Getting Lost

Today Mommy and Declan had a little adventure on their own. Around 12:30pm we headed out to visit Nancy and her little ones: Molly and MacGregor. We took a different route so that I could see what Acton looks like. It didn't impress us and heading that way meant slow roads and construction. It did take us through Rockwood though so Declan and I stopped in at Saunders Bakery during which a lady patron commented on how handsome Declan is. We picked up some bread and continued on to Nancy's. Such a beautiful day and a lovely drive through the country which Declan slept mostly for. Well, Mommy must have started daydreaming because somehow we got lost, drove well past Nancy's and it ended up taking us an extra 20 minutes longer to get there than it should have. So thankful that Declan is so good in the car. Well we did finally make it there for a nice visit. The sweetest moment was when MacGregor, who just turned 4, sat down beside Declan and I and told me that Declan has the cutest little hands. This was then followed by the statement that he too used to be that small. Throughout the day Declan's bottles and naps were all messed up but still he was cheery, chatty, lots of smiles and went soundly to bed. We are pretty lucky.

Impending Rollover

In reading what milestones should be coming up for the little man it did say that around 4 months an infant could soon roll over.  That it typically happens around 4 - 6 months.  When they are on their bellies the test of whether they are soon ready to roll over is if they move about like they are trying to swim. 
Of course after reading this I just had to place Declan down on the floor on his belly to see what he would do.  He held his head and chest up proudly off the floor waved his little arms at his side and kicked his legs out behind him.  He's a little swimmer, rollover impending!

16 Weeks Today

The little man had a great night sleep.  In bed at 10pm and didn't wake up until 9:30am this morning.  This meant that he didn't need a morning nap though and he stayed up until 1:30pm. Just a simple day, regular activities around the home.  At 5:30pm Declan was tired and wanted an early evening nap which Mommy was all to pleased to take with him on the couch.  This just has to be one of my favourite things, snuggling with him and napping.

8:15pm Declan had a huge burst of energy.  He told us numerous stories and after returning to the couch from a diaper change Declan was wiggly and ticklish.  Mommy tickled his sides and under his arms which he rewarded with giggles to the delight of both Mommy and Daddy.  He's crazy, this went on for an hour before he finally passed out on Mommy's lap.  Then off to bed again just after 10pm.

16 weeks...9 more days and he is officially 4 months old.

Inching Further

Little Declan is ever so pleasant, typically only crying when he feels its time to eat and we're slow on the bottle preparation however he has started crying and being a regular little cranky pants when he gets tired.  He fusses and kicks his leg and cries for a bottle that we know he is not going to drink.  He'll take but a few sips then fall asleep, it is simply a comfort thing.  Now to try and hold off wasting time making the bottle of formula which is then wasted and then must be washed Mommy tried something new.  Twice this morning Mommy played Brahms Lullaby on her cell phone and held it to cranky, crying Declans ear.  Just mere seconds and he was fast asleep.  Magic.  I guess it is called "Lullaby" for a very good reason.

It was a very hot day, almost 40 degrees with the humidity so we kept baby (and Daddy) indoors during the hottest times of the day.  To pass the time Daddy put on a scary movie with killer wolves in it.  Declan watched the last 30 minutes of the movie with big eyes and a blankie which he suitably pulled up to his face.  Mommy told Daddy that if our little man awakens with baby screams it's on him.  He didn't cry one bit during the movie though so he didn't seem to really comprehend what he was seeing.

Testing Declan's comfort and interest in the pool once more, Mommy sat on the pool steps with her feet in the water.  Then placed Declan on his bottom on the first step so his little legs could dangle in the water from the knees down.  He didn't mind one bit.  He smiled a little and even gently kicked his legs.  He ended up with quite the wet behind but it was a pleasant inching further that Declan seemed to be ok with.  Now since he is getting much better holding up his head and trying to sit up on his own it shouldn't be much longer before he can go in his floaty with Mommy or Daddy all the way in the pool.

And finally this evening Declan met his first professional athlete.  Henry Burris, Quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger Cats stopped by briefly on his way to his knew home in Burlington.  He met Declan, called his "Dec" for short and commented on how handsome he is.  Declan was actually all smiles, even in spite of the fact that he's really more of a hockey fan.

Little Feets

This evening just a little bit before dinner Declan tried something new. While Daddy watched on, Mommy dipped Declan's little feet into the pool to see how he would respond to water cooler than what he has for bathtime. The good news is that he didn't cry one bit. Three times we put his feet in and not one did he seem to mind. He didn't however present even the littlest smile so truly the jury is out on what he really thinks. For quite some time after he sat on Auntie T's knee and stared into the pool water so I can hope he's thinking about what fun he'll have once he's big enough to go for his first swim.

Diaper Day

Declan had a mini outing today as Mommy and Daddy took Declan to the old downtown core of Milton for a little stroll.  Declan however slept the entire walk minus about 5 minutes at the end.  He didn't get to see anything.  Well, I'm sure the fresh air was still good for him.

What was special or different about today really? That would be the diaper situation.  Our little guy is usually pretty regular, he's a one poop a day kind of guy.  But today....today was a three poop day.  He must feel good.

Little Story Teller

This evening our little man told us such vibrant tales. With such enthusiasm, little arms waving and legs kicks, Declan was talking continuously from 8:20pm until 9:10pm. I have no idea what he thinks he could have to tell us about or how it could possibly be such a long story. He's only 3 1/2 months old. Confidently and with solid volume Declan entertained us with his baby stories. Then it was a late bedtime as he was wide awake until after 10pm. I hope this means we're all sleeping in tomorrow.

Social Sleeping

Tricky little Declan. This evening he only wanted to sleep on Mommy. Five times he fell sound asleep on me, then he was carried off to bed just to wake up withi five minutes crying to come back out and fall right back asleep on Mommy. Nuts. Each time we went back for him he had the biggest grin. What a stinker.

Under the Weather

Not a fun day.
Mommy is still sick with a sore throat, stuffed nose and plugged ears.  The little man is also not himself.  His whole head was very red and he was quite warm to the touch.  Declan needed a little baby tylenol and some extra naptime.  In bed by 9pm.

Here's hoping everyone feels better in the morning.

Lazy Day Indoors

After spending time outside for 7 days straight, today was a lazy day indoors.  Mommy is under the weather and needed a day of calm.

Declan did not seem to mind one bit as he was still in lovely spirits today.  His big moments today came in the form of holding. First Mommy and Declan read, yet again, his Nursery Rhymes book.  Declan stares very intently at the pictures on the pages and today he held onto the pages, removing his little hand and grabbing onto the new page each time Mommy turned it.

Then Declan held onto the rattle that Nancy and Daniella bought for him.  He has only in the last two weeks been introduced to this toy because it is for 3+ month olds.  He has big bright eyes at the sound of the rattle and he enjoyed holding and shaking it on his own.  That was until he bonked his little cheek with it and cried. Admittedly I laughed when this happened because I expected this would probably happen...and he's cute when he cries...and I knew it wasn't a hard bonk.  He got over it pretty quicky with hugs from Mommy.

And finally Declan is quite proud of himself when he is changed on the changing table because now he can grab the orange plastic low piece attached to the little toy mat hanging on the way.  It is really wonderful watching him improving this skill and taking such enjoyment in it.

So off to bed before 9pm, sweet dreams Declan.

Victoria Day

Declan's day started off with the Phineus and Ferb Victoria Day marathon. I can't believe how intently Declan will watch this tv show. It is cute and clever making for great entertainment for even Mommy and Daddy but he's only 3 1/2 months and he'll sit through an entire 30 minute episode. Weird little guy - love him.

Next, Declan moved on to his activity mat where he happily play himself into an early afternoon nap. He was so entertained and then tuckered out that it allowed for both Mommy and Daddy to get lots of chores completed before moving on to a day of some more outdoor relaxing.

Lots of fresh air, a nice gentle breeze, some story time with Mom, some bonding time with Daddy and some giggle and talking time with Auntie T. During nursery rhyme time Grandma and Grandpa Gale got to watch what enthusiasm Declan exhibits for his stories. Poor little man has had enough though of the fresh air. He was passed out before 8:30pm, just couldn't handle it.

Perhaps tomorrow we'll just have a lazy day inside and enjoy some of Declan's usual routine.

The Cannonball Incident

Another beautiful day, another many hours spent outside and tons of fresh air.  Declan was especially relaxed today taking in many a siesta.

Then it happened...
After comfortably settling in his playpen for another nap, bug netting in place and nestled in the shade, Mommy and Daddy hit the pool to cool off.  Not too long after getting in Daddy was inspired to attempt a fabulous Cannonball.  Fabulous it was.  So fabulous in fact that the splash cleared the group of chairs and the patio table, right to a soundly sleeping Baby Declan.  Jazz hands...then came the cry.  Little Declan had been startled awake by Daddy's Cannonball splash.  He survived the ordeal of course but not after a ton of tears and Daddy's broken heart.  I am sure Declan's already forgotten all about it.

On a positive note our little Declan had a special treat today.  While everyone was enjoying some fresh cold watermellon Mommy got approval from Daddy to rub the watermellon on Declan's lips so he could get a 'safe' taste of the lightly sweet mellon.  A little lip lickin' and no surprise, he likes it.  Declan gave a little smile of approval, a show of his delight for the introduction.  We can't wait until he gets to truly try foods in the not too distance months.

This Kid Has a Lot of Shit

Plans for today where to spend the entire afternoon and evening out back. To make that happen Daddy had to make FOUR trips outback with stuff for Declan. This kid really does have a lot of stuff. Nice and cozy, Declan was able to take naps in his playpen with a nice netting overtop to keep out bugs and any UV rays that might sneak in. Happy, pleasant little man enjoyed the fresh air, watched Daddy swimming in the pool and Mommy dancing silly in the shallow end.

Later in the day Declan squeezed in a little Skype time with Grandma and Grandpa May before tucking in for the night. Tomorrow...more time outside for the lucky little man.

Another Sign of Growing Up

No longer asking to be fed every time he wakes up Declan has created some routines all on his own. Firstly he set his own bedtime. Between 9 and 9:30pm Declan falls asleep pretty soundly and is out for the night. We carry him off to his crib and kiss him goodnight.

Then Declan usually wakes up around 6 to 7am for his morning bottle, sometimes sleeping right until 8:30am when we're lucky. He has a morning nap, sleeping again for about an hour and then wakes up for a couple hours in a playful mood. Declan has an afternoon nap but timing depends on what adventures the day has in store. He has quite a bit of energy and is very social around 5:30 to 8:30pm and is pretty hungry which makes sense as he gets set for a longs nights sleep once again.

Overall we are also only having to prepare about 7 bottles a day now, larger volume but less often. This is rather nice compared to the 10-12 bottles a day we once saw. So big thanks to or little guy for creating, all on his own, an easy schedule and for being so pleasant even when his bottle isn't just quite ready.

Fun Little Man

The little man is so much fun.  Around noon today Mommy and Declan had some reading time.  Brought out Declan's favourite few books and revisited the stories.  During "Sing a Song of Mother Goose" Declan expressed excitement for what was to come.  Each time Mommy started to turn the page Declan would wave his arms, kick his legs and widen his eyes.  Such a sweetie, we sure love story time.

This afternoon Mommy and Daddy took Declan out for a long walk and discovered a new park.  Declan is just too small right now to enjoy all the fun things this park has to offer...the swings...the slides...the rock climbing wall...the splash pad but we did stay a while as a family and have a lunch picnic.  We'll be sure to visit this park many times to come.

After dinner Mommy and Daddy took Declan's cousin Madison out to run a short errand and the little man stayed home with Auntie T for a short visit.  Mommy and Daddy returned to an ecstatic Auntie T who was quick to inform them that Declan laughed...a REAL laugh.  We missed it!  Although Daddy did witness Declan almost laugh this morning.  He tried but just didn't quite get it out.  We are so excited that he has met this milestone and look forward to hearing many more laughs ourselves.

Conversation

Today we witnessed the growth in Declan's communication. Ever since his first month Declan has had a specific means of communicating hunger. Declan continues to let us know with his "Hi hi hi I I I" sounds that he is hungry. What we noticed today though was that he is learning to communicate with you and not simply at you. Daddy has been trying to get Declan to imitate his "ewe" sound and we've watched him work really hard to do it, that is, when he can stop himself from smiling and pucker his lips long enough to try. There was a moment where Declan was watching tv with his Auntie T and you could see his brow scrunch up while he listened to one character talking and when she finished his expression changed to delight and he started chatting. It is a lot of fun watching him react to the world he is discovering.

Declan has also been going to bed for a week without being swaddled.

Oh...and he got the cutest little sandles today.

The Fresh Air Effect

Well, the wonderful weather kicked Declan's butt (or lack of butt).

Declan, Mommy and Daddy spent a couple hours outside sitting in the shade enjoying the fresh air.  Then after that all three ventured on for a walk through the neighbourhood for about 40 minutes. 

That was all it took.
Declan has spent the rest of the day asleep.  He woke briefly for some milk...then crashed right back to sleep.
Poor little man.  Just couldn't handle it.

Shades

Today was a beautiful, warm and sunny day.  After a quiet morning Mommy and Declan took advantage of the nice weather and ventured outdoors.  Mommy packed up some blankets, a bottle, Declan's diaper bag and some toys and headed out back.  Finding a nice shadey place on the deck we set ourselves up where Declan could see the trees blowing in the breeze.  Some birds and a plane flew overhead but Declan missed them.  He heard the plane though.  A bug flew past his head but he didn't notice that either.  Declan did take great joy in Mommy's impression of the "Zoom" sound the bug made as it flew by so to his delight Mommy repeated the noise many times.

Auntie T came out to see Declan for a bit and then Uncle Scott joined us.  Declan welcomed Scott wtih a huge grin and then they played a little game for a while.  Declan held tightly as Uncle Scott "play" tried to pull his finger away.  Declan just loved it and was all smiles and giggles while the game was afoot.

Looks like we have a nice area for Declan (and Monkey) to enjoy the Spring/Summer months.

First Mother's Day

Today was the first Mother's Day for me and Declan.
It started with Daddy bringing Declan to bed with my Mother's Day card in hand.  He looked so sweet cuddled in my bed with the card on his little lap flashing me big smiles.  Then at Declan's bidding Daddy brought me breakfast in bed.

When I finally got out of bed for a shower, Daddy got Declan washed up and dressed in a special outfit for the day.  Our little man was a jem all day.  He's getting so big.  He worked for a half hour, so determined to sit up on his own.  He was falling forward over his toes as he used his pant legs to pull himself up.  I hope Declan never looses that determination.
We later got out for a walk in the sunshine and returned home to some more playtime.

At 9:30 (a usual bedtime for Declan) we tried to tuck him in to bed but he opened his eyes and smiled at me when I laid him down and then cried for us to bring him back with us.  Couldn't resist, especially on this day, just a little more cuddle time.  Sat down with him on the couch and he was asleep immediately.  I just enjoyed snuggling with him a little longer and he was back in his crib by 10:30. 

See you in the morning my little man, we can not thank you enough for all that you add to our lives each day.

Mommy's Day Eve

What a nice evening. Family over for a visit/dinner. Little Declan got in some Grandma and Grandpa Gale time. Lots of attention and lots of fresh air.

Park Life

Today little Declan visited a park for the first time.  Along with Mommy's friend Nancy and her little ones; MacGregor and Molly Declan got a nice view of trees, some grass, he heard a big truck, cried when Mommy changed his diaper outside, watched Molly on the swing and sat on a blanket with Mommy and MacGregor.  Declan seems to enjoy the outdoors so far and it was a nice change being outside and not stuck in his carseat/stroller the entire time.

Later that day Declan stayed in with his Auntie T, Uncle Scott, Cousins Madison and Josh so that Mommy and Daddy could go see The Avengers 3D in IMAX.  Declan had a great time.  He watched a horror movie (Maximum Overdrive) and stayed up late.  He better not have baby nightmares...and he better still sleep through the night!
I think he loved it.

Declan's Buddy

Today Declan had a 2nd visit with his new neighbourhood friend Owen.  Declan and Owen rode along in their strollers while their Mommy's got along well on a two hour walk.

Declan was bright eyed and taking in his surroundings until the sun got a bit much and Mommy closed his stroller canopy.  With nothing to see little Declan took in a short baby nap until Mommy was kind enough to open his view to the world once again.  Declan sure can't wait until Owen and he are big enough to have "real" play dates where they can sit up and interact.  Maybe by the end of the summer these two little buds will be the greatest of little friends.

Rainstorm

Today Declan had an outing with Grandma Gale and Mommy. A visit to the Milton Mall for some strolling and looking around. Before the end of the trip a stop at Shoppers was required but it was outside of the actual mall. As it was time to leave the skies opened up and we got a downpour. This meant we were trapped at Shoppers. After about 20 patient minutes we braved the rain and ran for it. Declan was pretty safe since his stroller closes up like a clam shell but Mommy and Grandma got soaked. Then after walking back through the mall we had to hit the parking lot to get to our cars. Poor little Declan got a bit rained on when Mommy was detaching his car seat from the stroller and placing him in the car. Good news...he didn't melt. AND he seemed to enjoy looking at the rain on the car rear windows on the drive home. A new experience for him.

Sleeping

Some little man must be having his 3 month growth spurt. Declan slept 9 hours straight then after a small bottle went back to sleep for another two hours, then another small bottle and long nap...it was naps all day. I can give up on my wish that he be small for a long time. This guy is taking after his daddy.

3 Months Old

A special little man turned 3 months old today.  Upon hearing the news, he was rather pleased with himself.

Showing signs of maturing Declan was holding onto his Sophie today and grabbing her face.  He also took great pleasure in hitting Sophie's face with his ball.

Some tummy time that went extremely well was followed by some activity mat play time where Declan focused on one particular toy and continued to reach for and bat at it.  So amazing to see that there is now intent behind his actions.

I have to wonder then, all the charming little faces, the coy, shy grins, the winks and head nods...if there is intent behind even half of the expressions this little man makes...the ladies are in trouble!

Mini Man

Today was a relaxing lazy Sunday.  Declan and Daddy both stayed in all day.  They were both in t-shirts, plaid lounge pants and slippers.  They were best buds.  Daddy got lots of smiles and secret winks and head nods from his best little friend.

Mommy sat Declan in his high chair today in an upright position so he could see around the room.  He sits up very well with support and is very happy with new vantage point.  He looks like such a big boy.

Simple Saturday

Nothing unusual or extraordinary today. Declan was his usual sweet littl man, he played with his ball and tried to eat his Monkey. He was chatty, he snacked a lot...all the normal stuff. Super cute when Mommy took his to bed. He had fallen asleep in her lap and when she was putting him down in his crib it was cute to see his little arms so limp because he was out cold. Such a sweetie.

Baby Date

This morning Declan had a baby date with his friend Chelsey.  Declan and his mommy drove to see Chesley and her Mommy - Daniella.  Chelsey is two months older than Declan which puts her at almost five months.  We placed both little ones beside each other on the floor and lined them up to see how they compared in size.  Declan is such a tall little guy and is currently the same length/height as Chelsey though he's only just coming up on three months.  He's still pretty slim but I'm sure he'll put on some more baby chub if only his weight gain catches up to his height.

Declan is getting much better at grabbing and holding onto his ball which he was playing with at Chelsey's.  She preceded to grab it from Declan and play with it herself.  Declan is easy going and didn't seem to mind one bit.  Chelsey's mommy got out her own ball so that they could each have one and little Declan wouldn't have to go without.

Then, just the cutest, Declan reached out to hold onto Chelsey's hand and she did the same to him.  They are fast becoming real buddies.  So sweet.

First Lacrosse Game

This evening Mommy, Daddy and Declan attended Declan's cousin Josh's Lacrosse Game.  When he first arrived he was still asleep from the short car ride over.  Just relaxing Declan kept his eyes closed through the start of the game even with the sound of the horn.
This did not last, what with the yelling, cheering, hands clapping, persistent whistles, game buzzers.  Poor Declan's lower lip was in extrodinary downward curl and the tears started to flow.  Mommy held him and tried to comfort him, brought out a bottle and even had him sit up to watch the players running around.  There were good moments broken up by lip curls and tears each time it got to be too much.  Two periods down and we were watching the third when the tears and lip curl wouldn't let up even with Mommy's cuddles and words of comfort.  That was it.  Packed it in with 5 minutes left on the clock.  Don't think Declan will be catching any more Lacrosse games until he is bigger.

Workouts with Daddy

Still interested in sitting up our little Declan is holding his head up very well on his own.  His neck is getting stronger.  Daddy holds onto his hands and Declan pulls himself to a sitting position.  He happily sits up straight with his head still wobbly but with growing neck control, he looks around the room with a big smile on his face.

Declan also played on his activity mat this morning and he was showing development.  Today he was reaching for the elephant with intent and holding onto an ear or its trunk.  He is also getting better at bringing his hands to his mouth and sucking on various fingers and his thumb.

Reading and Reaching

Today was a play day for little Declan.

One of his new favourite toys is his ball.  Due to its light weight and lots of holes for little fingers Declan is easily picking it up and bringing it to his mouth.  Yes, just like any baby...he also throws it but seeing how he is grabbing it and picking it up is a new development so right now Mommy and Daddy are so proud.

Mommy and Declan also had a big reading session this afternoon.  For about an hour and a half today we made it through four books: How Much I Love You, Horton Hears a Who, Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and Dr. Seuss's Big Book of Beginnings.  Declan loves his books...and Mommy reading to him.  He was smiles and chatty.  He especially loves Dr. Seuss as he was asking questions and adding to the story...or at least that is what I choose to interpret from his adorable baby noises.

Might just have to start having reading time every day.