Boston...

We spent Valentine's weekend in Boston, not really for the holiday, but rather for a JRCLS conference; Valentine's was just a good excuse for me to tag along and get to see Boston. We had a grand time. I will admit that I had more fun than Skyler because he spent all day each day at seminars while I was able to join the spouses group and take a trip on the Freedom Trail and see a few extra sites. It was great to walk in Boston and see all of the things that I taught my fourth graders about last winter. We loved Boston! We will have to be sure to visit Chandler often.

The seminar lectures were enjoyable. It is always nice to get together with other LDS lawyers. The highlight for me was the class on Abigail and John Adams. I have been quite intrigued by their stories lately. I think I may have to start a little extra research on the side to learn from their strong examples. Skyler's favorite was the question and answer sessions. He enjoys hearing the experiences of big-time LDS lawyers.

Paul Revere statue with the Old North Church

Where the Declaration of Independence was read

Me with the ducks from "Make Way for Ducklings"

A fun location for a free lunch. There was even one the guest stars there--the guy who played the lawyer for Sam.

The State building--very cool architecture.

THE stroller...

I say "THE" because our intention is to only buy one stroller. I am in love with our stroller. I looked long and hard for the stroller I wanted. I will admit that I started my research during the summer in NYC because I knew we would be moving there and that the stroller for our baby one day would have to stand up to the tough terrain of NYC streets.

Skyler has been making fun of me teasing that our baby won't come out saying "Ahh, you got me a Bugaboo!" But, I think he/she might :) I would want to ride in it! It is super easy to maneuver and push and it is very light. I think the best part is the bassinet piece and the different directions the seat can face. I love the idea of my baby facing me for as long as possible (the seat can face toward you or out toward everything else). We plan to use the bassinet piece as the bassinet/bed for the baby from day one. That will help us to keep from having a million baby things in our house just before we move in September. As you can tell I am thrilled. One of the best parts is that we got it for about 1/3rd of the price as I found it gently used on Craigslist.

The seat with the footmuff (New York is cold!)

The seat for older babies/toddlers

The seat facing toward me

The chassis with the infant car seat (Graco Snugride).

The bassinet

19.5 weeks

We just finished up a very busy week. The baby didn't get much attention, but it feels like he/she is still doing well. At times I can feel movement, it is all very surreal and thoroughly enjoyable. Hopefully the movement gets a bit stronger soon or Skyler is going to begin feeling left out.

Looking at the picture this week I can't see much change, but I think the baby might be moving up a bit. Maybe it is my imagination, but my belly looks higher to me; you can all decide what you think.

I have been debating whether or not to do this, but I think for fun I will start a vote on whether you all think it is a boy or a girl--so take your pick. The poll is on the sidebar to the right. Really, there is no way to know, and as I was talking with some friends on Friday we mentioned how it is such a weird question to be asked "So, what do you think it is?!" I never know what to say, but we hopefully only have one week until we find out!!!

Mama and Baby SMT 19.5 weeks

Update at 18.5 weeks

We kept ourselves busy this week and topped it off with a great trip to Boston. More on the trip later, but I wanted to post the belly pic of the week. We also made our first big baby purchases. We bought a stroller and car seat this weekend while we were in Boston...I did lots of searching on craigslist and found exactly what I wanted. Again, more on that later :)

18.5 weeks

The doctor appointment went well this week. We heard the healthy heartbeat of Baby SMT and things seem to be progressing well. Total weight gain thus far is at 6 lbs, though I think the scale must be wrong because I can't imagine only 6 lbs being what makes this belly look so round. I feel like I already can't see my legs unless I make an intentional effort--quite funny actually. However, I must admit that the weight gain isn't scary to me now like it was earlier in the pregnancy as now I feel like I actually look pregnant, not just like I have put on "winter weight". Crazy what a difference even just two weeks can make.

We are getting very excited to see Baby SMT on March 2nd during our ultrasound appointment. Now we just have to settle on the name. We have known the girl name since I can remember, but we keep going back and forth between 2 boy names, same first name, Skyler, but we can't seem to settle on the middle name, which we will actually call him by, if it is a him. We want to call our baby by name when we know if it is a boy or girl, so I better make up my mind soon as Skyler has already said he likes both names.

Pictures of the belly...

I am doing really well. I had been feeling quite a bit better about 2 weeks ago, but now I am feeling even better. I have much more energy and have been able to sleep much more soundly. Sleeping has been one of the challenges for me. I am one that sleeps on my belly, but, silly enough, I am uncomfortable on my belly already and feel nervous that I might squish this little baby, so I have to sleep on my left side; it is a trick, but I am adjusting. I have also become more of a night owl as I know that my sleep isn't as divine as it used to be; I have even been outlasting Skyler, which has never happened before.

We have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, but it isn't scheduled to be an ultrasound. Maybe if I am good, the doctor will sneak me in...he is a nice guy and did it for me once before :). I probably shouldn't push my luck, but I might.

Me and Baby SMT 17.5 weeks

This one was funny just because I was asking Skyler, "Do I even look pregnant today?" He sweetly looked at the picture on the camera (as if he needed to) and chuckled in his response, "Yeah, you do." I guess I am getting used to this belly after all.

So our Moms can sleep easier...

After being home in Washington & Oregon for the long holiday break I didn't know for sure if I was going to be happy to come back to New York. There is something fantastic about walking a few feet and knowing that Mom, Dad, or a sibling will be there to chat with and help make the day run more smoothly. I was slightly bummed to come back to the world of "just the two of us," not because this life isn't wonderful, but it is true that at times it can be slow and even lonely. However, my dear friends, Angella & Lexi, have each unintentionally reminded me of how wonderful the people are in this area and that perspective has stuck with me throughout the week. I know it is cheesy to give a "shout-out" to your friends on your blog, but heck, this is my blog and I am a cheesy girl so you can read if you want or skip it.

I have been blessed with great friends in my life and our Cornell life has continued the trend. We have both enjoyed this stage in life and have been able to get to know and make new life-long friends. The people we have met here have been some of the most fun, exciting, caring, and considerate people we have known. There are many people here that we have come to love and can both say are close friends and even others that we don't know closely but admire your kind examples. We are happy to be sharing this time of our lives with our friends here and appreciate the strength that you give to us.

The picture this week...

me & baby smt at 16.5 weeks

I am not sure that it is enjoyable for everyone to see the belly pics, but it seems to be a "first-baby trend," and I want my far-off family and friends to enjoy what they can. One day, after I have more pictures, I will make this into a slide show or something so you don't all have to check for a blog post (small plug for Google Reader).

I must admit that prior to becoming pregnant I used to wonder why women would count the weeks, I mean life doesn't change that much in a week...so I thought. But here I am...I am so anxious for changes and to correctly document each moment that I not only count by the week, I count the half-week as well. Don't judge me...okay...you can.