Caught in the Act

Hope is smiling at us consistently now, and it's truly the best thing since sliced bread. In fact, I declare that from now on we should instead say: "the best thing since Hope's smile."

Smiling Hope and mom had a nice trip with zMoms yesterday to the art museum, and out to lunch. From the stroller, Hope got a nice view of the skylights, a few plants and benches, and maybe a sculpture or two...but it was an important first exposure to the visual arts amidst all this sports fever. So to our dear friend who observed today, "Hope can't be stuck in Patriots gear forever" - - please trust that while we will never abandon our team, at least metaphorically, were working on a fair balance. :)

Something our little outing proved out was that we are a bit "over-equipped" at the moment. Quite the opposite of our usual m.o. - - travel light. Chelsea made it through art museum and lunch with just a baby and a sling. We fumbled around with baby bundled to the nines, car seat, stroller, enormous baby bag, and enormous overcoat. No wonder it takes us an hour to get anywhere. Thank goodness for clear skies - - we would be absolutely helpless in the rain! (More gear to fumble with - - the stroller's enormous rain shield!)

We get another chance tomorrow to improve our technique...and it *may* even be snowing. (Let's hope not.) Since it's just a lunch date, I'm thinking car seat all the way - - no stroller.

Here are a few more smiles from the series... Cheers!