Going in to the doctor for a false alarm: $2,000
Having a labor-side view of Kinnick Stadium: $10,000
Spending two nights in a hospital room: $5,000
Having your newborn son poked and prodded: $7,000
Spending six nights in the NICU: $23,000
Having health insurance: Priceless!
Just in case you were thinking about having a baby:
Delivery and spending a week in the NICU comes out to approx. $45,000. Thankfully we payed a lot less than that 🙂
Having a fantastic son and wonderful wife: best thing in the world!
At long last the moment hath arrived. We have a new addition to our family: Jacob Fredric Werth. Elise started having contractions on Monday morning and went in to the hospital. She was only 2-3 cm and so the staff told her to go home and not to work. She stayed at home and contracted until we decided to go in that night at 11 pm. After being monitored and contracting a fair amount, we were still at only 3-4 cm. So at 2 am (Tuesday morning) we went home to sit. After a few hours, and not so fun contractions, we headed back in at 5:30 am. After arriving, the babies heart rate was a little on the low side and Elise was severely dehydrated. As a result, Elise started looking like the bionic woman with a variety of cords coming out from her as the staff filled her with water, sugar, and some minor drugs through an IV.
After a few hours, Elise was at 8 cm and we were moved to the labor room. At 11 am (with our doc getting off at 12), Elise started to push and 50 minutes later out came Jacob. He was 20 inches in length and weighed 7 lbs and 9 ounces. He has slight difficulty breathing (which is currently getting better), so he is spending his time in the NICU. Mom did a great job and is already up and walking. Check out the attached videos and pictures:
