The Legacy Continues

   We got to go up to Utah for Thanksgiving this last weekend and it was absolutely perfect. We ate delicious food, spent all our time together laughing and playing in the front room and, an added bonus, Kenna and Shayna got to witness a Merrell gathering and spend the weekend with us! Liam was an ANGEL all weekend, it could be because he got everything he wanted and had at least 3 peoples constant attentions at all times, but no matter the reason, I LOVED it. He said some adorable things that I don't want to forget.
-"Sorry guys, I'll keep it together"
-"I ate healthy and I feel better"
-"Its poopin' time mama!"
-"You can take a turn and then you can give it back."
-"I crack an egg!"
Of course each little saying has a story attached but I'll write those out later. Black Friday shopping didn't disappoint at all. I went with my sisters and we had a blast flashing our Starbucks cups and pretending to be important. I got some great deals but nothing was better then watching Shayna and Kenna together. They crack me up, they're always so happy and so confident in their own skin. I hope to be more like them.
   We came home to find Gail and Ray on the computer looking up OBs and Ultrsound places in the area. Most people know that I've refused to go to the doctor and have yet to establish an OB for this babe.When they found out I was way past the point that I could find out the gender, they wanted nothing but to find out if I'd be giving them their first granddaughter on Gails side.  Of course Chad jumped right on that bandwagon as well, offering my insurance card and any information they needed to find someone who could get me in that day for an ultrasound. I was a little shocked, I was able to plan a lot with Liam, we had the appointment set for weeks, I had a cute reveal all planned out and was prepared in every way. This time, I didn't even get to take a shower, just got in the car and drove downtown to "Fetal Fotos" to find out if I was having a boy or girl, willy nilly, no big deal. At first I protested and found every argument to make, but I slowly realized, if not now, I might not find out til that babe pops out in April. So with a little hesitation, we took off to the ultrasound techs office.
  When we got there I realized how special it was going to be to have Chad and Liam at an appointment to see the baby on the screen. In most circumstances, Chads at work while I go to the doctors and Liam would be at Grandmas or Danis. This would be the first and only time that they'd get to be there with me, so we took the opportunity to explain everything to Liam and let him see how it all worked. He would say things like, "Baby, where are you" and "Stop hiding baby". The nurse found the gender, but the picture in and envelope and sent us on our way. While we were at the appointment, Gail, Ray, Madi and Shayna went to Walmart and grabs a girl and a boy onsie, just like with Liam, we wanted to all find out together. This time we wanted Liam to pull the onsie out of the bag and instead of having the tech put the onsie in the bag, I asked Chad to find out first and plan the appropriate onsie. Chad opened the envelope, got the bag ready and came inside. I tried to read his face to see if I could guess what it was based on his reaction but I quickly realized that no matter the gender, Chad would have the same reaction. He has this smile of sheer joy and excitement and all I knew was that he was in love with that baby. Kind of a special experience for me.
   Liam pulled out a BLUE onsie and we all cheered and laughed. Liam was a little confused but he understood when we said "baby brother". Chad and I are thrilled, Liam is the greatest thing that has happened to us and we know having another little boy with a totally different personality and spirit is going to bring our family twice the laughs and love.

We haven't decided on a name but the name Matix...or Mattox (we haven't figured out spelling) is one that keeps popping up, and the middle name is the hardest part of us, we've got a few but we cant decide on which one to use so we'll see.

The last leg of our trip was filled with snow, sledding, hot chocolate and Gails famous chicken noodle soup. Our trips to visit grandma and grandpa are never long enough but we made the very most of our time together. We're so spoiled to always be surrounded by good friends and family and to enjoy our time together so much!