Easter Cutie

We went to Easter brunch with Gramma & Poppa, Uncle Scott, Auntie T, Madison & Josh. The Muffin Man was very good. Sitting at the table, lots of smiles and drumming away on the table with his cousin Madison.

Most memorable part of today though will most certainly be when Declan leaned in for a kiss...this time for Daddy. I am sure it made his day.

Feet in the Mouth

Declan we so cute this morning. As I was getting him changed out of his PJs and changing his diaper I said I was going to eat his toes and then proceeded to nibble on them. Declan thought this was great fun. He then stuck his leg straight out and tried to put his toe into my mouth. Adorable. He giggled the entire time. Guess I'm eating feet.

Kisses

After changing Declan's diaper, Daddy was holding the Muffin Man and I approached. Declan leaned toward me and grabbed my shirt with both hands. He pulled me in for a kiss, then another and finally a third. My little prince loves his Mommy. It couldn't make me any happier.

Makes Me Smile

I brought Declan to daycare this morning. Early morning for him, we got there at 6:45am. I sat on the steps with Declan for about 10 minutes so he could settle in. Then I said "it's time for me to go bud" and he looked up at me and then snuggled in. He wasn't yet ready for me to leave. We sat for just a minute more then he leaned away turned toward the play area and started crawling off. Kelly put the toy bin down for him so he crawled quicker over to grab some dinky cars (I've been told he prefers toy cars to most other toys at daycare). As he sat digging the cars out from the pile I said "goodbye Declan, have a good day" and he looked back at me and smiled. He's the best!

Daddy picked Declan up from daycare. When he arrives Kelly holds Declan up so he can practice walking toward Daddy. It's hilarious. There's no weight on his legs. He simply mimics what he 'sees' of walking by moving his feet along at a quick pace. Actually he kind of looks like a marionette.

Daddy asked how Declan's day was and Kelly said he was really good. Plays well, eats great, naps are no problem as he goes right down. She said she's certain his teachers in school will find him to be such an easy cooperative kid.

He's still just over a year old. We'll see what 2 & 3 bring.

Mommy's Birthday

Woke this morning to a text from Daddy telling me to get Declan up and bring him to bed with me and open my cards and gifts from them.  I opened my eyes and saw that they were beside me in bed.  So off I went.  Got Declan's morning bottle ready, got him out of bed and brought him into bed with me.  We had a nice snuggle and then opened cards and gifts.  Declan loved the cartoon animals in the card from him so he hung onto the card for quite some time.

Then we were hanging out in the living room playing with some toys before sitting down for breakfast.  Declan ate 3 1/2 mini waffles and 3/4 of a pineapple yogurt. 

We visited with his Auntie T for a short bit this morning.  She called his name "Declan" and he turned to look her way.  I said that's funny, he doesn't look at me when I call his name.  She said "call him" to which I said "Declan".

He ignored me.

She again said "Declan" and he looked.  I said "Declan" and again....

he ignored me.

He's going to be quite the teenager.

We headed back downstairs and I started getting his things ready for his bath.

Once I was ready I looked down at Declan who was crawling around on the floor at my feet and asked "are you ready?" to which he responded "I ready".

Are you kidding me!?! He said "I ready"!!!!!

No "Mommy" still but he can repeat "ready" so clearly.  Of course I tried to get him to say it again but just like "Dog" he's not interested in saying it for my amusement.

After a fun bath he was down for a nice long morning nap.  Then after getting up he ate a big lunch before Daddy got in from work. 

This evening we had visits with Gramma, Poppa, Auntie T, Uncle Scott, Madison, Josh, Nick and Jayme.  Declan was entertaining and very social.  So much fun.

Thanks for a great day little man and for always going down at bedtime with such ease.

Secrets Out

The other day Declan was playing with some sippy cups and sippy bottles. He doesn't drink from them but he was happy to pull them down and play with them. While I was watching I saw him pick up a sippy bottle and tip it up while he had it in his mouth. I caught him! He knows how to use it. I put some milk in it and gave it to him but no surprise, he wouldn't drink from it.

Well this morning at daycare I find out that Declan drinks from a sippy cup just like then other kids.

What a stinker.

Your secret is out mister!

Tests

As Daddy is holding Declan the Muffin Man swats at Daddy's chin. As soon as he does it there is this look that comes over him like 'angry shock' and he waits or Daddy's response.

What he gets is a firm 'No'.

Then he waits...and swats at Daddy's chin again.

Little man is testing him.

It is fascinating to watch. How do you handle it? What's the "right" way. How do you know? These moments are forming the man he'll be one day.

So I simply watch as Daddy handles this one (lucky for me Declan isn't hitting me yet).
And try to contain the laughter. I mean seriously...if you could see Declan's face. It's hilarious.

Affection

Daddy was holding Declan. I got close and made a face to give Declan a kiss. He leaned in for his kiss in the lips. I asked Tyler if he tipped him toward me and he said no, Declan leaned in himself for the kiss.

Then this evening as we were taking Declan in for bed I was holding him and Daddy leaned in for a kiss. Declan leaned into Daddy for a forehead kiss followed by a lean in for a brief cuddle.

We're completely wrapped.

Morning Person

I'm not a morning person, never have been. I hate waking up but I make sure I get up early enough that I don't have to rush my time with the Muffin Man.
Had to be at work for 8:30am this morning and my drive is 45 minutes in. I was up, showered, lunch made, dressed, hair done and then I start on Declan stuff, pack some toys, his breakfast and enough diapers then head into his room.
He's already awake and sitting up. Excited to see me. I've prepared his morning bottle so I pick him up out of bed (monkey too) and we sit on the floor in his room so he can have his milk. Then I read him 'Horton Hears a Who' before getting him changed and ready to head to Gramma and Poppa's.
On the road, we're signing along to the Phineus and Ferb soundtrack (Well I'm signing, Declan is smiling). Now we're at Gramma and Poppa's house. Declan was smiles from the moment I got him out of the car, no playing shy, just big smiles. I got to stay for about 15 minutes while he settled in then I was on the road.
Wasn't late for work even though I got in the time with my little guy.

Still hate getting up. But I'll get up even earlier if it means a few more minutes with my boy.

Loving the Attention

Declan wasn't ready to give in to daycare this morning. He was happy went we arrived. Smiles for his friends, looking at toys. We hung out for a bit and as I was starting to get ready for the goodbye Declan decided he needed some more cuddle/bottle time with Mommy. Of course I obliged. He just melted into me while he finished every last drop of milk. Made it to work without a minute to spare but it was worth it.

Daddy picked Declan up at the end of the day. When he arrived the Muffin Man was sitting on the floor with the other babies playing with toys. Soon as he saw Daddy he started waving his arms and legs with a huge smile. Made all the other little peanuts stare at Daddy. Our little man had a nice day with his friends.

End of my day I spent an hour hanging with my boy. Daddy put on Phineus and Ferb. Specifically the Musical Cliptastic episode, Declan's fav! Soon as he realized which episode it was Declan couldnt sit still. He was bouncing along to the songs and there were a couple wiggles. The best part: he reaches over to hold onto me while watching. Then he moved right over to me, climbed onto my lap and snuggled in for almost ten minutes. Best day!!

Little Parrots

Declan was at daycare today. So cute watching him settle in. He crawled right over to the mat when I got him out of his snowsuit. Got to playing with toys right away. When I was leaving I said "Bye Declan, have a good day!"
He looked up and waved goodbye. Then just kept on playing. So independent.

When Daddy picked him up today Kelly told him that he was very good and played all day. Apparently he spent a long time on the floor sitting with one of the little girls and they were like little parrots. Back and forth, on and on,

"Hi"
"Hi"

"Noooooo"
"Noooooo"

"Hi"
"Hi"

"Nooooooo"
"Nooooooo"

I wonder what they 'think' they'd been chatting on about.

What a Good Kid

I was lucky to be off today and got to hang it with the Muffin Man all day. He was a sweetheart. It made for a wonderful day.

In the morning he had a bath. He is now able to squeeze the 'little squirter' bath toys all on his own. He seemed surprised. Water squirting up into his chest and neck. I had a good giggle.

After his bath he was mellow. Cuddled in my lap and watched Phineus and Ferb while I cut ALL of his nails, hands and goes. I was so thrilled. Usually such a battle and he just relaxed while I got them done. Man Declan, can it always be this easy!?!

And this evening...big moment. First of all Daddy left the room to clean litter boxes and Declan crawled along looking for him saying "Da Da Da Da". It's not simply sound. He knows what he's saying. Since Daddy was busy I took him for a little visit with Auntie T and Madison. He was making crazy faces and babbling somewhat. Then he made his way back over to me and Cassie was right beside me. She looked all cute having been to the dog groomer today. Declan was tapping her on the nose and laughing. Then he said "Dog". We were all so surprised and excited. Auntie T was trying to encourage Declan to say it again and that's when we got "Doggie". Yay! Another new word. You rock Muffin Man!!

My Little Man

This morning I had to bring Declan to daycare. He was happy to be headed out. It had been over a week since he'd last been there.
Soon as he was out if his snowsuit and free to move about he crawled toward Ryann who had come closer to see him with two books in tow. Score!
Then Kelly got out some new toys shed purchased for her daycare kids. A boat with some colored balls that the little ones can hammer through holes, a soft caterpillar with buttons and zippers, then she got out the same caterpillar Declan got from Great-Grandma May for Christmas. At home he laughs when we play with it. At daycare, soon as he saw it he started laughing. He's awesome.
Then Kelly got out some stacking cups. Declan grabbed them so quickly and then placed them one on top of the other. It would appear that 'stacking' is a favourite activity for my Muffin Man. I stood and watched my little man playing with Ryann and the new toys for a few moments. He looked to happy and so independent. When I said goodbye and wished him a good day he didn't mind one but that he was staying behind. Makes me so happy to think that he really likes being there when I have to be at work. Of course I missed him every minute.

Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car

A long day at work meant I didn't see Declan in the morning and got home in time for an hour to hang out before he was headed off to bed.
Walked in the door and found Declan driving in his blue car throughout the place. Lucky kid. Daddy was pushing him around while Declan turned the wheel and tried to honk the horn. Such a cutie. He pulled right up to me and he started getting antsy because I didn't get right down to him for hugs immediately.
Of course soon as I noticed I obliged. That wasn't enough. He needed out of the car so he could be closer. Thanks Muffin Man. Made my day.

Daddy sent me pictures from their Daddy-Declan adventures earlier in the day. Boys checked out the new Target. From what I've seen...Declan was not impressed. Then again, who wants to be strapped into a cart by their nipples?!?

Lean Green Tantrum Machine

Today was both St Patrick's Day and our Anniversary (3 years).

O'Declan had worn his lucky charm pjs to bed the night before so he woke ready for the day. Joined us in bed for a bottle when he first got up. Then it was crawling, complaining, some breakfast and then a bath. Bath was great. He had his lucky Duck with him and he fully cooperated. Dressed me wee lad in his Leprechaun shirt and he was down for his morning nap.

Mid afternoon we visited his buddy Owen...also in green. Declan was in a cranky mood however so the visit wasn't fabulous. He cried a lot. Clung to me a little and then after drinking a bottle he crawled all over and then we were off. Figured we needed to get him down for his afternoon nap and we were heading out to dinner while he slept.

I warned Auntie T that he'd been difficult and would probably be cranky when he got up. Well that was an understatement. He woke crying. Auntie T and Madison got him up out if his crib and he cried the while time upstairs. He said "Hi" to Uncle Scott soon as he saw him though so that meant Uncle Scott had to sit with him and cheer him up. Short lived, he got cranky again and when they tried to feed him dinner he wouldn't eat.

Man.

After dinner he was ok. We crawled together and played a bit but he still whined a lot. A bottle before bed meant a short snuggle with me and then he was off to slumberland at his usual 8pm easily.

Hope he's good tomorrow for Daddy.

The Bigger They Are...The MORE They Fall

Declan is gaining more confidence and more speed. I got home from work in time to hang out for two hours before he was off to bed. He was crawling along so I got on all fours and crawled up behind him. It became our first game of chase. Soon as he heard me coming he became a little giggle machine and he crawled faster to get away.
Not too long after he had crawled away and around a corner, stopped for a moment and was sitting up. I came around the corner on all fours and surprised him. He got excited, threw his arms in the air, started giggling and quickly got on all fours to try and crawl away. Love him.

Now since he's mobile he's discovering things he wants to touch. This evening that including a bag of garbage. I told him "no" and had to remove his hand. He laid face down on the floor and started crying. It was a "fake" tantrum cry which subsided as soon as I rolled a foam disk past him...cause he thought that was hilarious.

And lastly, in addition to his crawl he's spending a lot of time on his knees. Sometimes pulling himself up and other times just sitting on his knees and bouncing a bit. Tonight he was on his knees but he lost his balance and went forehead first into the edge of the TV table. I grabbed him and instantly he was crying. No bother waiting to see if he'd just tough this one out because I knew that one would have hurt. I was holding him trying to comfort him, Daddy came right over and cuddled in but Declan wouldn't be comforted by us. Instead, while crying he was looking around.
What for?
His monkey.
He spied him laying close by on the ground. I reached over and picked him up and handed him to Declan who then stopped crying and was somehow all better.
Monkey is magic.

Tantrum Testing

Daddy tells me about his afternoon with the Muffin Man.
Declan is checking for what reaction he can get out if Daddy when he throws minor tantrums. A little whine, throws the arms in the air, rigid back and some leg kicks. Then a subtle glance toward Daddy to see if he's looking. Daddy even caught a bit of a smirk on Declan's face as he's getting a reaction.
What a monkey.
I suppose it's all part of maturing but man...testing us already!?!

His Own Person

I love watching the little man as his own little person. Seeing those things that hint at what he'll be like as he grows up.

We stopped in at Daddy's work this afternoon for a quick "Hello". Daddy was holding Declan when his coworker came over to say "Hi". Declan played a little shy, leaning in close to Daddy. Never noticed this before. It was cute. Then a few minutes later two little boys ran past us and Declan excitedly kept watch on them. It's surprising that he didn't learn to crawl sooner since he's so eager to play with other kids.
Declan is making so many new sounds and today I was thrilled to hear "mom mom mom mom mom". Now he wasn't calling me by name but he's got the sound down so hopefully it'll be soon.
He was trying to make the funny sound where you wiggle your finger across your lips again today. He did it for Poppa, he did it for Auntie T and Josh and he did it for his Daddy and I. What Daddy pointed out to me was that Declan's tongue is actually sticking out when he tries this so his hand gets all wet. While he's laughing along and watching us do it back to him Declan slyly wipes his hand off on his back before trying again. His own little person.
I've had so much fun with the Muffin Man these last three days. I'm back to work tomorrow but lucky little guy gets three while days with Daddy starting Saturday. I'm already jealous.

Busy Day

Had such a nice day with Declan. He was all mine today. After getting him up this morning I got cuddles while he had his morning bottle. Then we played in front of the TV, behind the couch, in front of the fridge, by the bathroom, in our bedroom and then in Declan's room...then back again. He loves moving around and finding new things.
For lunch today I gave Declan a pickle slice to try along with some cheese. He took the pickle out of the container then placed his cheese pieces in the pickle juice.
Gross.
He ate 'em!!
After eating some spaghetti that I are for dinner we let the Muffin Man have a mini cupcake. It went in his hair, all over his face, up his arms and because he needed to grab his feet, all over his socks as well.
So...
Bath time!!!
Just some more fun for me on my Declan day.
Wish every day could be a Declan day.

That Would be Cat Food

Declan is crawling all over. He's getting braver and more curious. He's finding things he can touch and things I have to take away from him. I was getting things ready for us to head out and visit Daniella, Abi, Chelsea, Nancy, Molly and MacGregor while the Muffin Man continued to explore.
I picked him up and took him to his change table for a last diaper change before we hit the road. While he was laying there I noticed something in his mouth. It didn't look like leftovers from his breakfast. It actually looked like a pain chip. He wouldn't let me see if course so I plugged his nose and he opened his mouth. On the tip of his tongue I found this little fleck. Upon further inspection I realized it was a piece of Hunter's grilled chicken dinner.
Declan. That's kitty food. Not for baby!

Cat In the Hat

Madison was taking care of Declan for a couple hours today. She was sitting on the couch with the little man and watching the Cat in the Hat. On the TV they said "Hi Nick, Hi Jess" and Declan said "Hi".
What a sweetie. So social.

When Daddy got home Declan was sitting on the floor in front of Madison. He saw Daddy and then crawled quickly right to Daddy and then looked up at him with excited waving arms. It sure is fun as he learns to do so much more.

He Gets It

Since he was just a couple months old Declan would push his arm through the sleeves for me when is get him dressed.
Then one day while e was holding a toy I tapped the back of his hand and said "this one". He right away put the toy in the other had so I could put his sleeve on and then would do the same with the other hand.
He's a funny little guy.
Tonight during dinner he had his own spoon. I put some cereal treats on his tray and he was trying to scoop it up with his spoon. I picked one up and placed it on the spoon. He then used the spoon to eat it and then picked up another and placed it on the spoon to eat.
He kills me.

Making Some Changes

Becoming quite the busy little man. Declan hung out at Gramma's today. Got in some giggle time with Poppa, watched Phineus and Ferb with his cousin Nick and tried for a getaway into the kitchen on Gramma.

Daddy picked him up after work and he brought home some materials for little changes needed in the home front. Boxes. Time to pack up Daddy's Bluerays. Monkey hands are constantly reaching for them now that he can get to them so easily.

Making a Break for it!

That's right. There's no sitting still now. I was at work all day and missed all the action but Daddy reported a lot of activity. Declan was at daycare earlier and all reports were that he was good all day...and crawling all around.
Daddy got the little man home and then he was a movin'
Declan made a break for the bedroom. Got all the way from the TV room through the kitchen area before Daddy had to reel him back. Slippery little monkey.

And He's Off...

Little man needed a bath this morning after breakfast. Daddy was just about to give Declan his first spoonful of pears when Declan let out a huge sneeze...pear all over Daddy's glasses.

My monkey had some time hanging out with his Aunt, Uncle and cousins this evening. He's such a guy's guy. He didn't care what Madison and Auntie T were up to but he had a blast with Uncle Scott and Josh.

And finally...the most important part of today...the Muffin Man crawls. Look out world, he's gaining independence!!!

Taking Risks

The Muffin Man is getting daring.  Today he pulled himself up onto his knees on his own so that he could get a good look at the chair in the living room.  He stood at the chair as well but that was with mommy's assistance.
We watched him try so hard to get his crawl on this evening.  On all fours, rocking, he even shimmied his legs forward, first the right knee, then the left and then down to his belly again.  He's getting there.  Man...it's going to be a lot more work.

Proud Mommy & Daddy

Clingy

Some little man was clingy today. When I brought him to daycare he just wanted to hang onto me.
When Daddy picked him up he snuggled in and this evening just before bed he sat calmly with me and let me hug him.
I think he's a bit under the weather but its pretty nice brig able to snuggle.

1 Year Checkup

Started off the day with some humour. Sitting at the breakfast table with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa. Declan was eating scrambled eggs when he coughed and egg flew right across the table. Luckily Grandma had just picked up her coffee so it was spared the egg floaters.

Then we said our goodbyes and headed off to Declan's 1 year Dr. appointment.
Height: 79.5 cm This kid is already 2 1/2 feet tall. This puts him just under the 90th percentile for height.
Weight: 24lbs. I thought for sure he was heavier. This puts him just under the 75th percentile for weight.
His communication is on track as he can say three distinct sounds. His hips and legs look great and this weekend he was standing on his own at the couch...big moments little man!
He's a healthy little guy.

Then he had to sit on Daddy's lap while Daddy held his arms tucked in. He then had two needles at the same time. Yup, he cried. Then the third needle in his right arm. Poor muffin. So many tears. I grabbed him and tried to comfort him. There were sniffles. Then I sat him down in the bed so he could tear at the paper cover and the tears stopped. He was interested in ripping the paper. Tough guy got over it pretty fast.
Still took a lot out of him though. He slept for 1 1/2 hrs in the car after that and had another 1 hr nap before dinner just after we got back from Ottawa. He was exhausted. In bed by 7:30pm and he was cuddly all evening which I didn't mind one bit.
Here's hoping he's forgotten all about it in the morning.

Cleaning Up

The Muffin Man had a full, fun day today. He got in playtime with Grandma and Grandpa. He tried out his legs a wee bit by standing at the couch. Read some books with Grandpa. Grandma gave him some more turkey soup for lunch (and had to fish out the chewed turkey from the pocket of his cheeks). Squeezed in one episode of Phineus and Ferb and met some old friends of Mommy's.
Then Aunt Ruth, Auntie Marissa and cousin Alex came were here for some more visits.
Declan is so funny when he's playing. There was a nice bucket of toys which he would open and dump some out then pick each one up and put them back. Every time they were spilled out he'd collect them all back again. He really is just like Daddy.

In Ottawa

After our midnight arrival and some late night visiting with his grandparents, Declan still got a good sleep in and woke with smiles.
The little guy got in a nice full day of family time.
Breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa May.
Yummy homemade Turkey soup for lunch followed up with homemade ginger cookie.
The best part of the day, time playing with his cousin Holden. The little men are only four months apart and now that they're older they don't seem so different in age. Cute watching them intersect and pass toys back and forth.
So nice to get in time with all of the Good/May family cousins.

Long Road to Slumberland

Best part about my day today: the long drive to Ottawa. I just got to watch the Muffin Man go from sweet, starring in the distance sleepy to fast asleep beside me.