Drive Home

And today it was time to head back home to Milton. Declan had a last morning with Grandma and Grandpa then it was time for goodbyes. We were working in three days in a row with no afternoon nap so we knew the ride home would get the best of him.

And it sure did.

Sad to leave but he was also very happy to be home to his toys and his own bed. We had a simple night but ended with a New Years countdown after some serious tickles to end the day. 

Declan fell asleep right away. Time to finally recharge after all the previous day's excitement.

Declan-Holden Play Day

It was an 8:30am to 8pm day with his cousin. 90% was all good!! There certainly were some challenges with sharing but they came to work it out. 

While the sat side by side eating their lunch Holden told Declan he loved him. Declan reached out and rubbed Holden's  arm and said "awe thank you." Holden turned to look at Grandma and said "he touched me."

After a long morning the boys went for Naptime with Grandma. Holden fell asleep holding onto Grandmas hand while Declan kept away the entire time. At Grandmas beckoning he stayed quiet so Holden could sleep but he was just so happy he couldn't sleep himself.

Getting Declan changed before dinner time he pointed to the bed he sleeps on here at Grandmas and said "I'm not going to sleep here tonight. I'm sleeping with Grandma and Holden." Cute. Very wrong but still cute.

Once Holden had left Declan came to me and said he was sad because Holden had left. See. 90% good.

Bad Man's House

Declan crawled into bed with me this morning and shared this with me:

"Last night I had a bad dream. I was sucked out of my bed and I was in a bad man's house. He hurt monkey. He took his head off and I tried to put it back on but it was broken forever."

"Who's the bad man?"

"Lex Luther from batman."

Poor little guy and his bad dreams. 

He had a great day today. It was the 2nd day in a row without an afternoon nap. 

He got to bake with Grandma.

And then he got to see his Aunt Marissa and hang out all afternoon/evening with his cousin Alex.

Now You Know

This is how Darth Vader plays table hockey.

And this is how he goes to bed:

Mini Shopper

He sleeps in AGAIN!!! This time we all benefitted. Declan came to our room at 7:30am and after changing him into a dry bum the three of us hung out together. Spontaneously he looks at me and says "I like hanging out in here with you." Then turns to look over at Daddy and says "I like hanging out in here with you too."

He was Daddy's little helper today while I was at work. At the grocery store together, Declan stuck close to Daddy's side while they went down the isles. He likes being a big help so Daddy handed everything to Declan so he could put it in the cart himself.

Can't wait until he can drive, read a grocery list, he's going to be so very useful.

The Deal

Declan and Daddy had a great day today.

I was out the door for work at 4:30am and both guys were sound asleep.

At 7:20a this morning Daddy woke up, noticed something beside him just as Declan stretched an arm out onto him. So sweet. Some time after 4:30am Declan woke up and snuck into bed with Daddy and they slept in together.

I am currently super jealous!

During dinner this evening Declan and Daddy shook hands as Declan requested they make "a deal".

The agreement was that Daddy would call Declan cute for the rest of the evening. Great deal.

And then after Declan's bath this evening he wore his new Darth Vadar pjs. He kept checking behind him as he walked to his room to see if the cape moved well behind him.

Christmas

Almost Time

Dec 23rd

I made gingerbread men grilled cheese sandwiches with a grilled cheese Christmas Tree for them to decorate.

Declan ate their heads, hands, feet and then bodies. Good times.

Later in the day he tried his first playing one parent off the other.

He asked Daddy if he could colour in his Santa colouring book. Since it was nearly bath time and Declan already had toys he needed to put away he told him not right now.

Declan immediately turned to me and asked if he could colour in his Santa colouring book.

While I quite enjoyed the attempt I had to say no.

The little man and I watched Christmas cartoons all day, we did colour together earlier in the day and in the evening we laid under the Christmas tree together.

Dec 24th 

Today was Christmas Eve. Declan opened the last of his advent calendar Lego, finally getting C3PO Santa.

The evening was all about prepping for Santa. First of all - Declan had been very good all day. Then we got some milk and cookies ready for Santa. We read The Night Before Christmas at bedtime and after explaining that Santa only comes if you're asleep (and Declan singing a little of Santa Claus is Coming to Town) he was out like a light. No chatter, no rustling, just right to sleep. 

He's really trying. 

Fresh Cut and Santa Visit

Home today with Declan. We had a great day!

After hanging out at home early in the morning we left to see if we could get in for a haircut at "The Thankful Haircut Place". Good thing we left by 9:30am because just after we got in the wait was two hours!!!

That's right! He picked the Barbie Jeep to sit in today. It's a jeep!! And the wheels spin and everything! He was really well behaved and looked fantastic so we drove over to the Milton Mall to see if Santa was still there or if he'd already headed back to the North Pole.

We were in luck.

Declan could barely stand still, he was jumping up and down with excitement soon as he learned he would get to visit Santa.

The excitement met with just a little hesitation when he got closer to Santa. I think Monkey helped break the ice.

Then they talked a little about Declan being a good boy and that he'd like Buzz Lightyear for Christmas.

So magical, he told me after that "Santa remembered me. He knew my name."

We were home for the remainder of the day but it was fun. We cuddled on the couch for a little while he played a video game. We laid on our bellies on the floor and coloured in his Santa colouring book.  And he was so very well behaved and fun all day.

Then when we said goodnight to Declan and were leaving his room he continued to yell out to us over and over "Love you guys! Goodnight!!" 

We are so lucky.

Food - The Issue

Things Declan eats at home:

Crackers

Toast with Jam

Bananas

Pancakes

Apple Sauce

Yogurt

Cheese

And sometimes: waffles, grilled cheese, hash browns

Things Declan eats at Daycare:

All of the above PLUS

Ham sandwich

Homemade pizza bagels

Raisin bread

Cheese bread

Kielbasa

Pasta with cream sauce

Pasta with tomatoes sauce

Peas

Carrots

Broccoli

I am going to kill him.

Not literally.

His secret is out however!

He Loves Chelsey's House

Saturday night was a sleep over at Chelsey's. Declan was so excited to be going to her house. Mostly because of her toys but also to see her. They actually play together now, not just near each other but actually interactive play. Watching them giggling together and chasing each other is hilarious. They do a pretty good job of tiring each other out too.

Sunday morning was rough though with tired kid being stubbourn about food as usual and he had a crying fit. We had to leave a little abruptly to show Declan there are consequences to this behavior. He cried for a while in the car too and would periodically sob "Chel-see-eee." Always so very dramatic with this one.

Chill Out

Declan comes up to me (while I'm on the couch) to ask if he can play games in his black phone while he sits in my lap and I watch.

Of course!!!

So we spent 20 minutes cuddled together while he played various games.

I would have sat like that for hours if he hadn't needed to get ready for bedtime.

Stretch

Hmmm. Somebody's pants look a little on the short side. 

Time to measure the Muffin Man and there we have it: 3 feet 7 inches tall.

Our little string bean.

Alive?

As Declan and I were going through the usual bedtime routine I accidentally brushed my hand against his bouncing Tigger stuffy. When you touch his foot he bounces in his spiral tail, moves his head and talks. 

So that happened.

Declan was already in bed, story done and I'm just about to give him kisses and hugs before leaving the room.

"What is Tigger doing?"

"Oh nothing honey. I touched him by accident so he made a noise."

"I don't want him to speak in the dark."

"Don't worry, he's done now."

Tigger: "Let's get to bouncing."

"Ok, he's done now." And with that, thankfully, it stopped and Declan went to sleep.

I don't know if it's the toy story movies or just the little mind of a nearly 4 year old developing his imagination but turns out he's been commenting fairly often about whether or not Tigger or his Pooh Bear come alive.

And frankly if I believed they could come to life....I'd do away with each and every last one.

Lobster?

Got home just as Declan was getting in the bath. I got settled in them went in to help wash his hair and hang out. After he pulled the plug he was just standing in the draining water. I noticed that the lower part of his arms as well as his legs were pink.

"You're all pink Declan."

"What?"

"The water must have been warm you're all pink."

"Whaaaat?! I'm not supposed to be pink! I'm supposed to be white!"

Yes Declan. And very white might I add.

Christmas Lights

Since my little Monkey loves Christmas we took a little trip to Spensor Smith Park this evening and checked out the light display.

He loved it, ran around and up to each of the displays. We got to see huge waves crashing up into the air slog the break walk and walked out on the pier up the lighthouse and out to the furthest point. A nice little evening for the two of us.

Then he decided to have a crying fit about and hour after bedtime, lasted about 20 minutes. Greeeaaatttt.

At The Car Wash

Daddy-Declan day was pretty busy. The boys ran many errands this morning including Toys-R-Us. Declan still is scared of the car wash but it was really needed. Daddy held onto Declan's hand when they went through. He told Declan there was nothing to be scared off. Declan closed his eyes only when the sprayers were on. With Daddy's assurance he did much better this time around.

As much as I hate missing Declan's bedtime because I worked a longer shift I do love coming home, learning he's still awake so I can go in and surprise him and get in a goodnight hug. When I went in he gave me a nice firm hug, put his entire little self into it. Oh and of course it came with an emphatic "MOMMY!"

Love My Buddy Days

Declan was in bed with me when Daddy left for work today. He came over and gave Declan hugs and kisses and then tickled him before he left. Declan tells me "he tickle monstered me!" It was such a cute start to the day. 

When Declan and I were at the grocery store we had to walk the toy isles (always have to). Declan picked up a toy light saber. It wouldn't extend so I showed him how you flick your wrist and it extends. He tried and then got it right away. It was a green one. He grabbed another and handed it to me. He says "you can use the force too."

Then we stood in the isle and had a pretend battle.

He says "ok now I'll be Darth Vader and you'll be Luke Skywalker." He takes the red from me, hands me the green and we battle some more.

In the candy isle later I handed a bag of M&M's to Declan. "Why do we need more?"

"Because Daddy eats yours."

"Why does he eat mine?"

"Because he sees them."

"Why does he see them?"

"Because he has eyes."

Daddy gets home from work.

"We went to the grocery store today. We got more M&Ms cuz you ATE THEM!"

And then I laughed and laughed.

In The Mail

This morning as we got in the car for the drive to Kelly's I showed Declan that I had his Santa Letter in an envelope ready to mail. He was pretty happy although still sad that he forgot to draw Jesse on the letter. I handed him the envelope to hold until we got to the mailbox. He asked what the words on the front were so I explained that it was Santa's address. We pulled over and I ran the letter to the mailbox. Declan was beaming.

We drove away and Declan asked some questions about how the mail works. Each time I turned and looked back at him he smiled so wide.

On the drive home today Declan told Daddy how his Santa letter was in the mailbox. Daddy had to explain that it had already been picked up and was on its way to Santa.

I really love Christmas. How he's ever going to fall asleep Christmas Eve? I have no idea.

Letter to Santa

Declan was very excited to decorate the Christmas Tree and write his letter to Santa.

In his letter he drew a picture of Buzz Lightyear and Woody. He forgot to draw Jesse and I think he feels bad. He keeps mentioning it. I told him Santa will only bring one toy. He asked why and I said because he need to give toys to so many good girls and boys. He said ok. Then I'll give Jesse to a girl and Woody to a boy and I can have Buzz.

Little People

Pulled into the driveway at Molly and MacGregor's. Molly steps out onto the porch.

Declan: There's Molly! She's looking at me. She's waving at me!!!

And apparently the same level of excitement at their end with the kids yelling that they could see Declan and he was waving at them.

So much play.

Declan was in bed at 10:30pm.

Today he got to go to a restaurant with MacGregor while Molly was at a Birthday party. Declan ate two pancakes - which was needed since he'd decided playtime instead of dinner the night before.

After brunch it was tree cutting time.

Gifts

The little man always has Christmas in his thoughts. He is at least thinking about others as well as himself. This morning he told me that he was getting me the "Chewy Game" for Christmas. He asked me when a commercial was on for some kids Star Wars game if I liked it and Insaid "sure it looks fun" and now he wants to get it for me because he wants to play with it. 

He follows this up with telling me he then wants the "Frog game". So essentially he wants the two games and he's using me to get one of them. 

So I ask "and what about Daddy?"

And he says "Daddy need new work clothes."

LOL

How He Gets Me

There was a battle of wills this morning. 

A standoff. 

In the bathroom it was time for Declan to brush his teeth but he's watching videos on my phone. He wants me to brush his teeth so his highness can keep watching videos. We can't be doing these things for him so I tell him no. He won't budge.

So I took the phone back and turned it off.

Immediate waterworks.

So we both lose. He doesn't get the phone back but I have to brush his teeth.

He keeps crying. Demands the phone.

Literally yelling at me "I WANT THE PHONE BACK!"

"And I want you to listen to me. Neither of us is getting what we want today."

Now here's where it gets interesting.

I head downstairs because we have to leave. It's a Kelly day. I'm downstairs waiting with all our stuff ready and he's still standing upstairs bawling.

I go upstairs and take Monkey.

That's right. My leverage. His prized possession.

I'm downstairs now waiting for him as he comes downstairs. He sits down on the step. I ask if he's done crying so that he can have Monkey back.

He nods yes.

Monkey is returned. I get his dressed in his boots, hat and coat then tell him. "I love you very much but I get upset when you don't listen and fight me."

He stares right at me and asks "Will you sing to me in the car?"

And there you have it. That's how he gets me. Such a clever little bug. 

Now tomorrow, we'll try this again and see what we've both learned.

Dancing Machine

It was a Mommy/Declan Day! The morning was pretty uneventful though we did run to the grocery store. While we were there we picked out some things so we could make cupcakes when we got home. He just loves being in the stores now with all the Christmas decorations. On our way out we stopped briefly so Declan could give some change to the Salvation Army. I tried to tell him a little about how not everyone would have the same Christmas he would and that if you can help just a little you should and it feels great. I don't think he understood at all but he liked putting the money in the bucket.

Another stop at the Bulk store on our way home. Just as we walked in there were two people joking about how the sign in the window said "Santa was just here." They saw Declan walk in so they went on about it some more. And kept asking him if he'd noticed or heard Santa had just been in. We smiled and walked past them. Declan looks up at me and says "They love me here!" It's good to be him.

Back at home we set up to bake and decorate cupcakes together. Got his chair set up at the counter and turned on the Christmas music. One of the corniest/cheesiest moments of my life but I loved every second as we stood there singing and dancing along to the music. 

Declan "Whew. I'm going to break from dancing for a little." Kid was really givin'er!!

He also, very proudly presented the cupcake he decorated for Daddy when he got home.