Bath Time Party

Sent Tyler a text asking how my boys were doing. Didn't hear back for a while. Then I got this text:

"Sorry I couldn't really text earlier. Was in the throws of a party-time bath time. We rocked out."

I think Declan is a very lucky little boy.

The Remote

Declan was sitting on the floor by the TV and I was getting some things together which meant I'd leave him alone for a moment, run back and check I him, then leave again and so on.
Once as I peeked back in he'd made his way to the ottoman and was reaching for the TV remote. He was so excited and determined so I let him grab it. Then he shaking with excitement, wiggling side to side with the remote in his little palms. Then I noticed he was changing channels so I had to grab him and put the remote away.

This evening, after Tyler was home from work he checked to see what shows we had taped on our PVR.
100 Huntley Street.
The kid recorded 100 Huntley Street.

Gotta keep my eye on him.

"NO!"

My little Muffin Man has a new word..."No". 

It started the day prior but was very clearly "No" as of this morning. 

As Declan and I were getting ready to head out for daycare we stopped for a quick little hello to Auntie T, Madison and Josh.  I was just telling them that Declan had a new word when he demonstrated it very happily "No, no".

Then we were at daycare, I'd just told Kelly that Declan had a new word.  He was sitting sweetly face to face with Alexis.  So cute, they were both so smiley.  I just love watching two little babies interacting independant of adults.  There are only about 5 months between the two of them, Declan being the younger peanut.  Declan had his bottle and they were sortof passing it back and forth.  Then as the bottle was sitting in between Alexis's legs Declan grabbed it and said confidently "Noooooo".
Kelly looked at me and said "I think he knows what No means".

Well I was at work the best of the day and got home just in time to spend about 30 minutes with my guy before he was off to bed.  He's chewing on his monkey quite a bit and he's still a bit cranky so we're most certain there is another tooth coming through...don't know for sure because he's stubbourn and won't let me look in his mouth.  He was right off to bed at 8pm easily. Waved bye to me and Daddy as we put him down and he hasn't even cried when we left him to go to sleep for almost a week now.  He's the cutest.

And 7!

Practicing his words. Babbling and babbling on. Declan is a chatterbox. He'll find a sound he really likes and then loudly repeat it over and over. That's my boy! Daddy says Declan squealed during dinner and he loved it so then that kept happening.

There were some tough times throughout the day today though. Little man was still showings signs of teething and he was whining. He was pretty upset when I got home from work so I took a look inside and there it is. Tooth number 7!

Babies, They Change so Fast

I forgot to mention in yesterdays post how impressed Daddy was with his little boy. Declan was playing with the two ladders off his big fire truck. He kept sliding them away and then reaching to pull them back. Then Daddy watched as one slid too far away so Declan used one ladder to reach for the second and pull it back. Clever, clever.

I know Declan is growing up fast but I see him every day. Gramma and Poppa were away so they hadn't seen him for a few weeks and they got a little visit this morning from the Muffin Man. They got to see his wave, heard him say "Hi" and watch as he moves all about, seeming like he's raring to crawl any moment. It was great watching how excited they were.
What will Grandma and Grandpa May think when they see him next weekend. It's been months.

Needs a Volume Button

Once again the Muffin Man was turned around in his crib this morning. This time he was halfway out of his sleep sack too. There was also evidence that he tried to unhook his music machine too. Clever monkey.

When I got home from work tonight Declan and Daddy were playing with toys on the floor. When Declan saw me he looked up and sai "Hi". This is fast becoming a new favourite word of mine. Then he moved toward me so I could grab him for a little hello squeeze.

Demonstrating a developing sense of humour, Daddy told me today that when Declan falls over he looks right at him and say "whoa" with a bright eyes expression.
He kills me.

During his dinner tonight Declan was making quite a racket. He's playfully yelling and high pitch squealing through the entire meal. So loud Declan. Daddy tells me that Declan's pipes were also on display at the grocery store today. I'm sure he drew many a curious gaze today.

Hi!

In addition to waving Declan will now say "Hi". I noticed it would happen at random times. Today Daddy was waving at Declan and trying to get him to say Hi. I said...he doesn't do it on demand and that's when Declan said "Hi". This kid does NOT have my back. He DOES have comedic timing. He's the best.

I am pretty certain the Muffin Man is teething. He never drools but today there were two times we noticed him drooling. He's been touching his ears, his cheeks are red and he's been chewing on monkey like crazy. At one point this morning he snuggle into me while sitting on my lap. I know he's not feeling great but I sure loved it.

A Monkey Says What?

Daddy put Declan to bed last night and when I wet into Declan's room this morning I see that his head is at the opposite end of the crib. After checking with Daddy to see if he put him to bed the other way he confirms that he did not. Declan is now moving around his crib in the night. When I got him this morning he sat up in bed and grabbed into the bars. My little jail bird. Cutest jail bird.

As we were getting ready to head out this morning I stopped at the mirror with Declan. I panicked for a second thinking I saw a nose hair hanging down. I made a face trying to get a good look at the nose when I look down at Declan in my arms and there he is making the same face at the mirror. Damn. I've got to be careful in front of this smarty pants.

When I was catching up with Kelly at daycare this morning she told me that Declan is trying to speak. He's not forming the proper words but he keeps mimicking the word sounds that she makes. Clever monkey. I've said it before. He's going to be way smarter than his parents.

And the last memorable moment for me today was when Declan was excited to see me get home from work. He reached toward me and while I was holding him he gave me a 'kindof' baby kiss. It was awesome.

Little Buddies

When I dropped Declan off at daycare this morning the other little boy Kaysen came running over with a big smile to see Declan. How sweet to see a little friend all excited to see his daycare buddy.

Diaper Change...the Dreaded

I honestly enjoyed diaper change time. It's a sweet bonding moment and I didn't even mind the poopy diapers. That was...until about two weeks ago.
Now Declan hates me changing his diaper. Just me. He starts crying...loudly...as soon as I lay him back. It's really no fun at all. Now I dread it. I've been trying distraction methods, giving him things he shouldn't have. He still won't sit still and the screaming commences.
When will this stage end?

Sweet Moments

Declan is not a hugger. Considering how much he's been held its kind of weird that he's not a fan of hugs. He's always moving and looking around when you hold him. What is sweet however is his new way of displaying affection. This morning Daddy picked little Declan up out of his crib and while holding him I got close to say hi. Declan leaned in close and rested his forehead to mine. He did the same to Daddy in the afternoon. He's sweet.

After lunch today the Muffin Man and I were just hanging out with Madison. I was making silly noises by wiggling my fingers between my lips. Declan was trying to do the same. He was so happy trying to mimic me. He was making noise though it was nothing like me and he kept at it. This evening, after dinner, all of a sudden Declan was doing it perfectly on his own. Great, we really need to be careful now since he picks things up and imitates.

The last sweet moment today was when we were putting Declan down for the evening and he we waving goodbye to Daddy. He has such a sweet personality.

He Hath Matured

Daddy and Declan have gotten in lots of playtime lately. This evening Daddy told me about how he's been letting Declan know that it's not ok to simply pull all of his books onto the floor. For the most part Declan plays with his toys well but then there will be a moment where Daddy isn't looking and Declan will move over to his books and start pulling them out. Then Daddy notices and as he moves to get over and stop Declan, our little monkey realizes his window of opportunity is closing so he dives over and feverishly pulls them all down before Daddy gets to him. Daddy doesn't let on but he actually finds this hilarious. He tells me that Declan leaps for the books to grab as many as he can before Daddy can get him.

The little ones learn so fast.

Watching TV on the Couch

Fun moments with the Muffin Man.

When I went into Declan's room in the morning to get him up he was wide awake and as he saw me coming over he started clapping. Guess he's a morning person.

Sitting in the floor after his morning bottle my little monkey was sitting with his legs crossed Buddha style.

This morning Declan and I were on the floor when Hunter came over and stretched out beside us. His back legs were out behind him and in reach of Declan. The little guy had reached out and was patting Hunters back legs. It was hilarious. The cat had no idea it was the baby. Luckily they were gentle pats.

While Declan was eating, mid-chew even, any time Daddy looked away Declan would make a face so that Daddy would mimic and laugh when he looked back and saw him. Every time this makes Declan laugh.

Sitting on the couch with Daddy, Declan moved onto his belly and pushed himself backward all the way to one end. Then he lay there on his belly with his head turned sideways watching TV with his head resting on one side. So cute watching him do big boy things.

Valentine's Day

A year ago we were still just getting to know our new little man. He didn't do much. Eat, sleep, poop...that was it. Now a year later and he's a real little person. A year goes so fast. What fun my chubby little valentine was today.

Our special plans for the day, Daddy, Declan and I went to East Side Mario's for Valentine's Day dinner. The rest of the day was just hanging out together, playing, making sure Declan doesn't grab and/or eat things he shouldn't. Little man just won't stay still now.

Man I Love This Kid

So I know that there are more important things to be proud of in your child. Things like kindness, work ethic, problem solving, creativity...etc. Declan is still a baby. He's one. There's not a whole lot he can do or demonstrate just get so its ok for me to be proud of something so, well...superficial...but here goes.
This morning at daycare Kelly told me that every time she's out and about with the kids and she runs into someone new they always ask who her newest little guy is...and then she says that's always followed up with "he's gorgeous". We were pretty sure he was but I do enjoy that others think he's a looker.
And he's fun.
There was a gigglefest going on when I got in from work tonight. Daddy and Declan were making faces at each other. Declan really is becoming quite a card. He thinks he's funny.
He is!

I'd Been Waiting for This

My little turkey was tired this morning. Got him up at 7am so we'd be ready to leave for daycare just after 7:30. While drinking his bottle beside me on the bed he was trying to go back to sleep, cuddling his monkey and putting it on his head. Poor Declan, we were off.

At daycare he still seemed tired. He was trying to hang onto me which was unusual. Then when it was time for me to leave he started crying right away. My poor little muffin.

Well I was finally home from work just after 7pm. Came home to find Declan and Daddy sitting together on the floor of the living room cuddled up. When Declan saw me he got excite right away and then...just what I'd been waiting for...he reached out to me to hold him. Oh, it was the sweetest thing. He's such a little person.

And he loves us.

Faces

Declan's new thing is making faces. Today he was in the car while Daddy was pumping gas. When he looked in the car he caught Declan sticking his tongue out while making an "O" shape with his mouth. When Daddy made the face back Declan burst into laughter. Although Daddy couldn't hear him 'cause he was in the car and Daddy was outside pumping gas...but he saw that he was laughing.

Day 4

Today was the last of four days in a row that I was lucky enough to be home with my 1 year old.
Today was also the last of planned Birthday celebrations for the Muffin Man. We visited Nancy, Eliot, MacGregor and Molly. We enjoyed a late lunch followed up with Birthday candles on some yummy homemade cupcakes. Declan really loves cake and icing. Hope he's not too upset but this is the last for a while. Sorry bud but cake FOUR days in a row...too much.

After lunch we all bundled up and headed outside to play in the snow. This was a first for Declan. He got to go for a fun sleigh ride as well as sitting right in the snow. He loved it. We sure had fun.

Then we were back inside for another present...he's officially spoiled...then a bottle so we could hit the road for his afternoon nap.

What a great time I've had with you the last four days Declan. Thought for sure you were going to crawl but instead you still get from point A to B in your own special way. We're beginning lockdown procedures.

1st Birthday Just Keeps on Going

My little Prince turned 1 year old on Thursday but we are lucky enough to be invited to see MacGregor and Molly on Sunday to celebrate with them and today we visited Chelsey so Declan could celebrate with his little girlfriend.

Declan is pretty chill. Chelsey climbed all over him. She went in for a proper kiss and Declan obliged. He looked a wee bit concerned when she got rough and grabby. Of course he had a great time playing with her toys. Lucky man got a gift from Daniella, Mike, Abi and Chelsey. A stylish new outfit to wear next time he gets together with Chelsey and a fire truck driven by Grover.

The little man needed a nap before his dinner so he took a slumber in Chelsey's crib. After a nice long nap he joined us for some dinner and a little cake. We all sang Happy Birthday and Abi helped by blowing out his candle. A yummy chocolate cake. Declan loved it and he made a super mess while eating the entire piece.

After cleaning him up Declan got in a bit more playtime before Chelsey was off to bed. It was sweet how much 8yr old Abi enjoyed Declan. She kept saying how cute he was and tried to entertain him. Just before we left her silliness had Declan in full out giggles. So sweet.

He managed to stay awake the entire drive home even though it was a half hour past his bedtime.

What a lucky boy to be so loved.

Snow Day

Crazy amount of snow falling today. Roads were horrible. Simply wasn't safe for me to drive up the Hamilton mountain for work. Spent some time making arrangements at work so I could stay home. Sent daycare a text saying that Declan would be staying home with me and voila...an unplanned day home with my little guy.

Declan was great all day. After the morning bottle and some cuddles Declan happily played with his new Little People's Pirate Ship. After breakfast we went upstairs and Declan drive his new car all around. D's almost crawling. Some bouncing forward and backward. Declan even tried to pull himself up on the furniture...and me.

Afternoon involved a bath and more play. We even took a few more spins around upstairs. He was such a great guy today. When Declan had his lunch we shared a whole banana. He ate 2/3 of the banana. We had a good time sharing. Daddy got home in time to get Declan up from his afternoon nap. Little man was so happy to have us both there.

After eating a nice healthy dinner we let Declan have a second and final piece of his Birthday Cake. He ate every single bite. He just loves it.

Then not long after it was off to bed. I loved my bonus "Snow Day" home with the muffin man. We had such a good time playing.

Declan's First Birthday

Our plan was a full day for our boy and we both took the day off work to be with the Birthday boy.

Last night we put Declan's car together. A great gift from Grandma and Grandpa May. We couldn't wrap it up which meant that right away in the morning D got a gift. He was thrilled. Sat beside it at first so he could look it over. Kept opening and closing the hood. Then we sat him in the car, put his seatbelt on and he was off! Just driving from the living room to the bedrooms and back again Declan was so happy, playing with the steering wheel and trying to honk the horn. Happy little boy...and spoiled.

For breakfast Declan had mini waffles. Four if his very own with a touch of syrup. He was double fisting until he'd finished all four. Next he ate a full container of blueberry yogurt. Good appetite.

After his usual morning nap we were off to the Milton Leisure Centre for family swimming. My little guy just loves it. He splashed, played with a couple rubber duckies, slid down the slide, sunk a boat, he laughed and squealed when I tossed him in the arm. So much fun. We got in 40-45 minutes of pool time. Headed on home for lunch and an eventual nap.

After his nap we brought Declan upstairs so he could have dinner with his Aunt, Uncle and cousins. Even Nick and Jayme made it. Declan had some Chinese food for dinner though I kept having to fish chicken out if his mouth because he wouldn't swallow it. Nut bar.

After dinner was one kick ass monkey cake from Uncle Scott. A replica if his monkey blanket, the cake was a hit! He didn't bury his head in it but his fingers were al in it right away and he liked it. Got his very own big piece and the muffin man just kept grabbing little pieces to shove in his mouth.

After cake but before his nighttime bottle and bed was presents. A spoiled little monkey, Declan practically got en entire new wardrobe. I can't wait to dress him. He's so mellow but so much fun.

I had a great day kid. # 2 will be great.

Last Day Before the Big 1

Today was Declan's last day before turning 1 year old. My little old man. Got him up this morning and he's finally started sitting up in his crib in the mornings. Not before we go in his room but once he's fully away and knows we're coming to get him he sits up in anticipation.

The morning after the day that he banged his end on the tile floor and he looks great. Barely any swelling (just in his nose) and very little bruising. He was back to daycare today and he was happy to be there. Very sweet, heard today that just last week Kassen (2yr old boy at daycare) has started doing things to get Declan to imitate him. I watched this morning as Kassen slapped his legs then watched for Declan to do the same. Baby/toddler play...just adorable. It's just so cute watching them play on their own without encouragement or the lead by us adults. Proud of my boy.

I was back at work for most the day but did get home in time to give Declan his bedtime bottle with some cuddle time. I'm so excited for his Birthday. We spent an hour tonight putting his present from Grandma and Grandpa May together so he can play right away tomorrow.

I hope he likes cake.

Egg...of the Goose Kind

I know it was a matter of time and I also know it won't be a singular occurrence but I had hoped maybe not his face a mere two days before his 1st Birthday.

I received a call from work this afternoon from Declan's daycare. Kelly was calling to tell me that although Declan was ok, he'd had an accident and would have a goose egg when Tyler arrived to pick him up. It was cold outside today and they were getting ready to go outside so Declan was in his snowsuit and the mitten parts were down so his hands would be warm. Kelly placed Declan down on the ceramic tile floor and she reached for another child's bag when Declan decided he wanted to try and move forward. He leaned forward trying to put his weight on his arms as he's been doing so offer now but this time because of his covered hands they slipped out from under him and Declan landed on the tile floor face first. Poor Kelly, she felt so bad. Little Declan has an indentation in his goose egg that shows where the grout was in the tile. Declan's little nose is also red and was even a tiny bit bloody. My poor little guy.

He seemed to fare well as he was happy with Daddy tonight and he splashed lots in his bath this evening before heading off to bed. I had to work late and got home just after 11pm so I snuck into his room so I could see him. He was sleeping peacefully and it seems like the swelling is down. There will be extra cuddles in the morning since I've not gotten a chance to help make it better with hugs and kisses.

Poor tough guy.

Silent Treatment?

Declan was with his Auntie T. He was dropping his cookies onto the floor. Auntie T told him that was bad.

He wouldn't look at her.

Another Spin

Today was a Daddy - Declan day and the morning after a very late night for Declan.  Since he only got to bed/sleep at 10pm last night D was still soundly sleeping at 8:30am this morning.  Daddy decided he'd go get the little man up since we need him back on his usual routine.  By 10:30am there had already been 3 POOP DIAPERS.  Was it protest to being woken up? Was it the peanut butter? Is he just a crazy poop machine?  Who knows.  Too funny that this keeps happening on days when I'm at work all day and can't be there to help with the dirty diapers...wait...what's this..poop #4.  Too funny. 

Daddy set up Declan's motorcycle today so that he could go for a little ride.  He's only been on it a few times since getting it for Christmas so it was due.  Apparently some little mad just loved it.  He held onto the handles while Daddy pushed him from room to room.  Declan wouldn't put his feet up but he still managed to hold them off the floor.  There was some bouncing along, there was horn honking, there was opened mouth displays of excitement, the muffin man was tearing it up cute little baby style.  So jealous I missed it...but still not disappointed about missing poop city.

The boys hit the real streets later today and visited the grocery store.  My mini man is quite a hit with the ladies.  He was tilted head smiling and of course he remembered one of his signature moves....hands together in front with arms outstretched, a little wiggle and a big toothy smile.  Works every time.  What. A. Flirt.  We're so proud.

Most days with Daddy there comes a time where things slow down a little bit and they read some books for about 30 minutes.  The Muffin Man's favourite book is still his Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme book.  As they read along and turn the pages Declan anticipates which is next and can identify them by their picture.  Now when you get to 'Paddy Cake', Declan starts clapping his hands together as soon as he sees the picture on the page.  He really is more fun every day.

When I got in from work tonight Declan was nearing the end of his dinner.  Daddy let me jump in so I could have some Declan time.  I got to hear all about their adventures while my little guy finished up his pasta o's and scarfed down some cinnamon apple sauce.  Once he was cleaned up it was time for his pjs and his bedtime bottle but lucky for me we squeezed in another spin around the apartment so I could see my happy guy on his motorcycle.  He's so happy.  In fact...couldn't keep his hands on the handles because he needed to pump his arms in delight.  And the mouth...wide open, just like his smiley eyes.

Big Plans

His morning Declan got to hang out with his Auntie T which meant a trip to watch his cousin Madison play Volleyball. The muffin man seems to have had a fabulous time. Auntie T says that he would clap whenever everyone cheered. While the game was going on music was playing so Declan was boogying. Shakin' it to the left then shakin' it to the right. He was babbling away and being rather distracting overall. Auntie T says the players kept missing when they were supposed to rotate in because they were distracted by Declan and his cuteness.

When I got home from work Daddy and Declan were packed and ready to head out to visit with Kerri, Andy, Lawson (8) and Clayton (15 months). Except for the moment when Clayton unexpectedly hit the cymbals and made Declan cry, it appeared that the boys were very happy to visit. Lawson and Clayton were both very interested in Declan and sweetly interacting with him. After dinner the boys both had diaper changes that then led to pantsless playtime. Both babies were clothes in shirts, socks and diapers. So styling! And Declan enjoyed playing with Clayton's Xylophone. The boys played very well together.

Speaking of dinner. Declan tried something that was a strict no for babies under 1 year: peanut butter. Kerri gave Declan a peanut butter and banana wrap. He really enjoyed playing with the peanut butter with his fingers. It took a long, well supervised amount of time for Declan to eat dinner but he really liked it and ate it all up. He's becoming such a big boy.

All My Time

Had the day off today and I must admit that I could spend all my time just watching Declan.

In the morning I gave him an old fashioned Tim Bit. It was so intriguing to watch him pick small pieces off the Tim Bit to eat. He's still so little but watching him do things like this as a completely independent being makes him seem so big.

Late morning he was sitting in front if me but with his back to me. He was manipulating the dials and pieces on the toy. Again, independent of me he played along with the parts. Entertaining himself. Of course he still peeks back to see if I'm still there and watching.

Then came bath time...one of my favourite times. First we set up the stations. Diaper off station which will double as the dry baby and diaper on station. We also have the baby lotion, hair brushing, Q-tips, Jammie station. And we can't forget the actual bath station with his toys, facecloth, towel and turtle rinser. When the bath water was ready I took Declan's diaper off and he had a poop crumb on his butt. I held him high in the air and Daddy ran to get a baby wipe before I placed him into the bath. So happy was our little guy. He was a splash machine. He doesn't mind the water splashing in his in his face so I was soaking wet by the end. Daddy and I are taking him swimming on his birthday next week so it makes me so happy to see how he loves the water. When the bath is done and Declan is clean I scoop him up and wrap him in his big towel and carry him to the re-diaper station. I used the towel to dry the little man and he gets so excited he can't help but kick kick kick and have his focused serious face on. I adore this face, it's still my favourite. Once he was dried and diapered its over to the lotion station. Declan helps by taking a small amount of lotion on his fingers and wiping his thigh. I q-tip his ears and then use his brush to "style" his hair. After I give the brush to Declan and he proceeds to try to brush his own hair. Never works but he's the cutest. Again I could watch him doing this for hours. Then he was into clean fire truck Jammies just in time for a small bottle, snuggle and off to bed. Simple day but I loved every minute.

Hair

January 31

Declan sat looking at Daddy. then he leaned forward with his index finger uo and stuck it up Daddys nose...Declan!

They went on a trip to the grocery store and Daddy says Declan was super cool. He had his lean on and he was playing wit the lid of the peanut butter jar.

And finally Declan was sitting middle of the bed while Daddy was rinsing a bottle in the sink and looking right at him. In just a second Declan had scooted to the side of the bed and was peering over the side. Daddy's leapt for him and managed to grab him before he went right over. That's it...it's the floor for Declan...no more bed alone.