dittobaby:
Please ladies in the house, I need websites of good clothing stores in America that have a section for plus sizes. The only good one I know is
'New Look' but it is UK based. Thanks.

Its sometimes better to go in store shopping because when u buy online, it might end up being a bit too smaller or too big.

zeezahbee:
Chase ke, even me wey i dey live here , I can't step inside chase. Just go to bank of america

Bank of America is so easy, passport and that's all

MumT2:
Please can u give me ur doctors email add. Thanks

I don't ve it. I was just beginning to consider How to get it but want to know d cost of total pacKage first.

[quote author=nefertitiram post=33350846]

u can also check out Wells Fargo bank if it is close to u.just ur passport dats necessary.

[quote author=hotmummy2015 post=33305930]Hi everyone, I have been a silent follower since december 2014, so now to give back to the followers of this thread. I had my interview on April 29 at 6,30am in lagos, i had been to the embassy in dec but i was denied then for no reason, the black lady in counter one was just a meanie, after speaking all the big big grammar and telling her all the numerous places i had been she still said i wasnt qualified for a visa bla bla, the purpose then was tourism as i wasnt pregnant then, anyways fastforward to the interview... the VO was a white woman in counter 6, beside one asian that was denying everyone that came to her, i was just praying in my mind that i wont Our God is a mighty God,
He is the God of each year,


Congrats! So happy for U.
Why did U choose 6:30am for ur interview? Did u meet with d time? Did it start at exactly at this time 6:30am?
Just curious for future purpose

You can actually get an earlier interview date at the discretion of the embassy. Just use the feedback/contact from the appointment booking portal to humbly request an earlier/ specific date stating your genuine reasons and I am sure they will oblige. I have done that before and it worked. We were travelling as a group and got different dates. We got them to bring appointment s forward. All the best.

SAkale:
We booked the date like that....can it be changed? As pa brought closer? Still waiting for your response on accommodation dear.

[quote author=OMary83 post=33355146][/quote]

Thanks, Bank of America is quite a distance. Will look out for Wells Fargos.
I went to chase because it's a block away. Was a futile effort eventually

nefertitiram:


Thanks, Bank of America is quite a distance. Will look out for Wells Fargos.
I went to chase because it's a block away. Was a futile effort eventually

And they chased you away !

Nogen:


And they chased you away !

Nice one! With broom sef

SAkale:
We booked the date like that....can it be changed? As pa brought closer? Still waiting for your response on accommodation dear.

U can expedite ur appointment to an earlier date for an emergency interview. Check their website on how to schedule emergency appointment

@stinux and zeezahbee, thanks.

zeezahbee:
Nop, unless you plan to enter UK

Bank of America just changed all their accounts and now they all have monthly fees. Wells Fargo might be a better option.

nefertitiram:


Thanks, Bank of America is quite a distance. Will look out for Wells Fargos.
I went to chase because it's a block away. Was a futile effort eventually

shelly23:
Bank of America just changed all their accounts and now they all have monthly fees. Wells Fargo might be a better option.

Wells Fargo have monthly fee too but it's conditional. Since you've gone to BoA you will have better info to make your choice when you visit wells Fargo.

HotChoco2:
Hello House,

Pls for those that have used Oakbend Medical Centre, which accommodation is closest to the hospital?

All the ones i have googled are like 35km or so from the Jackson street campus.

I searched intown suite, extended stay etc and they seem far.

Also i dont want to consider Soul Care, Pampered Stay etc yet because they are a bit pricey.

Pls help!

Good day,

I had same issue and decided to try out one of those you are not considering for now ( soul care ). It's been very ok. You have to consider distance seriously or else you can spend a fortune on transport if not properly planned. Go through their package very well and ask all your questions. Business over here is open to your choice after full clarifications.

dotfak:
I
1. Understand that there is no proper system in place for most banks in Nigeria to protect their customers from such, I do recommend to everyone to get a USA bank account and put all the money you think you will need to use in there. That way if this USA card get compromised, all you need to do is file a dispute and the bank will provide credit for the amount that was stolen and go after the perpetrator. You have nothing to loose even if the bank can't resolved the issue.

I second this option. The U.S. Bank will usually refund your stolen money while they conduct their investigation. Citibank, PNC, and HSBC banks are also good options...they have specialized accounts for non-residents/visitors. With HSBC, you might even be able to open an account online with proper documentation, and if you have a USA mailing address.

nefertitiram:


I went to Chase bank to open an account yesterday. They requested for another form of ID, that has my address in Chicago. They are not serious! Will carry my kaya to Bank of America since Chase is not ready.

I opened my BOA acc at downtown Chicago. Gave my passport and uk driver's license (if you have Niger own too they should collect). They need 2 forms of ID apparently.

Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.

So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.

1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.

2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.

3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.

4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.

5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.

Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.

So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.

Thanks!

P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.

So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.

1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.

2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.

3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.

4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.

5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.

Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.

So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.

Thanks!

P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

Your child being a US citizen outweighs every negative thing you've mentioned. Don't do this to your child, get him/her that passport.

maternal:


Your child being a US citizen outweighs every negative thing you've mentioned. Don't do this to your child, get him/her that passport.

Spot on!
I think most of us face the battle @bachangel mentioned. I know I did, considering spending so much time away from my husband (this is the longest ever we have been separated in 5yrs).
Last year b4 my tragedy, to be sincere, if I didn't already have a US visa, maybe the indecision may have gotten the best of me. I would not have gone out of my way to get a US visa for birthing (I'm too indecisive and lazy for that). It would have remained wishful thinking.
But if you already have a US visa, and you have your money (or the means to hustle the money) why deny the luxury of being born in US. It may get to a stage that Nigeria will so piss you off one day that you will just wonder to yourself, why on earth did I not just have the kids in US? And it will continue to gnaw at you especially when you start filling application forms to get his visa to go on holidays! You will just be vexing anyhow.

If you can afford it, and have the opportunity, JUST DO IT!

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.

So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.

1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.

2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.

3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.

4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.

5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.

Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.

So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.

Thanks!

P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

The American passport is above all you have mentioned above. With the way things are going these days ,I'm sure that you won't want your child to come home 1 day from school crying that all his classmates are US citizens. Its better to lay that foundation now if you can afford it.

[quote author=bachangel post=33368930]Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

Hi bachangel.

If u re spending a quarter of ur savings I think it is nt bad. In another 5-7 yrs u wud ve saved like 2m if nt more for making ur child a US citizen. For example, jt less than 2 wks ago, we paid 237k for each of my sons for their 10yrs UK visa, so think of paying for so many visa fees( imagine how many countries a US citizen could enter without visa), apart from that what abt the stress of obtaining these visas, d time and other privileges.

As for ur husband's job, although u can't really say when ur child could come but what u can do is to work out ur trip to have same return date with your husband. Dats what I did. My hubby too can't stay for more than three wks so ur hubby's can come 3 wks b4 ur departure date and u can then move out to get a private apartment once he lands.


Concerning, ur leave days too, if u wish to stay at home more with ur baby, u can apply for leave without pay or u submit an excuse duty certificate in ur office for more bonding time with ur child Dats only if that wud be allowed in ur place of work.

The most difficult part is going on this trip without my boys cos they ll be in sch and we can't travel together this time.

Just think abt it. U ll be glad u did. The 4m won't be a waste.

sucre26:


The American passport is above all you have mentioned above. With the way things are going these days ,I'm sure that you won't want your child to come home 1 day from school crying that all his classmates are US citizens. Its better to lay that foundation now if you can afford it.

Yes. Furthermore your child can study at any American University at the citizens rate, can live/work in America, can work in neighboring canada through the nafta agreement, can travel to 160 countries visa free, etc. His/her life would be a million times more prosperous

My dear.
If you know the benefit of being a western countries citizen. You will not be saying all you've listed above. I can see you only think of yourself not ur child future.

I live and work in middle east, Qatar to be precise. I work as HSE personel and I have so many collegues of mine that hold US, Canadian and US citizens. They earn more than double of what am earning with so many benefit. We hold d same certifications but due to Nationlity they were treated as advance countries citizen. And did you know the funniest part of it... some of them are Indians, Sri Lankas.

Please stop seeing this yankee thing with ur myopic eye.

please is the best you can give to ur children.

I am speaking from my experience.

God Bless Us all.

maternal:


Yes. Furthermore your child can study at any American University at the citizens rate, can live/work in America, can work in neighboring canada through the nafta agreement, can travel to 160 countries visa free, etc. His/her life would be a million times more prosperous

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.

So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.

1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.

2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.

3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.

4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.

5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.

Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.

So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.

Thanks!

P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

I fully understand what you are going thru and I am sure a lot of us had to struggle with this decision too but when u think of the benefits some of which have already been mentioned by other members, you will know that you are giving your child/children a very precious gift. Don't get discouraged by people who will tell you to use the money for a house or car afterall, we are in life to give our kids the best. I had my son in Texas last year,it wasn't easy but we thank God. I am expecting now and I must tell you the struggle isn't easy but each time I get discouraged, hubby and I think of the benefits,come to this thread,read comments and are encouraged.

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.
My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).
N4m includes flights, hospital bills, shopping and accomodation. Although I will be staying with family before the baby is born and will move to an apartment when my hubby joins me just before baby and afterwards. I do like my space, especially at such a sensitive time. It also seems to me that several people are fine with having a baby in the US while their husbands stay back at home maybe to save cost or whatever but that is out of the question for me and his presence is the most important thing but that raises cost a bit.
So my husband and I are really unsure for the following reasons.
1. Giving birth in Nig will cost me N0.00k because my office will pay for it all. In the US we have to spend a reasonable chunk of our savings.
2. There is no risk of my hubby missing the birth cuz in the US he can only be away from work for 3 weeks max and babies smtimes decide to come out 2 weeks ealier or later, making it hard for him to be there in time and also leave the US together.
3. In Nigeria, I can work up until the week I'm due, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my baby afterwards.
4. I can have a proper naming ceremony 8 days afterwards with my whole family, also sentimentally, the same Doctor that brought me into this world 30 years ago, will also be my OBGYN and help deliver my own child.
5. I would be in my own comfortable space at home, and its just less stressful than the logistics of travelling.
Ofcourse the advantages of the US, ...the passport and....not sure what else...better healthcare I guess.
So my question to other Mums to be, Did you struggle with these kind of thoughts or other sentimental reasons? It wld be nice to hear your feedback. Between I already have a US visa.
Thanks!
P.S: Because Ive seen how abusive it can get here, I hope people can genuinely see I am only sharing my concerns and trying to see if others had similar concerns. If these things never crossed your mind, lucky u.

My Father made this same mistake before I was born, I would have been a British Citizen but because of decisions he like 'Nigerian economy was good then, he wanted to witness the birth of his first child etc'. Till today he regrets his actions. Everyone is facing this challenge, take a bold step and give your unborn child the very best.

nefertitiram:


I went to Chase bank to open an account yesterday. They requested for another form of ID, that has my address in Chicago. They are not serious! Will carry my kaya to Bank of America since Chase is not ready.

Abi o.

bachangel:
Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now. I have been married for about a year now and we are expecting our 1st child.

My question comes from a very different direction. wonder if anyone has questioned or attempted to justify how worth it having a baby in the US is? When I worked out the costs, with the current exchange rate it works out to be N4m. (This is about a quarter of our savings).

Hmm my dear sister, successful people are those few who take risks. They are ready to come out of their comfort zone and take a big leap.

Even right here in Nigeria under our noses, see how foreigners are treated and we are the second class citizens. Just go to Bonny Island in Port Harcourt and see how ordinary Philippines with no University certificates are given international treatment while our graduates are put in congested camps by the oil companies. What about Julius Berger? My friend who works in Dubai said she was able to process work permit for her nanny coming from Nigeria in just two hours because she had a British passport. You earn and save more money with such passports and you are treated better. There are other examples too numerous to mention here.

You are even lucky that you are spending just part of your savings. I, for example, am spending my last kobo and when I come back with my
American baby , God willing, I am prepared to drink garri. I am taking it as a real business investment and I'm ready to face the odds. I waited for seven years to have children and I don't intend for them to be ordinary.

Most of the concerns you raised are centered around your comfort and convenience but remember that you may not always be there for your kids. That is the harsh truth about life. Just a month ago, one of my close clients and her husband were burnt to death in a fire accident at home after struggling to rescue their two kids who are now left to the world to take care of. From the way the family members looked the friends of the couple had to beg and convince them to leave the children with them. If those children had American passports I think things would probably have been much better.

It's really up to you to decide, anyway.

For me, I am not taking any chances or risks apart from the passport thing which is equally important. I waited 9 solid years for God to bless me. I am a higher order risk mum. I don't want to hear stories that touch and I don't intend to go through this journey again unless God says otherwise.

I'm killing thousands of birds with one stone.

[quote author=bachangel post=33368930]Hello everyone! Congrats to all the Mums to be.. Been following this blog for a while now.

Going back to my primary and secondary days in the 80s and 90s I say: I hope with these few points (strong ones o) of ours that we have been able to convince you but not to confuse you that having your baby is America is a great privilege. Thank you.

dittobaby:
Yeah, I have the prices of all these cheaper hospitals though elpaso is now $6925 minus circumcision. For now, I'm stuck with Houston cas I've bought my tickets (me, mum and toddler). My mum is also not very well so I had to book an accommodation package that includes a lot of care services (soul care) so as not to stress her. So with these limitations I can't be on a budget. I have to look for the money anyhow. The only magic that can happen right now is if I get an affordable hospital in Sacramento, California where I have close family. But I have searched and searched without success. I even checked counties outskirts of Sacramento. Anyway, there is God ooo! My American dream must come to past.

Hi Dear, i'm currently in Houston, using Houston North West Hospital. Dr's fee is 1,700 inclusive of tests. Hospital bill is 3,500 for CS. Epidural is 750. Not sure about Paediatrician yet. Cldnt get a price. I hope this helps.

mimikoko:



Hi Dear, i'm currently in Houston, using Houston North West Hospital. Dr's fee is 1,700 inclusive of tests. Hospital bill is 3,500 for CS. Epidural is 750. Not sure about Paediatrician yet. Cldnt get a price. I hope this helps.

God bless you greatly. Pls who is ur Dr.

@bachangel, to add to what @mabel said.....the ends justifies the means...truth be told in the long run you save up a lot on visa acquisition for your kids every 2 years for the countries you want to visit...with that blue pali trust me you cant go wrong..its one of the best decision you would make and give your children ....please go for it.

few years down the lane you don't want to regret this decision like my dad did....gave birth to 1st two in uk and came to nigeria under 'the economy is good i dont want to be a slave in another man's country" (a typical Ijesha thinking) and gave birth to the remaining four here unfortunately i fall in the remaining four category and till today he bites his fingers for taking that decision 40 years ago....

Please go for it if you can afford it.....