Officially Introducing Thuc Paul Tran, Jr - "TJ"

We love Lindsay Ernst Photography... and you will too after you look at these pictures :).

Well.. after you fall in love with my little guy, that is ;)

I'll blog soon about my whole labor experience for those of you who are interested... and what we've been up to the past 5 weeks of his life!! Wow, how time flies!

For now... enjoy!

38 weeks, 6 days

Disappointing day at the doctor. No changes... except for that the baby's head is a little further down... maybe 0 station? 0 cm, 75%. My interventions aren't working. So, no more walking, no more spicy food, no more sitting on the yoga ball. :)

The plan is to be admitted on Monday night for prostaglandin "ripening" and then induction Tuesday morning. I would say I hope for a weekend delivery, however, "Springroll" is already doing the opposite of what I want.. so I'm not saying anything, anymore :)

37 Weeks, 6 Days

We had our 2nd weekly visit to Dr. Simmons today. Last week, I was 0cm dilated, 50% effaced, and at a -2 station. I thought this was a good thing... unfortunately, I was mistaken, and -2 station means the baby is still afloat. Today, we are 0cm dilated, 75% effaced and still at a -2 station. I've been on the elliptical for at least 30min/day & sitting on the yoga ball while watching television. Disappointing that my interventions aren't having much effect. :P So! This weekend begins more interventions... pedicures & spicy food (in addition for the aforementioned interventions)! If Springroll continues to be stubborn, we will be induced on the 23rd.

Maternity Photos

I have been a fan of our friend Lindsay Ernst's photography work for quite some time. She started her own business a couple of years ago and I have always enjoyed viewing her work. I think she is very talented & therefore, I recommend her to pretty much anyone who asks or talks about needing pictures taken! I've FINALLY had an excuse to hire her for my own personal gain... and I couldn't be happier with how our maternity photos turned out. We had a great time with her, she had some fun & creative ideas... and, well... I'm okay with my belly hanging out :) Did I mention she made adorable cupcakes for our session & then left them for me to eat! A pregnant woman's dream!! :)

Enjoy!

You can see more of Lindsay's work at lindsayernstphotography.blogspot.com!

Cabral Wedding

As our last long distance trip baby-less, Thuc & I went to Pennsylvania for his friend John Cabral's wedding. John was a groomsman in our wedding as well. It was a beautiful wedding & it was obvious what a kind, generous, and supportive family he has. Thuc had two jobs: groomsman and reader.

Sadly, Berni's (John's now wife) family could not make it from the Philippines to the wedding due to immigration issues. So, they decided to SKYPE the wedding. Here they are facing down the aisle. Once Berni walked down the aisle, they turned the computer so they could see John & Berni exchange vows/rings etc. They could probably sell their story to Skype! ;)

The happy, MARRIED couple!

Exchanging Vows!

They have a tradition of taking a picture where people have food in their mouth. They had a roasted pig (a real one!) and Thuc thought it'd be funny to use that. If you look close, Thuc has a real pig ear held up to his ear. YUCK!!

We had a fabulous time & really enjoyed seeing Pennsylvania. Ever since, Thuc has joked that we should move there... I told him Denver is first on our list ;).

P.S. There is a reason why they tell you to not travel after 32 weeks... it's uncomfortable!!

Time Flies... When You're Pregnant

Until those last few weeks... they seem to take FOREVER! Actually, the numbers/weeks keep adding on, but the anticipation seems to get in the way! Perhaps it's coupled with a little anxiety about having a BIG baby?! Here we are at 34 Weeks. Not much change from 33 weeks... right ;)

My sister, sister-in-law, and several friends threw Springroll & I a wonderful Baby Shower. Serena, Thuy, Melissa, Jodi, and Rachel were awesome!

They made a clothes line of baby clothes... such a cute & useful gift! Springroll has some high fashion standards already!

We were very loved... our guests filled the house!

Thank you all for coming. Springroll, Thuc, and I feel very loved and fortunate to have such wonderful friends and family. We are excited to introduce you to Springroll once s/he arrives!