Technically, this post is a day late. Cooper’s been with us for a week as of yesterday morning, and quite honestly everything seems to be going great.

Yes, there have been some sleepless hours. While the little guy does like to sleep, and can go 3-4 hours at a stretch, he mostly likes to do that during the day. At night, he’s more prone to cluster feeding – once every hour or so – and keeps us on our toes. We’re trying to get some semblance of a schedule going, but right now it’s a pretty flexible thing. Basically he gets what he wants, when he wants.

The unfortunate part of the late-night hours is that past a certain point, I can’t help all that much. During the day, with bigger gaps between feedings, I can take him for a while, change diapers, get other things done and help out while Chris gets some rest. But at three am, when it’s basically back to back feedings… I’m kind of useless. I of course offer to help however I can, but there’s honestly not much I can accomplish. Not that it’s any great revelation, but it’s a distinct father’s frustration (and mother’s burden, I guess) that I don’t know if I’d been forewarned about.

The good news about all the feeding is that Coop’s gaining weight. For those who don’t know, babies can lose up to 10% of their weight after they’re born, but they’re expected to gain it back after two weeks. I’ve told myself I want to try and avoid the very odd and empty pride a lot of parents seem to have for very minor ‘accomplishments,’ but I’m kind of happy to say that my son’s back to birth weight in less than a week.

Yep, that’s my boy. Eats, sleeps and poops like a champ.

We have also been incredibly fortunate to have been fed throughout this week by a parade of friends, bringing us dinners nearly every night. Thanks to all of you for everything, and in particular thanks so much to Katie for organizing everything. It’s really, really awesome.

I think that’s it for now. Might have some video to post soon – who wants to see a diaper change? Huh? Huh?

Wait, come back.