Dunk

My little man had a new pool experience today. Declan is doing so much better in the pool. He is very comfortable, he is smiling a lot more and kicking plenty. Now was the day; with Daddy, Auntie T and Madison watching little Declan had his first dunking in the water....and...he didn't mind one little bit. Such a good boy. Even a second dunk before getting out and he handle it with ease. He was in the pool so long his little toes were all pruned. After his swim we sat around outside with company. Declan had a cuddle and bottle with his Aunt and then passed out into the sweetest milk comma. Then a gust of wind and whoops, after nearly getting hit with a paper plate, Caesar salad flew into him. He didn't even notice as people picked lettuce off his little body. Declan is super tough. Now he's asleep and snoring. What a doll.

Please Go To Sleep

Busy day. Declan and Mommy hung out all morning while Daddy was at work. Then we relaxed outside with Aunt Jackie, Uncle Peter and cousin Holden visiting from Ottawa. When Madison and Josh got home from their last day of school they hoped in the pool so Mommy, Daddy and Declan also went for a swim. This time Declan smiled a fair bit and actually seemed to be having fun. In the evening Declan was able to visit with Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie T and Madison. I'm not sure how long he napped with Grandma but I did hear from Auntie T that when Mommy and Daddy were out Grandma was singing to him and he just stared at her. Good little man. But now...he just isn't tired. It is just past 11pm and he is still babbling away. Daddy went to bed at 9:30pm and I'm so tired myself...even the cat is in bed. Please Declan finish your baby stories in the morning.

Memory

Our little Monkey has a great memory.  After working so hard last night to say "Mom" Declan tried again in the morning without prompting by me.  Of course once I noticed what he was doing I kept saying it over and over hoping to help him say it one more time.  Took a while but once we were upstairs telling Auntie T about it Declan managed to get it out one more time.  My determined little monkey.

This afternoon I wanted to make sure Declan got some more apple juice so I used once of his older bottles with the level 1 nipples and put 2 oz of diluted apple juice in it.  Declan managed to polish it off slowly but completely.  Going to continue to give him small amounts of juice each day to make sure he is getting some fruit.

Morning Visit

Our little Declan woke at 6:15am for his first bottle.  Right down to business and back to bed.  Now Grandpa and Grandma Gale were coming here for a morning visit so when I heard Declan waking up in bed after 9am I waited until they arrived to go get him up.  Grandpa and Grandma were first into Declan's room and I turned on the light.  They were the first faces the little man saw when he woke up.  Just a moment to register who had come to his crib side and then he started flashing his big warm smiles.  Declan was clearly happy to see his Grandparents were here!

He certainly is a morning person.  Very happy to have company, Declan didn't even want his bottle right when he woke up.  Instead he was enjoying his visitors, hanging with Grandma and hanging with Grandpa.  Only real crying came curteousy of an attack plane....that is, Grandpa was pretending Declan's bottle was an airplane and flying it into his mouth.  This was well received until the sneak attack (I'm assuming this is how Declan sees it) and our little man had a good cry.  Short lived thankfully and he was back to happiness and smiles for his visit.

Early evening Mommy and Declan were playing games and then Mommy started saying "Mom" over and over so Declan could try and repeat.  He was very intently working to form an 'M', pursing his little lips together.  He really is a very determined little man and then....."Mom". That's right! He actually said it.  Now I know he has no idea what he said nor could he easily repeat it at will but he did manage to mimic me and clearly said "Mom".  Declan is fabulous!!!

Crazy Limbs and Monkey Face

When Declan gets really excited about something he waves his arms frantically and kicks his legs all while making a very serious monkey face. He makes me laugh. Tonight when he was having his last bottle before falling asleep on Daddy Declan wave feverishly waving his right arm. Just non stop. He's a nutter. A strong nutter. We're starting to see "boy" behaviours as he gets really excited about grabbing things very hard and has an intense 'evil' but excited face. He really is a nutter.

Oh That Apple Juice

Today we had to return Declan's first four library books but we checked out another four. Most noteworthy:"Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed", it's hilarious. The illustrations and story are really not ideal for a baby of just 4 1/2 months but Dclan still enjoyed my telling of the story and I got a real kick out of it. Then this afternoon when we were simply hanging around and playing I decided perhaps our little guy would be interested in trying apple juice again. Since it was easy to introduce peach juice with drips from a straw ai used this method again today with the apple juice. He was very excited to have it each time I brought the straw to his mouth but every time he tasted it he made a hilarious "eeewwwwwwww" face before smacking his lips and then opening his mouth for the next taste. So much fun. He really is like a crazy toy. I think we may introduce baby cereal this week.

Sundays are Best as Inside Days

I almost forgot to mention something wonderful from last night.  Just before putting Declan down for the night I thought to put a little cream on his cheaks just in case he got some sun.  Declan laid across my legs with his head resting on my left arm as I proceeded to put the cream gently on his face with the fingers of my right hand.  As I did this Declan just stared at me.  He was very calm, smile on face, just stayed still and stared into my eyes. 
This kid is good.
I'm in trouble.

Now after yesterday's long day of fresh air our little Monkey slept for 10 hours straight. When Daddy went into Declan's room to get him out of bed Declan's leg was sticking out through the bars of the crib.  I don't get how he's all that moble in the night.  It wasn't from a roll over but he does make a lot of noise in there so I figure he takes the entire night of little movements to get in weird places.

New thing for today, watching Declan have a mini temper tantrum.  Daddy worked gently to calm little Declan down while I laughed my butt off.  Really...come on Declan, for what reason could you really have to throw a tantrum at 4 1/2 months old?  Nuts.  Well I think this was mainly because inside gets boring.  He was so very good all day yesterday outside with so much to see but inside gets boring.  To tackle the boredom I looked through Declan's room for some toys he hadn't yet enjoyed.  There was the "My First Pet" animals that make noises that Declan had no interest in before.  Today they were sufficiently attacked and covered with drool.  There was also an adorable cow-like animal with toys on each foot that had actually scared Declan before and made him cry.  We tucked it away until we thought he could handle it.  Today he was so crazy excited about it all limbs were flying.  It certainly was a favourite for today.

Last little development I should mention is that our little Declan is learning about cause and effect.  He has learned that when Mommy says "Five, Four, Three, Two, One" he then is lifted in the air for a little airplane fun.  As a result Mommy simply has to say "Five, Four" and it illicits a big grin from our playful little fella.

Happiest Outdoors

So it is true that babies love to be outside. Declan was outside from 1pm until 9:15pm tonight and he was in a great mood the entire time. He still whines when he's hungry but we didn't once hear the "bored" cry as he always had things to look at.  Declan also got in some more swim time. He was in the pool for approximately a half hour. Pool airplane rides, on his belly, on his back, some more legs kicks and even a few little smiles. What Declan is interested in the most; other kids. He was so interested in watching 8 year old Abi and 4 year old MacGregor and Molly who will be 2 soon playing in the water. You can see that he wishes he was big too so he could join in. For now he settled for some baby play time with a little one his own size. Chelsey and Declan hung out for quite some time in the playpen.  I sure hope our little guy makes lots of friends.

Newborn Bathsling Be Gone

This morning was another bath time for Declan but seeing as he is 4 1/2 months old and way too long for the newborn sling in his tub we finally took it out and placed the infant bar in. This meant that now our little man was free to kick his legs in the water and splash with his hands. He seemed to love kicking his legs while the splash happened once by accident and then a second time but gently. He even had two little floaty toys in his tub which he  was pretty interested in. Declan is growing up so very fast.

Peek-a-boo Hilarity

Our little Declan is displaying the beginnings of his sense of humour. Now he totally gets Peek-a-boo and he giggles every time. You can simply "boo" him after you'be been looking away, you can utilize Monkey as your "boo" accomplice or go the old fashion route and use your hands. Doesn't matter, they are all hilarious. Declan is also communicating in various ways. How he tells us to do something else is through his little whine, which Daddy tells me tonight, he actually likes hearing. I say good to know. Now when he whines...well I think you know where I'm going with this one.

Longest Day of the Year

Our little Declan is mastering a delightful little squeal. This morning Declan was playing with Mommy and he was babbling and squealing again and again. Auntie T and Uncle Scott were both quietly working away upstairs when they stopped and starred at each other realizing that they were both hearing Declan going on and on happily. Ahhh, happy baby sounds. Now not only was today the longest day of the year, it was also one of the hottest. With the humidity we hit temperatures in the 40's. It was hot! Mommy and Declan joined Hayley and Owen at Springridge Farm. We brought the boys in their strollers for a walk around the gift store and bakery section. Mommy had a small fresh peach juice which allowed the opportunity to see what Declan thought of it. I gave him a little drip from the end of the straw. Declan made a grimace which was then followed by some lip licking. I got another drip on the end of the straw and brought it towards his mouth which he excitedly took...made another grimace face followed by lip licking. This was repeated four times until Declan seemed to loose interest in it. I think he may like Peaches. Now while we were sitting enjoying our drinks we noticed a pen with some baby chicks inside. We brought the boys over and keeping a safe distance I showed Declan the five Chicks inside that were hatched May 5th. No reaction really but Declan was looking right at them and seemed to be taking in this new discovery. We then moved on to another shady place to look around but this area didn't have the breeze needed to tolerate the temperature. I looked down at my little Declan, who was all smiles and therefore I must assume not too bothered by the heat, and he had a little row of sweat beads across the bridge of his nose. So little, very cute. Declan was a pleasure today and in great spirits. After Mommy and Daddy had their dinner it was time for a shady pool swim. Auntie T, Uncle Scott and the kids were all out back so the three of us joined them. The water was a warm 87degrees and quite easy to get in. Declan seemed extremely comfortable in the pool. First a little swim time with Mommy and then Daddy and Declan hung out together in the shallow end. Declan was calm and content. In fact he was in the water a 1/2 hour and only came out because we simply thought he'd been in long enough. So glad he is not exhibiting fear of the water. Quite the opposite, he very comfortably relaxes in the water and this time even kicked his legs a little. So happy the summer has only just begun.

I Think He Loves Me

This evening, after dinner around 7pm I was sitting on the floor leaning against the furniture with Declan on my lap.  I was bouncing him gently attempting to entertain him.  He continued to look up at me with big bright eyes and a grin from cheek to cheek.  He looked so very happy and just stared directly in my eyes.
Tonight, I felt like I was special.  Tonight, I'm pretty sure he loves me.

Forgets Again

Mommy and Daddy felt that a log walk was necessary due to the decadence of the Father's Day weekend. The catch however was that with the heat and humidity it was not a great idea to bring little Declan outside for too long. Daddy's fabulous decision was to visit Vaughan Mills huge mall and do a couple laps with the stroller and window shop. Perfect and let me tell you that a lot of parents had the same idea today. We packed up the diaper bag and made certain to have enough bottles AND formula this time. Put Declan in his car seat, grab the stiller and we were off. It wasn't until we were just starting off on our first la around the mall when ai noticed that our little man didn't have a single toy with him. Now of course he had monkey which his Auntie T argues was better than a toy cause it's his best friend but I still felt bad for him. So we had to make a stop in Carter's and now Declan is one crazy monster face toy richer.

1st Daddy's Day

Tyler had his first Daddy's Day.  This morning after having half his morning bottle and a diaper change little Declan held on to the card for his Daddy.  Mommy picked out some nice clean clothes for Declan to wear and then Daddy picked out a somewhat matching outfit for himself.

We tried some apple juice for Declan again today and this time we made certain that he was not simply gumming the opening.  We opened the sippy part so that he would get some of the juice even if he didn't suck on it.  After getting some juice in his mouth he made a "yuck" face and let it all run out of his mouth.  I tried another four times to see if I would get a different response but to no avail.  Each time Declan would make a face and let it run out.  Perhaps he's simply not ready for apple juice.

This afternoon I thought it might be fun to try flying Declan in the air like an airplane.  I was careful to support his body weight on my forearms and hold him under his arms.  Declan is getting so strong, holding his head up well and his legs up behind him so I stopped using my forearms and just held him up above my head by lifting him under his arms.  He loved it.  Declan was all drooly smiles while I zipped him around in the air.  When I stopped he would whine until I lifted him again...weeee!!!  What a fun discovery for us on Daddy's Day.

The Giggler

Our little Declan had a very nice, eventful day.

First we introduced Declan to apple juice today.  We used a sippy cup (non-free flow) and filled it with half apple juice and half water.  Declan seemed to be enjoying it though he didn't drink very much of it, for a first try he seemed to like it.
Afterwards Mommy brought Declan into the pool again, this time for a little swim with Daddy and Madison.  He wore his new rash guard, long sleeve t-shirt and his striped skull and crossbones board shorts...and his froggy sun hat of course.  He still hasn't displayed any real fear and even had a small smile at one point. He did let out one frowny face and whine but it was very short lived and then it was back to relaxing and floaty with Mommy's help.  In the water for about 15 minutes and then the little man was dried off, changed and back to backyard playtime.
Not soon after getting out of the pool Grandma Gale showed up for a visit with her Grandson.  Declan was happy for the attention and was flashing gummy smiles her way.  Now at this point Declan was overdue for a nap so the cuddletime had to be a bit short so he could get to sleeping for a little while.
Nick also showed up for some visiting and Declan was very mellow while sitting with Nick as our little guy was mostly in good spirits today.
After work Grandpa Gale also joined us for a visit to Declan's delight since Grandpa brought the "flying" monkey.  While Declan was laying in his playpen Grandpa would make Monkey fly through the air and towards Declan.  He let out some cute little squeals and couldn't stop smiling...then the giggles started.  Declan was having such a great time he couldn't stop laughing for minutes while the "flying" monkey kept coming in and "getting" him.  It was adorable watching them play together.

Now at one point our little guy was in his playpen when everyone laughed at once.  This startled the little guy and he started to cry...which then became a full out horrible scream and he just couldn't settle down.  Daddy grabbed Declan a bottle to see if we could get him to calm down that way.  It did work but it took a few moments.  Perhaps Declan was just over tired.

Now he made it to bed tonight not long after 9pm and tomorrow is his first Daddy's Day.  Declan has his card all ready and I know he's super excited to give it to Daddy tomorrow. XOXO

The Big Toe

Our little Declan is now officially into his feet. He is all smiles whenever he pulls his legs up and grabs a hold of his feet. He most often hangs on tightly to the big toe of his right foot. Diaper changes now find him curling up into a ball and holding feets. When he's playing on the floor it is so easy to roll him to his sides because he is rounded out with his legs pulled up and he is rolling a little on his own too. My little butterball Declan.

Water Babies

Big day for Declan!

Today Mommy and Daddy invited Daniella and her little girl Chelsey and Hayley and her little man Owen over for a visit out by the pool.  Daniella and I dressed our wee ones in their bathing suits and sun hats for a little water adventure.  We started by just dipping their little feet in the water to see how they react to the temperature.  Everything was a-ok so we proceeded to move a little further into the shallow water and dip them in halfway, again they were very agreeable.  I even twirled Declan around in the water and floated him a bit on his back.  He gave me a little frowny face just once for a second but otherwise he was very content.  After a little while he even started to fall asleep so I guess there isn't any fear of the water just yet.  Now since he was getting sleepy we jumped out of the water and wrapped Declan in his little towel, quick change back into dry clothes and he was ready for a nice midday nap.

After naps Owen arrived and all three little ones were able to hang out together.  Side by side on a blanket there were no big cries or Baby freak outs.  Turned out to be a very nice baby playdate for all three.

After the visits were over little Declan took a short nap while Mommy and Daddy cleaned up and set up Declans play area inside.  To my delight little Declan finally laughed for ME!!  After his nap and a bottle we were playing together on the floor and finally I was able to not only make him laugh but he fully giggled on for a couple minutes.  It was amazing.

Then as the night progressed the fresh air of the day took its toll and Declan and Mommy spent the last two hours before he went to bed cuddling.  One of my favourite days yet.

Little Moments

Tonight Daddy said his favourite part of the entire day was when he would kiss Declans cheeks and Declan would laugh. Mommy's favourite part of the day was when little Declan fell fast asleep in my arms before I carried him off to his crib for the night. I am amazed how the little guy can feel so safe and simply melt on my lap.

Couple of Firsts

In bed last night by 9pm and slept until he wanted a bottle at 6am. He was right back to bed and then up at 9:20am for the day. Mommy and Declan were off at 12:40pm for a nice long walk.  It was pretty warm out although overcast and fairly humid. Halfway through our walk just as we'd turned to start walking back Declan was crying a little for a bottle. I grabbed the bottle of water for him and that was when I realized I'd forgotten the formula powder at home. Now we were about 50 minutes from home at this point. I hoped that because it was warm out maybe Declan would simply be happy for any drink and I gave him the bottle with just water. For the first time little Declan drank water, nearly two ounces of it. Just enough that he could wait until we got home for a proper bottle. When we were about 15 minutes from home we started feeling light drips of rain which was accompanying soft thunder. I got out the plastic stroller cover and this time placed it over little Declan without pulling the stroller clamshell like canopies. This was so Declan could still see me and experience the rain drops on his cover.  Mere moments later the rain and wind kicked up  and the cover nearly  blew off the stroller and I had to affix it a different way to keep it tight and the rain just poured. Little Declan saw me just soaked in the downpour. I smiled and laughed it off as water ran down my face. I was soaked right through my clothing and my little Declan just stared at me with his big eyes. He survived his first experience watching a crazy storm in his stroller and really didn't seem to mind one bit. Now Declan went to bed just passed 9pm and Mommy and Daddy are exhausted...we'll be not far behind him.

Sound Sleeper

After such a busy weekend little Declan was in bed last night before 9pm.  He didn't wake up until 6am this morning for a bottle.  Still tired the little man was back in bed until 8:30am.  We got him dressed and out the door for a nice long walk at 9:15am.  Mommy and Daddy got home with little Declan at 10:30am and Declan was finally hungry once we got back.  He'd slept almost the entire walk.  Sooooo tired.

This afternoon Declan was showing some new interest in his feet...or I mean foot, since he specifically was interested in his right foot.  He stared at it very intently and was grabbing at it.  They were some dirty feet as we hadn't just yet given him his bath for today.

Now in his bath Declan is too big for the infant sling but we're still using it because he lounges in it very nice and it's pretty easy for Mommy and Daddy to get him all squeaky clean this way.  Within the next two weeks however we will have to remove the sling and have him sit in the baby tub just like a baby and not a newborn.

This evening Declan had a visit with Auntie T and Uncle Scott.  He hadn't seen them all weekend so it was overdue.  Declan is pretty much all smiles for his Auntie T and after being unhappy the last two times Uncle Scott wanted to visit with Declan tonight he flashed his big gummy grin.  Lots of smiles and licking of Auntie T's arm followed up with a bottle and Declan fell asleep...but not soundly.  Mommy was able to get him back downstairs for a bum change and pjs before he passed out for the night.  Good news, Declan was fast asleep again before 9pm.

The Long Road Home

While staying with Grandma and Grandpa in Ottawa Declan was sleeping in the playpen mere feet from Mommy and Daddy's bed so it was a nice treat to wake up, look over and see my smiling little monkey waiting for me to come get him.  He waits with big eyes and as soon as I make eye contact he gets a big grin and starts waving his arms and kicking his legs.  He is pure sweetness.

So it was breakfast, some last cuddles and then we hit the road at 11am.  Just one more quick stop before leaving Ottawa and that was to show Declan where his Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Garlish rest.  Declan was napping when we arrived so Daddy carried him in his car seat to the site but little Declan opened his eyes so we could tell him where he was and let him know that his Great Grandparents would love him so.

The it was back on the road for the 4 1/2 hour journey back to Milton.  It was a pretty uneventful drive, some naps, some bottle, some books, some toys...then we were home.  After Mommy and Daddy got settled in Mommy had to step out to go see Cousin Madison sing at her music school event so Daddy and Declan had some quiet time together before Daddy put him in his crib for the night.  This was the FIRST time Declan has even gone to bed without Mommy there.  I have to say that I've never been so excited to be awaken at 4:30-5:30am in my life...I can't wait to see him since I missed putting him to bed.

Just Needs a Break

Another busy day for Declan here in Ottawa.

Up at about 8am this morning.  He woke up and didn't make a noise.  Declan just layed in the playpen looking at Mommy and waiting for her to get off the bed and come get him.  It was worth it, because once I walked to his side he was all smiles, best start to the day.

Declan was a good little man and took a wee nap while Mommy and Daddy had breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa.  Then we had to wake him up and get him ready for the days adventures. 
First we were off to Daddy's old work - HMV on Sparks Street.  We parked at the World Exchange Plaza and Daddy carried Declan in his arms rather than in the car seat because...let's be honest, it gets really heavy carrying him in the car seat.  Declan was able to see Crystal and Lorenzo and even spie a couple movies he'd like to have one day.  Once little man had seen enough of HMV we headed back to the car.  Mommy called her boss to see what store she was at and it was Rideau so off we were again to Rideau for one last visit.  Little Declan was so good.  Each time we were in the car he would doze off for a mere few minutes just to be awaken once more for a new activity.  The little guy just wasn't getting any sleeps. 

We made it out of Rideau and back to the Grandparents just in time for a diaper change and a quick stretch out on the floor with Grandpa.  Very sweet, Grandpa was showing Declan a cute little book about colours and they bonded nicely.

Then we hit the road once more so that Mommy, Daddy and Declan could see Grandpa and Grandma's new house that is being built...more sleep interupted but Declan was pretty good all this time.

Once we got back at 4pm we were joined by Aunt Jackie, Uncle Peter, Aunt Marissa and Cousins Alex, Corbin and Holden.  This proved to be a little much for a small guy who had been so good for so long.  Cranky pants set in.  To get some reprieve Declan lounged in the bouncy chair in the big bay window watching the leaves blow in the trees.  He even got in a few winks before waking up to wine during dinner.  I think he'd really had enough.  Not too fussy or difficult but he was out of sorts.  As the night wound down Declan just relaxed with Mommy and blocked out the world around him.  He did get somewhat sweaty laying on Mommy so Aunt Marissa got a cold cloth to place on his head and Mommy unbuttoned his jammies.  He stared at Mommy for a little while then slowly fell into a deep sleep around 9pm.  Now finally some uninterupted sleep.  Mommy took Declan to the playpen for bedtime and he is now fast asleep.  Now tomorrow a long car ride back to Milton but then little man we promise things will get back to normal for a bit so you can get your rest.

Baby Date and Doctors

Little Declan was up twice in the night back here in Ottawa, once around 1:30am and again at 5:30. Perhaps sleeping in a different place meant he didn't have quite as deep a baby sleep as normal. Up about 7:30am to start the day. Mommy, Daddy and Declan headed out at 10am to visit Sarah and Baby Hugo for the second time. Hugo and Declan met when Declan was a mere three weeks old and Hugo was 8 weeks. As you can imagine they were not very interested in each other back then.  Well today Hugo was very interested in Declan...and in particular he was very interested in grabbing Declan's mouth. Declan was not pleased and he cried. They sat looking face to face, Hugo reached out, Declan cried. Hugo got excited and he chirped a loud squeal of delight, Declan cried. Then Sarah changed Hugo into the same outfit Declan had on for baby twins. They laid side by side, Declan touched Hugo's hand, Hugo reached for Declan's mouth, Declan cried. It was a rough visit, Declan cried with each one of Hugo's happy little squeals.  Then they both went on their bellies and we got some proud smiles out of our little man and then baby date was pretty much over. Maybe better luck when they can meet for the third time.

A short stop to see a lady who used to work for Mommy then right on to the Doctors where Declan was very brave. First of all he was weighed and measured:  15lbs 2oz and a whole 67.2 cm long. Then off for his examination and the Dr said he looked great. Declan was so good for the Dr and flashed loads of smiles. When the nurses came back to give him his immunizations things started to turn. He took the oral one without too much fuss but sneaky Declan would hold it in his mouth and not swallow. The nurse had to gently coax him to swallow it by tickling his chin...ah success. Then this time Mommy was brave and she held Declan's legs while the nurses gave him his two needles simultaneously. Oh did he cry. It starts with the little I'm not happy cry and then grew to a solid scream. Good news it lasted but a minute, then some bottle and some cuddles and he was right again and content. Mommy and Daddy then brought Declan out for some walks around the Rideau Centre mall and another quick visit with Mommy's old work people and Declan was great this whole time.  Now during this whole Day Declan has barely gotten any nap time in. We were home just after 6pm and still Declan was wide awake and being social. Now he got to visit with Auntie Marissa and his cousin Alex who were visiting. Auntie Marissa got some huge smiles from Declan...I think he's a fan. Dinner was at 8pm and then finally Declan relaxed and drank almost a full six ounces before passing out. A nice earlier bedtime. I guess we need to interrupt naps more often.  Now we just have to see if he sleeps well through the night.  Best thing is that the needles are already a distant memory.  Yay Declan. No more needles until August.

Happy Four Months

Today Declan turned the big 4 months old! We started the day nice and early getting on the road for Ottawa by 8am. Unlike our previous long road trips, this time Declan stayed awake for 75% of the trip. This meant that some songs and a couple book readings were required in order to keep him happy. Oh, and a tent. Each time I placed the receiving blanket over his feet to keep the sun off his toes Declan would kick the blanket off. Then I tried to be clever by pulling the blanket up higher so he couldn't kick it off, smarty pants pulled it up even higher on his own to again free his toes. Tricky monkey. So I pulled the blanket up over his seat and canopy to make a tent. Problem solved! So we got to Ottawa safely. The little man was happy to be at Grandma and Grandpas. Once we got set up inside I placed Declan down on his belly so Grandma could see how good he is on his belly. The result - Declan rolled over from his belly to his back, all on his own for the first time!!! Such a big boy!! I do believe he was very proud of himself. Now there is a large bay window with a big tree just in front here at Grandmas so Declan sat on Grandmas lap and stared outside at the leaves for easily over an hour and then again later after dinner when the rain rolled in. A last little snack in Grandmas arms and Declan was out for the night before 10pm. Happy 4 Months my big little man.

Parktime Play Date

This afternoon Declan and Mommy joined Owen and his Mommy Hayley for some playtime at Bristol District Park.  They found some shade under a tiny little tree and set up some blankets so they could get out of their car seats and stretch out. First try at play time Declan was all ready and smiley while little Owen fell asleep.  Second try we placed their heads together but with bodies apart and this time Declan decided he was hungry and sleepy while Owen had a burst of energy and was swinging his little arms.  Owen kept hitting Declan in the head which resulted in Declan throwing out his lower lip and starting to cry a little.  I have to be honest...it made me laugh.  He wasn't hurt and since Owen is only 3 months and as such still looks much smaller than Declan I just couldn't help myself but giggle.  At least now we can say that they "played" together.

Now even though we were in the shade of a tree, it was a skinny tree and didn't provide enough shade for the two hours we were at the park.  Now Declan's cheeks and forehead are a big red and poor Owen has quite a little burn on his face.  Hayley and I feel horrible but they will be ok and now next time we know....bigger tree.

Now last night Declan slept very well.  In bed at 10pm and he didn't get up at all until 9:15am this morning.  I thought for certain he would be awake all day but he still got in some good long naps.  We gave him a bath at 7pm with his lavender scented shampoo and used his lavender scented cream to help relax him for bed and this evening he fell asleep on Mommy at 9pm.  We will be up early tomorrow and on the road for 8am off to Ottawa and Grandma May's house.  Good thing we used the lavender or else he'd have been too excited to sleep.

Mommy Goose

Today Mommy and Declan joined Chelsey and her Mommy Daniella for a Mother Goose class. At the start of the class the leader told us all how the Mother Goose programs began. In the 1980's a woman noticed that many parents were placing their infants in front of the TV rather than spend time singing and playing with their little ones. Mother Goose aims to remind Mothers of the songs and games they had when they were young as well as teach new ones so Mommys are inspired. Then each Mommy introduced herself and her little one and stated their age. When I introduced Declan I said that he will be "four months this Thursday and I dot know why he's so big". The other Moms laughed and said they couldn't believe how big his was. For some perspective, he was the youngest baby there and only the 7 month old was bigger than Declan. The leader asked if Daddy was tall to which I responded "No". Declan really seemed to enjoy the overall experience. At the beginning he laid on the blanket and looked around at the other babies. He was particularly interested in the 7 month old girl named Brooklyn. She is a mover. After a short while she rolled her way right over to Declan. Her Mommy warned,"look out, she's a toy thief". Just then I watched her pull Monkey ever so slowly away from Declan. He didn't even fight it and luckily she lost interest and then rolled her way back to Mom. So the little man heard some new songs, we learned some new versus for old favorites, we learned some sign language and Declan danced...kind of. Near the end he had a little bottle, a couple burps and then he passed out on Mommy's shoulder just in time to call it a day and hit the road. My little social butterfly. I hope Mr. Personality never looses his charm.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...or at Least Just Get Mommy

This morning Mommy and Declan went for a long walk.  In fact we were gone for two hours.  Everything was going well until we were about 15 minutes from home.  I noticed a few rain drops and quickly got out the plastic stroller cover for the little guy and just in time.  With that it started pouring rain.  I got soaked.  Ran for part of the way and then just as we were crossing the main road I saw Daddy driving up to the stop sign. He pulled over of course but after a quick, wet hello I told him to carry on home since everything was dripping wet and we didn't want to get the inside of the car soaked.  When we got home Daddy was there waiting for us.  We strolled into the garage and proceeded to peel off the rain cover and open up the stroller clam shell covers to find a bright eyed smiling DRY little Declan inside.  He didn't mind the weather one bit.

During our adventure we stopped at the Superstore.  We toured the Joe Fresh Baby clothes section but didn't see anything Declan needed.  We then looked through the toy section.  Declan looked around at all the colours, even smiled a few times Mommy picked up certain toys.  He liked some but they were for older babies or toddlers.  Then we spied a fun toy for babies 3 months and over.  Declan seemed intrigued.  We promptly rolled along to the checkout and now Declan is one Baby Einstein toy richer.

Now before we started off on our adventure I had told Declan that we would visit the library, get a library card and check out some interesting books...including at least one Dr. Seuss.  Once the rain came, we were no longer stopping at the library.  I didn't want to disappoint so I ran out mid-afternoon and grabbed the library card and some books on my own.  We then read Wee Little Chick and Little Quack to Declan's delight.  He was not in the mood for Seuss today however so we'll save those two for another day.

Being such a good 'grabber' Declan got a good hold of Mommy's ponytail today.  He thought he was quite hilarious.  Declan also thought it was pretty funny when he grabbed hold of the little hairs at Mommy's hairline and pulled real hard.  Great.

Declan is laughing more and more often now.  He laughed for Daddy when they played together on the living room floor and again when Daddy was changing Declan's diaper.  Mommy is getting jealous.  Declan is a regular smiley pants and he babbles on for Mommy nonstop but a good hardy laugh not yet.

Now it's 11pm, Declan is still awake in his crib.  Not sure why his nightime sleeptime has lost any form of consistency.

Halfway There

Today when Mommy placed little Declan down tummy side on his activity mat he lifted up his head and chest and then turned his top half to the left side so he could reach up with his right hand and swipe repeatedly at his elephant.  Showing off how strong he is getting and how much intent there now is in his actions.

A little later this afternoon Declan was laying on the floor on his back side but he simply pulled up his legs and gently rolled himself onto one side so he could reach his toy.  He was able to continue doing this a few times, favouring a halfway roll to the left.  So close.  Its no wonder his Auntie T thought Declan had grown since she saw him last just two days ago.  He's such a big boy now!

It Was a Sign

Tonight Mommy and Daddy were remembering that when little Declan was only a month old he would lay in bed between us at about 10:30-11pm at night and we thought how cute it was that he would babble on looking back and forth at us with the sweetest little newborn voice. Now this kid has pipes! Once again, it was about 9:30-10pm and Declan is going on and on about his day (or so we think) and he is SO LOUD. Geeez. At least tonight he passed out at 10:15pm and was down for the evening. We really need to keep Declan up all day so we can get him to go to sleep at an earlier bedtime.

A Night Owl

Declan has been an angel all day. So much fun, lots of talking and laughing and smile after smile. Now, however...he wakes up at 10:30pm, wide awake and all chatty. He should be asleep. Now it's 11:40pm and he's still yammering on. Silly little Declan, please go to sleep.