One Call

Dear Babies-

There will be many moments in your lives where one event totally changes the course of your life. Rarely will you know when they occur- and it is often years later before you can pinpoint them. After a long, sad and drawn out week and election I realized one of those moments in my life, and thus yours.

In the summer of 2007 I was working for a Representative who, while a nice man, was done with state politics and about to resign his position. This of course, would have left me without a job. I was also dating a man, that again, while nice, was totally inappropriate for me. I made the decision to start looking for a new job out in the Florida panhandle (I was still in Orlando) that would allow me to be closer to him. I interviewed for a job with an agricultural organization that would have taken me completely out of politics- but back in an industry I love. Even after the interview and follow-up interview I was torn about the position- but knew that if it was offered it would be best for me personally and professionally. I remember, ironically enough, meeting your Dad at a Gainesville restaurant after my second interview and talking about the job. It was the week his divorce was slated to become final- so we talked a long time about that and the possibilities of the job. I left Gainesville that day knowing if they offered me the job I was going to take it.

The next day they did offer me the job- at a salary a little lower than I had expected so I told them I needed a day to think it over. I have no idea what I did that- I had never not taken a job that I wanted in the past. God must have been sending me a signal.

So, the next day I called the man back to accept the position, but he wasn't there and I just left a message asking him to call me back. 10 minutes later I received another phone call, this time from one of the men gearing up to run for my current boss' seat. We talked about his race, his future plans and while he understood why I was looking for a new job, he would really like it if I stayed where I was, helped with his campaign and his future aspirations. I didn't know him well, knew he was going to have a tough primary, wasn't sure if I would like working for him- but again, God must have sent me a signal. I decided to risk "a bird in the hand" for what could be. At that moment I went "all-in" for this man and candidate.

It was a long summer and a tough race. In the end he won his primary election by 72 votes and went on the win the general as well. Things ended between myself and the inappropriate boyfriend and when I went back to Tallahassee for that first committee week with my new member I ended up at a Christmas party at your Dad's house...I guess you could say the rest of that story is your history.

Fast forward to 2012- the elections on the state and national level are nasty and uncertain thanks to redistricting. The man I risked my career on has done well in his job and is slated to be Speaker of the House in 2014. Another long campaign that I am proud to be a part of. But now, instead of not knowing him and wondering if I want to work for him I consider him a friend. Someone I can turn to if I'm in trouble or need help- personally and professionally. While I had moved on into a new chapter in my career I still felt like I was part of the team. During the previous years I watched the media try to take him down time and time again- but he always persevered.  The night of the election we were with your Dad's candidate and I had all of those Supervisor of Elections sites streaming- he was winning. I was watching other races that I was interested in with mixed results. But I wasn't watching my friend's- so I was shocked when I got the first text saying things weren't going well for him. The end result of that night, after recounts, is that he lost his seat.

I know that you felt my pain for him- for the last week whenever I have thought about him, our history, the election and my anger at how he was treated I felt you both move- or felt the contractions my feelings caused. Even as I sit here typing I'm feeling one. So I apologize for the undue stress that I put on you (but you're Spratts- so you have to be fairly hard headed and tough so I'm not too worried). But why I am writing this letter to you is more than an apology. It is a wish and a thank you.

I wish for you many moments in your life that may seem inconsequential to you at that time but have huge impacts on your life. I wish for them to be mostly positive, but I wish for you to experience some hardship too so you can know the value of good times. I wish for you friends that are worthy of you feeling heartache for them, worthy of you crying for their loss- even days or weeks after it happens. I wish for you relationships that inspire you to take risks with your personal life and your professional life and I wish for you the relationship with God that allows him to gently and often quietly point you in the direction to know who is worthy of those risks and who is not.

And I want to thank you Chris, my candidate turned boss turned true friend for that one call- timed perfectly- that changed the direction of my life. The call that brought me and Jim together and the call that allowed me have these babies that I can't wait to meet. And I wish for you one call that leads you to the amazing things I know God has in store for you. 

Time for Maternity Photos Already?

Time is literally flying by.  In some respects this summer and fall have dragged on and on-  but in others it has gone by in a flash.  With Jim working a campaign he isn't here a lot.  I mean A LOT.  That makes time go by slow.  Lots of dinners alone with just Polly.  But it is OK-  the election is almost over.  Thank you Lord. 

We are 31 weeks this week-  that means only 7 more weeks at the most.  With twins the doctors won't let me go back 38 weeks (tons of medical reasons- I researched so please no emails or calls on why it isn't healthy).  We still have so much to get done- but hopefully Jim will be here more often now and we will knock things out. 

This week we went out to Halsey and Christi's house/farm to have our maternity pictures done by an amazing Gator Grad, Candy.  She did a great job with two/three subjects who don't do well with the camera.  I'm sharing a few pictures below-  but check out her work on Facebook-  Sweet as Candy Photography. 

22 weeks

We have had a busy summer.   Jim has helped managed a Florida House campaign and I'm happy to report that his candidate won the 4-way primary with little doubt.  I'm particularly proud because he was the only one on the ticket who had never ran before-  so he came from behind and kicked it too. 

During the week of the primary my family all went to St. George Island for the week.  Mom, Dad, Granny, Papa, John, Angela, Adam, Shaina, us and of course some puppies all headed to a really nice house right on the Bay in St. George.  A little fishing, a little scalloping and a lot of being lazy ensued.  Jim came and went as his schedule allowed but we had a good week. 

I am very happy to report that I no longer am intimate friends with any toilet that is near when my stomach upheaves.  For the last couple of weeks I have finally been able to keep down food and while I don't have a huge appetite, I am able to eat and have gained 2lbs back out of the 15 or so I have lost. 

This happened about the time that I "popped" with my belly and finally started feeling the twinsies move.  It is still sporadic (the movement) but I usually can feel them a little if I am laying down or slouching. 

The week before we went to St. George my parents came up early and painted the nursery and Dad helped Jim put the cribs together.  We have ordered our recliner and the room is really starting to come together.  I just need to order the dresser I like and we will be almost complete. 

August went by in a blur and Jim and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary fairly low key.  September seems to be already filled with activities, including my first shower in Okeechobee. 

We have a lot going on (Jim is back at campaigning with a vengeance) but praying we have plenty of time and babies (who shall remain nameless till birth) take their time making an appearance. 

Finally ordered thank you cards

18 weeks...

This week was our second visit to the maternal fetal medicine doctor.  I've decided the only thing he does is ultrasounds.  Which of course is fine by me.

Although they never told us that this was the "anatomy scan" that is clearly what they were doing.  They checked the kidneys, the hearts, the hands and feet, the stomach and even measured bones.  I am happy to report that all appears to be functioning and developing right on track. 

Baby A measured 17weeks and 6 days (which was my actual day) and Baby B measured 18 weeks and 3 days....Baby A was 8 oz and Baby B is 9 oz.  So Baby A is just a wee bit smaller than Baby B-  which is funny because Baby A is THE BOY and Baby B is THE GIRL!!!! 

We are very excited that we have one of each.  I am very excited that we never have to do this again!!  I apparently am not one of those women who enjoy being pregnant.  They keep telling me it is going to change and I will feel better soon.  I'm waiting. 

This week we got the carpets cleaned and I have paint samples up on the wall in the baby room.  We picked out a recliner/rocker last week and have one crib here and waiting on the second one.  Slowly things are coming together. 

Jim is busy as ever with Halsey's campaign and things are picking up a little bit for me at work as well.  I can hardly believe it is already August, but I admit I'm ready for December.

Belly Pics...

I admit that I am not excited about showing off my growing self.  Us "pleasently plump" girls rarely enjoy gaining weight!  Although I have not gained any weight.  I am down about 10lbs from my heaviest during the fertility treatments.  Enjoy!

12 weeks and craving...

About 9 months ago I wrote a post on the latest Facebook meme that had FB users posting # weeks and craving in their status trying to raise awareness on breast cancer.  As someone who was dealing with infertility those posts were the cause of a couple bouts of tears before I realized they weren't real. 

So ironically, 9 months later, this post is titled 12 weeks and craving.  After thousands of miles on our car, tens of thousands of dollars, hundreds of injections, and more doctor appointments than I can count, Jim and I are excited to announce that God has given us our own little miracles.  We are expecting twins at the end of the year! 

When we first got the diagnosis of infertility it hit me pretty hard- and for a while it threw both of us for a loop.  But  Jim was the best husband ever and didn't blink an eye when we were told that IVF would be the only way we could have our own biological child.  He truly has been my rock during this battle. 

Thanks to so many of our family and close friends that covered us in prayer while we were going through the treatments, my brother Adam for letting us "move in" to his home in Gainesville when we underwent the treatments and our awesome work families that didn't once question the amount of time we had to be away. 

The hardest part of this process was not being able to openly talk about it-  not that we were ashamed of what we were going through- but trying to save us future heartache if things didn't go the way we had hoped.  The never ending questions and the attempts of friends to make us feel better when, especially me, we were so sensitive and so easily hurt.  Many days ended in tears for me and it was easier to not bring too many into that world.  Since I was unable to shout to the world my sadness, my fears, and my frustrations I started a blog that I kept to myself for many months.  This blog allowed me to express my every emotion without fear.  It still is a brutally personal blog- but I feel sharing it may help someone else who is quietly dealing with the same thing. 

Baby Spratts A & B

Our official due date is January 3, 2012-  but with twins we expect them to be born earlier (around 12/12/12).  We have had three ultrasounds and so far both babies have strong heartbeats and are developing right on time.  As is common with most IVF pregnancies I keep waiting for something bad to happen-  but I know God is with us for this journey and all I can do keep praying. 

So, this week I am 12 weeks and craving absolutely nothing-  because God has given us more than I could have possibly imagined.  And because anything besides Saltines make me throw up.  :-)

Don't Ignore

In our lives we ignore things on a daily basis. THOUSANDS of things. The voice in the office next to yours, the nagging ache in your back, phone calls and emails of people we don't want to deal with, dirty dishes in the sink and a floor that needs mopping, the homeless man on the street with his sign. We are almost programed to ignore that which is uncomfortable or unpleasant. And its easy to do. Our own lives are complicated enough without adding other people's problems or issues to them. There is always something more pressing to do.

Today, I am asking you not to ignore. For me- I've been ignoring our diagnosis of infertility. It is easier not to talk about it, not to share and not to have to deal with the thousands of questions that come from it. But easy is not why God put us on this earth. Easy is going with the flow and not standing up for one's self and the thousands of others.

It is national infertility awareness week and RESOLVE has challenged the millions like myself and Jim to write a blog called "Don't Ignore". Infertility is still a "dirty" word in this country and it is time for that to stop. Too many people are left in shadows with shame over something that wasn't their fault and there is MEDICAL procedures to help with. There has not even been a single media coverage of the event of any substance. It is time to stop ignoring.

Currently only 15 states require fertility treatments to be covered by insurance for this disease (and yes, it is a disease. A documented disease of which its patients have little control over). As a conservative I hate Government meddling in business affairs- but I also realize how little insurance companies want to cover. I saw in Florida where they did not even want to be mandated to cover therapies for Autistic children- and this year even made a play to have that removed. While I am completely OK with insurance companies (and any company for that matter) making a profit- even an obscenely large profit- if you are in the business of covering diseases- you should cover all of them and not get to pick and choose- and I am OK with paying more for that coverage.

Jim and I are in a tough battle and it is not even remotely over. It has created more challenges than I ever thought we would face in our entire marriage- much less the first year and a half. It has been emotionally, physically and financially draining. Dreams have had to be altered and faith has been shaken. So today, I am asking not for sympathy or pity, not even for kind words. I am asking for your prayers and for you to stop ignoring. Stop ignoring your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers, and your family. We all deserve that.

http://www.resolve.org/infertility101 (Basic understanding of the disease of infertility.)

http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/about.html (About NIAW)

House Painting/Spring Cleaning

Sometime this winter we took our gutters down and discovered that the fascia and soffits (I have no idea how to spell that) was rotten.  Probably because they used particle board when they built it.  So a couple of weeks ago Jim took down all the rotten board and replaced them (this took more than one trip to Lowe's and several "only a few more items")- but he did a good job and I am always super thankful that I married a man who can fix things himself. 

House with new fascia and old mauve/pink color paint

Last weekend we pressured washed the house to prepare for painting.  Since we already had to paint the new boards and I was not overly in love with the not red (really almost mauve/pink) we decided to go blue. 

I didn't want to go too light of blue- and I didn't want to go too navy either.  And while I LOVE my Gators....I didn't want Gator blue either.

Yesterday while Jim was in Gainesville I started with the front door- and that was nothing but a mess.  When I started getting everything out it was bright, sunny and hot.  The minute I put the paint brush in the oil based paint (I have never used oil based paint and that was a disaster in itself) it started raining.  So the humidity and my ineptness made for a less than pretty front door- but I got it done. 

Blue- from a distance

This morning after trying out yet another new church we started on the rest of the house- and by the rest of the house I mean the front.  I completely over estimated ourselves and what we could accomplish in a day.  I also over estimated how much paint it would take to cover that lovely mauve/pink color. 

I think the front will be the longest.  The rest of the house doesn't have shutters and the area around the garage took a lot of paint and time. 

At least the part of the house folks can see when they drive the neighborhood is painted.  Hopefully we can finish the rest in a couple of weeks.  I also now have to think about what color roof we want! 



A side view



Welcome to the Spratt's!!

Joe's Suprise 65th Birthday Party!!

I don't know how it was done- but we actually surprised my father-in-law for his 65th birthday party in LaBelle.  There were so many pictures from the party I just put them all in a slide show rather than try to import one by one.  I hate that the ones of him walking in are so blurry.  I may need to upgrade the camera!  (Just kidding honey). 

Big props to my mother-in-law Bobbie for coordinating the event and for keeping it a secret- even when children started mysteriously showing up at the house-  6 hours away from where they live :-)

I only knew a few of the people there- but you could really tell Joe has had some great friends through the years.  It was a great turnout, great food and great people. 

Spring Travels

A once in a decade event happened this spring in Tallahassee-  the Legislature adjourned in March and the government relations world gets to actually enjoy Springtime in Tally!  We started our "early down time" with a trip to South Florida.  First stop Okeechobee to visit my parents and the Okeechobee County Fair and then over to LaBelle for Jim's Dad's Surprise 65th Birthday party.  While our parents live relatively close to each other- trying to visit them both on one weekend makes for a REALLY LONG AND TIRING WEEKEND.  Just sayin :-)

I was very sad to learn that Polly couldn't go to the fair-  apparently there is a no dog rule, even if we had health papers.  So no pictures of Polly playing with the cows at the fair- but they did have an awesome petting zoo.  After a brief night and day in Okeechobee we headed to LaBelle where we had to figure out how to surprise Joe. 

That wasn't as easy as you might suspect- or perhaps it is exactly what you suspected.  But thanks to my smooth talking husband and his nameless cohort (swear it wasn't me) - we were able to pull it off.  There were so many pictures from that event that I am going to put them in another post in a slide show.... 

Overall the weekend was a nice little get away from Tallahassee, the pollen that is attacking my sinuses and the laundry that I have refused to do for three weeks now :-)

I called this fellow Bob Marley

This little man was Merlin

Jim with a very big something

I am fascinated by trained pigs. 

This thing was cute. 

Winter Captured....

It has been a really busy Florida winter for us.  Tallahassee has been unusually warm- last year we had numerous days in the 20s...last week we had a day that hit 80.  Session started early this year, second week of January- so that meant we had a ton of committee weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Jim's family came to Tallahassee for Thanksgiving- so we got to host our first Thanksgiving.  Typical Spratt fashion- we had way too much food but had a good time.  Our friends Sue, Molly and Chris joined us- so we had good food and good friends! 

Before heading to Tennessee for Christmas we went to LaBelle to visit with some of Jim's family.  It was a quick visit- but we had not seen most of them since Swamp Cabbage that year  so it was a nice trip. 

Tennessee was also unusually warm for Christmas as well. We brought Polly with us- so we had to stay at a hotel. Luckily for Polly- the hotel we were staying at had a full breakfast every morning so she had sausage every day!

Polly with her Christmas presents

We were only in Tennessee for 3 days- but we made the most of it.  Jim went hunting- but didn't get anything.  We had the Floyd Family Christmas party at Uncle David's this year and took up a whole pew at church on Christmas morning. 

Papa had a pigeon problem in the barn- so Dad, Adam and I set out to rid him of the problem.  Dad was able to shoot 3 of the 4- so the problem may come back with reinforcements. 

 

Polly is still not amused with guns- but she did LOVE riding in the Gator to the other place with Adam and I to harvest wood for some of my Pintrest projects. 

When we got back Jim went on a rare trip out to the property in Quincy to hunt.  He saw the first buck on the place - a 9 point.  When he brought it back him and our neighbor Todd hung him in the backyard.  A true you might be a redneck!  Polly and Cracker both were totally in love with the deer.  The next week they stalked the ground around the tree he hung the deer from.  We've already had some of the meat and it has a MUCH better flavor than some of the other deer he has brought home. 

 With Session starting 2 months early it promises to be a boring personal winter- but busy with work.  Weekends seem to be reserved for laundry, cleaning and yard work thanks to the warm weather.  After session Jim and I will start preparing for our first (and please pray for it to be successful) IVF cycle.  If that is successful I see some miserable campaign walks for me this summer- but oh so worth it!!!

Polly loved running around in the pastures at Granny and Papa's....I can't wait to take her back again.