Well good morning babies- you are being very active this morning as I sit here watching committee meetings on my computer. My stomach is rolling and moving like crazy. At first these movements really freaked me out- but now I enjoy them. I can sit here and watch them all day. It is the one part of pregnancy I am going to miss.
We are about to start week 2 of bed rest. So far it is going well. My blood pressure is staying down (relatively speaking) and so far no other symptoms have popped up.
I feel like we are getting close to meeting you. I'm having lots of contractions each day (although not consistently) and at my last appointment I was showing signs of things progressing. While I want you to cook as long as possible- I admit I am ready to meet you both!!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Friday, November 23, 2012
34 weeks
On Thanksgiving Thursday I was 34 weeks- but this week's picture was taken the day before.
After a busy two weeks with the campaign, organizational session and the start of lots of meetings for work I have been looking foward to take the next week easy before the last committee week and what I hoped to be my last real week of working. However, you babies may have something else in mind.
Wednesday we went to see Dr. Franz and I expected a normal appointment- in, out and on our way. But it seems that my blood pressure has hit the "uh oh" level. I thought for sure he would just tell me to keep watching it and since I am on weekly appointments now he would see me next week. But instead he sent me to Labor and Delivery to go to the triage to be monitored. After three hours I was sent home and thought I was in the clear- my labs were good, my pressure was elevated- but not that high, and lots of movement from you babies. I still had to do my 24 hour protein test, but since none of my previous tests showed any protein I know I was good to go. But they told me I had to come back again 24 hours later to do all the same tests again.
24 hours later- we left my Mom at home cooking Thanksgiving dinner and went back to the hospital. Turns out my 24 hours protein test was elevated along with my blood pressure and suddenly I'm on bed rest.
I have to go back to the Doctor early next week- but everything I've read and been told is that once the pressure goes up and you fail your protein test it doesn't get better until the baby is born. Preeclampsia is the official diagnosis- so now we play the waiting game.
You are both still head down, so chances are they will induce labor in the next week or two depending on how my blood pressure acts. I thought I had plenty of time to get the last few things done- but it doesn't seem like I will be able too. I had really hoped to make the December committee weeks- but that doesn't look possible.
Good news is that at 34 weeks there is very little chance of needing much NICU time and every day you continue to bake we are better and better. I'm hoping I can handle bed rest for another 2 weeks (day one has not been easy or fun). Regardless it looks like we are getting really really close!!! Can't wait to see you!
Love,
Mama
Thursday, November 15, 2012
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. So while it was a nasty campaign thanks to the newspaper I had no doubt he would win. 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 (and I admit I had my doubts on that one). 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.
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. So while it was a nasty campaign thanks to the newspaper I had no doubt he would win. 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 (and I admit I had my doubts on that one). 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.
Friday, November 2, 2012
31 Weeks
Wow....Time has flown by the last few weeks. I can't believe that we are in the third trimester and while it still seems eons away before you both with be here it will be, at most, 7 more weeks. ACK!!! We have so much to do before then!
On a happy note your nanny has been found! I'm so happy that we found an "old" family friend that is going to watch you both most of the time. Angela and her husband Daniel have been friends of mine for years (since I first moved to Tallahassee after college). I lived with them off and on during session as well and both your Dad and I have no fear about leaving you with Angela. Plus you will have a built in playmate with their youngest son, Nolan.
You both move around quite a lot now. I can stare at my belly for hours watching it move as you move. Baby A (who is named- but we aren't sharing just yet) is on the bottom and at our last doctor appointment was finally head down. Your butt is in your sister's face, who is also named, and residing up higher in my uterus. For whatever reason you both prefer the right side of my belly (and have all pregnancy) and it makes the left side of my belly somewhat flat.
The last couple of weeks I've started getting tired again and moving, walking, bending, etc. is becoming hard to do. Just a couple more weeks of work events to get through and hopefully I can rest until you get here.
Signing off by sharing some pictures from our maternity photo session this week.
With much love,
Mama
On a happy note your nanny has been found! I'm so happy that we found an "old" family friend that is going to watch you both most of the time. Angela and her husband Daniel have been friends of mine for years (since I first moved to Tallahassee after college). I lived with them off and on during session as well and both your Dad and I have no fear about leaving you with Angela. Plus you will have a built in playmate with their youngest son, Nolan.
You both move around quite a lot now. I can stare at my belly for hours watching it move as you move. Baby A (who is named- but we aren't sharing just yet) is on the bottom and at our last doctor appointment was finally head down. Your butt is in your sister's face, who is also named, and residing up higher in my uterus. For whatever reason you both prefer the right side of my belly (and have all pregnancy) and it makes the left side of my belly somewhat flat.
The last couple of weeks I've started getting tired again and moving, walking, bending, etc. is becoming hard to do. Just a couple more weeks of work events to get through and hopefully I can rest until you get here.
Signing off by sharing some pictures from our maternity photo session this week.
With much love,
Mama
Thursday, September 20, 2012
25 weeks...
Hello Babies-
I can't believe that I am 25 weeks today- and that in 3 months from today you should be here. SOOOO much to do between now and then. I haven't written much here in the last month- I was in a little funk I think. Still so worried about so many things and it was hard to get excited and positive. But things have gotten a lot better in the last couple of weeks.
I feel you every day now (I assume I am feeling both of you- but I can't tell you apart yet) and you seem to be active. Even your Daddy can feel you now (although for some reason whenever he is near you get really still). I've been playing music to you whenever I can- you seem to like George Straight, Tom Petty and any of the Gator songs. I am not as sick as was early on...but still really tired.
We have your room painted, your beds put together and the recliner in the room. Just need to order a dresser and we will be good to go. We had the first baby shower this weekend in Okeechobee. Now the room is just stuffed with everything we got for you until I can start putting it all away. Hopefully we will order the dresser next week.
Time seems to be going very slowly right now- I want you here quickly, but not early. We want healthy babies with no NICU stays of course. In the meantime I will just keep cooking you till well done and enjoy the fall.
With much love,
Mommy
I can't believe that I am 25 weeks today- and that in 3 months from today you should be here. SOOOO much to do between now and then. I haven't written much here in the last month- I was in a little funk I think. Still so worried about so many things and it was hard to get excited and positive. But things have gotten a lot better in the last couple of weeks.
I feel you every day now (I assume I am feeling both of you- but I can't tell you apart yet) and you seem to be active. Even your Daddy can feel you now (although for some reason whenever he is near you get really still). I've been playing music to you whenever I can- you seem to like George Straight, Tom Petty and any of the Gator songs. I am not as sick as was early on...but still really tired.
We have your room painted, your beds put together and the recliner in the room. Just need to order a dresser and we will be good to go. We had the first baby shower this weekend in Okeechobee. Now the room is just stuffed with everything we got for you until I can start putting it all away. Hopefully we will order the dresser next week.
Time seems to be going very slowly right now- I want you here quickly, but not early. We want healthy babies with no NICU stays of course. In the meantime I will just keep cooking you till well done and enjoy the fall.
With much love,
Mommy
Friday, August 3, 2012
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 your 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 and our family is absolutely complete. I immediately went out and started buying some cute outfits for each of you. So did your Granny (my Mom). I'm sure Grandma B will have a few put away before the week is over too.
We had the carpet cleaned in your room and now it is ready to paint. I also finally decided on bedding too. You are cursed by my love of insects- but I hope they are at least cute little critters.
I am still not feeling the best, but starting to have more good days than bad days. Getting more than ready for December and you to be here though!
Although they never told us that this was the "anatomy scan" that is clearly what they were doing. They checked your 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 and our family is absolutely complete. I immediately went out and started buying some cute outfits for each of you. So did your Granny (my Mom). I'm sure Grandma B will have a few put away before the week is over too.
We had the carpet cleaned in your room and now it is ready to paint. I also finally decided on bedding too. You are cursed by my love of insects- but I hope they are at least cute little critters.
I am still not feeling the best, but starting to have more good days than bad days. Getting more than ready for December and you to be here though!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Gluscose Tolerance Testing
 |
| Crush...on Crack |
It has been awhile since I have wrote and I'm sorry. I think about you every day, especially when I am leaning over random toilets and throwing up. But a lot has been going on and I just haven't had time to sit down and put thoughts to blog.
Last week your Grandma Bobbie had a heart attack- not a bad one, but still one that required surgery. I write this because now you have strong evidence of heart disease on both sides of your family and that makes me rethink everything! She is doing well now, but still will have to make some major lifestyle changes. I am very proud of our LONG line of Southern ancestry- but no doubt it greatly contributes to the family history of heart disease. I hope that I am able to remain true to our Southern roots, teach you about the amazing food that comes from the South, but still keep a healthy lifestyle for you both. Everything in moderation right?
Speaking of moderation, yesterday I was forced to consume large amount of sugar in a rapid amount of time as part of testing for gestational diabetes. I'm a little miffed that I had to be tested early- but those Southern roots and my age has made me high risk (ie- I weigh too much). Not sure when we will get results but I'm hoping for positive ones. I've never had any blood sugar problems and have low blood pressure. But none of that matter with gestational diabetes apparently. Guess we will wait and see.
We started on your room- it was a lot harder than I thought it would be to combine the guest room and office. Apparently we have way too much stuff. Imagine that?
We are 17 weeks along this week...seems like forever before you both are here. But I know it will go by fast. I am really ready to find out what you are...hopefully soon!
Love,
Mom
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