Henry's 3rd birthday

Henry's 3rd birthday is on October 29th, but we celebrated it early (along with Sam's baptism).  Henry is obsessed with the Disney Cars characters, so we had a Cars theme.   He got Cars-related presents from everyone, too - matchbox cars, a remote controlled car, sleeping bag, puzzle, book, and plates.  He's in Cars heaven!!

It's hard to believe that he's 3 already. He's really stretching out and slimming down.  And he's POTTY TRAINED!  (And has been for about a month already.)  We thought it was going to take awhile, but bribery of Cars matchbox cars did the trick in about a week.  It's such a relief to have only one son in diapers and we're so proud of our BIG BOY!!

Sam update at 2 months old and his baptism

Sam is 2 months old, which means Mommy goes back to work in just 2 weeks.  This maternity leave has been fantastic and full of so many wonderful memories with all 3 kids.  I will treasure it forever!

Sam had his 2 month check-up last week.  He is a big boy!

• Weight - 16 lbs, 7 oz (off the charts)
• Length - 26" (off the charts)

He has been pretty easy to figure out.  Usually, he only screams when he is over-tired, so it's a quick fix.  He's been sleeping in a very consistent routine since he was 7 weeks old.  He eats at 7 p.m. and goes to bed.  He wakes up for his next feeding anytime between 4 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., so that's 9 to 10.5 hours between feedings!  I feel so spoiled with his nighttime routine.  He's been smiling and cooing all the time now, and he's recently found his left hand which he sucks on like crazy.  So cute!!  I've heard a few laughs so far, and I can't wait until he laughs more often...

We also celebrated Sam's baptism on October 23rd.  It was a very special mass, surrounded by God's love and so many of our family members.  Sam's God-parents are Abby and John Lape and Aunt Laura.  He is a very special and very loved little boy, and we will always be so grateful to God that He trusted Samuel to us to raise and love.

October fun

We've done some fun things this fall!!  Earlier this month, we went to the apple orchard with the Lape family (Amanda and Dean pictured on tires below with Madeline and Henry).  The kids enjoyed a pony ride, the corn maze, a tractor ride, and petting the goats.    Sam was there too.  I made sure his presence was documented!

  

We also got to spend a weekend in Madison with Nathan's cousin, Jenny, and her family.  Gotta love the cousin shot below!  

Jenny and Eric treated Nathan and I to the Minnesota vs. Wisconsin game - suite tickets, too!!  It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend and we really had a great time, even though the Gophers lost.