Update on Tripp

This morning Carl and I had our second ultrasound. We have been looking forward to seeing our little guy again. The first thing Dr. Jackson said was "a healthy girl" when he said that my heart stopped for a minute and I said "a girl'?! He said "yes, you're a healthy girl and you have a healthy BOY in there." For a minute I think Carl and I were both a little freaked out, it was a funny way to get things started!

Tripp was very healthy and according to Dr. J "a big boy". Apparently Tripp is measuring a little over 2 weeks ahead but still has the same due date. Dr. J said he would estimate that Tripp will probably weigh at least 8-81/2 lbs. at birth. Let's hope he is not late! My mom (yaya) was able to make it in for the ultrasound as well and she was boasting to the nurse about how handsome her new grandson is! I didn't post any ultrasound photos this time because little Tripp was not cooperating and would not show us his face! Dr. J even poked and proded him, and although he would kick or punch in response he would not show us his face! Carl thinks that Tripp doesn't like to have his picture taken either! Well if that's the case he's in for a surprise because his mama loves to snap photos:)

Tripp is positioned with his head down and Dr. J told us he will probably remain that way so the jabs I feel under my chest are his little feet and hips! We will now start going to the doctor every two weeks. I can't believe how fast this is going. We can't wait to meet him!

Well I just wanted to post a little update on our baby boy. Hope everyone has a very happy new year!! 2010 is going to be a very exciting year for us!

Many Blessings,
Traci & Tripp

29 Weeks and Christmas fun!

Wow. What a great week we've had! But more importantly, I am now officially 29 weeks preggo! Little Tripp has been quite busy in there. Here is a little look as to what he has been up to: Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

Well I have definitely been feeling the kicks and jabs! Tripp is moving all the time now! I love it! And hearing his daddy's voice only intensifies the movement. We go for our next ultrasound this coming week and we can't wait to see our little man! Carl has been hard at work on finishing up the dresser/changing table. Now that Christmas is over we realize how soon little tripp will be with us! Can't wait to get the nursery all finished up!

We had a great Christmas week/weekend. We are so blessed to have such large and wonderful families. We had a full agenda of christmas parties and get-togethers which all started last weekend. We had so much fun getting together with family and friends and got lots of great gifts! Tripp even got his share of Christmas presents! Can't wait until he is actually here with us to celebrate Christmas. And boy did we get our share of yummy food all week long! I think I am still full now! I will definitey be hitting the gym this next week as hard as I can;) All in all it was a great week. I have posted just a few pictures from the past week. We hope everyone had a great Christmas as well!

Uncle Carl playing with the boys

Me and my boys (Tripp too)

Blake and Jake

Jessica, joshua and I (tripp and judd too)

Last night Carl and I had Layne and Lance over for dinner. They have been great friends of ours for a really long time! It was so fun getting together with them and talking about old times. It was Tripp's first time to get together with the guys;) So glad we are all still great friends!

Now it's time to clean house and put all decorations away! We hope you all have a great week and Happy New Year! Stay tuned...we will update soon with our next ultrasound this week!!



Blessings,
Traci & Tripp

28 Weeks and Kicking off the Holidays!

Tripp and I: Week 28

Week 28 is upon us! And boy what a week we've had! Baby Tripp is getting bigger by the minute as evident by the size of my ever expanding belly! Here is a little info on what our little slugger is up to this week in his development:



Your baby has doubled his weight in the past month and is the size of a bag of flour. He now weighs almost 2 1/2 pounds. His total length is nearly fifteen inches. Your baby's lungs are now capable of breathing air! This is big news. It means if the baby is born from now on, he'll be able to survive with less medical intervention. Your baby's main job right now is to put the finishing touches on major organ systems, such as his brain, lungs, and liver. As you can probably tell, he's also working on gaining layers of fat. His body fat is about 2 to 3 percent. Your baby's eyes, which were covered by his eyelid folds at the sixth week of development, are capable of opening this week. His sucking and swallowing skills are improving.



So many things going on in there besides all the kicking and squirming I've been feeling;) Tripp is a very active little baby. He loves to move his head and feet at the same time, i know this because i can feel him on both sides of my belly at the same time! He also loves to hear Carl's voice. Whenever Carl is talking that little boy gets to moving again. I think he might be a daddy's guy;) Carl and I have been enjoying feeling and watching him move. We really can't wait to meet him, at least our next ultrasound is coming up soon so we will at least be able to see him soon!



This past week/weekend have been busy and full of fun parties and Christmas festivities! Last week Carl and I attended a skeet shooting dinner party with his work. Although not an avid shooter, Carl did a great job on his shoot! His boss even tried to convince me that carl needed a new shotgun! We had some yummy buffalo steaks and crawfish sausage, Tripp and I really enjoyed that part;) It was a fun time! On Friday I went out to Baytown to help my sister with Blake's kindergarten christmas party at school. It was so cute and super fun! Such a great way to start off the Christmas week! Saturday we continued on the party kick by attending our nephew blake's 6th birthday party. We got to eat lots of yummy pizza and cookie cake and socialize with family and friends. They even had the "mad scientist" come, which all of the kids seemed to enjoy! I just can't believe Blake is already 6! Time sure does fly. Saturday night we all headed over to Dad and Ginger's for Christmas dinner and gift exchange. My poor dad has to have surgery on wednesday and will be in the hospital over Christmas so we had our celebrations early. We had a really yummy dinner and made from scratch italian cream cake for dessert! It was delicious. We all had a great time and dad and ginger got us all some great gifts! They got me a gift certificate to a spa for a prenatal massage and a spa manicure and pedicure! So basically a day of being pampered...which this tired preggo definitely needs! Carl got a new tool and an american express gift card....which I'm going to have to force him to spend on himself! My sisters and I also got some snuggies! We have always made fun of them but they are actually warm and cozy...I am sitting in my pink snuggie right now! Needless to say it was a fun weekend! And we still have a week full of fun family activities and get togethers! I had better get some rest;)



As usual I snapped tons of pictures and have posted some for all to enjoy! So take a look:

The Birthday boy!

The Scientist's helper!


YaYa and Jake

Blake and some precious friends!

Carl and Blake trying out our snuggies!

Blake dancing for us all!!

Opening his "big present"

Jake and his mama...so sweet!

Dad and us girls (minus tiff who was at work)

All the guys (minus Tripp;))

Kelly and her boys;)

Carl, Tripp and I


So Cute!

Unwrapping presents!

More presents!

The dresser/changing table

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend and more importantly has a blessed Christmas week! We want to thank you all for being a part of our lives. We love you all! Merry Christmas to all!! We will have lots to update on soon! Thanks for catching up with us this week!

Many Blessings,

Traci & Tripp

27 weeks!

I can't believe we have reached week 27 already. It really seems like just yesterday we found out this twosome was going to become a threesome! Here is a little info on what the trippster is up to this week in his development:

Your baby will soon weigh 3-5 pounds, looking more like a baby as this extra weight plumps him up. He’ll make purposeful movements to get comfortable and his lungs - among the last organs to develop fully - continue maturing now. Your baby's lungs and brain are beginning to mature. Although he'd have a good chance of survival if he were born now, he could use a few more weeks of growing. Added layers of fat are continuing to form. These layers will help your baby regulate his temperature once outside the womb and help keep him warm.

Tripp has definitely been growing as evident by the size of my belly! These past few days my tummy has just sprouted! Carl even looked at my belly tonight and said "it gets bigger than that? how?" it was pretty funny! Tripp has also been extremely active! His favorite time to practice his kicking is around 3 am every night. Needless to say my body is getting used to waking up at this time. I love to feel him move around. It is such a blessing.

Well we all had a great weekend! On Friday night Carl and I finished up our Christmas shopping and had a nice night in. Saturday was an early morning in which we headed out to Baytown to watch our nephew blake play in his very first basketball game. It was hilarious watching 5 year olds play. We had such a great time! Afterwards we all had lunch together and mom, kelly, the boys and I all went and did a little shopping. Mom even bought me a nice jacket that fits over my belly! Thanks Mom, you're the best! My nephew Blake came home with us and mom and I took him to pick out a birthday present. It was nice getting to spend some time with my grown-up little boy:) I cant believe he is going to be 6 already! Today was a lazy sunday. But I did manage to do some christmas baking while Carl worked hard on Tripp's dresser. He is doing such an amazing job! My hubby is so talented on top of being such a wonderful husband. I am truly blessed! I have posted some pics from the weekend and of the dresser/changing table at this point.

As you can see the dressing/changing table is looking great and is almost done! Carl has done such a great job. I even snuck in a shot of him in action;) The rest of the pics are from Blake's basketball game.

Well thanks for reading this week. We hope everyone has a blessed week and we will update again soon!

Blessings,

Traci & Tripp

Just a little update...

So just a little update....I had a doctor's appointment this morning and had to do the dreaded glucose test! Carl had a meeting this morning and wasn't able to go, but luckily my mom had an appointment this week so she rescheduled to my day so she could come with me. I am a wimp when it comes to giving blood so I knew I'd need some support. I had to drink the nice sugary orange drink while waiting in the office, so within minutes Tripp was bouncing around the womb! I think he is still on a sugar high now;) When Dr. Jackson was doing the sonogram Tripp was kicking him! It was really funny. But all in all, Tripp is doing really well and had a nice strong heartbeat. It is such a blessing to hear his little heart beating! I think he is also recognizing our voices. This morning about 6 am when he finally started calming down and I was drifting off to sleep Carl was getting up to go to work and was saying goodbye to me, Tripp must have heard Carl's voice and boy did he get going again! I guess he wanted daddy to know he was there too! We go back in 3 weeks for our next ultrasound. We can't wait to see our little boy again!

On a funny note, Carl and I have been wondering what our little boy will look like. So we dug up some pictures of us when we were newborns in the hospital. It's hard to believe by looking at the pictures, but Carl was actually heavier than me when I was born. Needless to say we had a good laugh. I have posted the pics so you too could have a good laugh;) Who do you think Tripp will look like?

Carl

Traci

Well hope everyone is having a great day and staying warm! Thanks for catching up with us today and hope you had a little comic relief in your day! Have a blessed week!

Blessings,

Traci & Tripp

26 weeks and counting...

Tripp and I at the start of 26 weeks

Wow, in our 6th month and at 26 weeks already! Here is what our little guy is up to this week in his development:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

Wow, so much going on in there, and believe me I can feel it! Tripp continues to be extremely active. He especially likes to make his presence known around 3 am every night! The other night he was moving so much that it looked like my belly was having a seizure! Even though it keeps me up I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I just love to feel him moving around. I think I am experiencing some of the "nesting phase". I just want Tripp's nursery to be ready! Even though Carl so kindly reminds me that he will not need it for a little while.;) Regardless, we just cant wait to meet him! Carl and I wonder who he will look like. It's so fun to think about!

Well this cold Christmas like weekend was very relaxing! It was a relaxing weekend that Carl and I both needed! On Friday we enjoyed the "snow storm" we had by spending time together in our toasty little home. Later in the day we went to the airport to pick up my mom, grandparents and cousin who had gone to Disney world for the week. My grandmother has always wanted to see Disney at Christmas time so my mom took them. She said they were like little kids! I'm so glad they got to go. After we picked them up they treated us to dinner at Pappasitos because that is what Tripp really wanted;) It was a fun night. On Saturday mom and I did some Christmas shopping while Carl finished up some outdoor Christmas decor on our house as well as Schindewolf Lane (which you should all come see and I will post some pics later). Saturday night Carl took me to see The Blindside, which was a really good movie! Today we went to church, had lunch together and have spent the rest of the day making Carl stay inside (he has been feeling a little under the weather and is very restless;)) while I worked on our Christmas cards. Tonight we are having our parents and Aunt Janelle over for dinner. I just love weekends like this! This will probably be the last restful weekend we will have until after the holidays...and then Tripp will be here! Guess we better enjoy the time while we can;)

Well thanks for reading our blog this week. We hope everyone has a blessed week! We will update again soon. Stay Warm!

Blessings,

Traci and Tripp

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow....

Here in Spring the snow is just barely coming down, but in baytown, tx the snow is really coming down! My sister sent me some pictures of what it looks like at their house this morning and some cute pictures of my little snow bunnies that were just too cute not to share!

The Alexander family enjoying the snow

Jake all bundled up

My little snow bunnies!

Look at all that snow!

I wish it would snow like that over here in Spring but I'm really glad my babies got to see it! Tripp and I are enjoying the day inside the warm house snuggled on the couch by the sparkling Christmas tree! We are waiting for Carl to get home and join us. Later we are going to pick up my mom and grandparents from the airport, if their flight is not cancelled due to this crazy weather! They are in for quite a weather shock...they have been in orlando, florida at Walt Disney World where they have been enjoying the 80 degree weather! Please pray for a safe flight and landing for them. Thanks and hope everyone has a safe afternoon and fun winter-like weekend! We'll be updating again real soon...

Blessings,

Traci & Tripp

25 Weeks and Oh So Thankful!

The Bump: Week 25

Wow, we have now entered the third trimester! I can't believe we are here already. Tripp is growing more each week and is quite a little wiggle worm. Carl and I love to feel him moving around. We can't wait to meet him! Here is what Tripp is up to this week:



In the last third of pregnancy, he'll double and triple his weight. The average fetus size at this point is 13.6 in.-14.8in and weighs about 1.5-2.2 lbs. Your dexterous baby can touch and hold his feet and make a fist. Your partner may be able to hear his heartbeat by pressing his ear against your belly. Your baby has a regular sleep schedule now and active and inactive periods. You may or may not be able to discern what those periods are. His nostrils, which have been plugged, open up.


To say we had a great holiday week/weekend would be an understatement! I spent most of last week baking and preparing for thursday which I always enjoy! On Thanksgiving we celebrated twice. First we went over to Carl's aunt's house and had a mini-feast with his family. We had a good time and his aunt did a great job! Afterwards we headed over to my mom's house where we feasted once again! All of the food was delicious but Tripp especially enjoyed mom/yaya's dressing and aunt kelly's sweet potatoes! We ate a couple rounds of food throughout the afternoon and then we rounded out the night with some fun games! We had such a great time getting together with family and friends. After a full day of fun we headed straight to bed to prepare for getting up early to partake in our annual black friday shopping! Mom, Kelly, tiffany and I fought the cold weather and stood in line to get some great deals and to watch all the crazy shoppers go bananas...which is the best part! I have posted a picture of our loveliness at 3am!

Black Friday!

YaYa and the boys

Kelly and her boys

On Friday morning, after a quick nap, we went on our annual trip to the Christmas tree farm. This has been a tradition in our family since I was a little girl. It is a tradition Carl and I will carry on with Tripp! We enjoyed watching Blake and Jake pick out their tree this year. Here is a picture of all of us (minus mom taking the pic and carl who was working on tripp's dresser) heading out to see all the trees!

Christmas Tree Farm

To round out all the holiday festivities and to kick off the Christmas season, Dad and Ginger took us all to see 'A Christmas Carol' at the alley theatre followed by a yummy dinner at The Texas Steamboat House, which was delicious!! The play we saw is one that Dad and Mom used to take my sisters and I to every year when we were growing up....another of many traditions we had! It was so neat to see it again. It was the first play Carl and Tripp had ever been to ;) I have of course posted some pics from our fun night out! Enjoy!

The whole crew at dinner

Carl, Tripp and I

Dad and us

sisters

All of us at dinner

Well, Tripp is kicking me right now, I think he's trying to tell me it's time for breakfast;) so I'm off to make some breakfast and get ready for chuch. Thanks for reading and be sure to check in again soon! How blessed we are! We had a great holiday week and we hope everyone had a blessed thanksgiving and holiday weekend! Have a great week!

Blessings,

Traci, Carl and Tripp

24 Weeks Preggers, Birthday Party and Dwight Yoakam!

Carl, Tripp and I: week 24

Wow what an exciting weekend we had! Too much fun to put into words but I will try my best;) First and foremost, we are approaching our 24th week of pregnancy and thanksgiving! Here is what the little trippster is up to this week....besides dancing;)

Baby's now the size of a papaya!(average size is: 10.5-11.8 in. 12.7-20.8oz)
Baby's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, his newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow.
Your baby's skin becomes less translucent as pigment is deposited, and it looks wrinkly because his body is making his skin more quickly than it makes the fat to pad underneath it. Your baby's unique hand- and footprints are forming. You may feel jumps as he has bouts of hiccups. In fact, it may seem like the baby is in perpetual motion. Some babies now kick in response to sounds and touch from outside the womb. Encourage your partner to talk to the baby, and see if he kicks in response!

Well tripp has definitely been making his presence known to us daily! He has been wiggling so much that we can even see him move on the outside of my tummy. Carl really gets a kick out of that. I think he is going to be just like his daddy...not being able to sit down for long! Guess my mom and sisters will still be my movie going partners...don't think tripp will like "wasting time" either ;)We are so in love with our little boy already and can't wait to meet him!!

As I said before we had such an amazing weekend...it will be hard to put into words! To kick off the weekend mom and I went and saw New Moon! We went to the movie tavern so for a preggo like me it was heaven...food and a greatly anticipated movie!! WE had a such a good time and really enjoyed the movie! I didn't think anything could top that, but it did. Saturday was my baby nephew Jake's first birthday party. We had a fun time getting together and celebrating. Dad/Chief even got talked into climbing into the moon walk and bouncing around! Jake is so precious and I can't believe he is one already! Here are some pics of the cutie

The Birthday Boy!

"Give me that cake!"

"Yum, that was delicious and fun too!"

Happy Birthday Jake!

Dad getting in touch with his inner child;)

After the party, Carl and I got ready to go to see Dwight Yoakam. Carl surprised me with tickets for our anniversary. We went to Saltgrass first for a yummy dinner and then after a quick stop at CVS for some antacids (indigestion...one of the perks of pregnancy) we were off to the concert. All I can say about Dwight's performance is WOW! It was a great show! And to top it off we had great seats and were basically sitting right in front of him! He put on such an awesome performance. Carl and I were worried because we are not used to staying up so late, but as soon as he hit the stage we were wide awake! Tripp even enjoyed it....he was dancing around in my belly the whole time;) Carl and I also enjoyed feeling him moving around. Poor baby was probably wondering what the heck his usually boring parents were doing! Nonetheless, we're pretty sure he's going to be a fan just like us! Like I said before, what an AMAZING weekend! And now we have thanksgiving this week. Tripp and I can't wait to eat some of my mom/YaYa's delicious dressing!! It's my fave part. Not to mention getting together with family and friends! Friday morning Kelly, mom and I will continue our tradition of getting up at 3 am and hitting the black friday sales! What a great week we have ahead of us! I am so thankful for all the blessings in my life!! In closing I have posted some pics from the concert and before. We hope everyone has a blessed week and happy thanksgiving! Remember to give thanks to God for all the blessings in your life! We love you all!!!

Carl, Blake, Tripp and me before the concert

Dwight!

Such an awesome show!

"Good time Charlie's got the blues..."

Have a blessed week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Traci, Carl and Tripp