Halloween #2

I was so happy to put Declan in his camo pants and Halloween shirt (Thanks Grandma May) this morning. Couldn't wait to see if Declan enjoyed Trick or Treating now that he can walk.

Well couldn't get ahead of ourselves, first it was off to Daycare for the day. As he started to settle in, take a seat and look at some toys, Kelly's son came out from the kitchen with his ghost face costume on. My immediate thought was "that might be a bit scary for such little kids" then I look over at Declan and see that he's holding Monkey up over his face and his hands are shaking. My poor little muffin man was terrified. Poor guy. Marcus took off the mask and Declan was ok. Whew!

As soon as I got in from work tonight we got Declan dressed in his monkey costume. We just managed to squeeze him into the somewhat short suit. With his rain boots on we headed out and went door to door. He was timid. The creepy music and scared lights made him cautious. Eventually he got some courage and even knocked on a couple doors himself, he even said "dee dee dee" which if you couldn't tell was "trick or treat". One of the last houses he got nervous again but the lady came outside and held out a treat bag. That was all the courage he needed. He went right for it.

When we got in the door Declan dug right in his bag, checked out his loot. Smarties were an immediate favorite because they make noise when you shake the box.

But nothing was as exciting as visiting Uncle Scott and seeing what chocolate was left in the treat bowl by the front door. Declan routed through for an Aero bar. Uncle Scott opened it up and they shared it. Declan looked for another Aero and ate some more...then another Aero...and another. Uncle Scott finally gave him some kitkat just to switch it up.

Declan had chocolate running down his face but he was loving it. Finally Mommy had to say that was enough and wipe the chocolate sludge off his face.

And then Declan finds another Aero and motions to Auntie T...would she let him have just one more.

Yup.

Then it was PJs and a big bottle of milk to wash it down before bed.

What a great 2nd Halloween.

Shy Guy

I brought Declan to Gramma & Poppa's today because it was Poppa's Birthday yesterday. When we got there Declan was happy but he played shy. He wouldn't come out from between my legs at the door. 

Once we were inside he was walking around looking at things. He flashed smiles at everyone but he kept his distance. His Cousin Nick's girlfriend Jayme sat down on the couch and he crawled right over to her but when she reached for him he moved away quickly.

Declan was playing games with his cousin, laughing at Nick would sneak in on him and tickle him. Lots of giggles but then again Nick picked him up and Declan's face turned to fearful. He is a very shy little guy. 

He had a nice visit though and got lots of forehead kisses from Poppa.

Lots To Do

Clean out drawers. I bet he thinks he's helping.

Find the baby scarf that was too big last year but should fit perfect this year.

Check if Halloween costume is good to fit.

I think we're good!

Run Before He Walks...almost

This past weekend was a big deal for our little guy as he officially became a walker. While he still prefers if Mommy holds his hands he is good wobbling along on his own.

This morning brought him to daycare and I told Kelly that Declan had finally started walking this weekend. Got him to stand up and head in towards toys, books and the other kids and she got to see how happy he is as he toddles along...then he just ran. 

Then he fell face first.

Got right back up and took off again.

Took him 20 months to walk but he's gone from walk to run in less than 48 hours.

And he is so very happy.

The Reason

Well now there shall be no secret.

The reason why there was no 'Daily Declan' entry from Saturday, October 26th is because I dropped my phone in the toilet.

Phone died immediately.

Had to get a replacement phone today.

So thankful that I've posted so many photos on this blog because I lost 1 1/2 months worth in that phone.

Now on to better things.

I just love watching my little wobbly kid walking all around like he owns the place. The best part is the big smile or pride and independence across his face with eah step.

Understanding

It's so neat how he's a little person now and he understands.

There was some garbage in his room on his shelves. I handed it to Declan and asked him to take it to the garbage. He walked over lifted the lid and placed it inside.

Then I told him I needed to change him into his PJs and asked him if he wanted to stay in the TV room or come with me to his room.

He sat still in the TV room. So I went and got his diaper and PJs from his room. When I came back he laid down for me so I could change him. So cooperative. Then he waited nicely for me to get his bottle. When I came back he snuggled into his usual spot on the legs for his bedtime drink.

And some little muffin man is standing up and walking in his own. Just a little...and almost always when daddy is looking the other way. Daddy did catch him doing it once and was so surprise...and proud (or amazed...it might have been amazed.)

Crafty

This morning Kelly tells me about Declan being mischievous this past Tuesday.

He sleeps in a playpen in her room for his afternoon nap.

He had woken up and folded up the playpen mattress. She tells me this part like it's no big deal because apparently he packs it up all the time. (Seriously?)

Then on Tuesday he figured or how to stand at one side and use the shifting (or throwing) of his body weight as a means to bounce the playpen inch by inch right across the room to the other side. Reached her bed side table, opened her drawers and pulled out all her papers and envelopes and threw them about.

Luckily he doesn't tear paper.

Also lucky that he only "almost" knocked her lap over.

Clever, sneaky muffin.

And this afternoon in his room here when daddy put him down for a nap...

Headless turtle...the body has now been peeled away. Look out bees...look out frogs. You could be next!

Guilty

Everything was good, normal, the usual when Declan went down for his afternoon nap today.

Kisses.

Lights out.

Soft baby lullaby playing.

Two hours later and Daddy gets little Declan up from his nap. I went into his room to put away some laundry and found...

A head rolled up on the floor!!!

And then I looked up at the wall...

The turtle! No head! Declan ripped it off!

I laughed my butt off. I can't believe that's what he was doing in silence when we thought he was fast asleep.

Brief Time

You woke at 6:45am this morning and we were out the door headed to daycare by 7:30am. I got to see you play for about 20 minutes before I was on my way. Then you were already in bed when I got home from work.

I can't wait to see you in the morning!!

New Jams

Months ago I went shopping with Declan's Auntie T. We went to Costco and I picked up some jammies. They were bigger sizes that he would grown into. At the time I held up different footie styles and let Declan show me which he preferred. Sunday evening I pulled out one of those pair. The ones with Rinosaurus and lions and elephants on them. I got both legs in then stood Declan up. He reached down and was trying to pull them on himself. He smiled at his jams, pointed at the different animals. Tonight when I grabbed them for a second night he was all smiles again. How cute. He really does like the ones he picked out.

And I just couldn't get enough of watching him walk around in his footies.

My Declan Weekend

Since Daddy was visiting friends out of town I got more Declan time to myself. This morning we hung out, watched some Phineus and Ferb and got in breakfast before heading out for some groceries. Not an exciting morning but still awesome that I got so much time with my little guy.

After Declan's afternoon nap he woke up to see Daddy was home. I still had plans with Mr. D so I bundled him up and Daddy got out the stroller for us. Declan and I were off to the park for some playtime and to meet up with friends.

Soon as we arrived at the park Declan wanted on the swings. I used to put him in the swing and hope he liked it. Now that he communicates better I KNOW he likes it. So much so that any time I tried to get him off the swing he'd scream. 

Overheard another kid ask his Mom "Why is he yelling?"

"Because he doesn't want off the swing."

That was an understatement.

So he was on the swing easily for a half hour. Unbelievable. He just loves it. I put up my open palm and told Declan to 'high five' me and of course he obliged. Then he came back with a 'fist bump' when he swung back. We were having a good time.

Declan's little buddy Owen showed up so he got in some friend play time. Picked up lots of pebbles and wood chips. 

Then, as I was debating heading home because it was getting cold, Declan crawled away...all the way...back to the swings for another round. Good times at the park!

A Better Day

Friday was difficult. Declan was in a lot of pain due to toddler mollars coming through his gums. Poor little guy. He got so hot and feverish. He would reach out for me then just as quickly push me away and kick his legs, wave his arms and scream. Nothing like a tantrum, this little guy was in real discomfort. When he went down for his afternoon nap he didn't sleep long and he woke screaming and in tears. He made it through.

Today was a much better day.

This morning I took Declan to meet Gramma at Mountsberg. Thought he'd enjoy being outside and seeing the birds of prey. I already know he doesn't care much for the farm animals (confirmed again) but he seems to enjoy birds.

Got to show him eagles, owls, hawks ad falcons. 

He didn't care.

He was super happy to walk along the trails in the leaves. He had fun playing with stones. He barely noticed the birds were even there.

He did get to walk through the "Toddler" hay maze. He loved it.

For the record, it's not a maze if it's pretty much a straight line with a bend.

Lots of fresh air and he fell asleep on the drive home.

Then some lunch and lots of walking around at home and Declan was in for a nice long afternoon nap.

I actually had to wake him after 2 hours so that he'd still go to bed on time. He was so sweet when I got him up. Just wanted cuddles with mommy.

The rest of the day was mostly walking with some dinner squeezed in.  He was great all evening. Then he was in bed for 8pm as usual however...

He kept pulling the string on his music toy over and over...

Like water torture...

For 90 minutes...

Was losing my mind listening to it over the monitor.

He's just so determined.

Bottoms Up

I snuck into Declan's room this morning before he'd waken up. What I found was Declan sleeping with his face in the mattress, monkey over the back of his head and his little bottom stuck up in the air. So cute. I made a little noise to gently wake him and I got the sleepy face, heavy eyes hello. I felt so bad making him get up so early (6:30am).

When I got home from work this evening Declan heard me as soon as I walked in. He dropped his toys, pulled himself up over the ottoman, my first sight was Declan crawling at full speed around the corner and he came right at me, stood up and gave me a big (with little baby arms) hug. 

Best welcome home yet!!!

Helper

He's such a big boy now that he has to do things himself. Declan doesn't want my help with breakfast at all now. He gets his spoon and yogurt all to himself and this morning he was actually getting real spoonfuls into his mouth and not simply down his front. He managed to empty the yogurt without any help from Mommy.

He was quite a little helper for me though today. Declan watched me fold my clothes but then he helped open the drawer, place my clothes inside the drawer and then close it for me. 

So he enjoys laundry.

How longs that going to last?

Here We Go

He's got the itch.

This evening my little man we taking odd steps here and there and he didn't even seem to notice he'd done it.

And then he made me hold his hands while he walked towards our bed, then about two feet away he let to and ran to the bed and slapped his hands on the comforter. He was excited. We then had to walk back to the TV room, back around and again just shy of the bed so he could let to and walk the last two feet on his own.

Here we go.

Goodbye easy baby.

2nd Thanksgiving

A wonderful day with my family. Tyler and I opened up Declan's door this morning and went into his room to get him together. Declan is so happy. He's always happy when he gets up but seeing us both in there first thing in the morning he can't contain himself. He's shaking with excitement and he looks like his little smile is going to bust right off his face. We have so much fun with this kid.

Hanging out at home in the morning we discovered Declan's new word, or is it a phrase...

When he wants my hands so he can walk assisted he reaches for them and says "dee dah" every time.

No idea what he thinks he is saying but I'm pretty sure it's a command. Good thing he's cute.

This afternoon after Declan's nap we headed over to Lowville Park for a mini session photo shoot for our little guy. We met up with Gramma and Poppa and walked around in the fall air. Declan could not sit still. Then at 4pm we met up with the photographer. During the first part of his shoot he did a lot of walking but of course he wouldn't let go of my hands...until...that moment when my hands were free and he kept on walking. He kept walking toward me as I kept backing up. He did it! Such a long walk over the uneven grass!! Lucky Gramma and Poppa got to see him making those first steps and if we're lucky the photographer may have gotten some shots of that treasured moment.

When Gramma and Poppa has to leave we walked to another location for some more photos. Declan got to sit in the wet grass, crawl through the dirt, play with sticks and climb a huge dirt pile. He was having a good time. While he studied some leaves the photographer tried to get some smiles out if him. She showed him the digital images of him that she'd just snapped. Big smile and a "Hi Declan" from the litte guy himself. Too funny. That's pretty cool that he can recognize himself so easily. What a nice afternoon. The kid tired me out.

And we're so thankful.

So lucky.

Little Monkey

This evening Declan and I were in his room and I just had to call Daddy in to come and watch. Our little monkey can walk about 8 steps toward me all by himself. He looks adorable, all smiles and pride. He collapses into my arms and giggles. Yet there he goes grabbing my hand and just won't keep doing it alone. He's most confident when he makes me guide him.

Just so proud of him. I want to sneak into his room right now and stare at him sleeping. 

But I won't.

I'm clumsy and would probably knock something over and wake him up.

Beautiful Weekend

While I had to work today Daddy and Declan had a great day together at Rattlesnake Point. They hung out near the cliffs with an amazing view while having some snacks. Then they hit the trails for some fresh air and to take in the leaves. Some even fell right down onto Declan during the walk. He's getting an understanding of "fall".

Lucky boys. I cannot wait for Monday wen I get to hang out with the boys too.

So Busy

Declan won't sit still. Non-stop he takes my hand and needs me to walk with him. Non-stop.

So today I made him walk unassisted about 8 times, each time only taking about 4 steps. He did looked so proud.

At Chudleigh's apple farm this afternoon he was walking all around and he stopped in a giant sand pit when he spied a shovel. Cutie was playing in the dirt, being such a boy.

Poor daddy is going to be tired the next couple days while mommy is at work both days.

So Chill

Dropped Declan off at daycare this morning. Kelly asked me what Declan's delivery was like. I gave her all the details but the best realization for me was upon remembering how long I had to push. Two hours is the maximum they want before they are planning Cezarian and considering forceps or vacuum. I went two hours. Then another 45 minutes before Declan finally left the birth canal. 

And there you have it.

From before he even officially entered the world Declan has been doing his thing, his own way, on his terms. No rush. Crawl at 13 months, walk on his own...we're at 20 months now and he's "thinking" about it and 2 hrs 45 minutes trying to move his little butt out. Everything when he's good and ready.

But Not the Marshmallow

What a beautiful fall day. Sunny sky, warm and lots of red leaves still in the trees. Just gorgeous. We took Declan outside for a couple rounds of our street. Making sure he gets lots of practice. He's really excited to be walking even if he's still too nervous to let go of my hand or the walker.

During breakfast Declan was eating yogurt. He got yogurt everywhere but he managed to keep his face pretty clean. Then a big drop of yogurt missed his mouth and slowly started rolling down his chin. He simply froze and then his eyes where looking all around like "what is happening here?" As it crept down his face. He's such a comedian.

For snack time later Declan was eating some sugar cereal - Booberry to be specific. He was getting a kick out of feeding some to me with my mouth wide open. He kept at it over and over until he picked up one of the marshmallows from the cereal, hung it over my open mouth, noticed what it was then ate it himself. Fished out another piece of cereal and forced it on me.

Of course I fell for it. Love him.