Happy One Month Birthday!

(Pulled from an email originally written on June 24, 2011)

It's nutty to think that Cooper is already one month old!  And it's even nuttier to realize that Cooper has thus far survived our parenting attempts and that Evan and I are living through the sleep deprivation... :)  We are all doing well and Ev and I have fallen so madly in love with our little guy.  It's hard to imagine our life without Cooper in it.  We miss him when he is out of sight!

We're becoming more savvy in deciphering Cooper's cries and needs, which is making us more confident in our parenting abilities.  In turn, I think Cooper is beginning to trust that we're not completely without skill and that we really do have his best interests at heart...  Many thanks to all of you for continuously checking in, offering sage advice when I call with random questions, and for modeling how to care for and soothe a fussy babe (special props to Lauren, April, and Lisa for their frequent assistance).  Thank you also for your visits- we have averaged about one a day since his birth- Coop has enjoyed meeting you all (though he may have slept through it) and is increasingly comfortable with new people and being passed around for cuddles.  What a sweetheart!

Coop is growing well. He has already grown out of his newborn clothes and now fitting in 0-3 month outfits.  He had his 1-month pediatric visit this morning and measured at 22 inches long and 10lbs, 5 ounces.  That's a two inch growth and 3 pound gain in four weeks!  Healthy little bugger...  His belly definitely seems somewhat out of proportion since he's constantly eating and sating his appetite! Just over the last few days Cooper has extended the pause between feeds from 1.5 - 2 hours to at least three hours and needs less soothing and calming to fall back asleep at night.  That extra hour has been incredible in giving us a mental and physical break, particularly during the evening hours.  I think we have some time to go before we get longer sleep stretches, but I'm happy with these three hour stretches when we can get them...

In the Bumbo... I kinda love it, kinda hate it!

Happy Father's Day, Pops!

What?!? I'm not allowed to drive yet?

Evan has since returned to work, and my mom flew back to Portugal on Monday night.  She is tremendously missed by us all, not only for all the help she provided around the house, but because of the close relationship she had formed with Cooper in their 3+ weeks together.  Aside from Evan and I, Oma ("grandma" in Dutch) has spent the most time with Cooper and has been omnipresent since he was born.  We look forward to her next visit in November!  This week was my first at being with Cooper alone at home during the day and managing his needs on top of what needs to be done at home.  I've come to realize that my daily To Do list has been drastically reduced from about 20 items to about two.  If I get just one item crossed off my list, I'm happy.  (I tried to make dinner about two weeks ago- I started prepping at 10:30 am and it still took me all day.  Ridiculous!  And it wasn't even that good... My expectations of what I can get done have officially been lowered)!