28 is the new 18

At least that's what it's felt like lately.

After 15 months of waiting, Stella got a spot at PIC!!!
Believe me it's three exclamation points worthy.

So, Although we've been there for about a month, I haven't had a chance to meet all the parents of the children in the room (different schedules...). A mom I hadn't met before came in to drop off her baby as I was helping Stella get settled in. She introduced herself to me assuming I was a new teacher or volunteer. Not to say that the teachers are particularly young or that it's weird I'm hanging out with the kids, plenty if not most parents do this as part of their morning routine, it's just that when I introduced myself I introduced Stella at the same time. Hi, I'm so and so and this is so and so. Totally missing the connection,she responded that yeah, she knew who Stella was but she didn't know who I was and if I was new to the room.
I started speaking in plurals: oh, we've been here for almost a month... She just looked at me funny and went on with her day. I think she never really caught on that I was related to Stella. But I guess it's better than getting that "look". The "oh, you're her mom?" look.
Granted, I may look a tad bit younger than I am, or so I think, and I'm not walking in wearing scrubs but really? OK, that's a bit much, not all moms are doctors or married to one but being surrounded by HUP, Presby, and CHOP doesn't help. Do I just not look like I should have an almost 1 year old?
Yeah, I'm not 28 anymore but when surrounded by so many professionals and not being one myself, it really feels like I just got out of high school and started popping them out.

So, I know I haven't posted for ages. I once more hope this is not a fluke and more will be on the way. Here's to hoping I've eased into my new role and now have time for things I use to do in a care free manner.

$150 Delicious

So, here it is: The infamous rocking chair. It's AWESOME! Sorry, I can't put it any other way.
It looked a little short once out of the box and assembled but you forget about all that once seated. I think that explains why most online nursery stores only show pictures of kids sitting in it. Besides being a good looking chair, it's most definitely functional. The past couple of night time feedings have calmed my fears of it being uncomfortable. I may not have shoulder support but I do get the appropriate mid to lower back support. Even Jason has warmed up to it, kind of.

The future is now!

Josh and Alia are going to be here tomorrow! It takes a while but soon you'll learn to like Philly. I promise. Besides, it'll be so much easier when you have something like this to look forward to:

It's Official!

I've been priced out!
I've always wondered why so many women are not taking care of their reproductive issues. Turns out that although some can hack it up to sheer laziness and/or ignorance, others are just tired of all the incredible hoops they must jump through to get anything done.

Now that Stella is here and we don't intend to have another baby for some years, I was considering an IUD. We figured it would be less hassle, just as effective, and more "cost" effective than the pill (or the minipill in my case since I'm breast feeding). Oh yeah, and I wouldn't have to worry about forgetting. It's a pretty routine procedure and I was all for it. Well, thanks to my doctor who warned me about health insurance coverage, I went on a hunt for information before we scheduled the visit. I seriously spoke to more than ten people in different departments and at first I got no straight answers. Today I got the harsh reality. The facts are that the actual implant is covered partly by my prescription plan (a copay of about $150, not bad) but the procedure is not covered by my health insurance plan. Why? Because: 1) the prescription plan would have to be via the health insurance company and I guess to cut cost my employer decided to go elsewhere, and 2) my employer decided not to cover contraception under the women's health clause for what I can only guess is a cost issue. Why be redundant?
How much would the procedure cost anyway? I called my doctor's office and it's but a mere $875.
Not so cost effective in the end. I know that there are other ways and really I won't be irresponsible but I feel a bit underwhelmed by this whole medical coverage system. Especially one set up by what one would think is a progressive academic institution. If it wouldn't have been for my physician I would have just gone ahead full steam. I guess he sees a lot of cases like mine. That was pretty honest of him. I wouldn't be surprised if some doctors just play dumb.

More hormones for me please. Oh well, lets just stare at this gratuitous picture of Stella with big eyes:

What's Taken Me So Long

I'm sure there have been many things for me to blog about in the past three months but none have been important enough to keep me away from this little one:

Too cute! I can't believe she's already more than 2 months old and I have to go back to work in less than two weeks. Now that I think about it, I haven't been away from her for more than 2hrs since she was born (let alone conceived). I just might have a break down. At least I'll have the reassurance that she's well taken care of by my Grandmother for the first couple of months.
Here's hoping for a seamless transition...