The Maze . . .

. . . we call health insurance. SIGH!

So this week I finally realized that I need to get my tush in gear to get independent health insurance. A few months ago I lost my insurance with my job - gotta love the recession - I was waiting in case I'd be eligible for the stimulus towards health insurance, but as Mr. Rooster is still employed (woo-hoo!), I think it's time to look into other independent options.

In the past, I've had insurance through work thus never having to shop around. Not only that, I never really had to learn about insurance plans, HMOs, PPOs, etc.

A friend who had sold insurance in the past gave me my first place to look and I also looked at the company I was with through my employer. And while I needed to start somewhere, I luckily came across another idea- to look at the costs involved with pregnancy, labor + delivery as well as where I might want to deliver our baby. This really gave me a better sense of direction. Once you have a given provider, your options as to where you can deliver are often limited - in my case, at the moment, I have my pick! So through reading various reviews of clinics and hospitals, I think I'm almost there.

And if you're looking for insurance, too - here's a few things to consider:

-where would you like to have your baby?
-do you have a preferred doctor and if so- what plans do they accept?
-look for a plan with a low deductible and low 'max-out-of-pocket' - this is handy because it is likely (as in pretty certain) you will exceed this amount with labor + delivery alone - even with no complications/anesthesia . . .
-start shopping when you start planning to have a child! (most providers consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition if it happens anytime before your coverage begins and therefore they will not cover the expenses during the pregnancy - even if you've completed the application before it happens - so be careful! :)

Oh- and beyond talking with providers about the options, it is helpful to call prospective clinics and gather information about plans they accept, how the billing will occur, and which hospitals they work with. There a lot to know and be learned - good luck!

Vrrm . . . vrrm . . .

In deciding that we'd like to try to conceive a child this year, I've begun to notice things in my surroundings in a different light . . . like strollers, for example . . .

My intrigue with all things baby started a bit earlier than that, though, and my initial research quickly followed . . . I would search other blogs and websites for opinions on strollers, then would go back to manufacturers websites to compare - from size and amenities to prices and colors - yes, I can be that ridiculous . . . but I think it is important to make educated decisions and find things you'll really use and like, if possible.

Back to strollers . . . in the past, my exposure has definitely been with 'standard' strollers like my parents probably used with me . . . and then a guy I worked with brought his new little girl in what might have been a Stokke Xplory . . .




I wasn't sure this was my style of stroller, but it made me curious as to what else was out there . . . next I saw a stroller frame at the grocery that said Quinny, but it looked like it was being used with a car seat which seemed quite dandy.Looking more, the Quinny is a very nice looking stroller with numerous options {one I happen to like is its compatibility with the Maxi-Cosi car seat which is very cute and has good safety ratings} but a few weeks later, I saw another one in person and it seemed quite large!






Similarly, I've heard the Peg Perego Skate is also large, however it has numerous amenities, too . . .





And then, yesterday at the farmers market, I saw a stroller that looked like it had many of the amenities I am looking for and wasn't too big - I wasn't sure if I caught the name for sure or not - but I think it was a Bugaboo . . . sigh . . . I told myself not to like Bugaboos - why? well- they seem to be uber-popular already and they are pretty pricey . . .Well, next will likely be taking a few strollers for a spin in person and seeing the amenities close-up . . . what am I looking for exactly?

{ideal stroller amenities, for now}

-car seat compatible
-seat can face forwards + backwards
-multiple seat positions
-continuous handle
-functional element of transporting stuff (like a picnic lunch!)
-adjustable seat position + possibly the handle

Otherwise, I don't think double wheels and 3-wheel strollers are as fun . . . :) (the Quinny also comes in a 4-wheel model, too)

Oh and I almost forgot, another one to look at is the Maxi-Cosi Foray . . . it is compatible with the infant car seat and a bit less expensive . . .

So for now, I ask . . . if anyone has preferences about any of these, please share . . . and otherwise, it's probably ok if I wait until we really need one! (ha, yes, you probably already thought we were expecting - this is just the beginning!)

Let's ride the roller coaster!

Tonight Mr. Rooster and I watched the movie, Parenthood - it had been years since I'd seen it and for some reason as we venture into the roles of becoming parents (hopefully), I was curious . . . it definitely brought laughs and I most certainly prefer roller coasters to merry-go-rounds!

As we start along this new path, I am ever so excited!!! Personally, my life goal since I was of legal age has been to become a momma . . . and while I might not have anticipated waiting 12 years to start trying, I am so happy I did because it allowed me to learn more about myself as well as fall in love with Mr. Rooster : ) Although we have yet to be married for a year, we started talking about having little peeps after dating about 9 months (we've been together for over 4 years) . . . in some ways, back then, it was a bit of an ultimatum and he said ok- lucky me!

Like many others, I'm not ready for my world to know we're about to start trying . . . for the many reactions we might receive, in some ways, letting the world know in a different way (a.k.a. via blog) just seems better right now . . . besides, it gives me a place to record my baby prep research, talk with others and just vent in general.

Thanks for stopping by + stay tuned!

Dear Mr. Rooster . . .

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Let's make a baby,
Because I love you!