One Month Old!

Dear Cooper,

On February 14th, 2010 (Valentine’s Day!) you turned one month old. I can’t believe a month has passed since I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy! Time sure flies when you’re not sleeping. :) Me, that is. You get plenty of beauty rest.

Speaking of beautiful – you are so handsome! I look at you sometimes and can’t believe that your father and I created something so wonderful and special. When you were first born, I thought you looked just like your father, but as you get older, you look more and more like me every day. You definitely have my piggy nose (it’s adorable!) and eyes, but you have your father’s chin. I also think you inherited your grandmother’s and uncle’s fivehead. You make the most adorable faces – I could sit and look at you for hours.

I wish I could slow down the clock and fast forward to my snuggly, teeny tiny 6lb baby. You have changed so much in just one month! When you were first born, you were too small for newborn clothing – it swallowed you! I tried to put one of your newborn sleepers on you the other day and you can barely fit in it anymore. You’ve moved from newborn diapers to size 1 diapers as well. Daddy weighed you tonight and you are 8.5 pounds – my chunky monkey!

You are so alert now! A few weeks ago I eagerly awaited those brief glimpses of time when you would open your eyes for me. Now you are awake and alert for hours at a time! I swear you are smiling already, but everyone tells me it is gas or muscle twitches.

Right now, the thing you love the most is to be held by your mommy and daddy. Actually, any warm pair of arms will do. Your great-grandfather, Papa, thinks I spoil you and says you have “hold me colic.” It’s true! You love to lay on my chest and listen to my heartbeat. You also love to lay in your boppy and stare off into the distance. You used to hate the swing and now you will tolerate it for about 30 minutes at a time. You still hate the bouncer… I’m hoping that grows on you.

Your eating habits have changed as well. When you started eating formula, you were only eating 2 ounces at a time. Now you gulp down 4 ounces and sometimes want more! You are extremely impatient when you are hungry. You give one single whimper to let us know you are hungry, and if a bottle doesn’t appear immediately, you escalate into full on screaming until you get what you want. You are definitely impatient like your mommy.

I never imagined that I could feel so much love for you. I knew I would love you – I did love you – from the instant we found out we were expecting you. I just didn’t realize how deep that love would be. I look at you and my heart feels like it will burst at times. I know God has blessed us with a son and I pray every day I will not disappoint.

Your dad has been wonderful. Our relationship has changed from having you. It’s better and deeper, and I love him more for being your father. He’s been amazing throughout my pregnancy and since you were born. When I was pregnant, he rubbed my back when I was sick. He made me meals, and even got up in the middle of the night to make me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Since I had you, I haven’t had to lift a finger at home. He does the cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands, grocery shopping, and all the other chores so I can focus completely on you. He loves the time he spends with you. He loves to read to you and just sit and watch television with you laying on his chest.

I am so excited about our journey, Cooper. Each day with you is a gift and an adventure, and I’m looking forward to the ride.

I love you so much!

Mommy