Premature twins are EXPENSIVE!

I was born on November 7th, 1978. Like this November 7th, it was also Election Day for mid-term congressional races. (My mom didn't vote that year, she says she was preoccupied with something. Excuses, excuses...) So it's ironic that today we received the hospital bills (that were sent to our insurance carrier) for the boys' stay in the NICU. We had already received the bill (again, the bill that was sent to insurance) for Robyn's hospital stay.

Seriously... medical procedures are EXPENSIVE!

Now, I started this little blog to share the joy of these new lives, and far be it from me to take attention away from the most precious things in our lives to preach about some political crap, but I've gotta say that I've become a BIG fan of health insurance. For what the hospital stay, C-Section, recovery, and NICU cost, we could have bought a small house (or at least a really nice RV). If this had come up suddenly, and if we had no insurance, we would be financially ruined. And while we're not wealthy, we certainly do alright. How would it be different if this happened to someone of more limited means? It would mean another family on welfare, who can't support themselves and ends up being supported by taxpayers.

Ok, I'm done. But to sum up:

Robyn's stay in the hospital, C-Section, lab work, and medicine: $23,000.

Logan's stay in the NICU, X-rays, and medicine: $25,000.

Zach's stay in the NICU, X-rays, and medicine: $24,000.

Having kickass teacher benefits that pay for it all: Priceless.

Pictures

Ok, we've been lacking on the picture taking lately, and it's not as if we haven't had opportunity. We've had visitors, the babies have continued to grow and be cute, but we've just been lazy. I partly haven't wanted to be the dad that always has a camera in his hands (our friend Lindsay actually said it better than I had even realized it myself: "It's nice to have pictures, but there's something to be said about living in the moment"). Well, Robyn snapped one of me holding both, and we've starting taking their little hats off, so I guess I can put those up:

I think Zach is on my left... Logan in foreground Logan, the good sleeper Zach with the "Stewie Griffin" look on his face

Comments

there is something to be said of living in the moment, but seriously, in a couple years, you will totally forget so much...you can never have too many pictures! just remember to enjoy the moments when you *aren't* taking pictures =)

from shanaynay on 2006-11-10 10:36:02
I can beat you in the bill department. Chloe's hospital bill alone was $338,000.00. It sure helps to have insurance. That doesn't count the bill for her sister Stephanie 2 years earlier. Keep working.

from Aunt Janet on 2006-11-09 20:49:38
Happy birthday, Aaron!

I am happy to see your boys developing little rolls. Chubby baby = smart baby. Keep up the good work!

from Cousin Jennie on 2006-11-08 11:36:04
They are just so absolutely adorable!

from Susan Blair on 2006-11-08 08:20:07
In Iceland, not only are babies nearly free (universal health care for citizens and legal residents like me) but mothers and fathers get nine months of paid maternity and paternity leave to bond with their little ones. And as soon as the babies are listed with the tax agency, parents get payments from the government each month to subsidize the cost of raising each child until age 16. If you are interested, here is an article about it in english: http://www.grapevine.is/default.aspx?show=paper&part=fullstory&id=962

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Aaron.

from Jamie Martin on 2006-11-08 02:50:45
Thanks for the pictures! I can't wait to hold those babies!

from Grandma Beeber on 2006-11-07 23:09:41
Comments:
Your Name: