Belly Bump Pix at 34 Weeks!

Prenatal Bonding with The Flinns

I couldn't be happier to be sharing this pregnancy experience with dear friend Erica. We met as Freshman in high school (over a fatuation for New Kids on The Block!) and now we are just 4 weeks apart with our due dates. Erica and her hubby Anthony recently joined in on the birthing class fun at Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. Erica - 30 weeks, Tracey - 34 weeks

34 Weeks - Birthing Classes

Hi!! Today I realized that I should be taking an official "maternity leave" in just two short weeks! I haven't quite figured out what my "upcoming schedule" will be like, leaving the office and all, but I do know that it is approaching rather quickly! 6 more weeks until Tristan arrives!

Joel and I have already taken a few classes of "Getting ready for baby" and "Bringing baby home". Tonight we learned to swaddle, bathe, take care of the cord, what to do when baby is sleeping, etc. I have my own opinions about the feeding schedule based off of some true success stories from friends who've recommended BABY WISE. I am currently reading the book and plan to implement BABYWISE and to get Tristan on a schedule (as much as possible anyway). We're excited to be parents and to hold our little nugget!!!

Everything has been going very well with the pregnancy. I had a minor scare this morning and went to an emergency doctor visit but it ended up being something minor. I was so thrilled that the nurse let me listen to Tristan's heartbeat for an extended period of time. It was so soothing, I started crying...

I've been having some chronic pain in my tailbone and my ribs are bruised and painful. But these are small prices to pay for this miracle I'm so blessed to be a part of!

This weekend my dearest friends will be coming in to town to celebrate and they are having a shower for us. I'm so excited to see everyone and am amazed at all that my friends are doing for me. I will get to spend time with girlfriends from elementary school, high school, college, dance, magic and cheer and am so happy to be able celebrate with them!!!! Tristan is so lucky to be coming into this world with all this love surrounding him!

The summer weather has been VERY hot, especially here in HELL CAJON. I'm managing, but dang, it's an extra hot year and thank goodness for AC!

Weekend Getaway in Palm Springs

Thanks to dear friends Leslie and Alan, Joel and I were able to escape for a weekend getaway to Palm Springs. The heat was unbearable (it happened to be the HOTTEST day of the year there in record breaking heat) but we still had a wonderful time together. We spent time in the pool, laying around and cooling off in the AC, did some shopping, gobbled some ice cream (had to gobble or it would have melted!) and visited with dear friends Stacy, Billy and their son Preston in La Quinta. We had so much fun!

Tristan's Guammie Baby Shower

I only call it "Guammie" because today we were surrounded by so much love, family and friends from our dear island of Guam. My mom and sister hosted a baby shower for us today at the beautiful Syucan Indian reservation community pool area. The weather was absolutely perfect and the company was even better! We indulged in delicious Guamanian food (thanks to everyone who made such yummy Chamorro dishes - Tristan got his fill!) and Hawaiian barbecue from L&L. Today was a day of feasting and festivities! Tristan was showered with so many wonderful gifts and his room is beginning to look lived in! Just a few short months til he arrives!

Thanks to mom and Tiff, and everyone in between who helped, set up, cleaned up, cooked, came, brought gifts and brought smiles. We truly appreciate you being a part of this very special time in our lives and thank you for making it so memorable and wonderful!!!

xoxoxo

PS Today I am 30 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Only 68 more days to go!

The Royal Quarters

We are calling Prince Tristan's bedroom his royal quarters...and royal it will be! Our prince deserves a shrine, and that he will have!

Thanks to East Coast Mom and Dad for gifting us with Tristan's furniture collection that is sure to last for many years to come. It is a gorgeous espresso wood and includes a crib and foam mattress, dresser and changing table, and beautiful wardrobe closet with a large oval mirror. I couldn't resist it - it's the perfect "Mirror Mirror on the Wall"!

Joel and I were having a challenging yet rewarding evening last night as we set out to get perfectly straight vinyl art and block letters on the walls - and we did it!

With Tristan's real life fairy tale beginning here, so it is written..."...And he lived happily ever after." on one of his walls - and handsome gold letters spelling out his name as if he were a true spartan warrior prince with Fleur de Lis on either side.

Every prince must have a stallion! Tristan's plush horsie is watching over his crib, waiting for his arrival.

An antique gold chandelier will hang from the ceiling with monogrammed shades and harlequinn print.

A nobel crown will be poised above his crib with canopied shimmery gold panels gracing each side.

Can't wait to share more pix. This is by far the best hobby I've ever had! More to come soon!