One Week Away - Wow

Declan loves to play with his toy mirror.  Never fails, no matter his mood, as soon as he sees himself in the mirror he gets excited.  What I've noticed recently is that when you tip the mirror so that you can see Declan's reflection and he can see yours, he will immediately look away from the mirror and right at you.  He already understands that it is our reflections and looks for the real person.  Smarty pants.

We also caught him today discovering how his thumb works in relation to his hand.  He was just sitting there staring at his hand while he moved him thumb back and forth against his index finger.  It's really great watching him learn and discover.

My little monkey fell asleep on my legs at about 8:30pm.  Of course I let him sleep there until 9pm because watching him sleep is one of my favourite things in the entire world.  He's still a bit feverish from teething so he got a little sweaty head from laying on my calf.  When I picked him up at 9pm to carry him off to bed he opened his eyes and saw his Daddy.  Instantly he was waving his arms and smiling like he'd been awake the entire time.  Sweet peanut.  Too bad, it's bedtime so Daddy said goodnight and I carried Declan off to bed.  He was out cold as his head hit the mattress.

And before I forget...there is just one week left before my monkey is 8 months old.  Just incredible.

First Tooth

Little man has been such a good sleeper. Again he was in bed at 9pm and didn't wake until 7:45am. Decided just to keep him up after his morning bottle since he'd already slept so late. Then he had breakfast, some playtime then took a nap at 10:45am until 12:15pm. Great nap. Woke up happy. Had some lunch at 1pm and we hung out until Daddy got home just after 1:30pm.

Then, since Daddy needed a good nap, Mommy and Declan wet over to visit Owen and Hayley. Happy little boys played on the floor for a while. Declan was really interested in Owens sippy cup but  he's not been interested in his own so thought that was weird. Then after being there for about an hour Declan started being fussy, acting unusual for the time of day and I can normally comfort him easily but not this time. Hayley suggested maybe he was teething. I checked inside for a numb and there it was - Declan's very first tooth. I teared up, so did Hayley. My little baby is getting big. I am already mourning the end if Declan's beautiful gummy smile. Poor little man was uncomfortable and there were tears, broke my heart.  Soon as we got home we told Daddy, we'll actually I told Daddy because Declan fell asleep in the car.
Hayley gave Declan some Tylenol before we left there to help with the pain and he has been a bit feverish.

This evening Declan was pretty good until about 8:30pm when the pain started bothering him again. Some more Tylenol and lots of kisses and he was good again. Now he's off to bed and so far he's sleeping good. He's a trooper. We can't believe it. We're done with another stage in his life and on to a new one.

Puddicomb's

Declan and I headed down to Stoney Creek to meet up with Daniella, Abigayle and Chelsey for a little farm adventure.  When we first arrived at Daniella's Declan sat down to play with Chelsey and her toys.  Chelsey does have some of the coolest toys.  Declan shyly reached out to touch them but it wasn't too long before he was comfortable in his surroundings and seemed to enjoy being around all the ladies.

After some snacks, bottle and bum changes we all headed over to Puddicomb Estates Orchard and Winery.  We walked around outside and saw the animals.  A big pig, an emu, some hens, some ducks, some turkeys, a goat and one sad bunny.  This was not the nicest of farm animal displays.  Declan and Chelsey did not seem very interested in any of the animals.  There was a funny moment when the ducks kind of went crazy and were being loud.  I said to Daniella "well the good news is the babes aren't crying" and just then Declan cried.  Only for a moment though but kids got great comedic timing.

We then headed inside to check out the gift shop and treats but there wasn't really anything of interest.  We did make a point of stopping by the pumpkins on our way out for an impromptu photo shoot.  Declan is hilarious.  He is already a professional, the phone/camera comes out and he looks right at me and smiles immediately.  Great job kid, even when the sun kept getting into your eyes.

 

Daddy Declan Chronicals

This afternoon Declan had an outing just with Daddy while Mommy stayed at home. They went on a nice long walk in the fresh air and stopped at a park. Little Declan slept in his stroller for the 20 minutes they were there so no swing today but then they headed over to Starbucks. Daddy had an iced tea and Declan had a bottle. He was in a great mood and was babbling away on Daddy's knee. Of course he was being admired by everyone in the place. Then they made their way home and Declan sang/babbled all the way. Overall little guy did not sleep as much as normal so this evening around 6pm we put him in his swing knowing he needed some rest. That was it. He didn't wake up until 8:20pm and then he just got up long enough for a diaper change and some bottle before going to bed at 9:10pm. Lets see if he can actually sleep through the night. Hope so, he needs to rest up for his trip to the orchard tomorrow.

Already Testing Us

This afternoon Mommy's friend Hayley came over for a visit which meant that Declan got to hang with his little buddy Owen. Declan was on his back and Owen on his belly when they were first together. Owen sweetly kept reaching to hold Declan's hand. Meanwhile Declan kept waving his hand and smacking poor Owen in the face. It was so bad and it was so hilarious. I stopped him though and then they were just hanging out pretty disinterested in each other. Declan kept flirting with Hayley. He's his daddy's boy.

This evening Declan was playing in the floor while Mommy was folding laundry. The bag was close enough that he was straining trying to grab the straps on it. Daddy kept telling him "no Declan". Then what I saw was a determined little boy keep reaching for the straps but with his eyes on Daddy. Little man is testing what he can get away with already.

And one of my favorite things today: just before bedtime Declan was blowing raspberries and giggling. His raspberries are so good now that there was drool all down his face and all over mine. He's so fun.

Can't Help but be Cute

Mommy and Declan went on a nice long walk this afternoon.  We walked 10 km and it took us about an hour and a half to make the entire trip.  It was warm but there was a nice cool breeze, really nice walking weather.  Declan napped kms 2 through to 5 but he managed to remain awake the rest of the time.  Kms 8 to 9 were rather as Declan was babbling and squealing out loud.  At one point during the walk we passed two teenage girls and as we walked by one yelled out "Your son is cute!" to which her friend responded "why did you say that?" and then she said "because he is."  There it is, he just can't help but be cute.

For dinner tonight Declan had meat for the 2nd day.  I forgot to mention that yesterday I tried meat again (since when I tried to introduce meat the first time it did not go well).  Yesterday and today he ate his turkey and mixed vegetables all up.  He still made a gagging face for the first two mouthfulls but then he ate it all up.  Of course there was some fruit to wash it down with which should have made it all better.

After dinner, and after Daddy got home from work, the three of us headed out to the grocery store.  This was the first time that we left the car seat in the car and placed Declan right into the child seat part of the grocery cart.  Now thanks to Mommy's friend Nancy, Declan has a pretty cool cover for the cart so that Declan doesn't get dirty germ hands and it helps strap him securly to the cart.  He loved it.  Such a big boy, he sits up so well and he was having a grand old time with Daddy all over the store.

Then later this evening Declan visited with Auntie T and Uncle Scott for about 20 minutes.  There were full belly laughs and cute little squeals while Declan proceeded to kick Uncle Scott in the chest and chin.  He was having a blast.  Auntie T had to hold onto him tight as there was so much strenth and determination in those legs.

Wet Raspberries

Declan was in such a good mood today - it was a blast.

This morning Daddy was off for work at a later time (7am) so Mommy and Declan were alone until 4:30pm.  We made sure to try and fill the day so 4:30pm would seem to get here faster.  When Declan got up for the day at 9am we hung out on the floor with his toys and his morning bottle and just relaxed.  Breakfast was up at 9:45am and Declan had a new cereal - wheat and mixed berries - which went over very well.  After breakfast we played some more and then at 11am Declan got washed up.  Changed his diaper but before putting on fresh clothes for the day it was time for a quick photo shoot with his new giant monkey and his normal 'best friend' monkey. 

Pictures were a success.  He's my favourite subject.

Then Declan was dressed so we could get ready for a nice walk and some fresh air but sleep took over my little prince and he passed out cold on our bed with the two monkeys for over an hour.  I really didn't know what to do but wait for him to wake up so we could go on our mini outing.  So I waited.

Once Declan got up we headed out for about an hour and a half.  Walked to Starbucks.  Mommy got a berry drink and Declan had his bottle while we sat inside.  Then we headed back home.  The fresh air was a bit much for Declan as he fell asleep again for about 20 minutes on the way home.

We were not home too much before Daddy got home so we just played for a bit until he arrived.  Declan got in s few minutes of Daddy time right away and then he had his dinner while Daddy got washed up and into his comfy clothes.  After dinner Declan was a nut.  He was laughing so loud, there were the highest pitched squeals and then came the wet raspberries.  That's right.  Declan was working up some nice spit bubbles and he couldn't stop laughing.  This made me laugh really hard which made Declan laugh harder and vice versa.  My stomach was aching from laughing so much. 

While I was getting dinner for Daddy and me, Declan was playing and squealing with Daddy.  Then a knock at our door.  It was cousin Madison with a parcel for Declan.  Yay!  Declan's Halloween costume has arrived already!! 

He is the cutest little monkey there ever was.  I can't believe what a sweetheart he is.  We put this big warm costume on him complete with hat and feet and he doesn't cry, fuss or complain in any way.  Instead we get smiles.  He really is perfect.

Sunday Naps are the Best

This morning Mommy, Daddy and Declan went to Cora's to meet Auntie Marissa and Grandma May for breakfast.  Not just breakfast, but some more cuddles before they had to get on the road and head back to Ottawa.  Little man sure does love his family.

After breakfast and goodbyes we went on a nice Sunday drive through the country and Declan took a nice long, sweaty head nap.  My guy was in such a deep sleep.  I started to wonder if he was going to sleep the entire day away.  He did not.  Happy little man got up when we got home.  Perfect timing as lunch was just minutes away.  The rest of the day was simple, more cuddles, more snuggles, hugs from his new monkey, quiet time playing by himself with his toys on the floor, a late afternoon 20 minute nap with Mommy while Daddy shaved off his beard and mustache.  Good thing, Declan still recognized him after he was done. 


Little boy is having a hard time though as he needs to poop and his body is not cooperating.  We had some tears just before dinner because he was uncomfortable and he did go to bed without success.  He did eat up lots of prunes for dinner so I'll be hoping for his relief early tomorrow.

Sweetheart did fall asleep 1/2 hour before bedtime on my lap so I hung onto him until 9pm just so I could stare at him while he was sleeping. Sweet dreams muffin.

Oakville Adventures

Guess who showed up this morning just after breakfast.....Auntie Marissa and Grandma May!!  Happy little man was cuddled and played with soooo much.  After everyone quickly caught up and finished their breakfast we were off to Oakville for a drive through a beautiful old neighbourhood before heading to Lakeshore downtown to stroll along the main road.

A nice sunny day we happened to come upon the Princess Margaret Lottery Dream Home so we pulled over for a chance to see the place  and 'dream' of living there and our little Declan crawling on the soft wood floors.  Unbelievable home.  Then we drove towards the lake to see some $6 and $13 million dollar homes.  We stopped right beside the lake at the end of one street so Declan could get his lunch and half a bottle in before we finally made our way downtown.

A nice stroll along Lakeshore, we popped into a couple stores.  We stopped at the Marble Slab so Grandma could get everyone some ice cream.  Auntie Marissa had Vanilla flavoured so she let Declan have a little taste of hers.  He sure seemed to like it.  He was even reaching for the spoon to get another taste.  It would appear that he's a fan of the sweet treat.  Then as we continued our walk we happened upon a dear children's boutique.  Inside Grandma found the best Monkey rug/blanket.  She showed Declan and he was huge smiles and waving arms, just a cutie.  Sold! Grandma couldn't resist and Declan is now the proud owner. 

Then our walk was over and we headed back home.  Little D had his dinner and then some more play and cuddles with his Aunt and Grandma before he was off to bed just after his usual time.  Very little fuss in his crib and then he was off to slumberland.  Lucky boy - he'll see them again for breakfast before they have to make their way back to Ottawa tomorrow.

Having the Ladies Over

My little man had two of his little girl friends over for a play date.  Already in a good mood my little monkey was so happy to have visitors. Daniella arrived first with her little Chelsey and Declan could not stop smiling. He would stare up at Daniella and then contently watch Chelsey beside him on the floor playing with his toys.

Then Nancy arrived with her little Molly and then Declan didn't know where to look. I was pleased to see that he is a social little man. He watched the little girls take his toys and he didn't care one bit. He would just smile their way. He really barely played with the toys himself because he found the girls more interesting. There was a sweet moment while Declan was waiting for his lunch when he reached over and held Chelsey's hand. Baby love-the cutest.

After socializing for two hours my guy started getting tired. I put him in his swing to relax.  Even though the swing has a motor Molly thought she should push Declan and of course he didn't mind one bit. For as long as he could keep his eyes open he stared at her and grinned. 

Then sleep took over and my prince fell asleep. Poor thing was so tired he crashed for an hour and a half. When he woke up everybody was gone. That must be so weird, fall asleep with company and wake up to just your Mommy. He handled it fine so maybe he doesn't think it's weird at all.

Well we all had a great afternoon and wonderful visits. One again, thanks Declan for being an angel and letting Mommy enjoy her friends.

The Range of Emotions

So entertaining.  Declan goes from super happy and laughing to pouting to tears and back to laughing all in the same minute.  The facial expressions are classic.  He is born to entertain.

Declan had a mini visit with his Auntie T, Cousins Madison and Josh while Mommy and Daddy ate their dinner.  All was going great.  Declan was sitting on the floor with his Monkey and Madison was down at his level and playing with him.  Like I said super happy and laughing and then whoa there came a huge lower lip.  This of course made Madison laugh which then immediately made Declan cry which lasted just a moment and then he was back to happiness.  Serious, super Nut.

I must also note that Auntie T thought there was a pteradactyl downstairs because she could hear Declan's girly squeals all the way upstairs.

Introducing LUNCH

Our little man was treated to lunch today. That's right, Declan is now officially a three meal a day boy. He's a big little man now and it was time. He was very happy to eat an extra time and had no problem finishing all three meals.

Something we discovered about Declan today is that if you hide something on him he knows it still exists and he knows where you put it...and he's also determined to get it. Daddy was holding him and Declan kept grabbing for his chain. So Daddy tucked it inside his shirt collar but no fooling him. He kept digging for it, feverishly. It was so funny to watch Daddy trying to hold onto him while trying to keep him away for his chain.

And finally, making me so proud, Declan dumped his toys of of his bucket, turned it over and banged away on it like it was a drum. Kids got skills. Of course that meant that I had to give him his toy drum later to observe if he was as determined to bang away on it. He was - smile.  He must have rhythm, Daddy put some music on this afternoon while Declan was in his excersaucer and the kid bounced away to the beat.

The 'Vertical Worm'?

This morning my little man was very sleepy.  During his breakfast he was not very interested in eating and was rubbing his right eye rather roughly.  At one point he hit the spoon and got yogurt cereal on his hand then proceeded to rub it into his eye.  Geeezz.  I cleaned him up at that point and tried to get just a bit more cereal into him before he had a little 1/2 hour nap.  Poor kid.

We had plans to visit Grandma and Grandpa Gale today so Declan needed to get all cleaned up and wash his hair.  First he put his little hands under the tap to get rid of dirt and finger jam.  Used a cloth to clean up his face, neck and ears and then washed his hair.  As I was drying it off I noticed how long Declan's hair was so today was his first 'Faux Hawk' day.  Cuteness!!

So off to Grandma and Grandpas we go.  Declan was certainly in a mood to visit.  He showed off how well he can sit and play, digging in his toy box and holding two toys at once.  He also showed off his bouncing, make that crazy bouncing.  Grandpa commented how big Declan is getting.  Grandma couldn't believe he was already just over 7 months old.

This evening Declan was still full of beens.  Mommy was telling Daddy about Declan boucing during our visit which then prompted some more bouncing...and bouncing....and bouncing...he goes on and on and on.  So full of energy we were introduced to the Vertical Worm.  Daddy was holding Declan and he was super wiggly and then he noticed he was moving like he was doing the worm, while being held.  He passed him over to me so I could see for myself. Yup...vertical worm, no denying.  Kids got moves.

Weeeeeeee!

This afternoon Declan and I headed out to spend some time at Beatty Park.  We brought along our picnic blanket, a quilt, lots of toys, a couple books just in case and a couple bottles.  All set - we were off.  Found a nice little spot on the grass in the shade we were the only ones at the park.  My little guy was sitting up all on his own and playing with some toys and his sippy cup. 

Then another Mom arrived at the park with her little baby girl and toddler boy.  Declan was starring at them and watching the little boy running all around.  It always makes me think that he's dying to go play with the bigger kids.  One day Declan - don't get big too fast. After some more play time and a snack it was time for Declan to try out the swings for the first time.  I was really pleased to see that he wasn't nervous at all.  Right away he was smiling and giggling.  There were squeals.  I just adore him.  Happy little man enjoyed his time at the park.

On our walk home he passed out so once we got home I sat on the front porch and waited for Daddy to get home and then we both waited for Declan to wake up.  He sure was happy to see Daddy when he opened his eyes.

Then to finish off the day my little guy peed ALL OVER the floor, a quilt, his monkey (YES HIS MONKEY) and the change pad.  Geeeeezzzzz Declan.  Oh whatever, you're still just so cute.

Bouncing

Declan likes to be given the chance to stand now. It's grey that he's figuring out his legs. He is really funny when you hold him up so he can stand then he gets bouncing. Bouncing and giggling. then he stops, looks right at me with a huge smile and goes again. What a nut.

Blah Blah Blah

Our little man is trying pretty hard to communicate.  Unfortunately a lot of that communication comes in the form of whines and loud screaches.  Then there is the cute babbling, the happy squeals and some actual words (without intent of course...he's only 7 months).  Today one of his babbles sounded like "Mommy" and then later he looked at Daddy and said "Hi".  Then I asked him if he just said "Hi" to Daddy and he said loudly "YAY".  We had a good laugh at that.

We are learning all the time what a great cat Hunter is.  Today while Declan was sitting up on the floor between my legs Hunter came over for some cuddle time.  He laid down on my left leg and then his back end was actually on Declan.  It turns out Declan didn't mind a bit but it did peak his interest in the cat.  Poor Hunter.  Declan reached over and got a good hold on Hunter's side and back end.  Hunter didn't react poorly or try to defend.  Instead Hunter just moved quickly to a place where he was still cuddled up to me but out of Declan's reach.  Then I grabbed Declan's little hands and removed the huge wads of kitten hair.

Ewwwww

This afternoon Declan and I were playing airplane on mommy and Daddy's bed. Up high in the air, Mommy's arms out stretched above her head while Declan laughed and giggled and then drooled...right into my mouth. Gross.

Rattlesnake Point

This afternoon Mommy and Declan went to Rattlesnake Point.  Only about 10 minutes drive from home on the edge of Milton is the park.  When we first got there we got out Declan's stroller and set out to roll along the trails but they were rougher than I thought they might be. 

So we headed over to the picnic area and I gave Declan his dinner.  Yum - Carrots, Apple and Prune mixture which he loved.  Then I ate an apple/mango fruit cup which Declan was curious about.  So, for the first official time we really shared a snack.  I had a spoonful, then Declan had some, then me, then Declan.  Little man ended up eating 1/4 of my snack.  He really liked it though so I couldn't resist sharing.

We then returned to the car and left the stroller and headed out on the trails with my guy in his Snugli.  So much fun and he was so good, looking all around.  He hadn't been in the woods on an adventure before.  At first he seemed a little bit unsettled but before very long he was big eyes and smiles.  No problems at all.  Wasn't really a very long adventure afterall, just about 45 minutes hiking.

Thanks for a nice treat in the late afternoon Declan.