Weeks 2-4

So I'm starting to realize that keeping up the 'ol blog may be a little more challenging now that our time looks very different. :) I'll do my best to keep the updates coming semi-regularly, and thank you in advance for your patience. :)

So our sweet tiny guy is already almost a whole month old!!!!! I really can't wrap my head around that. The past month has been brimming with joy, delight, surprises, challenges, and plenty of learning opportunities. We are beyond in love with our sweet Sam, and we are overflowing with gratitude for this beautiful gift we've been given. Here are some highlights from weeks 2-4:

Sam loved meeting Grandma and Grandpa Kotula! He enjoyed lots of snuggles, books, and walks, and he can't wait to see them both again soon!

Our first lunch out at a restaurant!

Sam had a great time meeting Grandpa Bloodgood and Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Bloodgood, too! We were so thankful they came to visit!!

To celebrate Dad's birthday, we went to a nearby state park called Potato Creek. Sam enjoyed his first hike and a picnic lunch (that may or may not have been consumed in the car due to wind!)

Our chunky muffin outgrew the sink for his baths and graduated to his big boy bath tub. He is just. so. cute!

Sam also loved getting to meet Grandpa Immel, Aunt Rachel, and his cousin Ben! We had a blast celebrating Easter with everyone, and Sam adored getting snuggled up by all of them (including Grandma Denese!)

These past few weeks have also included several walks, and we're so thankful to have great friends to enjoy our walks with. 

Here are Sam and two of his sweet friends, Harper and Avery. 

We also visited the doctor for Sam's 3-week check-up. He left with a clean bill of health, and we were so glad to hear that he's gaining weight like a champ. In about two weeks' time, Sam put on 1 lb & 9 oz, and grew 2 inches! We've certainly had our challenges navigating his feeding, but everything seems worth it knowing he's thriving! We don't have another appointment scheduled until he's 2 months old, and I'm sure he'll be a MOOSE by then! 

Some fun facts:

• Sam started giving his first real smiles at 3 weeks!!! He really thought Grandma Denese was hilarious, and has since shared those stunning smiles of his with mama, dad, and aunt Rachel, too!
• He has started sleeping for about 4 hours during his first stretch of sleep each night, which has been such a blessing! After that, he gets back on his 1.5-2 hour cycle, but that first longer stretch really helps mom and dad!
• Stella is still a bit jealous of the attention Sam gets, and she likes to get REALLY vocal about it at night just when he's drifting off to sleep. Ay yi yi!
• Sam's really exploring his neck strength lately, and likes doing tummy time with dad at night. 
• We can't wait to keep getting to know our love bug. :)