It's a BOY!!!

Sam with Jose's Sweet Pepper after the Championship Stake

Ron, Justin, Sam, Shock'n Y'all, Bob, and Mr. Odie after the Amateur 15.2 Championship

Bob after his NCWHA win on Shock'n Y'all

Sam and Jose Dot Com- Open Specialty Champs

You can see his hand beside his face in this one.

Showing his arm.

Showing his arm and hand again.

Hi everyone, and thanks for checking in on us. We've had a busy last few weeks and they are about to get busier! I guess the big news is that we found out yesterday that we are having a little baby boy! Before I get into that though, I'd like to brag on my husband a little bit. We went to a horse show in Lexington, VA a few weeks ago and Sam & Mr. Bob did really well. Together they won 8 blue ribbons, 2 reserves, and 2 thirds. The showgrounds were absolutely beautiful and the show management and spectators were really warm and welcoming. It really reminds me of how blessed we are with our "extended" horse show family. I included some pictures above of a few of the classes they won. Mr. Bob won a championship class and was able to carry out a wreath of roses for the first time in his life. I think that was pretty special for him. Sam won the championship stake class too and I was really proud of him. I know I probably say this a lot, but I really do have a wonderful, hardworking, dedicated husband.

So about the baby news....yes, it's a BOY! My Mom and Aunt Sissy (Celia) were right all along. They have believed from day 1 that he was a little boy. I had been trying to come up with a name for a little girl and just could not settle on anything. My Mom told me that there was a good reason for that...because it's not a little girl! I guess she was right! So, it's official, little Samuel Rowland McLaughlin, III is on the way! I am really and truly excited and I just can't wait to hold him in my arms. I just found out this week that, not only will he be named after his Father (Jr.), Grandfather (Sr.), and great-great grandfather (Samuel Rowland) on Sam's side, I also have 2 Samuel's on my side of the family. My grandfather, John Jeffcoat, had a paternal grandfather named Samuel Odom as well as 1 brother named Samuel Jeffcoat.

I had a doctor's appoinment today and she confirmed that all of the ultrasound photos and measurements are completely normal. She listened to his heartbeat and the little rascal was moving around so much that she had a hard time keeping it. She did finally get it though and that was normal too.

I first felt him move sometime last week. I wasn't positive that I was feeling the baby at first, but it did not take long for that to change. It seems like once he started, he doesn't stop! The little fellow twists and turns ALL of the time now. Overall we are doing well. I am feeling much better now that the morning sickness is over. I find myself being a little more tired than I was before, and excessive heat sometimes makes me a little sick, but those are easy fixes. The only craving I have is whole milk. I drink it all the time now.

Sam is happy to be having a little boy. He came home the other day and commented that he will have someone to help him at the barn, feeding horses, etc. This little boy is going to have a great Daddy! I can't wait for the two of them to meet.

Well, that's about it. Thank you again for checking on us and I will update again next month sometime. To our horse family and friends- we'll see you next week in Shelbyville!

Love,

Sam, Jenny, and Baby Rowland