And Freeze

I like to sneak into Declan's room each night before I go to bed to see him. I anticipate him being curled up asleep especially when it's been silent over the monitor.

This evening I walked in and noticed him stirring. Declan sat right up so I froze. Hoping his sleepy eyes wouldn't be able to fix on me I didn't move a muscle. He blinked his eyes a couple times and said something. I have zero idea what he said and I stood completely still.

He then laid back down, curled up on his side and pulled his monkey up over his face.

Whew.

Pool Time

With temperatures in the mid-high 30's we needed to be near water. Took Declan to Bronte Park to meet up with Daniella, Chelsey, Abi and her friend Isabella. Three solid hours at the pool. Even with his wing/floatie system Declan didn't care to swim but he played in the water with toys non-stop. Kid can work a pool water gun with ease, look out Chelsey, Abi, Iasabella, Mommy (of course) and Daniella's butt. Even strangers were targets. He just loved it. Chelsey and Declan played great together and laughed lots. When the day was done we had a long walk back to the car, Declan was singing. This is something he started doing a few weeks back. I know when he's happy because he sings or hums. That of course makes me happy. Declan was exhausted. I thought for certain he'd pass out in the car on the way home but he didn't sleep a wink. In fact no nap at all today. Getting him to bed tonight was a breeze. That too could be because we let him sleep in our room, it's cooler on these hot days. Another fun summer day!! Really need to take this kid to the beach next though, he's dying for a sandcastle.

Little Cuties

Pulled up in front of Kelly's this morning and got Declan out of the back seat. Just then Lexy and her Dad pulled up.

"Declan look who's here!"

He looks over and hears "Decky!!" just as she hops out of the car. 

Declan runs toward her and Lexy opens her arms wide for a hug.

Hug happens.

They then hold hands while they cross the street. Once in front of Kelly's they continue to hold hands while they run toward Kelly's front porch. Declan is giggling and Lexy is skipping. 

They are just the sweetest.

Lexy starts school in September as she turns 4 in August. Declan isn't 4 until February and has another year to wait. He tells me he wants to go to school now with Lexy.

We're headed for a major heartbreak at the end of the summer.

And what's worse...so many more to come, he's just 3.

Did You Just Call Me....?

So. High. Maintenance.

Declan tells Kelly he doesn't want to take a nap because his hair will fall down.

"His hair will fall down!"

Are you kidding me?

Not my kid.

This evening he drops his Minecraft figures on the floor. A couple go under the TV table. Declan gets down on all fours and gets them out but says "and Tic Tock Croc!" 

"Tic Tock Croc is under there too?"

"Yeah!!"

"What's he doing under there?"

"Don't know Cookie."

"Did you just call me Cookie?"

"Yeah." Followed by giggles.

Not my kid.

Bedtime Hello

Didn't work until noon which gave me enough time to make pancakes for the family for breakfast. Declan was my little helper. He dumped in the mix, the water and he even stirred. Of course as I started to cook the pancakes he asked if I'd make him Star pancakes again. Thinking I wouldn't have enough pancakes to do this I said "how about maybe one or two stars today?" 

"I'd don't want one or two. I want lots."

He said this for what felt like a hundred times.

Finally Daddy had to get him out of the kitchen and get him sitting and waiting patiently for his breakfast. 

Which was many stars for the record.

Gawd.

I got out of work a little early so Declan hadn't been in bed much more than an hour. He was still awake in bed so Daddy told me to go ahead in and see him.

When I walked in Declan was expecting Daddy so his eyes were covered (he's at the precious age where they think if they cover their eyes you can't see them). As he opened his eyes and saw me he was so happy.

"I missed you Declan."

"I missed you so much too."

Then again a few moments later "I missed you so much too."

About 6 times following Declan would look right at me and pull lose to say "I love you Mommy." 

He even leaned in, turned his cheek toward me and asked for a kiss.

He then talked about how he learned from Daddy that Declan was once in Mommys belly. He asked to look in my mouth and says "Your mouth is too small. I can't fit in there." 

He's precious.

Get in Every Moment

Had to work today but I still got a solid 3 1/3 hours with my Declan this morning. My favourite time was 9am to 10am, out back, playing in the little pool, drinking a tea and watching Declan make such good fun with some water toys. Relaxing, beautiful weather, slow pace and my little Muffin Man telling me "I love great fun outside with you Mommy!"

Now this is the oddest picture:

Full Day

First up. Head to Gramma and Poppa's for the morning. Declan was super excited to be going to their house. He gets into the toys right away and also does a pit stop at the fish tank to say "Hi" and help feed.

On the drive home Declan asked me to show him the house I lived when I was little. He remembered that one time we drove a different way so I could see the old house. Such a good memory on the little one. Unfortunately we were well past that area when he asked so next time!

While Declan slept I filled his little pool, promised him something fun for after nap time.

Entertainment

Daddy gets Declan's dinner all ready this evening. 

He's set up with his favourite as per request: banana, peanut butter and cheese.

Daddy walks away.

Daddy then walks back past Declan.

He notices that Declan is surveying his dinner and then he speaks:

"Hmmm something's missing....

(Pause for effect)

No juice."

"Did you want juice Declan?"

"Yes Daddy."

Blah

Poor Declan.

Poor Daddy.

Good timing on me. Took me about a half hour to get out of work today so I got home just as Daddy was finished cleaning up.

Low grade fever. Otherwise he's good. He still wanted to play afterward. Seems no worse for wear.

Daddy really got the worst of it all.

I just got extra hugs when I got home.

"Backpack!"

A nothing special morning. I started work at 1pm so Declan and I had the first half of the day together. We slept in a little, then I slept some more while he watched videos on my phone. We got out of bed and headed downstairs and then it was toys and playing and breakfast. Followed by more toys, angry birds and my little helper in the kitchen putting cut strawberries in the bowl for me. One of my favourite moments was observing Declan singing "Backpack. Backpack....Backpack. Backpack" while watching the original Dora the Explorer. We had lots of giggles and overall for a nothing special morning it sure was a lot of fun.

Oddest Comments

It's Monday.

That means Declan and I stop at the bank on the way to Kelly's. We get the daycare money and Declan carries it to Kelly and gives it to her. She then gets him to put the money on the counter for her. He thinks he's being a good helper and he is.

Now this morning when we stopped at the bank machine there were a lot of geese hanging about. I got excited "look Declan! See all the geese?"

"Are you going to drive over them with the car? Are you going to squish them?"

He didn't even seemed concerned. It was just a couple of casual questions from the three year old.

"No Declan. I'm not going to drive over them. Geeeze kid."

His Family

When Declan got home from Kelly's on Friday his "friends" where here. I got home from work two hours later to a little boy who was all smiles, playing with his cousin Alex and babbling on about his new Duplo Bunny Truck. Doesn't take long for him to be spoiled. Stayed up a little later so he could get in as much time as possible.

Saturday morning Declan was in our bed at 5:40am but was so good and simply watched videos on my phone until 7am when we let him run in to wake up Alex and Grandma. "WAKE UP ALEX!" Was repeated and peppered with giggles.

About an hour and a half later we let Declan know that Grandma was taking him to Legoland. He was so excited and he ran over and started digging through his DVDs for his Bizarro Batman Lego DVD. Turns out he had a coupon in the movie case for a free admission. I know I've said it before but the memory on this kid is astounding.

The boys had a great time at Legoland. Declan couldn't stop smiling and running about. For a toddler who's every day includes some form of Lego ...this...was...heaven.

This morning sadly the weekend visit came to an end. Declan was sad because his "family" had to leave. We've assured him that he will see them soon.

His Friends Are Here

So before getting Declan to daycare this morning I got a text from Kelly. She asked that I text her when we get there and to wait outside so she can talk to Declan in front of me and before he goes inside.

When we arrive she comes outside and asks him to sit on the stoop while she talks to him in from of Mommy. She asks him about what happened the day before and why he got a time out. Turns out he pushed another kid and then told all the children firmly that they were not to touch the train table. He listened to her explain how he's usually such a good boy but that it's important that he listen and be good with the other children when Kelly is busy as parents arrive. He seemed to understand.

After Daddy picked Declan up from Daycare I got another text from Kelly saying that Declan had been "brilliant" today.

Whew!

When I got in from work today Declan yelled that his "friends" were here. So cute. His Grandma, Auntie Marissa and Alex were here. He was excited and a little wound up but he sure had a fun night. Tomorrow....hopefully somewhere exciting.

Spaceman

"Declan. Remember that the bees are still in the garden. Don't get too close on the way to the car. Someone is coming today to take care of the bees."

"The beekeeper is coming?"

"Sure. Yes. Someone is coming for the bees. They will 'keep' them."

"He's like a spaceman."

"A spaceman? Oh, ok, sure a beekeeper looks like a spaceman in his suit."

"Is he going to take the bees to their honey home?"

Seriously!?!? This kid is just the cutest!!!

Music

Was busy cleaning the bathroom when Declan popped his head in the room and said "Mommy. Can I play you a song?"

I stopped everything, "yes!"

I follow the little man into our spare room where he starts to play with the guitar strings. He picks a bit, then looks up at me for approval. Next he sat down so I could place the guitar on his lap. Declan continues to play with the strings while he keeps glancing at me. It wasn't long before he asked for Daddy to join us so he could do a song for both of us. ❤️

Our Declan is becoming quite the helper too. This morning we had to go to Home Depot for a couple things. At the Self checkout Declan opened the bag, scanned all four items and placed them in the bag and finally took my card out from the machine once we were done. Just another reason why 3 is awesome. Now he's my sidekick.

I Love All the Parts

He's three.

He's testing us, he's bossy and demanding. He doesn't listen.

His emotions are diverse and will change in an instant. He has a huge vocabulary for three yet he blabbers on nonsense just because.

He gets mad at me for giving him exactly what he asked for.

I love all of this.

He gets up early in the morning. He delays bedtime as long as he can. He doesn't want to wear the pirate shorts to bed.

He will NOT try using the toilet.

He asks me how my day was when I get in from work.

He says I'm his best girl.

He needs a hug to go with the kiss.

He will sit on my lap for a brief time to watch something with me on TV.

He has the best memory. If you've said it, done it, gone there, seen something, he knows.

Where have you seen fish as pets before? "Gramma and Poppa's house."

I love all of it. 

They'll Be Lifelong Friends

Every time they see each other it's about 30 minutes before they fully warm up to each other. Declan just wants all

Chelsey's toys is just wondering where the Lego is.

Declan did cry a little when it was time for us to go home. He was ok once he knew we'll see them again in two weeks.

He's his own little person...

But he's also huge.

Weighed him today.

He is 40lbs.

Chelsey's House

Toy Box Blowup

Had a great day with Declan. He was in a good mood and we were having fun. I promise him we'd do something fun today so when he got up I announced we'd try a new park this morning. Now in the time between us discussing it and actually being ready to go Declan got out enough toys to cover the entire TV room. This was when I told Declan we could go to the park as soon as he put his toys away. He didn't want to. He told me to put them away myself. I simply stuck to my word, sat down on the couch and told him we could go once he'd cleaned up his toys.

He is stubborn. Declan tried his usual tactic of crying. I didn't budge. That's when he stopped crying just enough to say "you could give me something to make me feel better" and he pointed at monkey. 

He's smart. However...I got him his monkey and waited him out.

We went to the park about 30 minutes later.

Joker

"Knock, knock. Who's there? Declan. Ha ha ha ha ha."

I don't get it but he's just being introduced to the world of Knock, Knock jokes thanks to the SpongeBob movie.

So I tried.

"Knock, knock."

"Knock, knock."

"No. You says who's there."

"Knock, knock."

"Knock, knock."

"Ok. Knock, knock. Who's there. Banana."

"NO. Not banana. Doors not the right place for a banana mess. No."

To be continued:

Being Three

I just love when there's really nothing we need to do and Declan and I can just hang out. This morning was like that. Sure I had to be at work for 1pm but this morning was just tossing around a beach ball, rains, RC car, books, minion movies and even some cuddle time. Fantastic.

Little guy also covered my in stickers.

Really just a relaxing no pressure kid of morning and we had fun. Love him.

Lexy

When I brought Declan to Kelly's this morning I wasn't in a rush because I didn't actually start work until later in the day. I got to observe my little guy with his friend. He was standing at the train table next to Jorja. We could hear "Decky's here" through the door. Then as the door opened in walked Alexis and Declan yelled "My friend is here!" Alexis takes her shoes off and then she is right next to Declan. The two of them dig out a few books, they sit down side by side and proceed to show each other things they see in their respective books. They talk silly and often break into giggles. Jorja just stands nearby and watches the two of them. Life. It's not all perfect. Jorja looked like she wanted to be a part of the fun but she just stood there and watched. Now Kelly assured me that Neehale is Jorja's buddy and once he arrives they are together all day but it was a little sad to see her not included this morning. There will be lots of this throughout the school years and I'm sure it will break my heart every time it's Declan looking in and not the other way around.

End of the daycare day, Daddy picks Declan up from Kelly's. He gets his shoes on and is ready to go when he hears Alexis say "Hug?"

Declan turns around and goes and hugs Alexis goodbye.

He sure is going to miss her in September when she's off to school.

Kelly's House

For a kid with a huge vocabulary already and the ability to tell you off and deman things he has a difficult time telling me about his day at Kelly's.

Did you play with your friends.

No.

Were your friends there?

No.

Ok but Alexis was there. I saw the two of you get excited when you saw each other. What about Jorja?

Jorj at work. She not there.

I saw her backpack, Kelly said she was there. What did you do?

Had a nap. Played with toys after I went for a sleep.

What did you have for lunch?

I didn't have lunch.

Did you eat anything at Kelly's house?

No.

Water? Milk? Juice?

No.

Where do you sleep when you nap?

I don't know.

Were you a good boy?

Ya. Not Nicholas. He's crazy.

Overnight

Declan fell fast asleep. Finally. About 9pm.

Then at 10:30pm I was ready for bed. Daddy is working an overnight so of course I go and collect the sleeping boy and bring him to bed with me. He's still asleep. He didn't even notice me pick him up and move him. 

Cuteness.

Anchors

Daddy-Declan Day! This morning Daddy put on his shirt that has a couple small anchors on it. When Declan saw he asked if he could wear his anchor t-shirt. When I changed him into his pjs for bedtime he was nearly in year because I took his anchor shirt off and he wanted to be like Daddy.

I can't wait until the fall when we sell children's clothing in my store and I can dress these too guys the same!!

The boys hit the park for over an hour this morning. On the way home they made a short stop at Home Depot. After which Declan tripped and scraped his knee. What a tragedy! When I got home from work today it was the first thing I heard about and Declan needed a hug and kiss.

He survived.

Swimmin'

Declan was so excited to be visiting Auntie T's house. He wanted to go in the pool and play with Lego. That's right. He noticed once that Josh had Lego at the bottom of the basement stairs so that's what he thinks of first when I mention going there. 

When we arrived Declan was quickly introduced to the newest fur baby in the family: little Storm the black kitten. While he was afraid of Finn when we arrived and was practically in tears if the dog got close to him Declan was chasing the cat. He patted him and followed him around. Next up we went into the back yard for pool time. Auntie T bought Declan a swim best with built in water wings. It was perfect. He was nervous getting into the pool and hung onto me. He was scared if anybody else got too close in the water but once he realized he could touch the bottom he was pushing me away.

The bottom in the shallow end of course. Declan is such a cautious kid. He's terrified of things at first. Uncle Scott came in the pool and wanted to play with Declan. He kept calling for "Mommy" and looked so scared but Uncle Scott kept trying. Eventually he had Declan "jumping" off the stairs to him in the water and with assistance jumping from the side. We have a long way to go with this one.

After swimming we sat to dry off and have some juice. I brought some of the Lego out for Declan to see. He proceeded to take the figures apart and then put them back together again. 

It's true. Kids probably going to be an engineer. 

Window Shopper

I have heard horror stories of kids in stores having tantrums because they see something they want and they will not accept "no." Declan is a fantastic shopper. The three of us hit up the grocery store this morning. Any trip to the grocery store means a walk through the toy section first. He's really good. He will pick up numerous toys and show them to us but he has no problem putting them all back, if not on his own then with the littlest of encouragement from us. 

He's an old soul for certain.

Today he made me laugh when in the backyard he yells "Here comes the pain!" Before blowing his Spider-Man bubbles.

Canada Day 2015

Excited that today was Canada Day the kid shouted "Happy Birthday Canada!" And followed it up with "I WANT to go to Canada." I tried to explain that we are already in Canada but 3 years olds...they just don't understand.