Mommy Monday

Daddy had an appointment today so it was Mommy Monday. First thing Mommy got Declan out of bed at 8:30am and brought him to bed with her. He was smiley and playful for a little bit but then took a morning nap so Mommy could go back to sleep too. Wonderfully it was 10:15am before getting up and out of bed. The rest of the day was fairly quiet while Mommy and Declan stayed in their pajamas and hung out. There was a lot of babbling, drooling, arm waving and kicking. Declan seems to find Mommy amusing, especially when she makes drum noises complete with cymbals. Declan gets so excited, it sounds as though he inhales the whole room. He has also learned to make a very high pitch squeal randomly. Let's hope that doesn't stick.

Sunday Socializing

Declan had a busy day today with visits.

First Declan had a Skype date with Grandma and Grandpa May.  Declan was trying to be his cute self.  He had on some red cozy pants and a little navy long sleeve onesie...white socks were on upside down.  Silly Declan (actually that might be more silly daddy).

Near the end of the Skype date Grandma Gale showed up for an unexpected visit.  Declan was already planning on a run with Mommy and Daddy so after just a brief visit they headed out.  On return Declan had a visit with Grandma Gale and was then joined by Grandpa Gale, his cousin Nick, then Auntie T and Madison joined in.

Auntie T and Madison stole Declan for a while while Mommy and Daddy had lunch.  Declan was watching cartoons before passing out for a solid late afternoon nap.

Later in the day Declan had a Skype date with Aunt Marissa and his cousin Alex.  During this date Declan had a lot to say.  Non-stop baby babbles and smiles with mini bottle breaks Declan was sharing all the stories of the day.  We have no idea what he was trying to say BUT he was trying really hard to get his point across.

Now its 10pm and little Declan has been in bed for about 20 minutes now.  Sound asleep with a smile on his face.

The Scream

Our sweet little man is sleeping so well through the night. However... This morning at 8am we were awoken by Declan's very loud screaming. Daddy ran in his room to find our little man crying his eyes out. We soothed him with a bottle and brought him to our bed. He calmed down and then slept with us for another hour and a half. All better like it never happened. I really hope we won't be experiencing that again tomorrow morning.

Hand to Mouth

Declan is now holding onto his Winkle and pulling it toward his mouth. He can't really chew on it because he struggles with turning and manouevering it so it will go in. Just tries and drools a lot. Same thing with his thumb. He continues to work at getting his thumb in there but doesn't know how to separate his thumb from his fist. The result, a very drooly fist. He's very determined. He's awesome.

6 Pack

Declan is starting to get rather determined to sit-up with the rest of us.  When he is laying cozy in his pillow he crunches his abs in an effort to sit up with us.  It is very cute to watch him struggle to lift his head and body upright.  Not once has he been successful yet...he still can't even really hold his head up for very long but he's trying none-the-less.

We've sat him up and held him but there is only so long he can take it without having his head supported before he gets frustrated and cries.  He still needs to build up his neck strength before he'll be ready to sit properly.  No worries....he's only 11 weeks old.

It must be noted however that this little guy still has the cute newborn cry and I just love it.

Sunny Day Date

Today was a mild and sunny day, perfect for a long walk and making a new baby friend. Today Declan met Owen. He was born a month after Declan so he's still a little guy. Owen was pretty much asleep in his stroller the entire visit. Both little men were angels. Owen has a very nice Mommy and hopefully the boys will meet up again. Having been outside and in the sun for longer than planned Mommy got a slight burn on her forehead, forearms and chest. Declan of course had his canopy pulled forward to block the sun but Mommy didn't realize that his right hand was in the sunshine for a while so Declan has a light baby burn. Mommy knows better for the next time and is thankful she learned how sensitive his baby skin is just with the back of his hand and not his face or head. Both mommy and Declan are tuckered out from the day and are in bed early.  Goodnight Monkey.

Wasting the Day Away

The weather outside today was lousy. Made for a great day to hibernate and just stay inside. Baby D also seems to have a bit of a cold so he was extra sweet and cuddly, simply wanting to be held. Still in pretty good spirits and all smiles for Daddy, Tyler found he could easily waste the day away just making faces and playing with his little man.

Declan is still proving to be a good night sleeper as he continues to sleep 6-8 hours in a row followed by a bottle and another 2-3 hours sleep. Of course when he wakes up he flashes the biggest gummy smile so both Mommy and Daddy are more than happy to get up for him.

Mr Chatty

Our little man is turning into a super chatty guy.  Wish we had some idea what he was trying to tell us.  I think he might have been working on "I love you" or perhaps I'm just being hopeful.


We also made a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Gale's this afternoon.  Little guy was happy just to snuggle with Grandma for most of the visit and as usual was really well behaved.  They did get a chance to see what happens when Declan's bottle is a bit delayed as he cried his adorable little baby cry...which is getting much stronger in volume as of late.

Computer Date

Today Declan had TWO computer dates: First with Auntie Marissa (and Piper). Declan was bright eyed and excited. He really seems to be interested in the screen. Later he Skyped with Grandma and Grandpa May. Declan was asleep but he heard Grandmas voice and struggled to open his eyes to see her. That did it. He stayed awake to see them for the rest of the call...including a little red faced poop moment.

Drive-in

Declan had his first adventure to the movies tonight. Joining Mommy and Daddy, Declan went to the Drive-in.
Now he was asleep just as the first movie began which was probably best since these movies were too scary for a little man.

Well Rested

Last night Declan was in bed at 9:30pm.  He did not wake up for a bottle until 5:30am.  After a bottle, burp and diaper change he was back in bed by 6am only to sleep another 3 hours and wake at 9am.

I don't think we are so lucky to see this be a regular pattern already but wow, was it nice to get a good nights rest.

A Bug!

Today was quite warm and Mommy & Daddy took Declan out for a walk in his stroller. He kept his eyes open for quite a while looking around at the outside world, taking in all the sounds. About halfway through he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer, the movement tuckered him out.

Then...all of a sudden...a bug landed on him! His first bug!! Right on his chest.

He had no idea.
I can't wait until he sees a bug land on him, to witness his reaction be it fear, surprise, delight or maybe even disinterest, whatever it is I simply can't wait to witness it.

Mall Watcher

Today was Declan's first awake trip to the mall. Each and every time up until today the little guy would sleep any time we brought him shopping. Today Declan saw Square One in Mississauga. Jury is out on what he thought, no smiles but only cried when he needed a bottle. Just big baby blue eyes staring around at his surroundings and taking it all in.

10 Weeks Old and Growing Up

Today Declan officially hits 10 weeks old.  He is showing signs of maturing.  He grabbed a toy and held onto it.  Now he didn't reach for it.  It was on his lap, his arm moved forward and he grabbed it just sort of by accident but he held on tightly and happily for a short few minutes.

Declan is also staying awake much longer during the day.  He has a nap in the morning not long before lunchtime, he has a nap late afternoon and anytime we take him for a drive in the car.  Other times of the day he's staying awake and interacting with us.  A lot of fun, smiles and cuteness but also a lot more work.

He has also outgrown his size 1 diapers and is now moving into size 2!

Focus on Hand to Mouth

Today Declan was observed focusing on his little fists. He was determined to get his fist in his mouth. He hit himself in the nose a couple times and struggled as both fists were at his mouth together so neither would fit. He was successful in licking his fist once or twice. Mommy also witnessed Declan laugh along with her in the evening. He made his inhale laugh sound which made Mommy laugh which was followed by Declan's reactionary inhale laughter. Still does not seem to be as a consequence of something outwardly funny but damn, it's cute just the same.

Nursery Rhymes & Big Smiles

Today Declan visited with his Auntie T for a few hours and he was awake almost the entire time.  He was very alert and watching everyone and everthing around him.  He amused his cousins and Aunt with his charismatic smiles.  Auntie T could not resist taking numerous pictures of his little face.

Later in the day Declan read Nursery Rhymes from his Mother Goose book with his Mommy.  He was particularily fond of Patty Cake because Mommy substituted 'Baby' for 'Declan'.  Everytime Mommy got to that part his smile was huge and his eyes lit up and he couldn't resist wiggling and kicking his legs.  What a fun little man.

Why do Baby Clothes Have Pockets?

I've been wondering why baby jogging pants would have pockets. They don't carry anything. They just don't have any practical reason for being there, especially the ones that you can't barely even see that they are there. Then there really isn't even an estetic reason for having them. Well today little Declan was thwarted by his jogging pants pocket. His hand got stuck in one by accident so Declan struggled for a few minutes trying to free his hand from that silly pocket. Poor guy. He finally got it free.

Friday the 13th

Today is Declan's cousin Madison's 13th Birthday.  She has four of her closest friends over for a sleepover.  Little Declan was laying on Madison's sleeping bag when they all arrived and he was the centre of attention for a good 20 minutes.  All the lovely little girls were vying for his attention for which he rewarded them with big smiles, arm waves and leg kicks.  Declan was very happy.

One of Madison's little friends was overheard saying "you talk about him all the time" in reference to Declan.  This made Declan very happy.

Ticklish

Today Daddy discovered that little Declan has very ticklish armpits.  Declan couldn't keep still and he was all wiggles and smiles while Daddy kept tickling his little pits.

Today, while Daddy was burping Declan he saw himself in Declan's face for the first time.  Mommy has seen it for a while, in his cheaks especially but so happy that Daddy can finally see it for himself.

My Monkeys

Today little Declan was able to hear and see Grandma May through Skype.  He was a bit upset for the first bit due to some constipation but once that had stopped hurting as much Declan was smiles and activity for Grandma.

In the morning Declan almost laughed for Mommy.  Yesterday Daddy said Declan almost laughed for him.  We are sure he'll be laughing very soon.

Mommy and Daddy carted Declan around for a couple hours this afternoon in order to run some errands.  Declan was very good.  He only had to have one bottle and one diaper change.  Actually he didn't need the diaper change as Mommy and Daddy discovered in the family washroom that the diaper was actually dry....for 2 hours he didn't pee. Weird.

As he sat in his car seat for all of the errands he hugged his little monkey. My little monkeys have stolen my heart.

His Close Up

Good Morning!
Daddy surprised a very sleepy Mommy by placing Declan in the bed beside her first thing in the morning so that as she opened her eyes she immediately saw a very smiley, blue eyed cutie right in her face.  Not a bad way to wake up.

Nothing too out of the ordinary today though Declan did get to spend a little time with his cousin Madison.  Declan sat in his new 'upstairs' highchair while Mommy made dinner and Madison entertained little Declan the entire time.

Declan is still a little off and we've found him to be a bit grumpy at times.  He has been happiest when being cuddled or when he was able to spend a little time in his bouncy chair.  Today both tummy time and his activity mat where not a hit.

A Little Off

Today Declan was not his usual self. Today he was a bit fussy at times and seemed uncomfortable. Pumping his legs in the evening seemed to help but still, just not our regular little guy. We did take Declan for a 2 hour walk today during which he mostly slept. He made little noises in his sleep which were adorable. This evening Grandpa and Grandma May were able to see Declan briefly because of Skype. We hope to improve our Internet connection tomorrow so that Skype can become a regular thing and that way they can see him often even though they are all the way in Ottawa.

Sunday Drive

Today was Easter Sunday and we awoke for the last time, this trip, in Ottawa.  We joined Declan's Grandma and Grandpa May, Aunt Marissa and cousin Alex for breakfast.
Declan was still very tired from a busy Saturday with the whole May-Good family so he was asleep almost the entire two hours we were there.  Grandma slyly tried to wake Declan because she wanted to interact with him before he headed back to Milton.  I gave her the ok to go ahead and disturb him.  He certainly didn't mind one bit.

We then hit the road at 11am and made the long trek back to Milton.  With just two stops for bottle and diaper change we made it back by 4:30pm.  A long Sunday drive and busy weekend seemed to really take it out of Declan as he actually went to bed at 9:20pm.  Well, we'll see if he stays.


(oh and as a separate note: the Vancouver Canucks won the President's trophy last night.  Perhaps our team will win the Stanley Cup in Declan's birth year!)

May-Good Easter Dinner

Today was our Easter Dinner for Declan's Daddy's family. Declan saw all three of his cousins from Daddy's side: Alex (5), Corbin (6) and Holden (6 months). As usual Declan was very mellow. Grandma even said that it was like Declan was sent from Heaven because he is just so happy and pleasant. She was even overheard saying "who made you?".

Declan noticeably enjoys being around his Grandpa May as we observed Declan following Andrew as he moved about and would stare when Andrew spoke. I think perhaps the New Zealand accent has something to do with it.

Oh, and we can't forget, little Declan turned 2 months today!

Sleepyhead on Schedule

Declan was a little Sleepyhead today. Perhaps he is tired as a result of getting his vaccination needles yesterday. Whatever the reason he spent most of the day asleep. Just like clockwork however Declan would wake every 2 hours for his bottle. Mommy, Daddy and Aunt Marissa went out to see a movie while Declan stayed back with Grandma and Grandpa May. We are told that he was well behaved and actually played with Grandma for the short waking period of the day. Good boy Declan!

Two blue 'Ice Age' bandages

At 6am this morning we left Milton and drove back to our family Dr in Ottawa for Declan to have his first set of vaccinations. Declan was measured and weighed. He has gained 2lbs in his 2nd month of life and has also grown another 5cm. In fact, Declan is in the 84th percentile for weight and 98th percentile for height. This kid is TALL! While being weighed Declan decided that with his diaper off it was time to pee. He pee'd the longest pee and the nurse hand to use her hand to block it so he didn't soak the entire scale area. She wasn't friendly so Mommy and Daddy found this hilarious! Declan had his oral vaccination which he took without issue and that was followed by two simultaneous needles, one in each thigh. Daddy held Declan's legs straight and watched the delayed reaction of the little man as he realized what just transpired really hurt. He then let out the loudest but just cutest scream followed by intense crying. He carried on for just a couple short minutes and then carried on the rest of the day in good spirits. Nothing more than two blue 'Ice Age' bandages as evidence of the days events.

Sucker

Today Grandpa and Grandma Gale visited Declan and they all went for a walk along with Mommy around the new neighbourhood. Declan slept for nearly the entire walk, all nice and cozy with his monkey in the stroller. This evening Daddy watched as Declan focused on his fist. He worked hard to then shove half of it into his month. Then just a little later Mommy watched little Declan happily sucking on his thumb.

Daddy Declan Day

Daddy has spent lots of time alone with Declan but today was the first day where they were alone for 5 1/2 hours consecutively.  Daddy did a great job.  Mommy returned to a very happy little Declan. 

Not only were there a few bottles and diaper changes, Declan had 15 minutes of Tummy Time followed by about an hour of play on his activity mat.  Declan was then exhausted and required a short nap before his next bottle.  Daddy received lots of smiles, waving arms and leg kicks.  It was a very busy day for Declan.

Happy Genes

When I was pregnant with Declan I was no more moody than before being pregnant. What was different however was that I had Pregnancy Giggles. I laughed at everything. Stupid shows I didn't find funny before made me laugh out loud. Everything just seemed silly and/or hilarious. Now I can understand why. Little Declan is always smiling. He just seems to enjoy everything. I'd say that he smiles his first smiles early and he certainly smiles a whole lot more than most infants just coming up on 8 weeks. I feel so very lucky to have this guy in my life and I hope this is a sign of what he'll be like as he grows up. On that note, it is 11:20pm and ai just heard Declan laughing on the baby monitor. So sweet.

Rollover

This morning, before his bath Declan was laying on the bed with Mommy. He was laying on his back until, without any assistance he rolled onto his left side. Declan layed on his side for a few minutes then rolled back. Little guy is just shy of 8 weeks and already he's becoming mobile.