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.

The news is out...

We are expecting Baby SMT July 15th. I am now 15.5 weeks along and doing great, just trying to get used to the new body in the mirror and anxiously awaiting the changes ahead. People keep asking for a belly picture, so here is the first. I make no promises but hope to do a pretty good job of keeping the Grandmas & Grandpas to-be updated with photos.

Original Me

15.5 weeks along. The new Mommy-Me

Some days I wake up and all of a sudden my belly seems even bigger. I still haven't transitioned to maternity pants, thanks to the amazing Bella Band, but I can see the day coming soon. Skyler couldn't be more thrilled with the changes in my body; he usually has to help me be more optimistic as I never really pictured the changes happening and focused more on looking forward to a baby coming. We are however both thrilled that we have a beautiful baby growing inside of me.

So far we don't have any concerns and can claim that everything is going smoothly as morning sickness left right on cue and never really manifested itself in the horrible ways that some women have had to endure. The hardest part, which I can't complain about, is that I hated the sight of food for quite some time and had some cravings that I will only admit to a privileged few. However, I am generally back on track and only have to avoid a few unsightly foods and am enjoying my normal fancy food preferences. All is happy and well in the growing Tanner Family

The Kelseys

Ashley, Nathan, Easton, and in utero baby Kelsey came to visit us this last weekend. It was absolutely great to see them and wonderful to know that best friends are pretty much always best friends. As soon as they came in the door I felt like they must live here because it seemed so natural to have them in our home. Easton shared my feelings and didn't seemed scared to be held by his "aunt and uncle" that he only sees every once in a while and made himself right at home.

We all enjoyed hiding from the snow in our apartment and sharing stories, talking baby talk and just being together. We ate lots of yummy food and hopefully were able to tempt the Kelsey's into coming again rather than staying in DC, despite the awful snow.

They have only been gone for 3 hours and I miss them lots and am planning our trip to visit them. Which led me to looking at pics of me and Ash from Freshman year at BYU...this is how the story began....

BYU Homecoming October 2003

Country dancing BYU November 2003

Nathan & Ashley's wedding August 2004

Pretty much this girl got me through one of the craziest but most exciting times of my life. Freshman year we both found ourselves. Ashley found the man of her dreams (thanks to me :) ) and they both served as fantastic examples to me as I waited to find the man of my dreams. These two have been there for me when others just couldn't see why and when I have had the happiest moments of my life. Ash is the girl I know I can call crying over the sad and the happy things in life. Friendships like this need to be cherished.

Winter Break...

(more pictures to come...)

We have returned from our fantastic vacation where we were able to visit both my family in Washington and Skyler's family in Utah. It was the best way to spend our holiday break. We were sad to leave both homes but are also glad to be back for Sky's final semester of school.

The most enjoyable part of our time in Washington was likely the 18 inches of snow that kept us inside playing games and sharing memories as a family. Becca was there to join in the fun which made it all the better. Skyler made lots and lots of treats...which we all quickly devoured so as to encourage him to make more. Mom and I crafted together. Skyler and Dad competed on the Wii. Mostly we had a relaxing and cozy time with family.

Utah brought to-do lists and fun. There is lots to do in a family with 10 children. Skyler and I were able to spend time doing projects and helping with the kids. It is always nice to see all of the kids at their various activities. MarKette, Tay, Drex, Brin, Stet, & Kohl at basketball and Angelina at dance & gymnastics. Skyler also enjoyed some snowboarding with his older siblings and I enjoyed some sledding with the little ones. It was especially nice to be with Mom & Dad Tanner in the evenings as we all settled down to chat.

We were also able to see some of our friends from BYU. It is always nice to get back together with the girls. Life is changing for everyone but we all still seem like we have been through it together. I must admit as an aside that walking around BYU and Provo sure seemed weird! We have definitely been in a new stage of life over the last few years and it made BYU seem slightly odd but also nostalgic.

Natalie with baby Jackson, me, Suzanna, & Molly.

We love our families and miss them already. Ithaca has welcomed us back with freezing cold arms (currently feels like -12 degrees) and we feel like we haven't missed a beat.