Counsyl Genetic Test

Nikita decided to do the noninvasive genetic test to test for various defects. The doctor recommends it for patients of advanced age. Nikita is just past the threshold. I’m not against it but I’m not sure I would have decided to do it either.

We didn’t want to have to pay full out of pocket price for the test. Though we couldn’t get a straight answer about insurance coverage from either our insurance company or the doctor’s office or Counsyl. Nikita and I both called and talked to all the right people at all the involved parties but due to workflow and various reason we ended up in a situation where we didn’t know if the test would be covered nor the percentage. We got various estimates of common results but there was never an answer about what would happen in our situation even though we made our best effort to find out what we should expect financially.

The whole process was very frustrating. We wound up understanding that we might be on the hook for the full price of the test. With that understand, we decided to do the test. I was most upset with how much Nikita and I argued over this. We have different ways of approaching these types of problems.

I wound up understanding more about the medical insurance process faster than I might have wanted.

Our results are great. No problems. We also found out the gender a bit before the ultrasound.

And I just looked at the insurance website. No issues with payment.

But still it was more of an ordeal than I would have preferred. And I’m not even sure who to blame. If anywhere deserves the blame, it is probably the insurance company. I understand they have a workflow in place so I don’t blame the people I spoke with for explaining to me how it works. The problem is that it didn’t work great in this case.

Toothpaste

My pregnant wife developed a sensitivity to the flavors in most toothpastes. Brushing would make her gag. Brushing became an ordeal. The solution is peroxide and baking soda type toothpastes. She is much less sensitive to the taste of these kinds of toothpastes.

Left Hand Wake Up Dead

Cellared 2013.10.20 650ml

Drank 2015.04.14

Left Hand Wake Up Dead

Sweet and good. Nice mouthfeel. Well perceived alcohol. Generically good. Nothing stood out. Never had this fresh. I think I recall it being not too expensive.

Recipe used for leg of lamb

I used this recipe for a leg of lamb for Super Bowl Sunday. It turned out drier than I like. But I didn’t wind up cooking it myself though I prepared it. It was cooked on high heat instead of low for too long.

1.5 – 2 tbsp cumin
1.5 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp pepper
6 cloves garlic
1 onion
2 limes, juice
.5 cup red wine

He moved

I felt Sailor Moon moving yesterday. It wasn’t a kick but he was moving around. I think I’ve felt him move before too but I wasn’t quite sure if it was Nikita’s stomach but this time I’m sure it was my son.

Pipeworks Closer Encounter

Cellared 2013.10.20 650ml

Drank 2015.04.07

Pipeworks Closer Encounter

It is still pretty hoppy. Quite bitter. Rich mouthfeel. There is a bit of a sour tang that isn’t unpleasant. The alcohol is not well perceived. It is very tasty. The stout base doesn’t come through the hoppiness so it taste a bit like an American Barleywine with the hops. I quite like the lingering bitterness though. It is very different than the sweetness from many big stouts.

Bleeding

Earlier this week, Nikita experienced some bleeding during intercourse. It isn’t the first time. She was concerned enough to take a trip to the hospital. I was quite concerned too as there was a decent amount and it was very fresh.

Everything checked out but I am very concerned and careful now every time we are intimate. Intercourse is allegedly safe during pregnancy but we are having a bit of a rough go at it.

Ultrasound

Nikita had an ultrasound today. I saw my baby. I saw his head and heart and legs and feet and arm and brain. I saw his unmistakable evidence of maleness. The ultrasound tech even mentioned how definitely male he is.

Somer came and enjoyed seeing his baby brother but it was a bit long of a wait at the doctor’s office and he didn’t enjoy the waiting.

Everything else looks good too. My healthy baby boy!

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Avery Hog Heaven

Cellared 2013.10.20 650ml

Drank 2015.04.03

Hog Heaven

The mouthfeel is spot on for a barleywine. It is rich and thick. It isn’t hoppy but it tastes if it used to be. It is bitter but there is a bit of a hop sharpness to the bitterness. Maybe a bit like an older IPA. I like the old hoppiness. It adds complexity.

Cravings

Ah the infamous craving. It isn’t too bad. No late night must gets. Nothing too exotic. Many of then are scheduled well so that we just get stuff for later or the next day.

Tom Yum Soup
Spicy and sour much more than usual
Fruit
Fried chicken
Fried rice
Chicken wings
Soup
Fried egg
Instant noodle
Cereal
Ice cream
Pop
Crackers
McDonald’s
Italian Ice
Pho
Pork chop sandwich
orange chicken