Happy Birthday Tom!

Max has been naming Annie's dolls lately.

This one is Max.

and Mommy

and Annie

and Daddy!

I tried to suggest that this one was Great Grandpa, but Max was insistent.

You have to admit, the similarities are uncanny when they're cruising in their green van.

Latest Belly Shot

So I realize this is probably our most confusing photo yet, but it really is exciting because . . .

IT'S OUR NEW VAN'S BELLY!

Yes, we're finally living our religion. Hopefully we don't outgrow it until grandchildren arrive.

This isn't actually it, but I googled one that looks just like ours. We're taking name suggestions should you have any!

Girls rule! Boys drool.

We're proud (and honestly a little relieved) to announce the ultrasound results of our newest addition. GIRL! Yay! Thomas is a little disappointed since Max will be a sister sandwich like Tom was. But who cares, he's outvoted now anyway!

Here's a 3D ultrasound picture of her little face! And since she's coming in the summer and Annie was born in winter, I'll be forced to do some newborn girl shopping. Rough, I know.

And, for those of you who have been anxiously awaiting the next belly shot. Here I am at 20 weeks. Those hormones combined with a seven day cruise can really wreak havoc on a midriff!

Surprise!

Yep, sure enough. We are expecting another Mounts to grace our family in August.

Annie is hoping for a sister, and Thomas and I don't care much either way. Max is in a blissfully oblivious state. We'll find out toward the end of March probably.

I've kind of had a rough winter with Max. He's just a difficult age to keep cooped up in the house for months on end. So I'm still trying to wrap my mind around a third, but hopefully by August I'll be ready for a baby!

I've noticed that a lot of girls like to post photos of their growing belly on their blog, and I figured, hey that seems like a classy thing to do! So here is my stomach at 12 weeks. We'll keep you posted as things progress.

I predict that my stellar stretch-mark-free abs will only improve as the months go on.

Christmas Devotional

Tonight, after watching the Christmas Devotional for FHE, we asked Annie what she could do to help someone during the Christmas season. She candidly replied, "I think we should help the Germans, cause they don't have lots of money."

If you heard President Monson's talk, you'll know why we almost died laughing.

BOO!

Yes, we are alive! Halloween was a blast, and here are a few pictures to prove it.

Max got right in on the fun this year.

A gorilla named Grandpa came trick-or-treating with us.

Then we had a great time and Gram and Bomp's Halloween party (Annie's fake smile shows just how much she wants to go play with Thatcher).

Together again. These cousins are serious buddies.

Our little bees getting ready for a feast.

UNO!

My little man is one today! It seems like he should only be three or four months old, and I still baby him as if he were. I remember the first time I saw his little face, and I wasn't surprised at all. It was like I recognized or expected him.

Maxwell has developed a sweet little personality. One is his best qualities is patience. I have to be careful to remember when I've fed him last or changed his diaper or else I'll forget because he doesn't cry and complain. He also has to use a lot of patience with his big sister who isn't quite sure how to play with him yet.

He's also super friendly. Everyone who meets him thinks they're so special because of that big smile he gives them. He grins at everyone he sees and says hi to all the cars that drive past our house. Max is always looking for fun, and fun is synonymous for dad. So around 4:00 each afternoon he starts wandering the house saying DaDa? DaDa? Thomas doesn't get much time to himself after work. Max insists on being right in the middle of whatever he's doing.

Maxwell is a snuggler too. He gives me lots of hugs and pats throughout the day, and he attacks any stuffed animal with kisses and loves. Even when he decides to wake up at three in the morning, I can't be mad at him because of the way he melts onto my shoulder.

Some of Max's skills are walking (just barely though), clapping, waving, stacking blocks, throwing, and emptying.

I love having this little guy in our family and am excited to see what the next year brings!

Thanks Lynne for the photo shoot! Isn't she amazing? She got Max to hold still for a few minutes without screaming his head off. I should hire her to help with diaper changes.