3-D Ultrasound

I had my 3rd ultrasound for baby number 3 and the tech did part of it in 3-D! I've never had a 3-D ultrasound before, and it was really cool! Here are a couple pictures of our little boy (still yet to be named). I think he might have the Rettburg (Micheal's family) nose, its looking pretty good sized!

My Little Mommy

Samantha is so mothering! It drives me crazy at times, but it also makes me laugh at times. I often have to remind her, while she is trying to tell Zach what not to do, that she needs to let me be the mom. Usually she says something back like, "No! I be the mom!"

The other day Zach was doing something he shouldn't (surprise, surprise) and I told him to stop. Immediately Samantha said, "Let me be the mom, okay." She gave me the same look I'm sure I've given her a million times. It was so funny! It took all I had not to laugh. I often hear her tell Zach or a doll "That makes Mommy mad" or "You need time out!" or "Its nap time" etc... I think she's getting all the "Mom" phrases down!

Boy Names

As all of you probably know by now, we are expecting baby #3 and boy #2 on September 1st. I have to admit, as soon as the ultra sound revealed "boy" I was a little disappointed. The last month or so I have really hoped for a sister for Samantha. But, now that I know we are having a boy, I'm super excited! Zach will love having a little terror to join in whatever he feels like doing.

That being said, I have the hardest time coming up with boy names. It just stresses me out! Samantha was named the day we found out she was a girl. Baby #3 has a middle name, but that's it. We have decided that we are going to use the name Ernest for his middle name. It has family connections to both Micheal's and my family. I really want our kids to have middle names that have stories and meanings. I want them to feel connected to their ancestors, just like I feel connected to my Grandma Burt since my middle name is her first name.

Now, we have to choose a first name. If you have any ideas, we welcome them! Luckily, we still have a couple months to come up with a name. Unfortunately, I am the type of person who is going to stress and think about this kid's name until it is decided on. Then I'll second guess myself until he is like a month old.

Great-Grandma Hawthorne

Not many people have the blessing of knowing their great-grandparents. I have been lucky enough to know a couple of mine. Samantha and Zach even got to meet their Great-Great-Grandma Hawthorne a little over a year ago. I feel so blessed to have known her. She once told me we were kindred spirits. I think she was right! No one had more faith and more fun in their life. Now she is back with Grandpa, right where she wants to be. We love you Grandma! Thanks for being a great example every single day of your life!!!

The Past Month in Pictures (WARNING: There are a lot, I've been a slacker)

Zach is a walker at 16 months!!!! (He beat his sister by 2 months!)

 Trip to Idaho! Zach and Edward are great friends and super cute together!

 The Gateway Children's Museum with Suzie's family! Erin was a great checker; she scanned ever item!

 Ice Cream!!!! Need I say more?

 Easter!!!!

 This picture reminds me a lot of a picture taken of Lawrence and I at similar ages.

 This girl LOVES shoes!!!

Romney, Grandparents, and Cousins

We had a great weekend in Idaho! We drove through a blizzard (just part of the way, but it was still awful) on Thursday to go to a Mitt Romney rally in Idaho Falls. Micheal's sister offered to take the kids, but we were running so late they came with us! It was a huge crowd! They had to divide it into two rooms and he spoke in both. We were lucky to be pretty close to the front, but when he came around to shake hands, I felt like people were trying to jump over me! It was fun, although I don't think I will ever take my kids to such an event ever again!!! They did not appreciate the long wait!

At one point Samantha was so tired she started yelling, "Stop! Stop!" While Romney was talking. Oops!!! She loves to retell the story. Needless to say, Michael took her off his shoulders in a hurry.

After the rally, we stayed at my parents house for a night. The next night the kids stayed again while Michael and I stayed in Idaho Falls. It was a late anniversary celebration. We watched movies and ate yummy food and didn't have to pause the movies once to take care of kids!!! It was so fun!!! The kids had fun with Grandma and Grandpa. Samantha did some "Sweating to the Oldies" with Aunt Eliza. Read books with Grandma. And helped Grandpa plow the driveway! Loved to push the button to lower the blade.

The next night we stayed at Suzie's house (Michael's sister). We had a fun get together with all the siblings in Idaho. Samantha loved playing with her cousins, especially Erin (I wish I had a picture)!

Five Years!!!

Top: Micheal and Heidi's engagement pictures!
Bottom: Five years and 2 kids later, and we're still smiling!!!