Halloween!

Over the monitor this morning I could hear Declan making money noises.

When I went in to get him he said "ooo ooo ooo" monkey wants Ba-nah-nahs.

Then we come downstairs into the kitchen to find his finished Robot costume. Declan practically inhailed all of the air in the kitchen before yelling "wooooooow!" At the sight of it.

Then he said "I go in my Bobot costume and get candy and chocolate and chips!"

He gets it.

All day he kept trying on his costume. So excited.

Finally Grandma and Poppa arrived for dinner. Declan couldn't wait he kept going to the door wanting to get ready.

My sweet little robot. He was such a good boy. Listened so well. We visited about 15 houses before heading back. I think Grandma and Poppa had a good time handing out candy.

Declan loved greeting trick-or-treaters at the door just as much as going out himself. He was on a sugar high and running all over the place.

Such a nut.

We're Ready!

When Declan was leaving daycare today he said goodbye to the spooky pumpkin and the princess pumpkin because next week when he goes back they will be gone. Awwwwww, the spooky holiday is almost over. Good news though is the best part is still to come!!!

....will he like it!?!?

Halloween Traditions in the Making

When I went into Declan's room this morning he was sitting up in bed with a big smile. He remembered that I was home with him today. Then he asked "Daddy in the bed?" 

"No Declan. Daddy is at work."

"Daddy in the car. Daddy get groceries?"

"He's at work Buddy but you'll get lots of time with Daddy later."

So we had a sweet morning just the two of us before heading out to go visit Poppa. I told Declan it was Poppa's Birthday. He was excited and looking forward to cake. (Which there was none-we visited late morning and left just after 1:30pm. Was not cake time.) he had picked out the gift bag for Poppa's gift so it was a "Bobot" (transformer) bag. Poppa was kind enough to let Declan keep the bag. He used it to practice "trick or treat" with Poppa and he got a little bag of chips!

When we got home it was time for Declan's nap but as soon as he got up we started with some Halloween activities.

Daddy carved our pumpkin while Declan watched and asked questions. He had so much energy and excitement he couldn't keep still in one spot for very long.

While Daddy worked on the pumpkin I worked on Declan's "Bobot" costume. He was very cooperate and let me try the box on over his head, check armholes and the length of the arms. I'm so pleased that he is so into Halloween. Friday is going to be so much fun!

Short Version

What happened to "Mommy"? Tonight Declan is taking to me and he calls me "Mom".

Too soon buddy, too soon.

I asked him today if he had fun at Kelly's? It was nice to hear he's moving away from just saying "no" to everything. Tonight he said "yes" and the babbled on about "Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Humpty Dumpty, Bo-bot, Captain America, Humpty Dumpty, super hero, Humpty Dumpty, Humpty Dumpty."

I had to ask Tyler "how does Humpty Dumpty figure in with super heros?" And he said "I know. He showed them to me when I picked him up at Kelly's".

So Declan is playing super heros and an egg man has a prominant role. That would make an interesting Avengers Sequel.

Never Before

...has someone been so excited for me to get home. As I pull into our driveway I notice Declan standing at the front door. He's been watching because Daddy tells him in on my way.

While I walk around the garage and towards the door he starts jumping up and down and puts his hands on the glass of the door. I can here "Mommy! Mommy!"

Today was a tiring workday, not an enjoyable workday and it's just the best coming home to that love.

Boys Day

A sad day for me being at work the entire day. I got to see Declan for 20 minutes this morning before heading out. He was cute. Gave me hugs and kisses before I left. I was excited for Tyler and Declan having their own day together.

First was monkeynastix. Declan was so good. Daddy said no problems at all. He was well behaved, listened and participated. At one time he fell back onto his butt, thought daddy was behind him. He had a few tears but didn't last long.  Next they left for Lowville park. Declan got to play on the swings and on the slide. They both had a great time. Perfect day too, cool and clear. 

Lunch in the car, side by side in the back seat and then they met up with Daddy's friend Mike for a photo shoot! What!?!

Had no idea that was happening. Mike is a professional photographer so he took a bunch of photos of Declan and Daddy in between appointments. Can't wait to see them.

When I finally got home just 20 minutes before Declan's bedtime I was greeted by a very happy little boy. More hugs and kisses, even some giggles. I'm so pleased they had such a good Sunday together.

The Signs

We have Chosen to let Declan lead his potty training. Rather than push it upon him we've been watching for the signs that he is interested and ready. Over the last couple weeks he has started to leave the room when he needs to poop. He has also started talking more about when he goes.

Today he said "I go pee-pee." To which I responded with "do you want to use the potty?"

Now he said yes so we walked upstairs with him, we talked him through getting his stool, putting the potty seat on the toilet, taking down his pants and off his diaper then sat him down. He was happy. He tried to go but as it turns out he actually went before he told us "I go pee-pee" so it was too late.

This was still a great first step. We will pay attention for more signs and opportunities for Declan to her used to the idea.

Still on the Spooky Theme

Declan is home with Daddy. He hides behind the curtains and yells to Daddy "I'm a 'Coast' Daddy!"

Then he pulls back the curtains and laughs.

So long as he isn't cutting eye holes in my curtains I think this is adorable.

The Decoration Mission

This morning Declan and I ventured out to find some Halloween decorations.

We first visited Creepy Halloween in Milton. Pretty much just a costume store there wasn't much of interest to Declan. Sometimes things were a little scary for him so I carried him through the store while he demanded we go "This way!"

Not finding much in the decoration department we were about to leave when I found two keychains: a ghost and a bat, both have eyes that light up when you push a button and they make a creepy sound. He loves them. Calls them his "Coast" and his "Bap."

Next we hit the dollar store. He pointed out the skeletons but any time I suggested we get one he said "No!"

Declan did pick out two big spiders.

And finally the grocery store. He saw a green pumpkin light up decoration just like his orange one at home. He grabbed it right away and said he wanted it. No problem, put it in the cart. Then I found a pumpkin plate and a ghost plate. Didn't show Declan until we got them home. He just loved them. Used the ghost for lunch and the pumpkin for dinner.

So much fun. Glad he loves spooky, but not too spooky...he is only 2 1/2.

"Decorations"

The Muffin Man seems to be enjoying the Halloween season. Each morning when we head to Kelly's he sees two pumpkins hanging. He stops each morning to get a look. Every day after daycare Declan notices and talks about the "Decorations" he sees on the drive home.

I asked him this evening if we should go get some decorations tomorrow and he said yes. I asked if he'd like ghosts or pumpkins and he told me "spider". Geeez kid. Really?

Guess I'm looking for Spider Decorations tomorrow.

And my sweet little man made my heart melt at bedtime. Daddy was dealing with some tradesmen downstairs when it was time for Declan to go to bed. We went through the normal routines sans Daddy. After I kissed Declan goodnight I told him Daddy would come in to kiss him goodnight in just a couple minutes. He said "Daddy kiss?" And I assured him Daddy was on his way.

Then I got Daddy.

Declan was very patiently waiting. He barely moved when Tyler walked in his room. Then Declan said "kiss?"

Over the monitor I could hear Daddy telling Declan to have a good night.

And just like that Declan was asleep. I think maybe the fastest he's ever gone to sleep.

Monsters

Again, he was quite a happy boy when he woke this morning. Alex and Grandma came in his room first thing. He excitedly said "Alex! Grandma! Where's Marissa?" Then Aunt Marissa also popped in for a hello.

Alex and Declan played cars together before sitting on the couch together to eat breakfast. Before heading back to Ottawa they came with Declan to watch his Monkeynastix class. This was a good class for Declan. He was listening more and seemed to really enjoy himself. I particularly enjoyed his running on the spot and jumping.

Goodbyes were then had and we headed home for a quiet lazy day. 

When nap time came Daddy told Declan there was a surprise in his room. Well Declan loves surprises so he ran to his room to find that Grandma had left behind one of Daddy's old race car pillow cases. Daddy had washed it and put it on a pillow for Declan's bed. He was thrilled. We could hear him chatting away about cars for 20 minutes before he fell asleep.

After his nap he wanted to watch Monsters University. He melted my heart while he sat on the floor with Mike in one hand and Sully in the other just taken with the movie. He even cuddled up to my legs for a while. Perfect Sunday.

If Only He Had a Big Brother

Declan had a wonderful day today. When he woke up Grandma, Aunt Marissa and his cousin Alex were here. He was so happy. From how well he played with Alex it is obvious Declan wishes he had a big brother. From the beginning of the morning until the end of his day he was so happy to be by Alex's side.

We first went to rattlesnake park. Declan ran along the trails trying to keep up with Alex. He walked and ran for so long the poor little guy was breathing heavy and could barely walk by the end.

Then on to Chuck E Cheese.

No interest in eating he was quick to grab his tokens and check out some games. He was laughing and smiling but exhaustion was kicking in. He went down  for his nap soon as we got him home.

Then for the evening it was mostly Declan and Alex playing cars and playing games on the laptop. 

He's so tired. I hope he sleeps in. Just a little.

Sweet

Now that it is still dark in the mornings when Declan and I head out the door, Declan to daycare and me to work, he always says the same thing as we go to leave the house.

"We find the moon Mommy?"

"I bet we will."

Then once we're outside he looks around.

"There it is. Look Mommy. The moon. Hi moon."

I just adore these moments. He's so very sweet.

Also on these mornings he walks over to the garden and waits for me to ask "are you ready?"

Then he runs around the corner of the garden and right for me. I pick him up and he says "weeeeeee!"

Then we look at the moon together. 

"Ok Declan time to go."

And as I start to put him in the car he says "Bye moon. See you soon moon."

I'm Hilarious

Bath time was extra fun this evening. Daddy calls Declan for the bath and he comes running. Quick to pull off his socks and disrobe before Daddy lifts him into his bubble bath. He has a Thomas the Tank Engine boat, some sea creatures, squirt toy animals and some plastic cups. It's a good time.

This evening when Declan made me a bath water drink in the green cup I thought it might be funny if I actually put some in my mouth and then sprayed it into the tub.

Laughter ensued.

Declan couldn't control himself, it was full belly laughter and non-stop. He kept handing me full cups of water to get me to do it again and again. It's true. I'd do most anything to make him laugh like that.

Funny for me? Funny was when he accidentally tipped forward and dunked his face in the water.

Thanksgiving Day

He doesn't have any idea about today. To Declan it was a day where both Mommy and Daddy didn't have to work. It was a chance to visit Poppa and Grandma. It was just a good day. 

And is he thankful? 

I think he is. At least he sure is happy.

Pumpkin Patch

Declan has a pumpkin. He's sitting just outside our front door and Declan pats it on the too when he walks past. Yesterday at Walmart he was upset that the pumpkins didn't have faces but today he saw where they come from. He seems to have a better understanding of what a pumpkin is and looks forward to giving his pumpkin a face closer to Halloween. 

We had a very full day. Declan helped makes pancakes for breakfast, we visited  a spooky trail, a pumpkin patch, and Declan picked out a cookie with a "coast" on it (that's a ghost actually). After lunch and a nap we visited a park where Declan played with a 3 yr old boy and went down the slide over and over. So much fresh air. He sure fell asleep fast at bedtime.

Oh but not before he told us he loved us.

No Prince or Princess

Nope.

The castles I build are for Spider-Man and Hulk.

Bedtime Tragedy

When it was time for bed tonight Declan wasn't interested in going. He was tired but he just didn't want to go. Daddy had to carry him upstairs. Then outside his door he sobbed and sobbed. He didn't want to turn off his light, no running jump into bed, he tossed his blanket off and screamed and cried. I told Daddy to leave me along with him. I waited patiently while Declan continued to cry for 20 minutes. I told him everything would be ok, to get some rest so we could play together in the morning. I even asked him if he'd like to have his Lego man with him in bed (the big kind-no choking hazard). He sobbed yes. Then I finally said I was leaving him to sleep and he sobbed while saying he wanted Daddy to come kiss him goodnight.

So I said my goodnight and kissed him and his monkeys. Then sent Daddy in to say goodnight.

After all the ordeal Declan was sound asleep less than five minutes later.

Oh 2 1/2.

Proud Daddy

I stayed downstairs playing with Declan while Daddy ran his bath. Once everything was ready he yelled downstairs: "DEC-LAN, it's bath time!"

To which Declan replied very clearly "ok daddy. I'm coming."

Daddy was smiling war to ear when we made our way upstairs. I asked if he heard Declan and he said he did. That he was standing upstairs, so proud.

For Declan...A Castle

He asked me to build him a castle. So I did. He has these great foam shapes and I built a big castle for him. He wanted one with a door he could open. Then he puts spider-man and the hulk inside. Then he destroys it. He asks me to build him another "castle". I'll do it over and over, anytime he asks. This is happiness.

I had to work this evening so I drove home on my lunch break to drop off dinner for my boys. The had walked to the store in the rain to grab milk. I drove to meet them and I found my little man in his red coat with the good up, his blue eyes smiling at me and he talked and talked while he stood there in his super dog rain boots. This is an image I'll cherish forever.

His Business

So getting out of the bath one night Declan was paying attention to his appendage. Since he's so little I thought I'd rather call it his "business" as I hate the anatomical or "correct" word "his penis". 

Now every single time he gets out of the bath, when I try to wrap him up in a towel he yells "my business" and refuses to let me bundle him up. He seems to think that somehow it's a terrible thing to cover him up so "his business" isn't there for him to look at.

I know it could be worse. I know it's not so bad. I think I'm just dreading what more is to come.

Pirates

I bought Tyler some socks from my work a few months back. They are skull and crossbones. Declan has similar socks but he calls everything skull and crossbones "pirate".

He saw Daddy's socks and said "you have pirate socks Daddy? I have pirate socks."

French?

I get a text while I'm at work:

"Declan just saw a frog on Superwhy and he called it a frog and then used the French word for frog. He's bilingual?"

I'm guessing Kelly's been teaching him French at daycare. It surely wasn't one of us.

One of his toys broke today. Daddy found Declan sitting on the floor with his broken toy and his toys tools. He looks up at Daddy and says "I fixing". He's pretty cute.

Whispers

I got home earlier than originally planned from work this evening. Didn't expect to be home before Declan's bedtime but I got out just after 6pm and arrived just as Declan was finishing his bath. Unknown to me as I got home and put my things down and took off my boots, there were whispers from upstairs. 

Daddy whispers "I think Mommy's home."

Declan whispers "Mommy's home?"

Daddy so quiet "yes Mommy's home."

Declan in a little voice but still so much enthusiasm "pull the plug, get out."

So Declan pulled the plug and Daddy lifted him out of the bathtub. Daddy was drying to wrap a towel around him as I climbed the stairs. Declan saw me and started yelling "Mommy! Mommy!"

A little naked Declan rushed to hug me before I threw aside any other priorities to dry and dress my little guy.

Such a sweet welcome and so nice to have that short but of time with him before bed.

Daddy's Best Friend

I'm working a few closing shifts this week due to training new Managers. This has meant that I am not home for when Declan goes to bed. Yesterday morning I walked into Declan's room in the morning to find him with. Big pillow in his bed. I texted Daddy and commented on Declan sleeping with his new pillow. This was when I learned that Declan must have gotten out of bed and got the pillow himself and brought it in to sleep on. Weird thing is he still doesn't want it when we try to give to him to sleep on. Amusing.

This morning when I walked into his room he started babbling on immediately about everything he'd done with Daddy the night before: The Lego robots, the tiger, the white bear and the elephant, and Batman and Spider-Man. From the excitement in his voice while telling me everything I can tell what fun he'd had with Daddy all to himself.