I have been lying in bed trying to distract myself from the contractions I've been feeling. Some of the contractions are mild, some are intense.
We had set out to church, my hair ready and curled, all the boys dressed nicely and excited to get out of the house after a week of being cooped up, when the first contraction hit really hard. I tried to pass it off and continue on to church, but it got so bad, Jon had to quickly drop me off at home and he went back to church.
So here I am, bored out of my mind. I wanted to post this to see how long Josselyn will arrive after this post.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Last Days
I'm trying hard to do what everyone suggests and enjoy the last days with a belly blessed with a baby inside. It is one of the most difficult things to do. ;0)
These past few days, I've had strong contractions, but nothing that has said "this is it." Josselyn is constantly moving around which make's sleeping quiet difficult. I enjoy (almost) every move she makes. Sometimes, they are quite painful!
I must update you all on a constant question we've been getting since recent news came up. A lot of you have been concerned about our health insurance (or lack there of). And we are grateful for the many concerns since we know you love and care about us.
I was reapplying for Pregnant Woman's Medicaid in hopes that they'd at least cover the delivery. Typically, Pregant Woman's Medicaid will only supply a limited # of funds (can be around $5,000) and the rest will have to be covered by the patient. When I did my research at the average cost of delivery at Christus St. Michael we were looking at $8,000 for normal delivery and $13,000 for C-Section. Christus St. Michael is a Charitable hospital and provides assistance to those without insurance.
WE FALL UNDER THE 200% of POVERTY LEVEL!!! Therefore, I cancelled my application to medicaid in order to recieve the Charity Care. PRAISES!!!
These past few days, I've had strong contractions, but nothing that has said "this is it." Josselyn is constantly moving around which make's sleeping quiet difficult. I enjoy (almost) every move she makes. Sometimes, they are quite painful!
I must update you all on a constant question we've been getting since recent news came up. A lot of you have been concerned about our health insurance (or lack there of). And we are grateful for the many concerns since we know you love and care about us.
I was reapplying for Pregnant Woman's Medicaid in hopes that they'd at least cover the delivery. Typically, Pregant Woman's Medicaid will only supply a limited # of funds (can be around $5,000) and the rest will have to be covered by the patient. When I did my research at the average cost of delivery at Christus St. Michael we were looking at $8,000 for normal delivery and $13,000 for C-Section. Christus St. Michael is a Charitable hospital and provides assistance to those without insurance.
Patient Family Income Level, based on Federal Poverty Guidelines | Patient Obligation (the percentage of the patient cost that the patient is expected to pay) | Discount (the amount of the patient cost that is discounted and not part of the patient's obligation) |
|---|---|---|
Up to 200% of poverty level | No charge to patient (qualifies as charity care) | 100% (the entire patient cost is waived) |
201% to 300% of poverty level | Patient is expected to pay 50% of list price in most cases | 50% discount off list price in most cases |
301% to 400% of poverty level | Patient is expected to pay 70% of list price in most cases | 30% discount off list price in most cases |
Between 401% and above of poverty level | Patient is expected to pay 100% of uninsured discounted price | No additional discount off of uninsured discounted price |
WE FALL UNDER THE 200% of POVERTY LEVEL!!! Therefore, I cancelled my application to medicaid in order to recieve the Charity Care. PRAISES!!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Q & A
So a lot of you have been asking questions regarding Josselyn's arrival and how are we going to handle it all... well here comes the answers!
Q: Where is Josselyn going to be born?
A: Josselyn will be born at Christus St. Michael in Texarkana, TX. That's right, Josselyn will be born on the Texas side.
Q: Do you have insurance yet?
A: Still no insurance, however we are going to reapply for medicaid in hopes that this time we'll be approved. If not, we have another (but more expensive) option with Blue Shield.
Q: Where will the boys be when you go to deliver?
A: That is actually a GREAT question! Josselyn can come at any time, and if that were to happen while we are not on our Relief break, then the boys will temporarily relocate for a few days (not sure where yet). We have asked for them to be able to visit at the hospital in order for them to feel included in our "family" and not tossed off to the side just because our baby is now here. We have discussed with our Dr. the option of being induced on our due date, December 13, if she hasn't already arrived since our due date falls during our December Relief.
Q: Will you have any help once Josselyn arrives since you already have 7 boys?
A: Temporarily we will have help. My parents are set to arrive December 12 and stay until the 28th (if all goes well). But I'm sure my parents will mostly be doting on their new granddaughter and the grandboys instead of "helping" ;0)
Q: Have you taken any birthing classes?
A: No birthing classes yet and I'm not sure if we'll have a chance to take any. Our schedule is pretty packed and our boys are our priority (although the health and safety of Josselyn is priority as well).
Q: Will you be getting an epidural?
A: So far the plan is a "no". 1) because we might have to be paying out of pocket for the delivery and that's another added expense, and 2) it is important to Jon to not get one (you ask HIM the reasons).
So far, those are the questions I've received. If you have more, feel free to comment and I'd be more than happy to answer them!
Q: Where is Josselyn going to be born?
A: Josselyn will be born at Christus St. Michael in Texarkana, TX. That's right, Josselyn will be born on the Texas side.
Q: Do you have insurance yet?
A: Still no insurance, however we are going to reapply for medicaid in hopes that this time we'll be approved. If not, we have another (but more expensive) option with Blue Shield.
Q: Where will the boys be when you go to deliver?
A: That is actually a GREAT question! Josselyn can come at any time, and if that were to happen while we are not on our Relief break, then the boys will temporarily relocate for a few days (not sure where yet). We have asked for them to be able to visit at the hospital in order for them to feel included in our "family" and not tossed off to the side just because our baby is now here. We have discussed with our Dr. the option of being induced on our due date, December 13, if she hasn't already arrived since our due date falls during our December Relief.
Q: Will you have any help once Josselyn arrives since you already have 7 boys?
A: Temporarily we will have help. My parents are set to arrive December 12 and stay until the 28th (if all goes well). But I'm sure my parents will mostly be doting on their new granddaughter and the grandboys instead of "helping" ;0)
Q: Have you taken any birthing classes?
A: No birthing classes yet and I'm not sure if we'll have a chance to take any. Our schedule is pretty packed and our boys are our priority (although the health and safety of Josselyn is priority as well).
Q: Will you be getting an epidural?
A: So far the plan is a "no". 1) because we might have to be paying out of pocket for the delivery and that's another added expense, and 2) it is important to Jon to not get one (you ask HIM the reasons).
So far, those are the questions I've received. If you have more, feel free to comment and I'd be more than happy to answer them!
Everything New
This is officially the last time Jon and I will be alone on our Relief Week (every 28 days we get 6 days where our boys relocate to a temporary Relief Home in order to let us refuel our batteries). As of next Relief, Josselyn Raleigh Stark will be in my arms.
I've been horrible with this blog considering most of you who read it are updated quite frequently through Facebook, but I want to confirm you all that this blog goes into much further detail than Facebook can or will.
I've been having many sleepless nights (I'm sure in order to prepare for what is to come), and my mind is awakened every night with "did I get this done" or "oh no, I forgot this thing". My body is definitely prepping itself for the day of her arrival. I'm experiencing more contractions, cramps, serious back pain, and all the other fun joys of prepping for labor. At our last Dr.'s appointment I was measured a week earlier than what we had set for, so quite possibly today marks week 36 instead of week 35. Let's hope so. Her nursery is just about complete with only a few other knick knacks to purchase in order for things to (temporarily) be in order. We've been blessed by each of you who have given such beautiful gifts to our little baby dweller.
Our Home is exactly where we're meant to be. Although financially we're still left with so many "what ifs" or "can we make it", we have never been so blessed. Our boys have melted our hearts and we love them deeply, even though they'll only be ours for a short time. I cry each time I allow myself to think of the day when they'll be relocated or leave the Ranch. I pray and believe for only the best for these boys as I try my hardest to give the best to them while they are in my care (although they'll probably have a different opinion ;0)
With the holidays coming up and Josselyn's arrival we're making sure we don't spread ourselves too thin, but we want to give it our all. We've tackled Halloween with so much ease (sort of). Thanksgiving will come and go quickly considering all of us are wanting to just skip to Christmas. A log home is the funnest to decorate for Christmas by the way! Here's a few photos of our boys on Halloween:
I've been horrible with this blog considering most of you who read it are updated quite frequently through Facebook, but I want to confirm you all that this blog goes into much further detail than Facebook can or will.
I've been having many sleepless nights (I'm sure in order to prepare for what is to come), and my mind is awakened every night with "did I get this done" or "oh no, I forgot this thing". My body is definitely prepping itself for the day of her arrival. I'm experiencing more contractions, cramps, serious back pain, and all the other fun joys of prepping for labor. At our last Dr.'s appointment I was measured a week earlier than what we had set for, so quite possibly today marks week 36 instead of week 35. Let's hope so. Her nursery is just about complete with only a few other knick knacks to purchase in order for things to (temporarily) be in order. We've been blessed by each of you who have given such beautiful gifts to our little baby dweller.
Our Home is exactly where we're meant to be. Although financially we're still left with so many "what ifs" or "can we make it", we have never been so blessed. Our boys have melted our hearts and we love them deeply, even though they'll only be ours for a short time. I cry each time I allow myself to think of the day when they'll be relocated or leave the Ranch. I pray and believe for only the best for these boys as I try my hardest to give the best to them while they are in my care (although they'll probably have a different opinion ;0)
With the holidays coming up and Josselyn's arrival we're making sure we don't spread ourselves too thin, but we want to give it our all. We've tackled Halloween with so much ease (sort of). Thanksgiving will come and go quickly considering all of us are wanting to just skip to Christmas. A log home is the funnest to decorate for Christmas by the way! Here's a few photos of our boys on Halloween:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Countdown Begins
Tomorrow morning marks the 30th week of Pregnancy! WAHOO!!! We are super excited and starting to gather up everything necessary to make her room complete. Jon is in nesting mode as much as I am.
We were recently able to spend some time with Jax (my sister) and the band Five Star Streets and Saving Sparrow as they were traveling from one show in Dallas, TX to the next in Atlanta, GA. It was so fun to have our house full of people our age, if only for a little while. The guys spent most of their time playing Wii while we gals headed to the stores. I can't tell you the last time I had girl time. It did remind Jon and I exactly how old we really are, when most of the time we feel a lot older being house parents to 7 boys.
But let me tell you, no matter how much we miss random outtings, shopping sprees, and poker nights, we wouldn't give up our life for anything! At the end of our day we were missing our boys roaming around the house.
I am excited to post pics of the baby room and family photos but you'll just have to check back and see since they aren't ready yet.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Josselyn Raleigh
Josselyn is growing in leaps and bounds, literally. Today, she's 27 weeks. Just a few days away from her third trimester. She is a bundle of energy.We are experiencing the joy of watching and feeling her kick, roll, turn, punch, and hick up. Although a lot of the time it's fun, she tends to be most active when I'm lying exhausted in bed.
In our home, we are starting to kick off a whole bunch of new activities which will make our holiday season VERY busy (October-January) so we have to get her room ready by October (which I am very excited about). I can't wait to put up pics of her precious room!!!
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