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.