And Bounce

It was a Daddy-Declan day while I was at work. Reports are that they had a lot of fun. They ran some errands and Declan managed the shopping list. Buddies.

I didn't get a lot of time with my little man tonight but I loved every moment. Had some Phineus and Ferb songs playing so Declan showed off his signature move; the bounce. He does seem to have good rhythm...and enthusiasm.

I think the Muffin Man may have a new back tooth coming in. He had his finger in his mouth and he was chewing on it with his back gums. So cute...so drooly.

6:45am That Was Forever Ago

Long day and very little Declan time.
I got to wake this little prince up at 6am so we could snuggle while he had his morning bottle. I still love when he looks up at me with his sleepy eyes. I then dragged out his diaper change, getting cleaned up, dressed and brushed his hair. Next got his shoes on his and then watched for about 5 minutes as he tried to do up the zipper on his jacket by himself. There were some tears of frustration when I finally had to do it for him because we needed to head to daycare. My muffin man was excited to arrive and have the run of the place before the others arrived and then I had to say goodbye for the day, a long day. Mommy missed bedtime. Can't wait for the end of the workday tomorrow so I can rush home and see you again.

Piano Makes Him Smile

My Muffin Man had a play date with his buddy Owen today. It was so nice seeing the two boys interact. They sat facing each other, Owen had a small blue toy in his hand. Declan reached over and grabbed it. Owen watched for a moment then reached over and gently took it back. Declan simply watched then moved on to a different toy. They are such sweet boys. You can see that they are kind. It warmed my heart.
The toy Declan enjoyed the most was Owens toy piano. Declan gently pressed the keys. He dragged the piano with him around the room and when he played it he smiled with pride and looked to see if I was watching.

Perfect Driving Weather

A gorgeous day, 18 degrees. Perfect for taking the car out for a drive. Declan was pretty happy to be checking out the neighbourhood in his blue car. There were smiles, head turns and some babbling on. We even got some speed on our last lap which he quite enjoyed.

You Make it Easy

Declan was at daycare today from 7am to 4pm. Then he was home less than an hour before Daddy had to head out to meet me for an Anniversary Party for my folks. Our niece Madison was on babysitting duty. Pretty much the entire day our Muffin Man was with someone else. When I left him at daycare this morning he was smiles and he was no trouble for Madison either. Declan you make it so easy. It's great that you seem to like everyone and you're always happy.

Of course I miss you like crazy right now an can't wait for you to wake up.

The Best Moment

Yay Declan! Tooth number 8 officially arrived. That one sure took a while but it's finally through.

My favourite part of today and best moment was when I was sitting on the floor with Declan. He sat between my legs while I read a few of his books to him.
I've read "Moo, Ba, La La La" to him many times since he was only a couple months old. Today when we reached the end and I softly read "It's quiet now, what does 'Declan' say?" My Muffin Man then babbled on. He told me something, I didn't understand but he sounded like he was speaking with intent. Proud of you kiddo.
But that wasn't the best part. My favourite moment was when he looked over and noticed his Nursery Rhyme book was a couple feet away from us. He left me, crawled over and picked it up, then immediately crawled back to me and crawled into my lap so I could read it to him.
That's it little man. That officially makes up for the time you're taking to say "Momma". Just the best.

Visit

My Muffin Man popped into my work today (courtesy of Daddy of course) to say "Hi".
What a nice surprise. Made the day go much faster. I couldn't wait to get home to you.

Daddy told me how it had been raining when you were leaving the mall so he put your good up and covered your stroller while you made your way to the car. When you arrived he looked down and noticed it had been raining sideways. Declan...daddy says your face was dripping wet. Poor bud. It was an accident albeit a hilarious accident.

Did He Bring a Hairdryer to Bed?

He really is such a happy kid.

Got Declan up this morning. He was all smiles. We cuddled while he drank some morning bottle then it was time to get changed, cleaned up and then head out to Kelly's.

When we got there I parked on the street by a tree which has me then have to climb in the backseat with Declan to get him unbuckled and out of his car seat. Well it was awkward this morning and his diaper bag was in a weird spot plus his shoe fell off so I had to set him down on the back seat. With the lean of the seat and the angle I'd set him down the poor kid was trying to sit up with no success. He kept struggling all the while with a huge grin on his face. No frustration. He was just as amused at his efforts as I was. Such a happy kid.

Soon as we got inside Kelly's I set Declan down and he was off. I actually had to pull his shoes off him as he was crawling away. Kelly had to take his coat off him while he sat at the train table cause this kid wasn't wasting any playtime. He was interacting with the other kids, he was waving his arms and squealing. The day was off to a good start. When I said goodbye and reached for the door Declan simply looked at me and watched me go. He's so independent.

This evening while I was working Daddy put Declan down for bed at 8pm. Turned on the monitor and his music and shut the door. About 10 minutes later he hears what sounds like a hair dryer coming from Declan's room. He goes in and finds Declan laying in bed with a shocked look on his face and his entire crib vibrating. Along with his music is a nightlight option and vibration option neither of which do we use but some little guy must have reached up and turned it on. Daddy laughed, then turned it off and our Muffin Man finally went to sleep.

Good Times

Our little Declan made a new buddy. There is a 1 year old boy named Caleb that has joined Kelly's daycare. Our Muffin Man is no longer the youngest. Well the two wee men have hit it off. They have a great time playing together and when Daddy picked Declan up this afternoon Caleb was waving goodbye to his baby friend. As Kelly says, "they're adorable".

After going to bed at 8pm I think Declan was playing that he was on a thrill ride. It started with a "Hi Daddy" and then followed with lots of "oooooouuuuu's, whaaaaaaaas, babababananas," and finally some squeals.

Shhhhh handsome. Rest up. Daycare tomorrow and you'll want to have all your energy for play time.

"NO" ha ha ha ha

What a great morning. I was home with Declan today and Tyler would get home just before 11am. Declan got up at 8am and he was in such a great mood. Cuddles, giggles, some standing and super-speed crawling. We then had toast for breakfast followed by some strawberry yogurt. Then, warming my heart, Declan practiced his "Mom, mom, mom's". Thanks bud!!

This past Christmas Declan got a toy that he was still a bit small to enjoy: "Go Baby Go Dinosaur". Now it's perfect. He was smiles, laughter, bouncing and wiggling then chasing the balls and putting them back in the basin. Such a good way to spend a Sunday.

Then as he got tired Declan grabbed Monkey and headed over to me, crawled onto my lap and assumed pre-nap bottle drinking position. Love him.

For dinner Declan had a peanut butter and banana wrap. This resulted in so much mess in his hair. It was sticking up all over. So.....bath time!!!

After a fun bath time, at the end of which Declan pulled the plug out on his own without instruction, Daddy was kissing and tickling Declan while drying him off. It was adorable. There were so many squeals and a lot of laughter. One time when Daddy leaned back, gearing up to go in for more belly kisses a laughing Declan giggled out "NO"! Then Daddy went in for more and the giggles and squeals continued. He's so big. How is he communicating like this already? Where did my BABY boy go?

My PeaNUT!

What a Nut!

This evening Daddy was shaking his head back and forth for Declan. Declan imitated Daddy but with full out squeals of delight. He was just loving the silliness. This was followed by Excersaucer Bouncefest 2013. Those legs are crazy strong. I could see him standing and then he'd just relax back into the seat before ramping up for more bouncing.

There were also some "Hi Daddy's", "Hi Doggy's" and even a couple "Hi Kitty's".
Then, just so I'd know he could he said "Mom, mom, mom" and then not again. Well he can only hold out for so long.

I'm waiting.

My ATB, He's Daddy's Boy

I forgot to write this the other day; I was talking to Kelly about how Declan was doing at daycare and she told me that Declan's been crawling right over the other kids. She said they don't mind, that its not a problem but that he's more confident and moving all over the place. He's now our little All Terrain Baby (ATB).

This afternoon Declan hung out with his Auntie T. He trashed the place! Paper everywhere!! He had a great time. Chasing the dog. And there were lots of "hi Doggy's".

This evening I was commenting to Tyler that I though Declan was taking me for granted. He asked why I thought that. I told him that I know he loves me but he's not trying very hard to win my favour. We then took Declan off to bed for the night and after kisses and laying him down he looked up at Tyler, right past me and said "Hi Daddy".
See.
He's not even trying.

Stubborn Tooth

I think the Muffin Man is having some difficulty with tooth number 8. It's been a while since number 7 came through but still the matching 8th one is a no show. The gums look sore and poor Declan is runny nosed, rowdy cheeked and crying out of nowhere at time. I feel bad for the little guy. It seems to be taking a lot out of him too since after the tears he is really mellow. Poor guy. Here's hoping tomorrow that stubborn tooth breaks through.

Oh the Tantrums Getting Longer

My Muffin Man is getting quite a little temper. When he's told "No" he just goes for it anyway, and angrily. If you stop him, oh the tears and the red face.

Uhggg

I guess this is growing up.

Alone Time

My Muffin Man likes a little baby 'alone time'. He still goes down for bed at 8pm every evening. No problems. He waves goodbye to me and Daddy and no crying, easy.
Well lately he's been staying awake in bed for a while after we put him in his crib. Tonight 40 minutes. Sweet babbling, some "dada's" and a few little squeals. Now he's asleep. I wonder what he thinks he was going in about and was he talking to monkey?
Had to be monkey.
Or maybe the big sheep beside his crib.

Proud Daddy

Daddy picked Declan up from daycare today. He was talking with Kelly, getting the run down on how our little man's day went. Kelly told him that in all the years she's had her home daycare (it's been nearly 9 years) she has never had a child better behaved than Declan.

That's our boy!!

Morning Visitors

Early Sunday shifts for us both meant that Declan was waking up to a visit from Gramma.  She was treated to the happy morning Declan.  As she crept into his room she was greeted with "Hi" from the crib. 
But Gramma wasn't Declan's only visitor.  Madison and her friend Holly showed up about 8:30am.  Soon as they entered they were down on the floor playing with the Muffin Man. Next up, breakfast.  Madison got him all set in his highchair and then Holly asked if she could feed him. What a lucky little guy!

Yum, I said...YUMMY

This evening family and friends were gathered to celebrate Madison's 14th Birthday and Confirmation. There was a lot of activity and goings on. Declan made the rounds and everyone was really great with him.

Later in the evening after the big moments, cake and gifts there were some people around enjoying some beverages. Declan's Uncle Scott had a pint of beer. He stood beside me while I was holding Declan and naturally Declan reached over and dunked his hand into the beer. Scott and I watched to see what Declan would do next. No surprise, he licked his hand and YUM he then went in for a second dunk. Lucky kid. Couple licks of beer before bed. Night night.

A "Talking To"

My little Muffin Man has an odd habit. He throws stuff. Not traditionally. No overhand, intentional hit you with it kind of throw. Nope. Declan whips things behind him. Sort of...of to the side and then behind himself. I'm not certain he has any idea of the distance or force he's getting. I really think its simply Declan moving it, tossing aside, making it be gone. Well today at daycare Declan was doing just that with a toy car and wouldn't you know it, he hits one of the little girls in the head. Geeeezzz Declan.
Well Kelly had to tell him that this was not allowed.
I hope he listens.
(I'll think it's hilarious in private. I mean, come on. The little girls ok).

Private Observation

Declan was at daycare today.  When Daddy arrived to pick him up this evening there was already another parent there collecting their child.  The way he arrived and with the activity at the door from the other parent it created an unusual opportunity for Daddy to observe Declan before the little man noticed his Daddy was there.  What Daddy saw was our little man digging through some toys, playing well on his own.  He looked like he was very happy engaged in his activity.  Makes me happy to think that he's been having a good time without us.  Then, not too many moments later he noticed Daddy was there and then the toys were of no interest. Declan wasted no time in getting over to his Daddy.

Holy Boogers

Poor Declan. He has a nasty cough. He was coughing in his sleep for 2 1/2 hours straight from 4:30am to 7am before falling asleep for an hour and then getting up for the day.

Then whoa....snot. Every time he sneezed, which was often there was so much snot. It was like he was slimed.

My poor little guy. Here's hoping you're in better shape tomorrow.

My Everything

It was so hard saying goodbye to you this morning, my Muffin Man. I thought about you many, many times throughout the day.
On the long drive home from work late this evening I was remembering how happy I was while pregnant with you. I remembered that when only about 6 weeks pregnant I was walking on a warm day along the Ottawa River. That day it was amazing that although I looked like I was walking on my own, privately I was overjoyed knowing that it was the first of many long walks we would take together.

This evening I also remembered the beautiful day that your Daddy and I rented bicycles and rode along the Ottawa River paths with you. The first of our family outings. We were just imaging who you'd be and how much fun we'd have with you. Even with our dreams we really had no idea how awesome we'd think you are. You're hilarious. You have so many expressions and you pretty much freeze time when you stop and gaze in my eyes.

Can't wait to get you out of your crib in the morning.

My Piano Man

The Muffin Man woke up to some time with his Auntie T this morning. Lucky guy, he got up at 8am and was able to spend a couple hours playtime with her. Photo evidence showed there was time with his cousins too before they were off to school. For breakfast Declan he some 'serious' fruit loops. He studied them so and then around the time Daddy got home from work Declan played some piano. Not the crazy key smashing one would think from a baby, noooooo, my Declan was hitting keys with intent. My muffin man may just be a music man after all.

Standing

Today our Muffin Man is 14 months old. The little guy is thinking about standing all on his own now. He's getting the desire. As he kneels at a table he then lifts one leg and puts it flat foot like he's about to push up any second. With assistance from Mommy and Daddy today Declan was up in the standing positions while playing with his activity table or his lap top in the ottoman.

After dinner I sat on the floor with Declan in his room and watched him reach up high to drop a toy into his laundry hamper then pull down the spring side of the hamper so he could then retrieve his toy. He practiced this over and over and as simple as it sounds I was completely enthralled watching Declan work through the actions and learn. Best entertainment ever is my kid.

I'll Always Be 2nd Fiddle

I forgot to mention yesterday that while visiting Daniella and Chelsea my little guy bumped his head. He'd been sitting in the floor playing when all of the sudden he looked up at me with tears in his eyes, mouth wide open starting the silent cry. I immediately got down on my knees to meet him as he crawled quickly in my direction...then right past me...to monkey. I'm not the top of the totem pole in Declan's world.

This afternoon Declan and Daddy paid me a visit to my brand new store. How happy it was to get a visit from my guys. Declan was of course a charmer. Very happy and all smiles. I was so happy to see him and he was doing his little shake of excitement. Sadly it was too busy for me to pick him up for cuddles, just leaned in for some kisses. As they ventured off and I got back to work my little muffin man started to cry and my heart broke. I wish I could make the same money to stay home with you bud.

And lastly I must share my sons new understanding of the kiss. As I was getting ready for work Daddy carried Declan over to see me. My little man leaned in for not one, not two but many kisses and he's now trying to give me wet, open mouth kisses and even tried to lick me. Declan. This is not the way to kiss your mother...or anybody for that matter. You're only 14 months old!

He'll Get it Soon

I got to spend my entire day with my little monkey. Couldn't he happier. Just watching him play with his toys and examine his world could keep me engaged for hours.

Since I was told Declan uses a sippy cup at daycare I thought I'd put milk in a sippy cup for our 1/2 hour drive to see Daniella and Declan's girlfriend Chesley. I saw in the mirror that he easily drank 1/2 of the bottle. No difficulty lifting and tipping the bottle for a drink. He really doesn't look like a baby any more.

Seeing Declan and Chelsey together sitting side by side, they look like little people. I can't believe that a year ago they simply laid side by side and starred up at toys.
When we were leaving Daniella held Chelsey at the door to say bye to Declan. We leaned the two of them in to each other. They obliged us by leaning in far enough they their little cheeks touched and they sweetly smiled. Adorable. Daniella then tipped Chelsey in toward Declan again and she leaned in further herself so I leaned Declan in and he put his forehead onto her cheek and again they smiled. Two more times they repeated this and they were so cute together. We could have kept this up for hours but then I insisted we stop and head on our way.

When we got home I sat Declan down and took of his windbreaker and unzipped his hoodie. He then tried to put both ends of his zipper together again so he might zip it back up. He tried intently. I thought I could help by starting it a bit which made him cry. So I unzipped it again and he worked hard to put both sides together. He was never going to get it but its very impressive that he'll sit and try for so long. It was 20 minutes this time.

Finally a Bit of Time

Got home in enough time to hang with my little guy for just over an hour tonight. Hit to feed him his dinner and enjoyed our cuddle while he had his bottle before bed.
Missed you so much this week Declan. So excited to spend the day with you tomorrow.

Crib Active

After not seeing my little guy all day yesterday I was so happy to get him up in the morning. Went into his room to find him turned around in his crib, he said "Hi loudly, sat right up and started crawling all over. He's adorable. We cuddled for his morning bottle, got changed and headed off to daycare.

At Kelly's he seemed like such a big boy. Crawled right over to the train table and started playing. He doesn't look like a baby any more (tear). Well, that was until it was time for me to go. Declan started crying as soon as I opened the door to leave.
I miss you too monkey, more than you could understand.

Missing My Little Prince

Had to leave the house at 5:40am this morning. Daddy was already at work so Declan was lucky his Auntie T was able to hang with him today. That meant he could sleep in instead of be woken up at 5:15am for daycare.
Long day at work was made better by pictures of the Muffin Man at lunch. The best was when he tried to feed his Auntie T some of his messy, crumbly meal.
Then I tried to get home in time to squeeze in a 10 minute cuddle before he went down for bed but it didn't happen. Declan was already in slumberland when I walked in. Sad end to my busy day. I miss you Declan. Can't wait to see you in the morning (going to sneak into your room to catch a glimpse of you sleeping before I head to bed myself).