Washington, D.C.

Last week I went to Washington, D.C. for an American Pharmacist's Association (APhA) Annual Convention. Jason was able to come also, which was nice, because he has always been fascinated with history and really wanted to go to D.C. I was in meetings during the daytime, but we were able to do a lot of sightseeing in the afternoon and evenings. Unfortunately, it rained most of the time we were there, but it didn't hold us up too much. Also, I felt pretty good! This was shocking since I've been feeling pretty bad over the past several weeks. Maybe I'm finally moving out of the early pregnancy phase. Here are some pics from our sightseeing! Washington Monument at night

Lincoln Memorial at night

Jason and I in Chinatown

Jefferson Memorial at night

At the Jefferson Memorial

My co-worker, Corey, and I at the Jefferson Memorial

Capitol Building

Jason in front of the Library of Congress

Inside the Library of Congress

The "Reading Room" inside of the Library of Congress

Visiting the Capitol in the rain

The Supreme Court

The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Corey, Patti, Jason, and I outside of the National Archives

Jason, Patti, and Corey on the Metro

Dorothy's ruby slippers at the Smithsonian American History Museum

Three-keyed oboe! (I played the oboe for many years, but never one like this)

Craziest part of the entire trip...my close friend and roommate from pharmacy school, Sarah, found me in the dark at the "Star-Spangeled Banner" exhibit at the Smithsonian American History museum. She was in D.C. for Commissioned Corps training for the U.S. Public Health Service. It's such a small world!

World War II Memorial

The White House

Washington Monument

Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

The "Famous" Ben's Chili Bowl Restaurant

See the President Obama sticker on the mirror in the background? That is where he sat when he visited the restaurant.

Route 66 sign at the Smithsonian American History Museum

Car with Oklahoma tag at the Route 66 exhibit

Another Oklahoma vehichle at the Route 66 exhibit

Ford's Theatre (where President Lincoln was shot)

Hot Chocolate "flight" at Coco Sala

Corey's cupcake "chaser" at Coco Sala - there is Bailey's in the little bulb thingy

My dessert at Coco Sala (I promise that we actually ate a non-chocolate lunch :)

Jason and I at the airport in Chicago

My co-worker, Valerie, and I at the Chicago airport

Pregnancy Update

Well, I am counting down the days until the end of my first trimester. I was 12 weeks this past Wednesday, so less than 1 & 1/2 to go. I am REALLY hoping that things get better soon. The past several weeks have been made difficult by battling nausea, exhaustion, lack of an appetite, and feeling "down." I know that it's hard to feel truly happy when you're not feeling well, but I was lacking any level of excitement about this pregnancy. Fortunately, the past few days have been a little better. My stomach still doesn't feel "up to par," but I haven't had to take any of my nausea medication which is nice. I am praying that God will continue to lead me out of this slump so that I can start truly being thankful for the blessing he has given us.

Next week, we are going to be tackling another "challenge." Jason and I are going to Washington, D.C. for a pharmacy conference (well, I will have to attend the conference, but Jason can sightsee). Under any other circumstances, I would be ecstatic about going on a fun trip, but honestly, I'm pretty nervous. First, I really don't enjoy flying...especially flights that aren't non-stop. I'm flying out on Wednesday with my co-workers, but Jason will be coming Thursday since he has class Wednesday night. Second, I have been in the habit of sleeping a LOT recently (i.e. 10 hours a night). I know it won't be fun if I'm spending half of the trip sleeping, so I'm praying for a renewed sense of energy. Finally, we will be going-going-going all day long. Since I'm used to sitting at my desk at work all day, I'm hoping (again) that I don't tire too quickly.

On a positive note, I am sooo happy that Jason is going to be able to come. I have gone to many pharmacy conventions, but this is the first time he's been able to come along. He has ALWAYS had a fascination with history and he is super-excited to visit all of the "sights" in D.C. I had the opportunity to go there about 15 years ago, but he hasn't been before. It will be a comfort to have him there also...it eases my nervousness somewhat.

Anyway, my next doctor's appt is March 25th. I will only be 15 weeks at that point, so I will have to wait until April to get my ultrasound. I can't wait to find out the sex of the baby because I think that will make it more "real" for me. I'm hoping that the baby cooperates!

Until next time....

We're Expecting!

Well, it's official! Jason and I are expecting our first baby! He or she is due in mid-September, and I am almost 11 weeks along. So far, the experience has been rough, but I'm hoping that things will improve soon. This past weekend, my dad was able to hear the baby's heartbeat with a doppler and my dad and stepmom did an ultrasound. Although the image was pretty vague this early on, we were able to see the heart beating. Pretty amazing! We would definitely appreciate prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Check back for updates!

About 8 weeks

Becoming Puzzled...

One hobby I've always enjoyed in the winter is doing puzzles! It's a good "indoor" activity and nice way to stay busy when it's freezing cold outside. So far, I've completed two....the first one was a "San Francisco" themed puzzle with 1000 pieces. The second one was a bit easier because it was "over 550 pieces" (according to the box). I haven't decided if I'll conquer another one....but I might....

Warming up...

Our sweet little kitty, Mia, likes to sit next to the air vents when the heat is coming out. Today I caught her "straddling" one! It was hilarious...you can see her cute little extra "thumbs" as well.

Christmas Day

After a fun Christmas Eve with my mom and stepdad, we spent Christmas Day with my dad, stepmom, grandparents, and the rest of the family.

This was a present from my grandpa to my grandma. Isn't it sweet!

Grandma Leta and my brother, Grant

Dad, Jason, and Grandpa Frank

My dad always gets the boys special gifts...I think this allows him to relive his childhood. :) This year, they got pellet rifles. Hope they don't "shoot their eye out!"

There is a store in Wichita called the "Spice Merchant." It used to be a pharmacy and I heard that it is where Mentholatum was invented (it's another version of Vick's Vaporub). Anyway, I got this book for Christmas! It has a ton of cool, old drug advertisements and a DVD of digital images. Such a neat book!

Christmas Eve at Mom's

On December 24th, we celebrated Christmas at my mom's house in Enid. We had a great time visiting with everyone, opening gifts, and playing Christmas games! In the evening, my mom hosted her annual Christmas Eve Party and Dirty Santa with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and their families. We had such a great time! It was a memorable year because we had a White Christmas! (Jason had a first-hand experience the the snow...he was nice enough to shovel the driveway :)

Jason, Carrie (Alan's girlfriend), Alan & Grant (my brothers)

Jason shoveling snow...brrr!

Mom and Chuck (my stepdad) in the One Horse Open Sleigh

Family pic

My cousin's daughter Makenzie

Mom getting the food ready....yum!

Makenzie (cousin Stacey's daughter) and Haley (cousin Brent's daughter)

Jason and Ashley (my cousin Scott's wife)

Playing Dirty Santa with family!

Grant got an OU Snuggie! (I couldn't convince him to do the dance :)

L to R: Stacey (cousin), me, Jill (cousin), Ashley (cousin Scott's wife), Avadelle (cousin Brent's wife)