Baby Mozart

Cooper's Nana and Granny got him some Baby Einstein DVD's over the holidays.  These videos show simple things like sock puppets, a violin playing bear, or even just swirls of color set to classical music.  These videos are actually a little unbearable for an adult to watch (although they might be awesome for someone on drugs).  However, Cooper loves them. These videos have turned out to be a life saver because it gives me a half hour to make dinner, do laundry, etc.

Cooper watching Baby Mozart

What really surprised me was that the cat (Oli) loves these videos as well!  He perks up at particular points (like when these seals with bouncy balls on their noses go up steps).  He even batted at the tv when a sock puppet dressed as a dog appeared on the screen.  Basically I enjoy watching Cooper and Oli become mesmerized by this silly video.

Oli watching Baby Mozart

I would also like to point out that they are making a killing on these videos.  It probably cost them a few thousand dollars to make them and they sell them at $15-20 a piece.  Clearly I am in the wrong profession.

Overall, Baby Mozart is a must!

Cooper's 12 week update

It is hard to believe that Cooper will be 12 weeks old this week.  He keeps us entertained and brings so much joy into our lives.  Here are a few updates on things his life.

We took Cooper to the dr. a couple of weeks ago for his 2 month check-up.  He weighed 10lbs 14oz...but then he peed on the scale so they ended up marking him down to 13 oz.  His weight was in the 30th percentile and his height (23.5 inches) was in the 70th percentile.  Looks like we might have a tall skinny boy on our hands!  Cooper also had to get his first big round of shots at his appointment and he did really well.  He cried of course but was consoled afterwards with a simple bottle of formula.

I started back to work after the new year which was a difficult change of pace.  Cooper is attending a wonderful daycare but it is still really hard to leave him there with strangers.  He also seems to eat a lot more at daycare and I usually have to send one bottle of formula with him because my body just can't keep up with the breast milk.  He seems to be gaining weight like crazy and probably weighs around 11.5 lbs now.

Ready for daycare

Cooper is currently wearing 3 month sized clothes but is about to grow out of them.  Before long we will be moving up to the 6 month and 3-6month sizes.  He is still a size one in diapers.

There are a few things Cooper loves to do.  He loves to play on his mat and bat at chained links hanging from it.  He also loves looking at himself in the mirror.  The only books I can read to him without him crying are the books with mirrors.  Hopefully this doesn't men he will have a big ego! He also loves his puppy dog Scout and watching his Baby Beethoven and Baby Mozart DVD's.  Finally, this baby loves watching sports and actually cried one day when the commercials came on!

Playing with his links

Unfortunately, Cooper has also had his first cold.  Luckily he has not run a fever and the cold symptoms seem to be fading.  We knew this would probably happen when he started daycare but it is still sad to see our baby sick.

Things seem to be changing so fast.  Cooper is starting to hold his head up more and is very attentive.  He fights going to sleep most days and napping has been quite the challenge, especially since daycare started.  Ryan and I are simply exhausted but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I can't wait to see the many changes that will occur over the next few weeks!

First Christmas

Cooper spent his first Christmas in Sheboygan with the Hagemeiers and Hocevars.  We drove to Sheboygan on Christmas Eve and met up with Nana and Papa (Ryans mom and stepdad).  Cooper then attended his first mass and slept through the entire service.  He then met many of his relative's for the first time at the Hagemeier Christmas Eve party, including Great Aunt Rose, Great Aunt Monica and Great Grandma Hagemeier.  After the party, we returned to Nana's house and waited for Santa to come.  On Christmas day all of Ryan's siblings and their families came over.  It was chaotic with all the kids...but a lot of fun.  We then went to see Grandpa and Grandma Hagemeier for a few hours.  

Overall, Cooper did really well.  He got to meet lots of relatives, attend his first church service, and get lots of love and attention.  He actually napped some and didn't cry very much.  Additionally he marked his territory at Nana's by peeing on the floor!  

Cooper received a lot of presents this Christmas.  His favorite outfit was his overalls from Granny (Stacy's mom). His favorite toy is My Pal Scout that his cousins Lily, Belle, and Tyler got him.  He also is excited to play with and wear all the other great gifts he received.

Merry Christmas!