Robert has graduated from Yale with is master's in Divinity!  We spent the last three days with Robert's parents in various ceremonies and celebrations at and around the Divinity School.  We explored the campus one last time and said some goodbyes (even though we'll still be around for another 5 weeks).  It was good times.  See my new Yale t-shirt---->

I'm going to put it away for the next few months so I'm not tempted to stretch it out.
In the last two weeks I've reached the point in my pregnancy where people are not just wondering whether I'm pregnant.  Comments I've gotten are "Wow, you're pregnant?!" Or, "Look at that! (points at my belly)  something has...developed".  Once or twice people have reached out and touched my belly.  Just for the record, I'm not too weirded out by that, but do ask first!

I'm 23 weeks pregnant tomorrow...or almost 6 months.  I have 6 concerts to plan and conduct, as well as a trip to Six Flags with 20 students.  I'm feeling well but a bit tired.  In a few weeks we'll be flying to Phoenix for Robert's graduation, then we'll be done.  Last day in New Haven should be June 24th. 

We're getting ready for our little boy to show up in September (and not earlier!)  but I don't think we'll really be able to set things up until we're settled in our new place.  His name is Colin James Berra. :)

It's a boy!

Murphy looks concerned

Yes, we are excited (but come on, we'd be excited either way).  Three different ultrasound techs confirmed it at different ultrasounds.  We have a short list of names but don't want to share until we're sure, which may be next week...or it may be the day the baby is born.  Also undecided:  the color scheme or theme of the baby's nursery.  I am currently loving pictures of vintage hot air balloons and may end up doing a hot air balloon or travel-themed nursery.  Check out my Pinterest if you want to see more about that.  I do prefer more gender-neutral stuff for the nursery though.  It would get more use if we have a girl later on, plus, we realized that not all boys are crazy about tonka trucks and sports.

I have been reading up a little on parenting methods and I tell you what, there is a lot to read!  From attachment parenting to the babywise method there are full-length guides to how to do everything with a baby.  Then there specific ways to reach developmental goals, such as the elimination communication method and methods specific to establishing a sleeping schedule.  I'm far from done with my research into all the parenting styles, but I think I can define fairly well my way of doing things.  I'm going to read and listen with an open mind, pick and choose aspects from each method that I like, go with my gut, and do whatever I feel like doing.  So there.

20 weeks and 5 days (5 months!)

I believe that babies are born a couple months before they are really ripe.  In other words, to start out, an infant's life should be very womb-like:  very comforting, with feedings on demand, and without rules about when to sleep.  After that, I'll transition into a schedule probably not too far from the one that the babywise method advocates.  I plan on babywearing and breastfeeding, but not till a kid is two.  I'm not saying it isn't good for the child, but but I have my limits.  Later in the child's life, I may take a page or two from the way the traditional French way of parenting.  (want to know more, read Bringing up Bebe)  Sure, I want my child(ren) to love me and be attached to me, but also to be independent and responsible.  I may change my opinion on parenting styles many times but I will stick to that philosophy and I am confident that our kid will turn out just fine!