Impatience

Well, we just couldn't wait. So, we decided to pay for an ultrasound. I took some advice and drank some orange juice an hour before the appointment. It must have worked, because our baby GIRL was in prime position! She was so cute up there on the screen--and it's finally so nice to be able to call her a her, rather than an it. Let the planning (and shopping for little girl clothes) begin!!!

It's A....

...healthy baby. How I would love to be more specific, but it seems Baby Byron is not quite ready for the big reveal. The ultrasound tech said she would try again at my next appointment. What's four more weeks, anyway?

Masters' Byron

On May 9th (Mother's Day) Bekah graduated from IU as a Master of Social Work:

Some of my MSW buddies.

On May 15th, Chad graduated from Purdue University with his Master's in Human Resource Management:

Scott, Jacob, and Chad (MIA-Dylan)

We were fortunate enough to have our families come for our graduations. My sister and niece, along with my parents came for mine, and Chad's parents and his siblings, and my brother-in-law came for his graduation. They were special days for both of us, as we celebrated these last two years of hard work. The week was bittersweet for us as we said goodbye to all of our friends that we have made in Indiana and prepared to move to Ohio. Indiana will always be a special place to us!

What are you doing December 9th?

...Because we're having a baby!* We couldn't be more thrilled about this new upcoming addition to our family.



Most have inquired about how I've been feeling. I feel pretty lucky. While I am nauseous and exhausted most of the time, it is completely manageable and I can still function in the real world. Quite a blessing. It could be much worse. I am, however, looking forward to the day when my appetite comes back and my weight starts going the right direction--up.



At our 12 week appointment yesterday, we got to hear the heartbeat. That was one of the most incredible things either of us has experienced. My emotional little self is tearing up just thinking about it. This whole process is just such a miracle, and to be honest it wasn't really real until yesterday.



I have a zillion other things I need to post about. In May, both Chad and I graduated with our Master's degrees and we took a family vacation with Chad's family. However, I was feeling too excited and couldn't wait any longer in posting our happy news! So, more posts to come.



*I attempted to post a picture of the 4 sticks I peed on, but the airport internet is janky. Yes I did in fact do 4 pregnancy tests. Yes they were all positive. I just wanted to be sure. =)

Mr. & Mrs. Byron Go To Washington

We went to Washington D.C. over Spring Break. Chad had never been before, and since I used to live in Maryland, I got to plan the trip! Thanks to my rad cousin Katie for the travel tips and tours =)

Chad after the White House tour, which was...well, unimpressive. It was neat because it was the White House, but the actual building is not very big, and the tour only covers a few rooms.

The Capitol building, however, was incredible. We loved the tour.

The rotunda

Each state can donate two statues to sit in the Capitol. This is obviously one of Utah's contribution--good 'ole Brigham.

Ronald Reagan--my dad's hero


The Library of Congress--another very impressive building.

We went on the monument walk, and saw all the monuments. This is the Korean War Veteran's Memorial.


The Lincoln Memorial


Washington Monument and reflecting pool from the Lincoln Memorial

World War II Memorial

Love this picture of the Washington Monument


We also visited the D.C. temple at night--gorgeous.

We spent some time walking through Arlington National Cemetery



And saw Iwo Jima

We finished off our trip with a visit to Mt. Vernon, which was my favorite part. I hadn't been before, so it was fun to go somewhere new.

We did lots of other things, like spent an afternoon at the Holocaust Museum, ate at some delicious restaurants, and visited with friends and family that live in the D.C. area. Turns out that my cousin works in an office with one of Chad's friends from Jr. High. Small world! It was fun to have dinner with them at a little place called "Cosi." It was there that we discovered this:

This is an indoor s'more maker. It changed our lives. We will be purchasing one of these bad boys sometime soon. Thanks for introducing us, Katie!

St. Patricks Day in Chicago!

Since Chicago is so close, and we missed it last year, we decided that we should celebrate St. Patricks Day Chicago style! So we went up to Chicago with our friends Scott and Codi Barnes, and their kids.

We started the trip right by having Friday Night Pizza at Giordannos!

Then Saturday, we enjoyed the Green River...we couldn't believe how GREEN it really was.

Then we headed down to the St. Patricks Day Parade:

Finally, we stopped by Garretts to get some of that famous Chicago Style Popcorn! Mmmmm! It was a great trip. Glad we could take advantage while we are so close. Thanks for coming with us Scott and Codi it was fun.

Hand Painted Mugs...by Chad & Bekah!

For Christmas, Chads little brother Travis gave us a giftcard to a place called Uniquely Yours Pottery. We finally made it there a couple of weeks ago and these were the results. Thanks Travis we had a great time! It was actually funny how long it took us just to paint these small mugs.