Bump Update: 17 Weeks and a New Plan

Well, I've made it to 17 weeks! I feel like I've popped now. My bump still isn't massive but it's clearly visible. The picture below is from Friday, and I swear I'm bigger since then. I don't think I've felt the baby move yet. Recently I feel like maybe I feel something, but it hasn't been enough for me to really know. If that makes any sense at all!

We were supposed to find out the sex of the baby next week, but that's not going to happen now because I'm switching healthcare providers. I've been seeing a wonderful nurse midwife at a hospital downtown and I've loved the experience and care there. However, as I've done research on insurance plans and co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses I've come to realize that this baby was going to be expensive to have there. Especially since my current insurance plan is being discontinued and all the new plans are more expensive with worse coverage! A friend pointed out that since my blond haired blue eyed husband is a card carrying member of a Native American tribe that I could have the baby at the same hospital she had her baby at - for free. 

So I did some research. And it is very hard to find any information like this online! I ended up having to call the hospital/clinic directly to get my questions answered, and I discovered that yes, I can go to their hospital.

So how does that work? Because if you grew up in a town with a Native American hospital like me, you know that unless you have your CDIB card (which proves you are a member of a tribe) you can't go to that hospital. But apparently if you are carrying a baby that will also be a card carrying member of the tribe, then the hospital welcomes you in (up to 6 weeks post-natal).

I had my first appointment at that hospital earlier this week. I had to bring a copy of my husband's drivers license, his CDIB card, his Social Security card, my Social Security card, my driver's license, our marriage license, and proof that I was actually pregnant (a letter from a non-native doctor). The paperwork took quite awhile, but it's all settled now. It's a bit of a drive to the hospital (2 hours), but I'll take that and the cost of gas instead of the exorbitant cost of my other option! Plus the hospital is in my hometown, so I can always stay with my parents if necessary. And I know several people who work there and have had their babies there, and I've only heard good things. So it seems like a win-win!

I'm going back for my official appointment next week. That's when I'll find out when my next ultrasound will be, likely in December. No matter what, we should find out if we are having a boy or girl before Christmas! I feel like it's a girl, but then all my dreams lately have been that it is a boy. So I really have no idea. Any guesses?

Previously on Mrs Robbins Sparkles...

Not So Sparkly

Things have been a little boring around the Robbins house lately. Lots of reading, binge watching, and Ritz crackers. The good news is that I have some great books to tell you about for next month's Quick Lit! The bad news is that I don't seem to have much to say these days. 

Honestly, this pregnancy thing is kind of rough. But everyone swears it's going to get better soon!  The second trimester is so close, and all I hear is how much more energy I'll have. Fingers crossed. 

Another not fun thing? Trying to get dressed. Thankfully I work from home most days, and yoga pants are fabulous and forgiving. My jeans? Not so much. I've pretty much been living in maxi skirts with elastic waists, but fall is here and I'm going to have to have some other options soon. I've ordered some maternity clothes from thredUP, so we'll see how that goes. 

Final pregnancy note: I promise to provide bump pics in the future, but at this point I just look like I had one too many burritos. Which is funny, because I haven't had too many of anything lately. Except maybe crackers!

Now excuse me, I'm going to continue binge watching the Good Wife. 

Previously on Mrs Robbins Sparkles...

In Case You Missed It...

If you've been wondering why I've been so quiet, the answer is simple.

Yes, Baby Robbins will be joining our family in April! And I've been battling some nasty morning (let's be real, it's all-damn-day) sickness and some ridiculous exhaustion. Growing a baby is hard work. I had no idea how hard! 

So I've been taking it super easy lately. Plus it's hard to write honestly when you have this huge secret you're keeping. That's what is so crazy about early pregnancy. Your whole life has been turned upside down, but you're not supposed to talk about it! It's so weird. 

But don't worry friends. This won't turn into a pregnancy focused blog. Of course I'll talk about it, but it's not going to become my focus. In fact, I'll be back tomorrow with September's Quick Lit list. And, of course, a new edition of the When I Grow Up series will be up on Wednesday! 

So stick around! :)

Previously on Mrs Robbins Sparkles...