the newest member of the Italian national medical system

Ryan's mom came last Monday and her timing could not have been any more perfect. At 12 weeks is when you can apply for your "health card". I quote it because it's obviously called something in Italian but the direct translation wouldn't make sense. Anyways. The whole time we've been here, nothing has made me more homesick than having to figure out their medical system. There is so much of first go here and take a number, wait, get this signature then go over there, take a number, wait. Come back in 3 days for your results. You can't get this test without the signature from this other doctor. But at the same time, all of this is free! For my first Dr. appointment, I went to a private doctor because she spoke English. It is very different than what I'm used to in the states. Usually, the nurse assistant comes in, gets your medical history and what not. This was like "so, what am i seeing you for today?"
"I'm pregnant"
"okay."
uh, okay. do you have maybe a form you go by or do I need to make this appointment run?
For the first part of the appointment she was telling me about how I should get an amniocentesis to find out if the baby has downsyndrome. And then she went on to show me all these charts about what my risk was of having a baby with downsyndrome. I finally said "it doesn't matter to me if the baby has it or not, I'm keeping the baby regardless."
Then she did a little ultrasound and when she saw my tummy she gave out a "whoa!" to my stretchmarks. "thanks doc". then again when she had me get on the scale, "whoa!" I found it quite funny but of course Ryan now has to hear about how too big my tummy is. Then she wrote up the bill for 100 euros!


Ryan's mom left yesterday, the 23rd and I don't know what I'm going to do without my afternoon naps! She spoiled me and I didn't have to do much around the house. It was a lovely vacation. How do grandma's do it? She played with the kids for hours, my limit is about 2 and then it's time for a movie :) But sweet little Cloe is incredibly sad and all she wants to do is go home. She cried herself to sleep because she misses Grandma. 7 more weeks! I should also add that after reading my blog about my mexican food craving, she brought us refried beans, corn tortilla's, cheddar cheese, velveeta and stuff to make cheese ball. Among other things but those are the most note worthy.