price tags on the move and salary cuts we were about to make prompted me to really think this through. My husband was about to take a 60% pay cut and I was essentially doing the same. We were moving to an area where the cost of living is most certainly lower, but so are the salaries. I was saving money like a squirrel hiding acorns for winter.
I started buying the Sunday paper and printing coupons online. The first big trip I planned....I saved over 73%. In CALIFORNIA WITHOUT DOUBLE COUPONS. That was it for me. I was hooked. I had and have no intentions of having 30k stockpiles in my house, but I see no reason that I cannot get my groceries for rock bottom prices or for free. I free. If anyone says they won't take something that is for free, they are a LIAR.
After the move, our food budget was sliced in half. And then sliced again once we actually figured out how much (or how little) money we were going to bringing in for the first year of grad school after a 12k move (yes it was $12,000 by the time all was said and done, most of it paid in cash thank you very much!). I did a few smaller trips, saving about 45-55%. And then I really got into the swing of it.
I get the Sunday paper, and so does my grandma...and so does my mom. They save the coupons for me. And my once skeptical husband who watches me leave the house with $50 and come home with almost $300 in groceries saves inserts from his job for me (they are closed on Sunday but the paper is there on Monday morning when he comes into work).
You know what? It's not hard. Once you clip the coupons for stuff you use and have them saved, all you do is wait for it to go on sale. I am pretty sure (or at least I hope) everyone uses detergent and toilet paper and juice. And you know what? You can get those for free. WITHOUT STEALING.
Examples? 2 weeks ago, my grocery store was having a buy 10 for $10 and get an 11th item free sale. And it was mix and match. They also double coupons. One of the products was Angel Soft bathroom tissue. It was $1. I had a coupon for $0.50 of any size that the store doubles. Actually I had 4. I got 16 free rolls of toilet paper. Also included in the sale were those scalloped potatoes that Isaac loves. I had a coupon for 0.50 off 2, and a store coupon for the same. My coupon (I actually had 3) doubled. So I got 6. 6 boxes of potatoes that normally cost me about $2 a piece, I got for $2.50 total. And that was 10 items. So I got an 11th item for free. It got about 4 groups of products like this.
Another example: Isaac's shampoo was on sale for 3/$5. I had 2 Buy one get one free coupons. So I got 4. And then I had 2 0.50 coupons off 2 that doubled to $1 each. That ended up making 2 shampoos that normally cost $1.98 each about $0.34 each.
I haven't bought 300 candy bars or 600 gatorades. I buy stuff that we use, and the saving allow me to buy healthy things as well. I am able to stretch out our budget as much as possible. I am buy meat in bulk and freeze it in our deep freezer. I have built up a great stockpile that will get us through a few months without buying anything but milk and bread.
I don't just coupon with groceries. I just got a winter coat on sale, from $138.00 marked down to $78. With a 20% off coupon and $20 giftcard, I spent about $40 on the coat when all was said and shipped.
Sooooo...yeah. I'm a couponer. I'm good at it. I am going to keep doing it. Not to hoard, but to balance out our dip in income without sacrificing our eating habits.
(I realize that I have been MIA from the blogosphere for the past month....I am still trying to find my new balance. I am NOT spending every spare second couponing. I have a plan to get back to this space.)
Showing posts with label moolah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moolah. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Friday, September 3, 2010
How It's Supposed To Go, Right?
The other night, I had to bring up the taboo subject in our house: Money. Sigh, the root of all evil. The reason a great deal of marriages fail. The driving force behind horrible arguments.
When my husband and I talk about money it usually goes like this:
Me: "How did you blow through $200 in cash in just 4 days? Are you on drugs?"
Him: "Um....NO. Why would you think that?"
Me: "Well, I pack you lunch everyday. I buy you beer and gatorade and sodas. I buy you snacks. I just don't really see what you are spending that money on unless during your lunch you are sloughing over to GG Park to hit up your dealer."
Him:"Are you serious?"
Me, putting on my saddest face I can muster: "I just hope the crack is worth it. I mean, I am going to have to wrap our son's butt in paper towels since we won't be able to afford diapers soon. Just promise me you won't sell him."
Him: "I don't even know what to say to you right now..."
Ok, so that is a nice version of what I usually say to him. In all seriousness, we have a problem communicating about money. Mostly because I am the one who pays the bills every month and does the shopping, etc. This role was just kind of assumed. He was taking care of financials for businesses, and really, who wants to come home and do the same thing? Plus I am a control freak. So here we have me paying the bills and seeing where every cent we make goes, and him pulling in the $$$ and not knowing anything. Now, this may be a big flashing warning to most of you, but I didn't see how big of a problem this was.
My husband hears me bitch about money all the time. He hears me talk at him about not spending and how he blows too much. And he sees the numbers on his paychecks, and how much time he spends at work. He feels justified in spending money.
And you know, he's right. We do make great money. And we should be able to enjoy it. If we want to spend $146 on a case of car cleaner, we should be able to (guess who made this purchase?). If we want to take a trip, we should be able to. And I shouldn't have to check the bank accounts every monring in fear wondering how much he blew the day before on corn nuts and 5 hour energy drinks.
The other day, the light bulb went on in my head. He needed to see exactly what we paid each month to our credit cards, car payment, insurance, groceries, diapers, cell phone, loans, etc. He needed to see what we owed and to whom. So I pulled it all together. I added things up. I prioritized what I thought should be paid off first, how much we should save. I decided it was time to get on the same page. I couldn't expect him to just automatically go with what I say. I mean, he respects me, but come on. One of the reasons I love him is that he has his own opinions and dreams. And he goes after them. And he expresses them.
When he came home from work, the best thing happened. Well, other than winning the lottery. We sat down and talked like adults. Like married adults with responsibilities. We COMMUNICATED. We both laid it all out and we got on the same page. He talked about how he felt and what he wanted. I talked about how I felt and what I wanted. And we listened. We made decisions and suggestions.
That's how it's supposed to go, right? This is how married people are supposed to communicate? It only took me 5 years to figure out.
When my husband and I talk about money it usually goes like this:
Me: "How did you blow through $200 in cash in just 4 days? Are you on drugs?"
Him: "Um....NO. Why would you think that?"
Me: "Well, I pack you lunch everyday. I buy you beer and gatorade and sodas. I buy you snacks. I just don't really see what you are spending that money on unless during your lunch you are sloughing over to GG Park to hit up your dealer."
Him:"Are you serious?"
Me, putting on my saddest face I can muster: "I just hope the crack is worth it. I mean, I am going to have to wrap our son's butt in paper towels since we won't be able to afford diapers soon. Just promise me you won't sell him."
Him: "I don't even know what to say to you right now..."
Ok, so that is a nice version of what I usually say to him. In all seriousness, we have a problem communicating about money. Mostly because I am the one who pays the bills every month and does the shopping, etc. This role was just kind of assumed. He was taking care of financials for businesses, and really, who wants to come home and do the same thing? Plus I am a control freak. So here we have me paying the bills and seeing where every cent we make goes, and him pulling in the $$$ and not knowing anything. Now, this may be a big flashing warning to most of you, but I didn't see how big of a problem this was.
My husband hears me bitch about money all the time. He hears me talk at him about not spending and how he blows too much. And he sees the numbers on his paychecks, and how much time he spends at work. He feels justified in spending money.
And you know, he's right. We do make great money. And we should be able to enjoy it. If we want to spend $146 on a case of car cleaner, we should be able to (guess who made this purchase?). If we want to take a trip, we should be able to. And I shouldn't have to check the bank accounts every monring in fear wondering how much he blew the day before on corn nuts and 5 hour energy drinks.
The other day, the light bulb went on in my head. He needed to see exactly what we paid each month to our credit cards, car payment, insurance, groceries, diapers, cell phone, loans, etc. He needed to see what we owed and to whom. So I pulled it all together. I added things up. I prioritized what I thought should be paid off first, how much we should save. I decided it was time to get on the same page. I couldn't expect him to just automatically go with what I say. I mean, he respects me, but come on. One of the reasons I love him is that he has his own opinions and dreams. And he goes after them. And he expresses them.
When he came home from work, the best thing happened. Well, other than winning the lottery. We sat down and talked like adults. Like married adults with responsibilities. We COMMUNICATED. We both laid it all out and we got on the same page. He talked about how he felt and what he wanted. I talked about how I felt and what I wanted. And we listened. We made decisions and suggestions.
That's how it's supposed to go, right? This is how married people are supposed to communicate? It only took me 5 years to figure out.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A Not So Wordless Wednesday
I had a photograph from Isaac's 4th of July escapades all picked out and ready to go for today's Wordless Wednesday. But then something came up last night that needs to be discussed, bumping off the photograph.
My daycare lady, Miss K, gave me notice last night.
I had a feeling it was coming. The State cut the daycare subsidy from the budget and all the State funded kids lost their daycare. This cut off some of her kids. And it really makes no sense. Low income families NEED TO WORK, CALIFORNIA! Maybe we don't pass a bill giving first time home buyers a 10k tax credit over 3 years, and we actually let people keep their jobs. Just a thought.
And then one mom lost her job, so she is at home with her son, also one of Miss K's daycare kids. Another kid went to preschool in June. She has one drop in, who comes like once or twice a month. Her last kid with Isaac was baby J, whose parents are now involved in a child support legal dispute, forcing them to move and baby J to stay with his grandma while his parents work. That made Isaac her only daycare kid. And he only goes there 3 days a week. Miss K was making less than $4 an hour. That does not put food on the table.
So anyway, I got her phone call last night. I was expecting it but I was still blindsided. I hung up the phone and cried. (I also found a tick in Isaac's bed, which didn't help matters.) Isaac has 2 weeks left with Miss K.
And I don't know what to do.
I did the number crunching a while back to see where we stood financially. All that is keeping me at work is about $1300, $500 of that goes to daycare each month, give or take. $800 was what it worked out that I was working for. $800 is all we need to cut each month to keep me home with Isaac. That isn't my full salary, so anything more than that $800 in theory is extra considering we don't blow it or have more bills (which usually happens. Inevitably, the car breaks or life insurance premiums are due, or we need plane tickets, or my husband breaks his phone AGAIN). And believe it or not, it is pretty hard to cut $800 from a household. It doesn't seem like it would be, but it is. :(
Sooo...yeah. I could stay home with Isaac. We could figure out a way to make it work. But I don't know if that is what I really want. I have worked really, really hard to get to the position I am in now, and I really like my job (most days...I mean, who loves their job every single minute of every single day?). I am developing my position into exactly what I want it to be, meaning I am making my job. I never wanted to stay at home full time. Granted, I made this decision when Isaac was small, small, itty bitty 5 month old baby peanut. He's older now. Things would be different.
Plus, we have talked about having another child sometime in the next year or so. And then I don't know how I would feel about working while pregnant, working after another newborn with 2 kids in daycare.
Miss K gave me some other options. Isaac's alternate daycare provider said she would take him full time. This is a very appealing option, EXCEPT...she's pregnant, due in December. So come December, I am making this decision all over again. However, that gives me more time to pay down bills and SAVE like a madwoman. And we might be in a better position to really consider me staying home full time. But what if I don't want to? The daycare search begins again. And what if she has the baby early or complications (god forbid) with her pregnancy?
Miss K also gave me the number for one of her friends who does daycare. This daycare is literally right across the street. Literally, we can walk there. And Isaac has met this lady, because she has come to Miss K's before. However, she has 14 kids at her daycare right now. I am sure that number will go down in once school starts up, and she has an assistant. And Isaac is a social little boy. He adapts easily, and quickly. He makes friends. The transition to a larger daycare means alot of different things, include more sickness. Less one on one time. We have an interview there on Friday afternoon.
I can start the daycare search all over again. ALL. OVER. Alot of places have closed, again, THANKS CALIFORNIA! YOU ROCK! And other places, will be CROWDED.
If I stay home, am I ready to do that? To walk away from the job I have worked so hard to have? That I am working so hard at? Would we be ok financially? Would I be able to hold onto my sanity?
I NEED HELP! I NEED ADVICE! I NEED A DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have alot of thinking, and number crunching and soul searching to do.
Adult decisions kind of suck. Like, big time. And adult decisions that have to be made as a mother are not easier, by any means. I am makign decisions that affect my child's life, his well being. This is my heart, outside my body, that I am entrusting with another person.
Where's that drink? :(
My daycare lady, Miss K, gave me notice last night.
I had a feeling it was coming. The State cut the daycare subsidy from the budget and all the State funded kids lost their daycare. This cut off some of her kids. And it really makes no sense. Low income families NEED TO WORK, CALIFORNIA! Maybe we don't pass a bill giving first time home buyers a 10k tax credit over 3 years, and we actually let people keep their jobs. Just a thought.
And then one mom lost her job, so she is at home with her son, also one of Miss K's daycare kids. Another kid went to preschool in June. She has one drop in, who comes like once or twice a month. Her last kid with Isaac was baby J, whose parents are now involved in a child support legal dispute, forcing them to move and baby J to stay with his grandma while his parents work. That made Isaac her only daycare kid. And he only goes there 3 days a week. Miss K was making less than $4 an hour. That does not put food on the table.
So anyway, I got her phone call last night. I was expecting it but I was still blindsided. I hung up the phone and cried. (I also found a tick in Isaac's bed, which didn't help matters.) Isaac has 2 weeks left with Miss K.
And I don't know what to do.
I did the number crunching a while back to see where we stood financially. All that is keeping me at work is about $1300, $500 of that goes to daycare each month, give or take. $800 was what it worked out that I was working for. $800 is all we need to cut each month to keep me home with Isaac. That isn't my full salary, so anything more than that $800 in theory is extra considering we don't blow it or have more bills (which usually happens. Inevitably, the car breaks or life insurance premiums are due, or we need plane tickets, or my husband breaks his phone AGAIN). And believe it or not, it is pretty hard to cut $800 from a household. It doesn't seem like it would be, but it is. :(
Sooo...yeah. I could stay home with Isaac. We could figure out a way to make it work. But I don't know if that is what I really want. I have worked really, really hard to get to the position I am in now, and I really like my job (most days...I mean, who loves their job every single minute of every single day?). I am developing my position into exactly what I want it to be, meaning I am making my job. I never wanted to stay at home full time. Granted, I made this decision when Isaac was small, small, itty bitty 5 month old baby peanut. He's older now. Things would be different.
Plus, we have talked about having another child sometime in the next year or so. And then I don't know how I would feel about working while pregnant, working after another newborn with 2 kids in daycare.
Miss K gave me some other options. Isaac's alternate daycare provider said she would take him full time. This is a very appealing option, EXCEPT...she's pregnant, due in December. So come December, I am making this decision all over again. However, that gives me more time to pay down bills and SAVE like a madwoman. And we might be in a better position to really consider me staying home full time. But what if I don't want to? The daycare search begins again. And what if she has the baby early or complications (god forbid) with her pregnancy?
Miss K also gave me the number for one of her friends who does daycare. This daycare is literally right across the street. Literally, we can walk there. And Isaac has met this lady, because she has come to Miss K's before. However, she has 14 kids at her daycare right now. I am sure that number will go down in once school starts up, and she has an assistant. And Isaac is a social little boy. He adapts easily, and quickly. He makes friends. The transition to a larger daycare means alot of different things, include more sickness. Less one on one time. We have an interview there on Friday afternoon.
I can start the daycare search all over again. ALL. OVER. Alot of places have closed, again, THANKS CALIFORNIA! YOU ROCK! And other places, will be CROWDED.
If I stay home, am I ready to do that? To walk away from the job I have worked so hard to have? That I am working so hard at? Would we be ok financially? Would I be able to hold onto my sanity?
I NEED HELP! I NEED ADVICE! I NEED A DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have alot of thinking, and number crunching and soul searching to do.
Adult decisions kind of suck. Like, big time. And adult decisions that have to be made as a mother are not easier, by any means. I am makign decisions that affect my child's life, his well being. This is my heart, outside my body, that I am entrusting with another person.
Where's that drink? :(
Friday, May 29, 2009
Catch 22
We recently had a run-in with our bank. They botched up a bunch of stuff for us and didn't fix it. Ok, rather, our personal banker did it. And the bank wouldn't cover the fees for her mistakes, etc. But that is not the point of this post. We closed all the accounts that we could at this bank and moved our business elsewhere. This included Isaac's account. I established new savings and checking accounts for us, and rolled over our IRAs at new, nice bank. The only account I did not re-establish was Isaac's. And for no reason other than I haven't had his social with me to do so whenever I have been at the new bank.
Well, my husband and I started talking about what kind of account we wanted for him. Old bank had a great money market account that was perfect for the moment. New bank offers a wider range of products that seem suitable. So what's my catch 22? Ah, the infamous 529 account.
As I sat discussing the possibilities of accounts with the investment specialist, this type of account came up many times. New banker person asked what it was about 529s that we were opposed to. And I should say I am not opposed to them. I think they are a wonderful product and we seriously considered them. I want my child to have money for his education and I liked the return rates, etc. Here's why we decided not to.
Recent research into the 529 accounts (and I mean at my office with coworkers research) revealed that a 529 account can inhibit my son from receiving federal financial aid. Not federal loans, but grants, etc. The kind you don't have to pay back. Now, I would like to envision that my son will get full funding for whereever he wants to go to school, or at least a pretty sweet deal, but let's be realistic. In 18 years, the price of a semester's tuition at even a state school will most likely be equivalent to pruchasing a new car or even feeding a small nation. A coworkers banker literally told him that the 529 could prevent state and federal financial aid, and the ability to get a private loan for school. It wouldn't impact the any scholarship or grants said student would receive from the school or private sources though. Hmmmmm.
What really sealed the deal for us was that a 529 has to be used for education. I know, duh, right? So what happens if my kid doesn't want to go to school? He doesn't get the money unless he pays penalty fees up the wazoo. In an ideal world, I want my son to go to college. But if he doesn't want to, I will support him in that decision too. I want him to do what will make him happy. Yes, I will push the college road as much as I can, but it isn't for everyone. My husband didn't go to college. I got my Masters and he still makes more money than me! I have heard that a 529 also will not apply toward education at a vocational school, like culinary school.
When I told new banker person my drawbacks, she seemed a little taken aback. Like "why wouldn't you force your child to go to school?" That just isn't who we are. She said the fund could go to another one of our children. More drawbacks: What if we don't want more children? And if we do, how nice is it to say "Oh sorry son. All that money that everyone has given you over the years...yeah, you can't have that. But your sibling can!" I want my son to have the future that he wants, not what we want. Again, we will encourage him to go to college, but we will encourage him more to follow his heart and dreams. Sometimes that does not involve college.
And say he does go to college. And say he gets a great financial aid package. He can't use the money for living expenses or such. Just tuitional and educational fees. According to new banker person, that is.
So that's it. The 529 is our catch 22. Great if Isaac wants to go to college. Not great if he doesn't. I just don't know what to do. Any thoughts or suggestions? :( HELP ME!!!!
Well, my husband and I started talking about what kind of account we wanted for him. Old bank had a great money market account that was perfect for the moment. New bank offers a wider range of products that seem suitable. So what's my catch 22? Ah, the infamous 529 account.
As I sat discussing the possibilities of accounts with the investment specialist, this type of account came up many times. New banker person asked what it was about 529s that we were opposed to. And I should say I am not opposed to them. I think they are a wonderful product and we seriously considered them. I want my child to have money for his education and I liked the return rates, etc. Here's why we decided not to.
Recent research into the 529 accounts (and I mean at my office with coworkers research) revealed that a 529 account can inhibit my son from receiving federal financial aid. Not federal loans, but grants, etc. The kind you don't have to pay back. Now, I would like to envision that my son will get full funding for whereever he wants to go to school, or at least a pretty sweet deal, but let's be realistic. In 18 years, the price of a semester's tuition at even a state school will most likely be equivalent to pruchasing a new car or even feeding a small nation. A coworkers banker literally told him that the 529 could prevent state and federal financial aid, and the ability to get a private loan for school. It wouldn't impact the any scholarship or grants said student would receive from the school or private sources though. Hmmmmm.
What really sealed the deal for us was that a 529 has to be used for education. I know, duh, right? So what happens if my kid doesn't want to go to school? He doesn't get the money unless he pays penalty fees up the wazoo. In an ideal world, I want my son to go to college. But if he doesn't want to, I will support him in that decision too. I want him to do what will make him happy. Yes, I will push the college road as much as I can, but it isn't for everyone. My husband didn't go to college. I got my Masters and he still makes more money than me! I have heard that a 529 also will not apply toward education at a vocational school, like culinary school.
When I told new banker person my drawbacks, she seemed a little taken aback. Like "why wouldn't you force your child to go to school?" That just isn't who we are. She said the fund could go to another one of our children. More drawbacks: What if we don't want more children? And if we do, how nice is it to say "Oh sorry son. All that money that everyone has given you over the years...yeah, you can't have that. But your sibling can!" I want my son to have the future that he wants, not what we want. Again, we will encourage him to go to college, but we will encourage him more to follow his heart and dreams. Sometimes that does not involve college.
And say he does go to college. And say he gets a great financial aid package. He can't use the money for living expenses or such. Just tuitional and educational fees. According to new banker person, that is.
So that's it. The 529 is our catch 22. Great if Isaac wants to go to college. Not great if he doesn't. I just don't know what to do. Any thoughts or suggestions? :( HELP ME!!!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
On the Side
Ok, so for a while I have been mentioning a supplemental income, or a side business. I wanted to wait until everything was set up and ready to go before I really said anything. Now it is, so the blogosphere can here about it.
I am an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant!
I never expected to do this. I was in retail for 5 years. But when I went home, a good friend that I went to undergrad with was offering free facials since she is trying to move up in status. I wanted to help her, so I agreed. I had no idea the makeover (no pun intended) that Mary Kay received. Or rather, my idea of the company was skewed. She completely convinced me to do it. The benefits that I can receive blow my mind. No, really. Foremost, it will allow me more and more time with Isaac as my business grows.
What does this all mean for me? I am still working my full-time job. I can do this whenever I like, however much I like, etc. It's up to me. It is giving me a fantastic way to earn the money we need to reach our goals as a family: paying off debt, moving closer to family, and buying a house. And it means we will get there that much sooner.
What does this mean for you? Oh, yes! It means something for you! In order to kick start my new business, I am offering a 20% discount off a first-time order through my Mary Kay website. 20% off of anything and everything. And all orders through my site will get free shipping, no matter what is ordered. :) Even if you just happen upon this blog by random, I will give you the discount (at my discretion....as I said, I worked retail. I know the shady ones and the tricks).
Tomorrow is my grand opening party, and I am really excited for it. I have already met some wonderful people, and I am looking forward to meeting more. Most of all, I am thrilled to pieces about what this means for me, Ben, and Isaac. :)
I am an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant!
I never expected to do this. I was in retail for 5 years. But when I went home, a good friend that I went to undergrad with was offering free facials since she is trying to move up in status. I wanted to help her, so I agreed. I had no idea the makeover (no pun intended) that Mary Kay received. Or rather, my idea of the company was skewed. She completely convinced me to do it. The benefits that I can receive blow my mind. No, really. Foremost, it will allow me more and more time with Isaac as my business grows.
What does this all mean for me? I am still working my full-time job. I can do this whenever I like, however much I like, etc. It's up to me. It is giving me a fantastic way to earn the money we need to reach our goals as a family: paying off debt, moving closer to family, and buying a house. And it means we will get there that much sooner.
What does this mean for you? Oh, yes! It means something for you! In order to kick start my new business, I am offering a 20% discount off a first-time order through my Mary Kay website. 20% off of anything and everything. And all orders through my site will get free shipping, no matter what is ordered. :) Even if you just happen upon this blog by random, I will give you the discount (at my discretion....as I said, I worked retail. I know the shady ones and the tricks).
Tomorrow is my grand opening party, and I am really excited for it. I have already met some wonderful people, and I am looking forward to meeting more. Most of all, I am thrilled to pieces about what this means for me, Ben, and Isaac. :)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hot in Here!!!
It has been 90+ degrees here the past two days. It is supposed to cool down over the next few days and possibly even rain. This wouldn't be so bad, and we are actually used to the 100+ degree dry heat summers...except we just move into a house with no A/C. To increase the horrendousness that was yesterday and today, there are no screens in the windows, so I can't open them. Well, I could but then I would be running after two feline family members outside in the heat...
Getting some sort of cool airflow, especially through our room and Isaac's room is on our list of things to do once our tax refund hits our bank. Since we rent, I don't think central air is an option, but we are certainly and strongly considering two window units. And I am calling the landlord to ask about the screens ASAP.
My husband and I grew up in Ohio, where the humidity and heat raged rampant from June to August, so we are used to uncomfortable heat. Isaac, of course is not. :( Poor baby. I have had all our fans going, and the doors open. Isaac has been in his onesie and diaper. I have been changing his diaper frequently and dousing him in powder. I have kept the curtains drawn across the big windows and closed the blinds in our rooms once the sun hits them. I have even been wiping him down with a tepid cloth. We've sat in the shade to catch the breeze. It is just so hard to hear him be so uncomfortable and not be able to help him more. We took an air conditioned car ride today, and he liked that.
I am not usually so ill-prepared for weather extremes (with the exception of the snow in Ohio 2 weeks ago), but we didn't think it would get so hot so fast. Prepping the house for a hot summer is definately on the top of the list now.
Since I spent most of the day trying to keep the baby cool, not alot else got done. We did get an HD cable box for the bedroom for the new TV (did I talk about that? Hmmmm), and I did get some bills sorted out and some stuff set up for my "supplemental income" (no it's NOT drugs!!!!). Speaking of bills, I got the official itemized hospital bill, and have sent a copy off to my madre to check over along with the list of what we used, asked for, etc. My $819 total does include the happy drip! I only had a few questions, so hopefully I can get that sorted out by the end of the week and paid before I go back to work.
Ok, my attention must be averted elsewhere....did I mention that "the Hil.ls" is my guilty pleasure?
Getting some sort of cool airflow, especially through our room and Isaac's room is on our list of things to do once our tax refund hits our bank. Since we rent, I don't think central air is an option, but we are certainly and strongly considering two window units. And I am calling the landlord to ask about the screens ASAP.
My husband and I grew up in Ohio, where the humidity and heat raged rampant from June to August, so we are used to uncomfortable heat. Isaac, of course is not. :( Poor baby. I have had all our fans going, and the doors open. Isaac has been in his onesie and diaper. I have been changing his diaper frequently and dousing him in powder. I have kept the curtains drawn across the big windows and closed the blinds in our rooms once the sun hits them. I have even been wiping him down with a tepid cloth. We've sat in the shade to catch the breeze. It is just so hard to hear him be so uncomfortable and not be able to help him more. We took an air conditioned car ride today, and he liked that.
I am not usually so ill-prepared for weather extremes (with the exception of the snow in Ohio 2 weeks ago), but we didn't think it would get so hot so fast. Prepping the house for a hot summer is definately on the top of the list now.
Since I spent most of the day trying to keep the baby cool, not alot else got done. We did get an HD cable box for the bedroom for the new TV (did I talk about that? Hmmmm), and I did get some bills sorted out and some stuff set up for my "supplemental income" (no it's NOT drugs!!!!). Speaking of bills, I got the official itemized hospital bill, and have sent a copy off to my madre to check over along with the list of what we used, asked for, etc. My $819 total does include the happy drip! I only had a few questions, so hopefully I can get that sorted out by the end of the week and paid before I go back to work.
Ok, my attention must be averted elsewhere....did I mention that "the Hil.ls" is my guilty pleasure?
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Christmas in April....
So I do not consider myself to be a crafty type person. I made Isaac's baby shower trains, and I just finished painting a picture frame for his room, but compared to certain godmothers who shall remain nameless ( he he :) ), my craftiness could fit on the head of a pin. However, I have this burning desire to make my son a Christmas stocking. I did some browsing today via internet and I found this one that I really like from Buc.illa:
I love Christmas. I love decorating, baking cookies (which may be an understatement given Christmas cookie weekend), buying and wrapping gifts, Christmas music....you name it and I love it. I am thinking that making this stocking will take me quite a bit of time given my new distractions and what seems to be A.D.D....seriously, right now I am supposed to be making a mexican meatloaf for dinner. And what am I doing? Shopping for a stocking that I should not buy yet and won't be able to start for about a month or so. I guess it is just my new compulsive nature or OCD to have everything done and done right now....except the meatloaf. :)
Oh! and I got my first insurance statement for my labor and delivery. The hospital billed them over 13k. My insurance believes that they only need about 4k, of which I only have to pay about $800. Whew. I was expecting way more. The Dr.'s contracted rate for labor and delivery and post partum care is covered 100% so I don't have to worry about that. Whew again. (Ps. his rate was over 5k....and he was seriously in my room for 20 minutes.) The only thing that I haven't seen yet is the anesthesiologist (sp?) bill for the happy meds. EPIDURAL = LOVE. However, I do not believe that will make up the balance of my OP max which is $2500 per year. And of that amount I had already used about 200 I think. We kept notes on every pill, pad, and napkin we used in the hospital. Everytime I asked for something or they brought me anything, we wrote it down (by we I mean my husband....I was otherwise occupied with pushing a baby from my loins). Thankfully, my madre is an insurance coder and biller, so she will go over everything before we pay a cent.
And I will close with an Isaac update and picture: the cry it out method...not working so well. I did get him to nap though (still sleeping in fact) on my bed by doing the side nurse. Another skill he has mastered at least somewhat is that when I go to change his diaper, he pulls his legs up for me once the diaper is off. :) However, he refuses to put them down when the new diaper is in place and ready to be fastened. We are working on it. He also LOVES the alphabet song. Someone gave him a leap frog toy that sings it and he laughs and laughs. I took a video but haven't figured out the software for the video camera yet.
The picture was taken by the aforementioned disgustingly talented godmother...but we love her anyway. :)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Evolutions
While we were in Ohio, my husband and I did alot of soul-searching and discussing of what we want for our future as a family. As I have talked about before, we don't want to be in California forever for three reasons that we agree upon: 1. It's too expensive to buy a gallon of milk, let alone a home. 2. We don't want our kids (yes, plural...we do eventually plan to have more) to go to school out here. Private school is way, way, WAY too much and the state schools are not so hot anymore with all the education budget cuts and increased class sizes. 3. It's just too darn far from our families.
Because of this, we were trying to figure out our "gameplan." It made me take a hard look at my life, and where I want it to go. Everything truly changes when you have a baby, and my dreams now include a wonderful life for Isaac. I spent alot of time thinking about how I can give that to him and still balance in my own life and my husband's.
I started this blog to track my pregnancy and give updates to those far away (who, by the way, do not COMMENT!). Now that I have a beautiful baby boy, it seems fitting that it has just kind of evolved into one that tells my stories of motherhood. Being so far away from most of my friends and all of my family, I don't have alot of people to talk to, or alot of time to really talk to them with time differences and busy schedules. It just kind of comes out here. I have tried to keep my posts focused on all things baby, and my motherhood updates, but I realized that at this point, those two aspects are truly defining in who I am becoming and my/our goals. Herego, I am going to branch out a bit and talk more about a few things, including work, finances (moolah) and preparing to buy a house and for the future, my volunteer work, my hobbies (or lack there of), and of course...I will still primarily focus on my beautiful Isaac and how I am dealing with being a mother.
Ok...with that all said, there are a few more changes in me and Isaac that I have noticed. :) Prepare for an all things baby update:
Isaac does not like to burp anymore. He is so hungry, I think, that he does not want to burp in between sides. We try so hard, but nothing. Because of this, he gorges himself and then usually spits up about half of what he ate from the second side. Yes, all my clothes are starting to smell of spit-up. He even got some in my bed the other night! We aren't talking a little drool of milk here. I mean about a full ounce come flying out of his mouth in projectile format. Because of this bad eating habit, my milk supply is increasing AGAIN. Since he is feeding more often now, it is starting to wear on me again. I think I may have to pump more, just so he doesn't overeat if he isn't burping between breasts. Maybe 1 ounce since that seems to be what is coming up. I still am trying to work on the burping, but seriously....I can't beat on the kid's back for 20 minutes. Even after he is done, we have hard time getting the burpies up.
In another aspect, we are hard-core preparing to buy a house and move. That means serious saving and debt reduction. I revamped my spreadsheet of debts and interest rates and payments, and am going to take a hard look how to throw more that way. Our tax returns are really helping. We agreed to use half to pay off debt and half to save to create a cushion. That way, we can push more toward debt reduction from our weekly paychecks. (NOTE: when I talk about debt reduction and saving money, I don't intend to ever use real figures as this not a finance blog, just what we are doing to decrease debt and spending, and increase saving.) I am returning to work with 4 9-hour days rather than 5 8-hours. It's only a 4 hour a week income loss, and I think we will be fine, even with the added daycare expense. I am looking into some supplemental income options, and will post more on that soon when I am further into it.
Ok...my tummy is rumbling and I am starving! Time to eat breakfast before baby boy wakes up from the morning nap. :) We are going to meet with our lamaze class friends today for a walk around the nearby lake.
Because of this, we were trying to figure out our "gameplan." It made me take a hard look at my life, and where I want it to go. Everything truly changes when you have a baby, and my dreams now include a wonderful life for Isaac. I spent alot of time thinking about how I can give that to him and still balance in my own life and my husband's.
I started this blog to track my pregnancy and give updates to those far away (who, by the way, do not COMMENT!). Now that I have a beautiful baby boy, it seems fitting that it has just kind of evolved into one that tells my stories of motherhood. Being so far away from most of my friends and all of my family, I don't have alot of people to talk to, or alot of time to really talk to them with time differences and busy schedules. It just kind of comes out here. I have tried to keep my posts focused on all things baby, and my motherhood updates, but I realized that at this point, those two aspects are truly defining in who I am becoming and my/our goals. Herego, I am going to branch out a bit and talk more about a few things, including work, finances (moolah) and preparing to buy a house and for the future, my volunteer work, my hobbies (or lack there of), and of course...I will still primarily focus on my beautiful Isaac and how I am dealing with being a mother.
Ok...with that all said, there are a few more changes in me and Isaac that I have noticed. :) Prepare for an all things baby update:
Isaac does not like to burp anymore. He is so hungry, I think, that he does not want to burp in between sides. We try so hard, but nothing. Because of this, he gorges himself and then usually spits up about half of what he ate from the second side. Yes, all my clothes are starting to smell of spit-up. He even got some in my bed the other night! We aren't talking a little drool of milk here. I mean about a full ounce come flying out of his mouth in projectile format. Because of this bad eating habit, my milk supply is increasing AGAIN. Since he is feeding more often now, it is starting to wear on me again. I think I may have to pump more, just so he doesn't overeat if he isn't burping between breasts. Maybe 1 ounce since that seems to be what is coming up. I still am trying to work on the burping, but seriously....I can't beat on the kid's back for 20 minutes. Even after he is done, we have hard time getting the burpies up.
In another aspect, we are hard-core preparing to buy a house and move. That means serious saving and debt reduction. I revamped my spreadsheet of debts and interest rates and payments, and am going to take a hard look how to throw more that way. Our tax returns are really helping. We agreed to use half to pay off debt and half to save to create a cushion. That way, we can push more toward debt reduction from our weekly paychecks. (NOTE: when I talk about debt reduction and saving money, I don't intend to ever use real figures as this not a finance blog, just what we are doing to decrease debt and spending, and increase saving.) I am returning to work with 4 9-hour days rather than 5 8-hours. It's only a 4 hour a week income loss, and I think we will be fine, even with the added daycare expense. I am looking into some supplemental income options, and will post more on that soon when I am further into it.
Ok...my tummy is rumbling and I am starving! Time to eat breakfast before baby boy wakes up from the morning nap. :) We are going to meet with our lamaze class friends today for a walk around the nearby lake.
Friday, February 13, 2009
40 weeks
Today if my official 40 week due date, that we obviously didn't make it to. While I am so thrilled to have my beautiful baby boy Isaac here with us already, I am kinda sad. I know I really wanted the baby to come early but I guess I really didn't think he would. I think everyone, including the doctor, was expecting him to go a bit late. What makes me sad, as wierd as this may sound, is that I am not pregnant anymore.
Even though I did my share of complaining, and believe me just before Isaac was born, I did, I loved being pregnant. And I didn't really get a chance to be done being pregnant. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but I kinda was expecting those 3+ more weeks to finish out the pregnancy and get mentally ready for the next step.
I know it is just the hormones again, and everything is completely out of whack right now. I even miss my doctor. No idea why, I just do. Wierd,I know.
All that aside, I finally got all my deferrments approved. Since Isaac came 3 weeks early our disability is all screwed up. Ben just filed his for the 2 weeks he took, and the paperwork is filled out for his next 4 weeks in March. I am still waiting to hear from the SDI office since I filed to have my maternity leave start on the 7th. So much for that. :) My mom is coming on Sunday and I can't wait for her to get here. Ben has been back at work this week and will be next week too. It has been challenging and Isaac seems to be hungrier than before. He is still sleeping really well at night (last night doesn't count...fussy baby) and he nurses about every 2-3 hours duing the day. He already looks so different to me.
He had another weight check up yesterday and he is back up to his birth weight of 7lbs 2 oz. His diaper rash warranted a prescription lotion as it was not clearing up and starting to break. When the ped. told me this, I started to cry. Yep. Because I felt like I couldn't take care of my own baby. :( I know that is not the case, but again...HORMONES.
Even though I did my share of complaining, and believe me just before Isaac was born, I did, I loved being pregnant. And I didn't really get a chance to be done being pregnant. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but I kinda was expecting those 3+ more weeks to finish out the pregnancy and get mentally ready for the next step.
I know it is just the hormones again, and everything is completely out of whack right now. I even miss my doctor. No idea why, I just do. Wierd,I know.
All that aside, I finally got all my deferrments approved. Since Isaac came 3 weeks early our disability is all screwed up. Ben just filed his for the 2 weeks he took, and the paperwork is filled out for his next 4 weeks in March. I am still waiting to hear from the SDI office since I filed to have my maternity leave start on the 7th. So much for that. :) My mom is coming on Sunday and I can't wait for her to get here. Ben has been back at work this week and will be next week too. It has been challenging and Isaac seems to be hungrier than before. He is still sleeping really well at night (last night doesn't count...fussy baby) and he nurses about every 2-3 hours duing the day. He already looks so different to me.
He had another weight check up yesterday and he is back up to his birth weight of 7lbs 2 oz. His diaper rash warranted a prescription lotion as it was not clearing up and starting to break. When the ped. told me this, I started to cry. Yep. Because I felt like I couldn't take care of my own baby. :( I know that is not the case, but again...HORMONES.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Finally
Yesterday I finally picked up my car! And we finally got Ben's paychecks and reimbursement. We settled for a little less money that the true amount he was owed, but we decided we were fine with it and are letting it go. I felt an enormous weight lifted off my shoulders and finally feel like I can get back into the true swing of things after vacation. I have been so stressed about it and not doing anything because of it.
I had to take the whole day off work yesterday which I was not so happy about, but I came in early today. And I may come in on Sunday. We will see how I feel. Tomorrow is a major catch-up day. I really need to get started on the ornaments for the shower, among other things.
I have decided that I am only doing Thanksgiving dinner for my husband and I this year. This is not a popular decision with my BIL and cousin-in-law. I tried to explain to them that it is a thankless role. I work on dinner for 2 days straight and no one offers to help clean up or peel potatoes or most importantly, contribute to the cost of the dinner. I just don't think I can handle it this year with the pregnancy and moving and all. There is too much else going on.
Ugh, I need some caffeine in a major way this morning. An ice-cold Coke may be in my near future.
I had to take the whole day off work yesterday which I was not so happy about, but I came in early today. And I may come in on Sunday. We will see how I feel. Tomorrow is a major catch-up day. I really need to get started on the ornaments for the shower, among other things.
I have decided that I am only doing Thanksgiving dinner for my husband and I this year. This is not a popular decision with my BIL and cousin-in-law. I tried to explain to them that it is a thankless role. I work on dinner for 2 days straight and no one offers to help clean up or peel potatoes or most importantly, contribute to the cost of the dinner. I just don't think I can handle it this year with the pregnancy and moving and all. There is too much else going on.
Ugh, I need some caffeine in a major way this morning. An ice-cold Coke may be in my near future.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Headache
When my husband switched to a corporate job, we gained the option of a corporate health insurance plan. Now, we currently have an individual HMO plan (we shall call it plan A) that was paid through the store we had partnership in. Since the partnership has been disbanded, we would now have to pay the premium ourselves. I have spent the better part of the day trying to decipher which plan is better for us in terms of the next 4 months. We shall call the corporate option Plan B.
Premium: for Plan A, if we were to continue coverage for me and Ben, the premium stays at 759.11 a month, for a total of 3036.44 for 4 months. I know, ouch. If we were to switch to Plan B, the premium is 164.00 a month (656.00 for 4 months). If we were to drop Ben from our current plan A, the premium for just me would be 379.55 a month, and insure Ben on the plan B it would be 82.00 a month (total for 4 =1846.20).
HRA: Plan B offers a Health Reimbursement Account, in which they essentially give you money toward you deductible. For a family it is $600 each each, which is $50 a month. Any amount you don't use carries over to the next year. Plan A has no such offereing
Deductible: Plan A has no deductible. Plan B has a $2,500 per family deductible, which translates into $1,900 after the HRA is used up.
Out of Pocket Maximum and Co-insurance: Plan A has an OPM of $2,500 and Co-insurance of 20%. Plan B has an OPM of $8,500 including the deductible, so $6,000 and Co-insurance of 20%.
So here is my dilemma. My current OB is covered under both plans as in-network, as is my hospital (sigh of relief...I really didn't want to switch at this point). Plan A will cover 100% of my labor and delivery, and I will only be billed for 20% of the hospital stay (which is currently planned at 2 days) and lab fees up to $2,500. So with my current plan, to just insure me, it seems the most I would pay to have this baby would be $4,018.20, assuming that it cost $12,500 for a normal 2 day hospital stay. It would also cost $328 for Ben's insurance. That is a grand total of 4,346.20 for 4 months.
With Plan B, it seems it would cost the $656.00 to insure us both, the $1,900 for the deductible, and then we would start in on the OPM. I do not know if labor and delivery is covered 100%, but from the looks of the website, it is not. There is something called in-patient services that cost $350 but that doesn't seem like it is it. I used a website to estimate the cost of total maternity care for a normal pregnancy and it gives me a generious $13,000.00 price tag (I don't think this is the contracted rate, just a generous estimate). With my co-insurance, it would cost me $2,600.00, making the total cost $5,156.00 for 4 months.
Now, here's a couple catches. I don't know how quickly a $1,900 deductible would be met in the 2 months leading up to the delivery. Probably not very quickly. Assuming I have one doctors appointment a week for the last 4 weeks, that could be about $500 right there. That leaves a $1,400 carryover for the delivery. I would also not meet the deductible for this year, so I would be paying for the labwork in November and two monthly appointments. I am going to grossly estimate this at $1,000.
Another catch: I don't know when we would be able to enroll me and the baby in Plan B if we don't do it immediately. I am pretty sure the child can be added whenever, but I don't know about me. If I would have to wait until June, that would be another $1,500 to keep my current insurance. That assumes that they don't raise it again, which is very doubtful as they raised it twice last year. I could always decrease my coverage I guess.
I would be able to make a better decision if the people from Insurance Plan B would call me back or answer their phones. I need some more specifics on their plan.
Why does health insurance have to be such a headache? I have been dealing with this all day, and just have a bunch of numbers floating before my eyes. :( All I want is a healthy, safely delivered baby boy!
Premium: for Plan A, if we were to continue coverage for me and Ben, the premium stays at 759.11 a month, for a total of 3036.44 for 4 months. I know, ouch. If we were to switch to Plan B, the premium is 164.00 a month (656.00 for 4 months). If we were to drop Ben from our current plan A, the premium for just me would be 379.55 a month, and insure Ben on the plan B it would be 82.00 a month (total for 4 =1846.20).
HRA: Plan B offers a Health Reimbursement Account, in which they essentially give you money toward you deductible. For a family it is $600 each each, which is $50 a month. Any amount you don't use carries over to the next year. Plan A has no such offereing
Deductible: Plan A has no deductible. Plan B has a $2,500 per family deductible, which translates into $1,900 after the HRA is used up.
Out of Pocket Maximum and Co-insurance: Plan A has an OPM of $2,500 and Co-insurance of 20%. Plan B has an OPM of $8,500 including the deductible, so $6,000 and Co-insurance of 20%.
So here is my dilemma. My current OB is covered under both plans as in-network, as is my hospital (sigh of relief...I really didn't want to switch at this point). Plan A will cover 100% of my labor and delivery, and I will only be billed for 20% of the hospital stay (which is currently planned at 2 days) and lab fees up to $2,500. So with my current plan, to just insure me, it seems the most I would pay to have this baby would be $4,018.20, assuming that it cost $12,500 for a normal 2 day hospital stay. It would also cost $328 for Ben's insurance. That is a grand total of 4,346.20 for 4 months.
With Plan B, it seems it would cost the $656.00 to insure us both, the $1,900 for the deductible, and then we would start in on the OPM. I do not know if labor and delivery is covered 100%, but from the looks of the website, it is not. There is something called in-patient services that cost $350 but that doesn't seem like it is it. I used a website to estimate the cost of total maternity care for a normal pregnancy and it gives me a generious $13,000.00 price tag (I don't think this is the contracted rate, just a generous estimate). With my co-insurance, it would cost me $2,600.00, making the total cost $5,156.00 for 4 months.
Now, here's a couple catches. I don't know how quickly a $1,900 deductible would be met in the 2 months leading up to the delivery. Probably not very quickly. Assuming I have one doctors appointment a week for the last 4 weeks, that could be about $500 right there. That leaves a $1,400 carryover for the delivery. I would also not meet the deductible for this year, so I would be paying for the labwork in November and two monthly appointments. I am going to grossly estimate this at $1,000.
Another catch: I don't know when we would be able to enroll me and the baby in Plan B if we don't do it immediately. I am pretty sure the child can be added whenever, but I don't know about me. If I would have to wait until June, that would be another $1,500 to keep my current insurance. That assumes that they don't raise it again, which is very doubtful as they raised it twice last year. I could always decrease my coverage I guess.
I would be able to make a better decision if the people from Insurance Plan B would call me back or answer their phones. I need some more specifics on their plan.
Why does health insurance have to be such a headache? I have been dealing with this all day, and just have a bunch of numbers floating before my eyes. :( All I want is a healthy, safely delivered baby boy!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Bargain Baby
There is no questioning that a new baby costs moolah, and a lot of it at that. Since I really grabbed the reigns of our financial situation in the past few months, I have been all about looking for ways to save some dollars in anticipation of Peanut's arrival and for once Peanut gets here. I gave my husband a run-down, and he was quite impressed with what I have done.
1. I transferred our cell phone bills to automatic bill pay on our AmEx. This gave us 2 $25 statement credits. Our AmEx is paid off every month, and they give us triple points for automatic bill pay through our wireless carrier. It just made sense to do this. On Saturday, I will be transferring our separate plans into one family plan, and this will save us $75 a month. Since my husband is no longer using his phone number for work related calls, he can reduce his minutes way down. And I rarely use all mine. Plus with this new plan, there is a roll over option.
2. I transferred our credit card balances to other cards. I played the shuffle game, and we now only have about 1500 on a card that is above 10%. I am going to call that card this weekend, since I haven't had a balance transfer offer from them in quite some time. We will see what they can do. I have heard this is sometimes very effective, especially since this is the card that we use every month and have had for 10 years now. And when I say it is the only one that is above 10%, it is actually at 13%, and all the others are now less than 6%.
3. I have massive baby coupons. I created an email account just to filter online offers. I get about 5 coupons in the mail per day and get online offers. We have already talked about what kind of diapers and stuff we want to use so I have been prioritizing those coupons. Last night I totalled my coupon savings that can be used until next June and it is almost $100! We have also gotten free diapers (the brand I want), free samples of ointments and creams, free bottles, and free spoons.
4. We started shopping with our online points through AmEx. We have been saving our points up for almost 4 years now, so we have tons. Originally we planned to use these points for airline tickets to Europe this fall. Once we learned about Peanut, we decided to postpone. Next summer is out, and it would only be feasible to go the following summer for our 5 year anniversary. We still may do this. However, last night we redeemed Ben's proshop points for our bouncer, an electric screwdriver (which we decided may be helpful in putting together furniture and hanging stuff, plus Ben has always wanted one), and a family size electric griddle (that I have always wanted)....so we each got something. I have been scouring the online AmEx catalogue and to my delight, the majority of our "big-ticket" items on our registery are available with our points. In theory, if no one bought them as gifts, we could get our crib, changing table, breast pump system, swing, and gym for free. I am still looking for other items. I have found alot of similar ones, so I have added those to our maybe list. I am also going to check for other stuff we need, like a new dresser for us and a surround sound system. :) Those things are very important for a baby, you know.
5. I finally got a hold of my dentist and discussed my "overpaid" root canal and office credit. It turns out that I overpaid by over $500! Since then I had one "emergency" visit when I broke my tooth and needed it filed (and we all know those visit are more $$$), one comprehensive exam including 4 x-rays, and one bacteria scan and purchase of a mouthwash treatment that tastes like sewage. My credit is down to $21.90, but they are issuing me a refund. I did tell the billing woman that I would have appreciated knowing about the credit in um, February when I had had the work done and was stressed about how to afford this massive root canal. She said nothing.
6. Yesterday at my doctor's appointment, the insurance billing woman told me that my current insurance plan would cover my labor and delivery costs 100% other than my co-pay of $20 per day for the o/p and hospital. It pained me not to be able to sign it since we may switch carriers. She also told me that the two potential carriers we are looking at would most likely cover the same amount, so I have a call into the new potential company to verfiy coverage and costs. If it doesn't meet the coverage we have now, my husband thinks we should swing the premium ourselves for 4 months, which is about $750 a month. Ouchie. I am learning lots about the healthcare system in this process though...I will spare you my soapbox for now. :)
7. We are getting massive hand me downs. We have already gotten a Baby Bjorn that was never used! The people that gave it to us got too many as gifts, so they passed it on. No objections from me! Those things are pretty pricey! I also told them that we don't mind hand me down clothes or anything. Ben's best friend had a baby boy about a year ago, and they have said they will be sending us tons of stuff too. :) Seriously, the baby will never know the difference. I have also scouted a few baby consignment stores to look for stuff we are going to be washing the heck out of anyway, like play yard sheets and bumper covers,etc. No need to buy everything full price. We have some stuff on our registery that we would like, but we really aren't expecting this baby to have all brand new stuff. Nor do we want him too.
I think that is pretty much it. We have also decided to make our own baby food. For our wedding we received an ultimate chopper and a magic bullet (the blender thing ;) ) and both make wicked purees. We are pretty stoked at the idea of being able to control what goes into our baby food. One of my friends did this and it worked really well. We just need to get a bunch of those itty bitty tupperware containers.
My doctor's appointment yesterday went well. He ok'd my change in prenatals. I have gained 4 pounds, which is about what they wanted. My next target is 2-3 for the next month. He says I am doing well with weight gain thus far. Peanut's heartrate is strong. And the doctor measured my belly! This is the first time he has done this. He said everything looks right on track and gave me the order for my follow up ultrasound, which I scheduled for next Friday. I also have to do my 28 week bloodwork, which includes the infamous glucola test....yum.
Thank goodness it is Friday! I am going to pick up my car tonight and drop off my husband's reimbursement requests and hopefully get a check for them. I am soooo looking forward to sleep tomorrow.
1. I transferred our cell phone bills to automatic bill pay on our AmEx. This gave us 2 $25 statement credits. Our AmEx is paid off every month, and they give us triple points for automatic bill pay through our wireless carrier. It just made sense to do this. On Saturday, I will be transferring our separate plans into one family plan, and this will save us $75 a month. Since my husband is no longer using his phone number for work related calls, he can reduce his minutes way down. And I rarely use all mine. Plus with this new plan, there is a roll over option.
2. I transferred our credit card balances to other cards. I played the shuffle game, and we now only have about 1500 on a card that is above 10%. I am going to call that card this weekend, since I haven't had a balance transfer offer from them in quite some time. We will see what they can do. I have heard this is sometimes very effective, especially since this is the card that we use every month and have had for 10 years now. And when I say it is the only one that is above 10%, it is actually at 13%, and all the others are now less than 6%.
3. I have massive baby coupons. I created an email account just to filter online offers. I get about 5 coupons in the mail per day and get online offers. We have already talked about what kind of diapers and stuff we want to use so I have been prioritizing those coupons. Last night I totalled my coupon savings that can be used until next June and it is almost $100! We have also gotten free diapers (the brand I want), free samples of ointments and creams, free bottles, and free spoons.
4. We started shopping with our online points through AmEx. We have been saving our points up for almost 4 years now, so we have tons. Originally we planned to use these points for airline tickets to Europe this fall. Once we learned about Peanut, we decided to postpone. Next summer is out, and it would only be feasible to go the following summer for our 5 year anniversary. We still may do this. However, last night we redeemed Ben's proshop points for our bouncer, an electric screwdriver (which we decided may be helpful in putting together furniture and hanging stuff, plus Ben has always wanted one), and a family size electric griddle (that I have always wanted)....so we each got something. I have been scouring the online AmEx catalogue and to my delight, the majority of our "big-ticket" items on our registery are available with our points. In theory, if no one bought them as gifts, we could get our crib, changing table, breast pump system, swing, and gym for free. I am still looking for other items. I have found alot of similar ones, so I have added those to our maybe list. I am also going to check for other stuff we need, like a new dresser for us and a surround sound system. :) Those things are very important for a baby, you know.
5. I finally got a hold of my dentist and discussed my "overpaid" root canal and office credit. It turns out that I overpaid by over $500! Since then I had one "emergency" visit when I broke my tooth and needed it filed (and we all know those visit are more $$$), one comprehensive exam including 4 x-rays, and one bacteria scan and purchase of a mouthwash treatment that tastes like sewage. My credit is down to $21.90, but they are issuing me a refund. I did tell the billing woman that I would have appreciated knowing about the credit in um, February when I had had the work done and was stressed about how to afford this massive root canal. She said nothing.
6. Yesterday at my doctor's appointment, the insurance billing woman told me that my current insurance plan would cover my labor and delivery costs 100% other than my co-pay of $20 per day for the o/p and hospital. It pained me not to be able to sign it since we may switch carriers. She also told me that the two potential carriers we are looking at would most likely cover the same amount, so I have a call into the new potential company to verfiy coverage and costs. If it doesn't meet the coverage we have now, my husband thinks we should swing the premium ourselves for 4 months, which is about $750 a month. Ouchie. I am learning lots about the healthcare system in this process though...I will spare you my soapbox for now. :)
7. We are getting massive hand me downs. We have already gotten a Baby Bjorn that was never used! The people that gave it to us got too many as gifts, so they passed it on. No objections from me! Those things are pretty pricey! I also told them that we don't mind hand me down clothes or anything. Ben's best friend had a baby boy about a year ago, and they have said they will be sending us tons of stuff too. :) Seriously, the baby will never know the difference. I have also scouted a few baby consignment stores to look for stuff we are going to be washing the heck out of anyway, like play yard sheets and bumper covers,etc. No need to buy everything full price. We have some stuff on our registery that we would like, but we really aren't expecting this baby to have all brand new stuff. Nor do we want him too.
I think that is pretty much it. We have also decided to make our own baby food. For our wedding we received an ultimate chopper and a magic bullet (the blender thing ;) ) and both make wicked purees. We are pretty stoked at the idea of being able to control what goes into our baby food. One of my friends did this and it worked really well. We just need to get a bunch of those itty bitty tupperware containers.
My doctor's appointment yesterday went well. He ok'd my change in prenatals. I have gained 4 pounds, which is about what they wanted. My next target is 2-3 for the next month. He says I am doing well with weight gain thus far. Peanut's heartrate is strong. And the doctor measured my belly! This is the first time he has done this. He said everything looks right on track and gave me the order for my follow up ultrasound, which I scheduled for next Friday. I also have to do my 28 week bloodwork, which includes the infamous glucola test....yum.
Thank goodness it is Friday! I am going to pick up my car tonight and drop off my husband's reimbursement requests and hopefully get a check for them. I am soooo looking forward to sleep tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Random Musings and Thoughts
This post won't really have any structure. I just have a bunch of floopy thoughts in my head and am so exhausted that I can't really form a coherent flow.
I feel the baby move all the time now. My husband is anxious is feel him move. Everytime I start to feel him, I put my hands on where he is and cross my fingers. No such luck yet, but hopefully it will be soon. I can tell when he wakes up in the morning cause he really starts his little flips and kicks. He's a little athlete already. :)
We spent alot of money in the past two months. October is going to be tight. Especially with my 2 weeks off (I only get paid for 1). Hopefully, there will be a bonus in the near future as I just finished two ginormous projects on my own and am starting a third. I redid our budget again. I feel better when I look at the numbers and figure things out. It makes me feel more in control. I am a control freak. Our savings account is now frozen in place as "the baby fund." I am not taking money out or putting money in until I go back to work after maternity leave. We have enough to pay for Peanut and our bills if I didn't work the entire leave. Right now any extra money is paying down debt. By the time the baby comes we will have paid off a huge chunk, which is more than what we paid in total last year. I am determined.
I am still craving gravy like a dope fiend. And Orangina. I drank like 7 bottles this weekend. I think I am over the Rice Krispie stage, but am still consuming mini Nestle Crunches every morning.
I bought our tickets to go out to the Statue of Liberty for next Monday! My other 2 NYC landmark choices are Serendipity and Central Park. My husband wants to get a bratwurst, a meatball sub, and a NY strip steak. Those were his choices. Hopefully I will make it to H&M as I hear they have a maternity section in the big one. :) I need sweaters.
I organized our baby stuff the other night. all the clothes and cloth things got put in a tupperware. We already have alot. Ben and I talked about what we want to get to bring him home in. :) Ben wants to get really cool jammies. Sweet little baby boy. :) We also talked about nursery "themes." I use this word lightly because I am fickle. I like variety. And I don't like the pastel cutesy colors being dominant. I looked at some stuff online, but there still isn't a whole lot the just jumps out at me. We will see what my mom and I find on Sunday.
I feel the baby move all the time now. My husband is anxious is feel him move. Everytime I start to feel him, I put my hands on where he is and cross my fingers. No such luck yet, but hopefully it will be soon. I can tell when he wakes up in the morning cause he really starts his little flips and kicks. He's a little athlete already. :)
We spent alot of money in the past two months. October is going to be tight. Especially with my 2 weeks off (I only get paid for 1). Hopefully, there will be a bonus in the near future as I just finished two ginormous projects on my own and am starting a third. I redid our budget again. I feel better when I look at the numbers and figure things out. It makes me feel more in control. I am a control freak. Our savings account is now frozen in place as "the baby fund." I am not taking money out or putting money in until I go back to work after maternity leave. We have enough to pay for Peanut and our bills if I didn't work the entire leave. Right now any extra money is paying down debt. By the time the baby comes we will have paid off a huge chunk, which is more than what we paid in total last year. I am determined.
I am still craving gravy like a dope fiend. And Orangina. I drank like 7 bottles this weekend. I think I am over the Rice Krispie stage, but am still consuming mini Nestle Crunches every morning.
I bought our tickets to go out to the Statue of Liberty for next Monday! My other 2 NYC landmark choices are Serendipity and Central Park. My husband wants to get a bratwurst, a meatball sub, and a NY strip steak. Those were his choices. Hopefully I will make it to H&M as I hear they have a maternity section in the big one. :) I need sweaters.
I organized our baby stuff the other night. all the clothes and cloth things got put in a tupperware. We already have alot. Ben and I talked about what we want to get to bring him home in. :) Ben wants to get really cool jammies. Sweet little baby boy. :) We also talked about nursery "themes." I use this word lightly because I am fickle. I like variety. And I don't like the pastel cutesy colors being dominant. I looked at some stuff online, but there still isn't a whole lot the just jumps out at me. We will see what my mom and I find on Sunday.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Start Of Baby Mayhem
Yesterday Ben and I went to Babies R Us to begin our registery. I know it is a bit early as both our showers are months away, but the next few months prove very busy and stressful for both of us. We agreed earlier that we would choose the larger items together, and then I would take care of the rest with someone else, which incidently turns out to be my mom and best friend in Ohio! :)
So we signed up at the registery station, along with some other people who I had some qualms with but oh well. While I was filling out the paperwork, Ben wandered around the store only to return and say "Man, this $h!! is expensive." I calmly explained that it always is with a first baby and that is why you register. A few minutes and several instructions later, we were armed with the zappy gun and plenty of info, along with the list of things that I had been scoping out online, and heading into the depths of baby mayhem.
Ben had a lot of fun pushing the strollers around. I should say that he was racing them around, taking hairpin turns, and crashing them into columns and shelving to "test their durablity." He actually finds things wrong with products that I would never even think to look for. We chose our stroller/travel system, high chair, play yard, swing, crib, and changing table. Those were the big things on my list. Since he likes to use the zappy gun (who doesn't!?), we also chose a bath tub and one of those floor entertainment thingies (don't remember what it was called). And I really, really wanted one of those Fisher Price Wonder Aquariums for the crib. After that we called it a day.
We decided that we want to get a new dresser set for our bedroom, and give the baby our old one. Ben says it can easily be refinished, so that is what we are going to do. I am excited to go back and finish our registery once we know if we are having an Anthony or a Madeline. :)
On a completely different note, the next few months are going to be pretty hard on us, both mentally and financially. The is a large impending debt that potentially looms in the horizon, that I was unaware of until this week. It has been causing my husband a great deal of stress (which is a gross understatement), and has been on his mind for weeks. He finally told me about it, and I am not sure of what we are exactly going to do to handle what may happen. All I know is that we will get through it somehow. We have each other and the baby, and I would do anything to protect us. I am trying really hard to be supportive and optimistic, but he knows how stressed I get about money. Ben has always done a wonderful job providing for me, and I know this kills him and really worries him. He even admitted that he is afraid that I will take the baby and leave him....but it's in the vows right? For better, for worse. We will handle this somehow. I try not to worry about it, but it does prove difficult, especially spending so much time alone to think. I am trying to be strong.
Enough about that. :) I just needed to get it off my chest.
So we signed up at the registery station, along with some other people who I had some qualms with but oh well. While I was filling out the paperwork, Ben wandered around the store only to return and say "Man, this $h!! is expensive." I calmly explained that it always is with a first baby and that is why you register. A few minutes and several instructions later, we were armed with the zappy gun and plenty of info, along with the list of things that I had been scoping out online, and heading into the depths of baby mayhem.
Ben had a lot of fun pushing the strollers around. I should say that he was racing them around, taking hairpin turns, and crashing them into columns and shelving to "test their durablity." He actually finds things wrong with products that I would never even think to look for. We chose our stroller/travel system, high chair, play yard, swing, crib, and changing table. Those were the big things on my list. Since he likes to use the zappy gun (who doesn't!?), we also chose a bath tub and one of those floor entertainment thingies (don't remember what it was called). And I really, really wanted one of those Fisher Price Wonder Aquariums for the crib. After that we called it a day.
We decided that we want to get a new dresser set for our bedroom, and give the baby our old one. Ben says it can easily be refinished, so that is what we are going to do. I am excited to go back and finish our registery once we know if we are having an Anthony or a Madeline. :)
On a completely different note, the next few months are going to be pretty hard on us, both mentally and financially. The is a large impending debt that potentially looms in the horizon, that I was unaware of until this week. It has been causing my husband a great deal of stress (which is a gross understatement), and has been on his mind for weeks. He finally told me about it, and I am not sure of what we are exactly going to do to handle what may happen. All I know is that we will get through it somehow. We have each other and the baby, and I would do anything to protect us. I am trying really hard to be supportive and optimistic, but he knows how stressed I get about money. Ben has always done a wonderful job providing for me, and I know this kills him and really worries him. He even admitted that he is afraid that I will take the baby and leave him....but it's in the vows right? For better, for worse. We will handle this somehow. I try not to worry about it, but it does prove difficult, especially spending so much time alone to think. I am trying to be strong.
Enough about that. :) I just needed to get it off my chest.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Silver Lining
You know that expression "when it rains, it pours?" Well, that seems to be a very fitting theme for this week. It has been a stressful week, starting on Sunday night. This was the evening that my husband took a friend to bail his girlfriend (the friend's, not my husband's :) ) out of jail. My husband is always about the "fastest route" so he decided to take this windy mountain road. I should add this is only a faster route during the day when traffic is backed up on the highways. I called him at about 10 to find out where everything was at, and he says "I wrecked my car." Now, when you hear this, don't flashing red lights go off in your head and your stomach plummets?
It turns out that he swerved to miss a deer. Remember how I said it was a windy MOUNTAIN road? Well, he went off the road and hit some rocks or something.
So this week has been mostly about fixing the mechanical aspects (which is hella cheap since he works for an automotive shop and gets parts at cost and doesn't have to pay most labor costs). However, the body work was the biggest concern. On Monday night, he tried to demostrate on some foil what his car looked like. It was not good. He is working on getting the estimates for repair and we could possibly have to take out an insurance claim. Also not good. I have been stressing over this all week.
He brought the car home last night because the mechanical work was done. Since he has today off, I finally got to see the car this morning.
THE DAMAGE IS NOT BAD AT ALL. Yes, it is a bit dented in some areas and the paint is scrapped. It looks like he hit some rocks/small trees and maybe not the BOULDER he made it sound like. I totalled the front end of my car and needed about $6000 of body work alone. There is no way that doing the body work on his car will cost near that or anywhere near to that. I am guessing $1000 at the most and even that seems generous. Now, I am no car expert, but seriously. I am not taking out an insurance claim for that. No way. The silver lining in this situation? Hmmm....the fact that my husband exaggerates the extent of damage and needed repair finances. And that when I discover the exaggeration, I feel a ten thousand pound weight fly off my shoulders.
So in addition to that, there has been the dental stress. I still have not gotten a hold of the woman who can verify the amount of my "credit" from overpaying. Oh, she did call me back. But not on my cell phone as I asked, and she called to talk about "payment options for my upcoming dental work." Silver lining? Calling the office after hours to cancel my appointment and reschedule it, but alas...no one is there. Bub-bye dentist.
There's also the stress of tracking down my bridesmaid dress. I spent the better part of an hour on the phone with the J.Cr.ew peeps. They are being very helpful. Now, I ordered the largest size available in the dress in order to accomodate for Peanut's expanding belly condo and the burgeoning twins above it. Technically, do I need this size? Probably not. But I figured I could alter it in easily. The better news is that I got a dress for the rehearsal dinner that at the present moment fits me quite nicely and is a much smaller size than the bridesmaid dress even if by a different maker. Silver lining? I am a smaller size than anticipated and hopefully this will get me a dress if not the one I ordered. I will have faith in J.Cre.w until then I suppose.
I have also had headaches with credit cards. I played the balance transfer game to minimize finance charges way back in February. One of the offers just expired, which is no biggie cause the balance is small and I will pay it off this month. The big headache came from a card whose bill I paid online and somehow got reverted to my old bank info, bouncing back the payment which defaulted my special interest offers. I spent a good chunk of time on the phone with them, and got the late fee reversed (the payment was technically on time and they did not inform me of the situation until after the pay by date had passed) and the interest rates reinstated. This was enough time spent on it at this point and once the statement comes, I will call to reverse the finance charges from the 2 default days. Seriously, that is all it was. Silver lining? I have had almost all of my credit cards for 10 years now (coming up in 09) and rarely default on them. Because of this, I feel I have a bit of power when I call the companies to reinstate things. Fingers are crossed for the finance charges call.
Oh, and my health insurance sent me a letter saying that our premium is going up $100 per month in October. Nice. We can't even begin to think about switching until after Peanut is born. I had to explain this to Ben, that no company will willingly take on a new client when they know in a few months they will have to shuck of thousands of dollars. Silver lining: We don't pay our insurance premium, his company does. However, we may pay this increase. They also sent me information on Lamaze classes. That was nice I guess.
It just seems like it has been one of those weeks. It is just one thing after another. I haven't been sleeping well because of everything, so I am exhausted. And somehow I can never get into bed early, like I plan to. Something always comes up.
The best silver lining for this week? I am feeling Peanut move now. It happens quite frequently. Most often when I am laying down or sitting on the couch. It is such a wonderful, wonderful feeling.
It turns out that he swerved to miss a deer. Remember how I said it was a windy MOUNTAIN road? Well, he went off the road and hit some rocks or something.
So this week has been mostly about fixing the mechanical aspects (which is hella cheap since he works for an automotive shop and gets parts at cost and doesn't have to pay most labor costs). However, the body work was the biggest concern. On Monday night, he tried to demostrate on some foil what his car looked like. It was not good. He is working on getting the estimates for repair and we could possibly have to take out an insurance claim. Also not good. I have been stressing over this all week.
He brought the car home last night because the mechanical work was done. Since he has today off, I finally got to see the car this morning.
THE DAMAGE IS NOT BAD AT ALL. Yes, it is a bit dented in some areas and the paint is scrapped. It looks like he hit some rocks/small trees and maybe not the BOULDER he made it sound like. I totalled the front end of my car and needed about $6000 of body work alone. There is no way that doing the body work on his car will cost near that or anywhere near to that. I am guessing $1000 at the most and even that seems generous. Now, I am no car expert, but seriously. I am not taking out an insurance claim for that. No way. The silver lining in this situation? Hmmm....the fact that my husband exaggerates the extent of damage and needed repair finances. And that when I discover the exaggeration, I feel a ten thousand pound weight fly off my shoulders.
So in addition to that, there has been the dental stress. I still have not gotten a hold of the woman who can verify the amount of my "credit" from overpaying. Oh, she did call me back. But not on my cell phone as I asked, and she called to talk about "payment options for my upcoming dental work." Silver lining? Calling the office after hours to cancel my appointment and reschedule it, but alas...no one is there. Bub-bye dentist.
There's also the stress of tracking down my bridesmaid dress. I spent the better part of an hour on the phone with the J.Cr.ew peeps. They are being very helpful. Now, I ordered the largest size available in the dress in order to accomodate for Peanut's expanding belly condo and the burgeoning twins above it. Technically, do I need this size? Probably not. But I figured I could alter it in easily. The better news is that I got a dress for the rehearsal dinner that at the present moment fits me quite nicely and is a much smaller size than the bridesmaid dress even if by a different maker. Silver lining? I am a smaller size than anticipated and hopefully this will get me a dress if not the one I ordered. I will have faith in J.Cre.w until then I suppose.
I have also had headaches with credit cards. I played the balance transfer game to minimize finance charges way back in February. One of the offers just expired, which is no biggie cause the balance is small and I will pay it off this month. The big headache came from a card whose bill I paid online and somehow got reverted to my old bank info, bouncing back the payment which defaulted my special interest offers. I spent a good chunk of time on the phone with them, and got the late fee reversed (the payment was technically on time and they did not inform me of the situation until after the pay by date had passed) and the interest rates reinstated. This was enough time spent on it at this point and once the statement comes, I will call to reverse the finance charges from the 2 default days. Seriously, that is all it was. Silver lining? I have had almost all of my credit cards for 10 years now (coming up in 09) and rarely default on them. Because of this, I feel I have a bit of power when I call the companies to reinstate things. Fingers are crossed for the finance charges call.
Oh, and my health insurance sent me a letter saying that our premium is going up $100 per month in October. Nice. We can't even begin to think about switching until after Peanut is born. I had to explain this to Ben, that no company will willingly take on a new client when they know in a few months they will have to shuck of thousands of dollars. Silver lining: We don't pay our insurance premium, his company does. However, we may pay this increase. They also sent me information on Lamaze classes. That was nice I guess.
It just seems like it has been one of those weeks. It is just one thing after another. I haven't been sleeping well because of everything, so I am exhausted. And somehow I can never get into bed early, like I plan to. Something always comes up.
The best silver lining for this week? I am feeling Peanut move now. It happens quite frequently. Most often when I am laying down or sitting on the couch. It is such a wonderful, wonderful feeling.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I Will Fight You, You Know
This morning I went in for the funfilled bacteria scan that was only going to take "5 minutes." It took 1 hour and 5 minutes. And I fought with my dentist. As a disclaimer, I tried really hard to bite my tongue and remind myself she was a professional and very knowledgable. She pushed me over the edge.
To make a long story short, I told her what my husband and I had decided on in terms of my dental work. This is fixing my broken tooth and calling it a day. It involves about $400 this year, plus a crown next year. This did not please the dentist. She re-explained what the grouping priorities were on my treatment plan (which I refer to now as my bankrupcty plan), and said that she had group that tooth with others so she would only have to numb my mouth once to do all the teeth in need of some kind of repair. However, the work needed on these teeth is not as extreme as the broken tooth, just really a matter of convenience. I continued to protest, as $2000 for the work in discussion is money I don't have to spend right now (kind of a lie, but all monies are being saved for maternity care, leave, and Peanut).
At this point, the dear dentist then brought up the idea of the Care.Cre.dit for funding the dental work. I do appreciate knowing my options and the thoroughness in which she explained it. I understand the process. And it is good to know that I could use it in the future for Las.ik, which I do plan on doing. However, this is not the point, and I told her that that wasn't something my husband and I really wanted to do at this point (we are looking to clean up our credit because we want to buy a house in the near future...I did not tell the dentist this because I felt it was not her business).
When I said, again, to just schedule the work for the broken tooth and NOTHING ELSE, she started to tell me how if I don't do this work, stuff can go wrong with the pregnancy and began throwing around scary terms. Now, again I appreciate knowing all the information and if she was genuinely concerned for myself or my unborn child, I appreciate that as well. However, using scare tactics to bully a patient into dropping the extra money didn't seem very professional. It could have been handled differently, and far more appropriately. I had said no at least 3 times at this point. I was beyond annoyed, as my doctor cautioned me against large amounts of dental work. So this is what I said:
"Look, no offense to you because I do value your opinion as a professional care provider and realize you are highly qualified to construct reccomendations on my oral care, but I am taking my treatment plan to my OB in order to get an ok on the procedures you have recommended. You have done your part in detailing the work that needs to be done. While I am sure you have treated pregnant women before, I am not apt to taking prenatal advice from a dentist, just as I would not ask my OB for recommendations or a diagnosis on teeth. Furthermore, I feel as though you are trying to scare me into agreeing to the more expensive work at this point."
I should add that I said this very politely and did not raise my voice.
I tried very hard not to over react, as I tend to do, but seriously. I was mad. And it did not seem as though this conversation took place out of concern for my and my child's health.
Anyhow, I went to pay for today's work. I expected it to be about $100, as my insurance is maxed. Also, I have not been billed for the past two times I have been in the office as expected and I did have xrays done. I was figuring my total dental bill should be pretty hefty, to the tune of $400+. X rays aren't cheap. I come to find out that I owed nothing because I had a credit. Where did this credit come from? Apparently I overpaid for my $2700 root canal, and rather than issuing me a refund, they just kept the money. Whatever.
I think I am switching dentists. No joke. What can it hurt?
To make a long story short, I told her what my husband and I had decided on in terms of my dental work. This is fixing my broken tooth and calling it a day. It involves about $400 this year, plus a crown next year. This did not please the dentist. She re-explained what the grouping priorities were on my treatment plan (which I refer to now as my bankrupcty plan), and said that she had group that tooth with others so she would only have to numb my mouth once to do all the teeth in need of some kind of repair. However, the work needed on these teeth is not as extreme as the broken tooth, just really a matter of convenience. I continued to protest, as $2000 for the work in discussion is money I don't have to spend right now (kind of a lie, but all monies are being saved for maternity care, leave, and Peanut).
At this point, the dear dentist then brought up the idea of the Care.Cre.dit for funding the dental work. I do appreciate knowing my options and the thoroughness in which she explained it. I understand the process. And it is good to know that I could use it in the future for Las.ik, which I do plan on doing. However, this is not the point, and I told her that that wasn't something my husband and I really wanted to do at this point (we are looking to clean up our credit because we want to buy a house in the near future...I did not tell the dentist this because I felt it was not her business).
When I said, again, to just schedule the work for the broken tooth and NOTHING ELSE, she started to tell me how if I don't do this work, stuff can go wrong with the pregnancy and began throwing around scary terms. Now, again I appreciate knowing all the information and if she was genuinely concerned for myself or my unborn child, I appreciate that as well. However, using scare tactics to bully a patient into dropping the extra money didn't seem very professional. It could have been handled differently, and far more appropriately. I had said no at least 3 times at this point. I was beyond annoyed, as my doctor cautioned me against large amounts of dental work. So this is what I said:
"Look, no offense to you because I do value your opinion as a professional care provider and realize you are highly qualified to construct reccomendations on my oral care, but I am taking my treatment plan to my OB in order to get an ok on the procedures you have recommended. You have done your part in detailing the work that needs to be done. While I am sure you have treated pregnant women before, I am not apt to taking prenatal advice from a dentist, just as I would not ask my OB for recommendations or a diagnosis on teeth. Furthermore, I feel as though you are trying to scare me into agreeing to the more expensive work at this point."
I should add that I said this very politely and did not raise my voice.
I tried very hard not to over react, as I tend to do, but seriously. I was mad. And it did not seem as though this conversation took place out of concern for my and my child's health.
Anyhow, I went to pay for today's work. I expected it to be about $100, as my insurance is maxed. Also, I have not been billed for the past two times I have been in the office as expected and I did have xrays done. I was figuring my total dental bill should be pretty hefty, to the tune of $400+. X rays aren't cheap. I come to find out that I owed nothing because I had a credit. Where did this credit come from? Apparently I overpaid for my $2700 root canal, and rather than issuing me a refund, they just kept the money. Whatever.
I think I am switching dentists. No joke. What can it hurt?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Parent Shower
My husband and I have been talking about when we want to do our baby registery, and how involved in this process he wants to be (Note: We decided to register in the end of September or mid-October as my baby shower in Ohio is 12/13, and that he only wants to be involved in picking out the larger items like the crib, stroller, etc. Everything else I can do with a friend.).
After this decision was made, I started to think about all the other stuff we need in the apartment, not baby related. We could really use a new comforter and another sheet set (We have a pillowtop California king, and deep pocket sheets for this size are so hard to find, especially in colors we like). We need new end tables, as they are the only piece of furniture in our living room that is still hand me down and looks it. We have talked about getting a display shelf for our collection of shot glasses. The list could go on.
It made me think of when and if we can get these things, and if it could be done before Peanut comes. They aren't big big purchases or anything, but if we got everything or even most of it, we would be dropping a nice chunk of change. This money is money we are saving for maternity leave and such (although we have hatched several plans for that time as well, to be later discussed). I really would like to get some of it before Peanut because who knows when we would be able to do it afterward. We remain on the fence, so the timeframe for getting these things is a huge question mark.
It makes me want to register for these things. :) Like a parent shower. I know, I know, we already had our wedding registry, and we will have our baby gifts and such. But still. Our wedding was over 3 years ago, and what we thought we were planning for then is not necessarily the position we are in now.
The general compromise is that we will use Christmas as an opportunity to get some of these things.
On a completely different note, my husband got his prescription for the stop smoking pill. Man, oh man, it is expensive and insurance doesn't cover it...which I find a bit odd and may research it further. They don't cover prenatal vitamins either, but I let that slide because they are only $30. My birth control was more than that. Anyhoo, he is almost through t he first week of pills and he has been taking them very diligently. And he hasn't been smoking as much, so I am pleased.
And I am SORE today from my yoga class. SORE, SORE, SORE. and I actually slept through the entire night, or most of it. I think I may have gotten up to go to the bathroom once, but I don't remember. I was that tired. I know I woke up and thought about it, but then I decided I didn't have to go that bad. Trust me, I have more than made up for it this morning.
Back to dreaming about my parent shower and searching for sheets and a comforter. :)
After this decision was made, I started to think about all the other stuff we need in the apartment, not baby related. We could really use a new comforter and another sheet set (We have a pillowtop California king, and deep pocket sheets for this size are so hard to find, especially in colors we like). We need new end tables, as they are the only piece of furniture in our living room that is still hand me down and looks it. We have talked about getting a display shelf for our collection of shot glasses. The list could go on.
It made me think of when and if we can get these things, and if it could be done before Peanut comes. They aren't big big purchases or anything, but if we got everything or even most of it, we would be dropping a nice chunk of change. This money is money we are saving for maternity leave and such (although we have hatched several plans for that time as well, to be later discussed). I really would like to get some of it before Peanut because who knows when we would be able to do it afterward. We remain on the fence, so the timeframe for getting these things is a huge question mark.
It makes me want to register for these things. :) Like a parent shower. I know, I know, we already had our wedding registry, and we will have our baby gifts and such. But still. Our wedding was over 3 years ago, and what we thought we were planning for then is not necessarily the position we are in now.
The general compromise is that we will use Christmas as an opportunity to get some of these things.
On a completely different note, my husband got his prescription for the stop smoking pill. Man, oh man, it is expensive and insurance doesn't cover it...which I find a bit odd and may research it further. They don't cover prenatal vitamins either, but I let that slide because they are only $30. My birth control was more than that. Anyhoo, he is almost through t he first week of pills and he has been taking them very diligently. And he hasn't been smoking as much, so I am pleased.
And I am SORE today from my yoga class. SORE, SORE, SORE. and I actually slept through the entire night, or most of it. I think I may have gotten up to go to the bathroom once, but I don't remember. I was that tired. I know I woke up and thought about it, but then I decided I didn't have to go that bad. Trust me, I have more than made up for it this morning.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Seriously, I would have to sell MY BABY to pay for that.....
So was my qoute of the day. Allow me to to explain before anyone gets the idea that I would pawn off my baby for extra cash.
I had a dentist appointment this morning. As you may recall, I have had some dental mishaps this year, including a root canal and a broken tooth. As to not reiterate those stories, let's just say that both mishaps led my dentist to schedule a comprehensive exam in order to determine if there were any pressing issues in my mouth that would need to be taken care of while I was pregnant and what could wait until after Peanut's arrival. Now, being that I was a little shaken up having to have a tooth filed down with no drugs, and being that I was still early on in my first trimester, I agreed to this exam. I should add that I had already canceled this type of appointment as my dental insurance is maxed for the year.
Well, I woke up before my husband's alarm went off this morning, about 5 am. I do not have to get up until 7, but I was so worried about how this exam was going to go and what it was going to cost, that I could not fall back asleep. It was therefore an early morning.
The exam itself was not so bad. I knew I had some problems in mouth, as I had not been to the dentist in about 6 years. (yes, yes, I know this is bad....but after college I did not have dental insurance and when I did, certain employers made it damn near impossible to maintain any type of appointment.) I knew the broken tooth would need to be fixed soon, most likely asap, and I was aware of another bad cavity from the time of my root canal. Regardless, I was not aware, nor prepared of exactly how many problems this woman would unearth in my mouth.
Let's just say this....THEY WANT ME TO DO OVER $6,000.00 IN WORK OVER THE NEXT YEAR. Upon entering all the information from my gum exam, minimal x-rays, and other poking and prodding (um...yes, it does hurt when you stick that sharp needle-like thing into my gum line, thanks for checking though), they produced a treatment plan. And upon reviewing the plan with me, the dentist announced the price.
My immediate reaction was to start laughing. I mean, seriously. That is the cost of a used car! That is 6 months of rent!
My next comment was the title of this post "It isn't even going to cost that much for me to have this baby! Seriously, I would have to sell my baby to pay for that!"
Sensing my reluctance, I was then informed that the office could pre-approve me for a credit line for the dental work. Again, you want me to take out a line of credit at the DENTAL OFFICE?!
The receptionist, who is my neighbor, was a bit more understanding and went over the plan with me, outlining how the priorities were grouped and options I had in scheduling them. She completely understood when I said that before I scheduled anything, I needed to speak with my husband and my doctor. I did schedule a bacteria scan for next Tuesday morning, which will allow a better idea of how likely I am to develop abcesses or other infection type things that sound like a riot, and it is only $40. Plus the dentist will then be able to give me a special mouthwash that will prevent the further spread of bacteria/decay in my mouth.
I thought about it the entire way to work. I think I am just going to have the work done that fixes my broken tooth, and then maybe the bad cavity. That itself will be about $600 without any insurance. I will ask next week exactly which elements of the treatment plan are necessary in order to do these two things.
A high point of the day: my first prenatal yoga class started today, and I loved, loved, loved it. It felt so good to stretch among other things. It is not too pricey, but I am only going to be able to go once a week as there is only one evening prenatal class. And there is no class next Monday due to Labo.r Da.y. Boo.
Oh, and I have been craving rice kispies like no other. So much that Ben and I had to run to Saf.eway last night at 9 to pick some up, and I have eaten half the box already. :)
I had a dentist appointment this morning. As you may recall, I have had some dental mishaps this year, including a root canal and a broken tooth. As to not reiterate those stories, let's just say that both mishaps led my dentist to schedule a comprehensive exam in order to determine if there were any pressing issues in my mouth that would need to be taken care of while I was pregnant and what could wait until after Peanut's arrival. Now, being that I was a little shaken up having to have a tooth filed down with no drugs, and being that I was still early on in my first trimester, I agreed to this exam. I should add that I had already canceled this type of appointment as my dental insurance is maxed for the year.
Well, I woke up before my husband's alarm went off this morning, about 5 am. I do not have to get up until 7, but I was so worried about how this exam was going to go and what it was going to cost, that I could not fall back asleep. It was therefore an early morning.
The exam itself was not so bad. I knew I had some problems in mouth, as I had not been to the dentist in about 6 years. (yes, yes, I know this is bad....but after college I did not have dental insurance and when I did, certain employers made it damn near impossible to maintain any type of appointment.) I knew the broken tooth would need to be fixed soon, most likely asap, and I was aware of another bad cavity from the time of my root canal. Regardless, I was not aware, nor prepared of exactly how many problems this woman would unearth in my mouth.
Let's just say this....THEY WANT ME TO DO OVER $6,000.00 IN WORK OVER THE NEXT YEAR. Upon entering all the information from my gum exam, minimal x-rays, and other poking and prodding (um...yes, it does hurt when you stick that sharp needle-like thing into my gum line, thanks for checking though), they produced a treatment plan. And upon reviewing the plan with me, the dentist announced the price.
My immediate reaction was to start laughing. I mean, seriously. That is the cost of a used car! That is 6 months of rent!
My next comment was the title of this post "It isn't even going to cost that much for me to have this baby! Seriously, I would have to sell my baby to pay for that!"
Sensing my reluctance, I was then informed that the office could pre-approve me for a credit line for the dental work. Again, you want me to take out a line of credit at the DENTAL OFFICE?!
The receptionist, who is my neighbor, was a bit more understanding and went over the plan with me, outlining how the priorities were grouped and options I had in scheduling them. She completely understood when I said that before I scheduled anything, I needed to speak with my husband and my doctor. I did schedule a bacteria scan for next Tuesday morning, which will allow a better idea of how likely I am to develop abcesses or other infection type things that sound like a riot, and it is only $40. Plus the dentist will then be able to give me a special mouthwash that will prevent the further spread of bacteria/decay in my mouth.
I thought about it the entire way to work. I think I am just going to have the work done that fixes my broken tooth, and then maybe the bad cavity. That itself will be about $600 without any insurance. I will ask next week exactly which elements of the treatment plan are necessary in order to do these two things.
A high point of the day: my first prenatal yoga class started today, and I loved, loved, loved it. It felt so good to stretch among other things. It is not too pricey, but I am only going to be able to go once a week as there is only one evening prenatal class. And there is no class next Monday due to Labo.r Da.y. Boo.
Oh, and I have been craving rice kispies like no other. So much that Ben and I had to run to Saf.eway last night at 9 to pick some up, and I have eaten half the box already. :)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Positives Outweigh the Negatives, Right?
Ok, my last post (be it 20 minutes or so ago) seems incredibly negative to me and probably anyone who reads it. I guess that was the intention. I needed to vent. I am still spinning a bit crazily, but thought I should add some positive things.
:) #1: I just checked the balance on all my students loans, and I am finally paying off the principal. I have paid all the interest on them, and now am actually tackling the amounts I borrowed.
:) #2: Our car insurance company sent us our premium renewal. We will be paying $150 less a month because the two claims we had taken out on the audi 3 years ago are finally gone along with my husband's speeding ticket from our honeymoon.
:) #3: I actually put money (and sizable amounts) into all of our savings accounts this money, minus our IRA. This includes the account I opened to fund the trip to Italy I want to take my mother on when she turns 50.
:) #4: I went to the Motherhood maternity outlet last Friday, and got the most wonderful pairs of maternity jeans. They are so freakin comfy, it's ridiculous. I love, love, love them, and they fit me without having to be tailored. (insert happy dance here) I also got some nice shirts, so I am comfortable once again, at least for the time being.
:) #5: Tomorrow I am going shopping with my other friend G.
:) #6: I have decided that after work I am going to go get a sno cone and sit in Sono.ma square at eat it. Whoever thought of drizzling sugary syrup over ice is a genius and deserves a huge hug.
Ok, so those are my positives. I will add that I am still incredibly ticked at one husband who shall remain nameless, but I am trying really hard not to focus on it. Not incredibly hard, but it's the effort right?
:) #1: I just checked the balance on all my students loans, and I am finally paying off the principal. I have paid all the interest on them, and now am actually tackling the amounts I borrowed.
:) #2: Our car insurance company sent us our premium renewal. We will be paying $150 less a month because the two claims we had taken out on the audi 3 years ago are finally gone along with my husband's speeding ticket from our honeymoon.
:) #3: I actually put money (and sizable amounts) into all of our savings accounts this money, minus our IRA. This includes the account I opened to fund the trip to Italy I want to take my mother on when she turns 50.
:) #4: I went to the Motherhood maternity outlet last Friday, and got the most wonderful pairs of maternity jeans. They are so freakin comfy, it's ridiculous. I love, love, love them, and they fit me without having to be tailored. (insert happy dance here) I also got some nice shirts, so I am comfortable once again, at least for the time being.
:) #5: Tomorrow I am going shopping with my other friend G.
:) #6: I have decided that after work I am going to go get a sno cone and sit in Sono.ma square at eat it. Whoever thought of drizzling sugary syrup over ice is a genius and deserves a huge hug.
Ok, so those are my positives. I will add that I am still incredibly ticked at one husband who shall remain nameless, but I am trying really hard not to focus on it. Not incredibly hard, but it's the effort right?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
I Don't Even Have a Pla...
So said Phoebe Buffay when asked by Monica if she had a plan. And that is my answer too.
Yes, lots of people have asked what our plan is for the future. Usually this is in reference to debt management, living locations, employment...mostly long term type things. Apparently with the impending arrival of Peanut, we should have a better handle on a plan for our lives. I read alot of blogs where people clearly have a mapped out plan.They have plans for getting out of debt, plans for their family, plans for jobs....and they are all clearly mapped out and detailed.
I used to be a planner. I used to plan out every mundane detail, but then I would get upset if something threw off my plan. So I kind of stopped. Too many things were popping up out of nowhere, changing plans. I was a total control freak, and it really bothered me. I had to learn to loosen up. There were actually times that I was stressed out because I was not stressed about anything. True story.
Don't get me wrong, my husband and I have ideas for where we would like to be. And I do still plan things out...I can't quite embrace the "fly by the seat of your pants" mentality. This baby popped up pretty suddenly, and so our tentative plans were altered yet again. I have mapped out the months until Peanut's arrival pretty well, but mostly because they involve specific events and are quite busy. So for those concerned, here is what I have:
Debt management/reduction: I have mapped this out so many times, it makes me want to scream. We have sat down with financial advisors at the bank. I don't know if we just don't have the discipline to follow what they give us or what (the plans are pretty rigorous, and don't usually account for unplanned events...like husband needs a new car, which means another car payment and increased car insurance payments). I am not going to lie, we do have a fair amount of debt. From two car loans, moving across the country, 6 years of student loans, a wedding, a honeymoon, 3 months of living in an expensive city like San Francisco without a job, buying new furniture, emergency root canals, car accidents...it all adds up. And that number is fairly intimidating, and made me outright freak out a few months ago. We were never financially irresponsible, so to speak, but we weren't exactly always on top of our situation. For example, We made late payments on accident, which subsequently raised interest rates every now and then. We have good credit scores and good paying jobs, and it finally dawned upon us (well, me anyway), that I shouldn't have to pay interest up the wazoo, etc. I totalled everything, and started mapping out how each paycheck would be portioned to pay bills. I shuffled balances. I pay 2 extra car payments on each loan every year. I round each payment due up to the nearest hundred, and sometimes double the minimum payments. We try to put 10% of each check into our high interest savings, but that doesn't happen with every check. We stopped using our credit cards, except for what we pay off each month...like gas and groceries. Do these things make us debt free any time soon? No, most likely not. Am I incredibly concerned about our financial situation for when Peanut arrives and we aren't pulling in our normal salaries? Not really. We have a good amount of money in our savings, and we do have a small retirement account. And I plugged our information into one of those Net Worth websites, and with our shares in the tire store, both cars being worth more than what we owe, and that pearly white classic T-bird push us into a fairly high positive net worth. So I guess my plan for this is to just keep doing what I am doing.
Living location: Is is difficult to live thousands of miles away from family? Yes, especially with the baby coming. Do I feel alone at times when I shouldn't have to? Yes. But to be 1000% honest, I do not see a solution to this anywhere in the near future. We talked about moving to NC within the next year or so, and we would still like to do that. It is closer to the family and friends in the midwest. It is an area where we both have been many times, and have enjoyed. It is close enough to the ocean, so I won't go through withdrawl. Is this feasible for the near future at this point? Not so much right now. I realize having a baby so far away from everyone will be difficult. But moving back east to any location at this point would make it more so. I would lose my health insurance, my maternity leave (and California has the best maternity/paternity laws in the country)...not to mention that neither my husband and I have jobs out there at this point, and it would take a huge chunk of our money to relocate so blindly. We do need a bigger place, though. We need three bedrooms. And for what I would pay per month to keep all the guestroom things in storage, I could pay for a 3 bedroom in Peta.luma. However, our lease is not up until the end of December, and I would ideally like to move in November. The plan for this? Keep hunting for a new place in Peta.luma or the surrounding area and have the husband explain the situation to the landlord, who he is tight with. Put moving to NC on the back burner for at least another year, until we can really start planning for it.
Employment: I like my job. Ben likes his job. Ideally, I would love not to work after the baby is born. Is this reasonable at this point? Nope. As for now, I am going to take my maternity (praying that I am approved for a total of 4-5 months), and then come back to work. We will figure out childcare and such when we get there.
So that pretty much covers the three big ones. I don't have more to say on those than that. As for the time being until Peanut does make his/her entrance...it is pretty busy. August is pretty much half over. In September I have my training to become an MMC education volunteer. That takes up every Tuesday night and Saturday for a good portion of the month. The beginning of October I am going back to Ohio for a few days, and then to an out of state wedding. Then we are taking a little side trip to NYC for a few days. When we come back we will have to start registering. In November I want to move. Then starts the holidays. I have two planned baby showers, one in Ohio that involves me being gone for 6 days in December. The Californ.ia shower is in January. And then Peanut will be here.
So I guess my overall plan is this: To grow a healthy baby for the next 6 months. That is all that really matters to me at this point, and all that I am truly focusing on. I am going to be a mommy, and for me, that is a dream come true. All of my energy is going into that.
Yes, lots of people have asked what our plan is for the future. Usually this is in reference to debt management, living locations, employment...mostly long term type things. Apparently with the impending arrival of Peanut, we should have a better handle on a plan for our lives. I read alot of blogs where people clearly have a mapped out plan.They have plans for getting out of debt, plans for their family, plans for jobs....and they are all clearly mapped out and detailed.
I used to be a planner. I used to plan out every mundane detail, but then I would get upset if something threw off my plan. So I kind of stopped. Too many things were popping up out of nowhere, changing plans. I was a total control freak, and it really bothered me. I had to learn to loosen up. There were actually times that I was stressed out because I was not stressed about anything. True story.
Don't get me wrong, my husband and I have ideas for where we would like to be. And I do still plan things out...I can't quite embrace the "fly by the seat of your pants" mentality. This baby popped up pretty suddenly, and so our tentative plans were altered yet again. I have mapped out the months until Peanut's arrival pretty well, but mostly because they involve specific events and are quite busy. So for those concerned, here is what I have:
Debt management/reduction: I have mapped this out so many times, it makes me want to scream. We have sat down with financial advisors at the bank. I don't know if we just don't have the discipline to follow what they give us or what (the plans are pretty rigorous, and don't usually account for unplanned events...like husband needs a new car, which means another car payment and increased car insurance payments). I am not going to lie, we do have a fair amount of debt. From two car loans, moving across the country, 6 years of student loans, a wedding, a honeymoon, 3 months of living in an expensive city like San Francisco without a job, buying new furniture, emergency root canals, car accidents...it all adds up. And that number is fairly intimidating, and made me outright freak out a few months ago. We were never financially irresponsible, so to speak, but we weren't exactly always on top of our situation. For example, We made late payments on accident, which subsequently raised interest rates every now and then. We have good credit scores and good paying jobs, and it finally dawned upon us (well, me anyway), that I shouldn't have to pay interest up the wazoo, etc. I totalled everything, and started mapping out how each paycheck would be portioned to pay bills. I shuffled balances. I pay 2 extra car payments on each loan every year. I round each payment due up to the nearest hundred, and sometimes double the minimum payments. We try to put 10% of each check into our high interest savings, but that doesn't happen with every check. We stopped using our credit cards, except for what we pay off each month...like gas and groceries. Do these things make us debt free any time soon? No, most likely not. Am I incredibly concerned about our financial situation for when Peanut arrives and we aren't pulling in our normal salaries? Not really. We have a good amount of money in our savings, and we do have a small retirement account. And I plugged our information into one of those Net Worth websites, and with our shares in the tire store, both cars being worth more than what we owe, and that pearly white classic T-bird push us into a fairly high positive net worth. So I guess my plan for this is to just keep doing what I am doing.
Living location: Is is difficult to live thousands of miles away from family? Yes, especially with the baby coming. Do I feel alone at times when I shouldn't have to? Yes. But to be 1000% honest, I do not see a solution to this anywhere in the near future. We talked about moving to NC within the next year or so, and we would still like to do that. It is closer to the family and friends in the midwest. It is an area where we both have been many times, and have enjoyed. It is close enough to the ocean, so I won't go through withdrawl. Is this feasible for the near future at this point? Not so much right now. I realize having a baby so far away from everyone will be difficult. But moving back east to any location at this point would make it more so. I would lose my health insurance, my maternity leave (and California has the best maternity/paternity laws in the country)...not to mention that neither my husband and I have jobs out there at this point, and it would take a huge chunk of our money to relocate so blindly. We do need a bigger place, though. We need three bedrooms. And for what I would pay per month to keep all the guestroom things in storage, I could pay for a 3 bedroom in Peta.luma. However, our lease is not up until the end of December, and I would ideally like to move in November. The plan for this? Keep hunting for a new place in Peta.luma or the surrounding area and have the husband explain the situation to the landlord, who he is tight with. Put moving to NC on the back burner for at least another year, until we can really start planning for it.
Employment: I like my job. Ben likes his job. Ideally, I would love not to work after the baby is born. Is this reasonable at this point? Nope. As for now, I am going to take my maternity (praying that I am approved for a total of 4-5 months), and then come back to work. We will figure out childcare and such when we get there.
So that pretty much covers the three big ones. I don't have more to say on those than that. As for the time being until Peanut does make his/her entrance...it is pretty busy. August is pretty much half over. In September I have my training to become an MMC education volunteer. That takes up every Tuesday night and Saturday for a good portion of the month. The beginning of October I am going back to Ohio for a few days, and then to an out of state wedding. Then we are taking a little side trip to NYC for a few days. When we come back we will have to start registering. In November I want to move. Then starts the holidays. I have two planned baby showers, one in Ohio that involves me being gone for 6 days in December. The Californ.ia shower is in January. And then Peanut will be here.
So I guess my overall plan is this: To grow a healthy baby for the next 6 months. That is all that really matters to me at this point, and all that I am truly focusing on. I am going to be a mommy, and for me, that is a dream come true. All of my energy is going into that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)