Ripped Off

Dear Stevie,
I recently got a call from my OB Clinic, letting me know the balance of my prenatal care bill.

$601.20 plus $76.85 for your 20-week ultrasound (you know, the one where they said everything was perfect).

I remember when the lady in the billing office was going over the estimated costs with me after my 16-week appointment and said, "Having a baby is expensive, but so worth it once you have them in your arms!"

Right. What about when you don't have them in your arms? What about when you have one and they die before you can take them home? If I pay the $678.05 at my postpartum appointment tomorrow, will my baby magically appear in the exam room?

I feel so ripped off. I paid for a baby and ended up with empty arms. Kind of feels like I ordered something really sweet off of Ebay, paid for it with my Paypal account, checked the mail for it's arrival everyday, and it never came. I'd be pissed, kind of like I am right now.

I've been ripped off, baby, of so many things, in so many ways.

All my love, sweet girl.

Mom