Christmas Break

To start it all off Declan had a fun last day of school. They marched off along a paper train track to get their tickets punched by Mr. Hamilton and then they were on their way to watch the Polar Express. They had different "train" activity stations all set up afterward with snacks and activities and a mini dance party at the end. Oh and of course this all went down in pjs so good times.

Declan and Daddy had the day together and once i got home from work the three of us headed off to Chelseys for Christmas Eve. Poor little monkey had been a little under the weather and it started to catch up with him. He did have some fun playing Charades/Pictionary with everyone for prizes he was pretty tired and could have crashed on my lap any moment. We stayed only about two hours before heading home (both boys fell asleep in the car on the drive home). Declan was so tired when we got home that he asked us to put out Santa's cookies and the reindeer food without him.

Christmas
6:20am the Muffin Man came into our room very excited and said "I think Santa came!" Daddy went down first to turn on the lights and then came upstairs tiger us both. Declan was thrilled when he came downstairs. Cookies eaten, stocking stuffed and Colour Change Hot Wheels under the tree. He loved it. He wanted all the gifts to be for him but other than needing to show a little patience here and there it was all good. Lots of toys.
Christmas dinner he's the only little kid at the party. He was also a little under the weather. It had really started on Christmas Eve and was catching up with him. He had a fun time with Reed playing Super Mario Brothers but then he tripped, bumped his knee and started crying. The crying led to gagging. It was time to head home.

And with that it's thursday Dec 29th and Declan and I have both barely eaten, barely moved and just can't wait for this illness to pass.

He still kills me though.
We go grab some groceries today and when i pull into the driveway I ask him "Do you want me to let you in the house before Instart bringing in the groceries?" He replies "No I can take one bag. Give me the toilet paper."
He's a classic.

Last Week

What a week! Lots of excitement for the Muffin Man leading up to Christmas break. Wednesday morning was the school Snowflake Bazar. All the kids pick out presents for their family. I was volunteering and had the pleasure of seeing Declan, with the help of his reading buddy Dylan, searching for gifts. He was pretty happy to see me at his school helping out. After school I picked him up and took him off for a quick visit with Santa. He was brave and excitedly talked to Santa about what he wanted for Christmas and showed him that he was wearing a Lego Batman and Robin shirt. Santa said "I'm Batman" and made Declan laugh.

Wait.

What if Santa IS Batman!?!

On Thursday it was PJ Day once again. All the kids were given a ticket for The Polar Express and then they went to the Gym in their PJs with their stuffed animals (yes Monkey got to go to school again) to watch the movie. Afterward Declan got a bell to place on our tree. He was just exhausted after school with all the activity. 

Today is the last day before winter break. Everyone is wearing their Holiday sweaters and school gets out early. Really looking forward to the extra time I'll get with him during the days off school.

Giving

This morning we brought the teachers gifts into Declan's school. Presents for Mrs. Ritu, Mrs. Wigood and Mrs. S. 

Upon seeing all three gifts ready Declan said  "The the gifts are because they're the best teachers!" I  just love that this is his view on them. 

Declan excitedly carried Mrs. Ritu her gift and stood at her feet with both hands outstretched and presented it to her. He told me this evening that he remembered which gift was for which teacher and he gave them to his teachers first thing. They sat on the carpet and opened the gifts with Declan. He was so pleased to tell me about it. I'm pretty pleased that he got joy from giving.

Today was also a special day in that Declan received a letter in the mail from Santa. He showed it to me just before bedtime so it was followed up with our second reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. I think perhaps tomorrow night Declan and I will watch Frosty the Snowman.

Forever

Saturday evening we visited with The Shortts-aka Chelsey's family. Declan and Chelsey had a great evening running around, playing in rooms they were not supposed to and just being the best of friends. When it was finally bedtime they of course requested they have a proper sleepover and both sleep in Chelsey's room. Under the threat of separating them if they got out of bed even once we granted their wishes. Sneaky little muffins, they stayed awake for another hour just playing super quietly and staying in bed. When they finally crashed we checked in on the little cuties and found they were sleeping side by side. Just the cutest friends.

This morning Daddy was helping Declan get changed out of his pjs and into clean clothes for the day. Declan was super happy and was doing little dances while getting dressed. When he took his underwear down to his feet he then kicked the underwear up into the air and it landed - no exaggeration - right on Daddy's face. It hung there for a moment. Declan asked "Are you laughing even a little?" Daddy pulled the underwear from his face and busted a gut laughing. Declan joined in. Boys will be boys.

It's different with Mommies.

This evening after reading Declan "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", saying our goodnights and hugs and kisses, Declan asks if I can let Daddy walk out of his room first. Then he asks that I pull the door but not all the way because it's dark. As we leave Declan then says "Mommy" (first just to draw my attention and then) "I will love you forever." Guess he had a good weekend.

Super Student

Before heading off to school Monday morning I noticed Declan's size 5 pants looked a little shorter than I'd remembered. Decided to check his height and no surprise the kid is now 3 feet 10 inches tall. He's a giant!

Monday was also Declan's 2nd time being Super Student. He chose "Boo" - his toy ghost from Mario bros as his "What's in the bag" item for the Super Student game. He practiced in the morning how he would describe it for the class "It is white", "It starts with "Go", "it ends with "St" and "rhymes with most". He said the kids guest it and one "even knew it was from Super Mario!"

As a part of the jobs as Super Student you pick someone to walk with you to the Principals Office with the attendance. Declan told us he picked Broden again to walk with him. We asked if anyone's ever picked him and he said no. He told us he always puts up his hand but that nobody ever picks him. Daddy's heart broke. I have to say though that I'm really proud of him for being the kid who keeps putting up his hand to volunteer even after numerous times that he hasn't been chosen. Resilience and persistence. Nice job Declan!

Wednesday night we have decorating our tree on the agenda. You better believe I'm picking him as my helper.

Eventful Day

This morning we three trekked off to a tree farm just West of Milton. On the drive we were treated to Declan's reminiscing of all the action in Home Alone. The kid REALLY liked that movie. At the farm and all bundled up we hiked it through a couple fields until we found ourselves a nice looking Canadian Fir tree. The tree is home and standing and we're looking forward to decorating it with the Muffin Man throughout the week.

We couldn't decorate the tree today because Declan was attending his first Birthday party. It was Chelsey's 5th Birthday and the party was at Zacada Circus School. They had to start with warm ups and Declan was right into it. Once they started with the Circus activities Declan was at the Silks station. The leader helped him wrap him arms in the silks and flip forward and back. Next he clumped up into a silk "cocoon" and spun around in the air. He was smiling but so very cautious. The 2nd station was a long line of trampolines. He bounced slog forward and backward with enthusiasm. This part he really had fun with. The 3rd station was never going to happen. A trapeze about 5 feet off the ground. Nope. Declan was having none of it. He "fake" cried to ensure the leader wouldn't force him. Eventually he held onto the bar with his feet a mere 4 inches off the ground. That was his big accomplishment. Then he rode a mini bicycle about 10 feet because there was time. The final station was a spinning ring. Declan tried the "cry" again but this leader was very good. She got him to 'kind of' do the tricks. He held the ring and then his feet off the ground with her assistance. He spun around maybe a half circle. Finally at the same station they played with Devil Sticks which he loved. When it was all done Declan ran out to me with a big smile and said it was "so cool" and "awesome". Hearing that was fantastic. Declan tried some new things even if he wouldn't try it all I am very proud.

Home Alone

Work day for me and I got home 40 minutes after Declan had gone to bed. While I was taking off my coat and boots and chatting with Daddy the little man crept down the stairs and walked up behind me. Suddenly Daddy says "Declan?" I turn around and he's there all happy I'm home. Declan just kept saying "I got out of bed because I heard Mommy." Not going to lie, this was a sweet welcome home. I carried the Muffin Man back upstairs and then sat with him for a few minutes so he could tell me about his day. He excitedly told me about watching Home Alone with Daddy. He said "all the people got on a plane and the boy was home alone. Then the bad guys came but there were traps. Traps all over the house. There was ice, there was a fire extinguisher. The guy got fire on his head. There was no hair just a big red spot. When the man touched the hot door handle he got an M on his hand, when he put it in the snow to cool it had an M!"

Of course an almost 5 year old gets a kick out of a kid besting some bad guys.

Texts from Santa

So our Declan has been getting texts from Santa since last Saturday. On Wednesday (the day he kicked Matthew) he didn't get a text. Thursday morning when I dropped Declan off at school I witness him apologize to Matthew. Then Thursday evening Declan told Daddy and I how he apologized to Matthew. Not long after Declan got another text from Santa that said "The elves are running a good deeds contest until Sunday. Right now Milton is in the lead. Must be all the good deeds you're doing. Keep it up!" Declan looks at me and says excitedly: "Santa must know I apologized to Matthew!!"

Just fantastic! Christmas is so magical through the eyes of a 4 year old.

Kick

As we headed out this morning Declan shared "I remember this time when I was at the beach and Poppa was there. He showed me this funny thing in the water. He put his hands like this (he cups his hands together) and filled it with water and then he splashed it all over his face like washing it. He was funny!" 

Very sweet that he holds these memories. That was the bee sting day too but he still has good takeaways from the day.

The Monkey painted some nice stick people yesterday at school. Probably his favourite school activity is painting.

This evening Declan shared with Daddy that he'd kicked Matthew at school. He was brought to the principals office (although he tells us luckily the principal and vice principal were not there). We hadn't been contacted by the school and only learned because he told us (Daddy first and then me) about what happened. He shared that Matthew cried but that he didn't. Really hoping that tomorrow we learn about how he apologized to Matthew. Daddy talked to Declan about how this behavior is like a bully and not how we treat others.

In Ottawa

What a wonderful weekend Declan just had. Started when both Mommy and Daddy picked up Declan from school on Friday (and what a dirty mess he was, covered in blue ink on his hands and mud on his pants). We hit he road, on our way to Ottawa. In Coburg we stopped at McDonalds and a very hungry Muffin Man devoured Happy Meal. We got back on the road and 15 minutes later he was sound asleep. We made good time and arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house at 9:30. The front stoop was all lit up with a big tree which Declan loved. Inside there were big hugs for his Grandparents. It was already well past his bedtime but he'd slept in the car so he stayed up until nearly 11pm visiting and playing with Hot Wheels. 

Saturday was the Santa Shuffle 5km walk which Grandma, Aunt Marissa, Alex, Mommy and Daddy all participated in. Even though Declan rode in a wagon the entire route he still got a medal for crossing the finish line. On the ride home Declan was talking with Grandma about Christmas presents and how you wait until Christmas to open them. Declan said there was one present you open on Christmas Eve and that was pajamas. Grandma asked Declan who gave him the pajamas on Christmas Eve to which he replied "Fashion Santa". Hilarious but not accurate it's Grandma who gives pajamas to the entire family each Christmas Eve.

For the afternoon Declan took a little nap with Grandma before Alex and Holden both came over. Declan had been so excited all week waiting to have his cousins to play with and it didn't disappoint. Up late again he had a great day.

On the drive home Declan got in a nice nap and some Nintendo time. He occasionally tried to negotiate opening Christmas presents once we got home but no way we are giving in to that requests. Little man just needs to learn to wait.

This morning we finally woke up to snow and Declan is telling me it's Christmas Eve. It's hard to wait when your 4 1/2.

School Monkey

Today was the school wide pajama day. Declan got to bring Monkey and everything. Although a little small Declan was thrilled to be wearing his hooded onesie. When we got to school he saw Mathew right away. Mathew had on his red hooded onesie. He went and dug out his stuffy to show Declan how they both had the same kind of pjs and both brought their stuffed animals. He told me this evening that he had a fun day.

I also learned how when Daddy picked Declan up today they'd made it all the way from his class down the hall near the door when Daddy asked where Monkey was. Declan looked in his backpack and he wasn't there! He had to run all the way back to his class and found Monkey laying on the carpet in the room. Crisis averted!!

Little update on Declan's reading: he's doing well with recognizing high frequency small words like "the", "my", "is", "me", and some other simple words like "cat", "like", "car" and "like".

Oh and one more thing I couldn't forget: Declan was very proud that today, for the first time, he was the Cubby Star!

Library Day

Tuesday's are Library days for Declan. He must remember to bring back the book he borrowed the previous week so that he can select a new book. Today he brought home a Hot Wheels book.

D: "Did you see my new library book?"

Me: "I did."

D: "Carter had that book first but I wanted it. I cried and then I got it."

Me: "Sorry, what happened?"

D: "Carter picked that book and I wanted it. I cried and then we had a fast talk and then he gave me the Hot Wheels book."

Me: "What book did Carter get?"

D: "He got the book I picked first."

Me: "Was Carter happy with the book he got?"

D: "He got the book I had first."

Me: "But was he happy with it?"

D: "Ya."

Me: "So you successfully negotiated?"

D: "What does negotiated mean?"

Me to Daddy: "Did you hear how he got his Library book?"

Daddy: "Cried."

Me and Daddy: wide eyed star at each other. 

And he literally just put his letter to Santa in the mail box this morning.

Here is a direct quote: "I will be good."

Kid Stuff

I worked all weekend which meant it was a Daddy/Declan weekend. On Saturday they had a movie date and saw Moana. Declan must have loved it. When I got in from work Declan was just finishing up his nap. He woke up and stared telling me all about the movie. Talked about his favourite characters and then showed me how the crazy chicken slid around in the boat by laying down and acting out the side to side slide. That evening we squeezed in the Waterdown Santa Claus parade. Declan's favourite part was Santa of course.

On our walk to school this morning Declan said that he missed his friends. I replied by saying "I guess it's good you're going to school today then." Declan said "No I mean my other friends. Like the other Alex. My cousins." ❤️ Was happy to be able to tell him he'd see some in Ottawa soon.

PJ Day

Today was a PD Day but the Muffin Man still goes to school as a part of the YMCA program. Next week the entire school is having pajama day but for today the YMCA leaders said it would also be pj day. I got Declan dressed in clean, new pjs for the day. He was excited but also a little apprehensive as to whether others would also be in pjs. I assured him that they would. Declan was only the second kid to arrive, Mathew was already there. I observed as Declan immediately asked Mathew is he was wearing his pjs. Mathew said he wasn't. I was worried all day. I've never witnessed Declan demonstrate concern over being a part of something. All day I was nervous for him, that nobody else was in pjs and I wished I'd sent other clothes along in his bag in case he wanted to change.

I got home from work today to learn that lots of the YMCA kids were in their pjs. Even more Declan made friends with Mathew today. He said he's like for Mathew and Veedaant to come home with him for good and be his brothers. Declan added that he'd be silly with Veedaant. Guess we've got a real social kid on our hands. He's doing ok.

The Bucket

I got to pick Declan up from school today. When I walked in there were lots of kids all interacting in different groups. Declan was playing a marble game with two other boys on the floor. He jumped up when he saw that I was there. One of the boys was Alex (who is in a different Kindergarten class but Alex is also JK and in the YMCA program with Declan. Well Alex's Dad arrived at the same time so the boys got dressed at the same time and walked out of the school together. In the car Declan told me that Alex was like Veedaant and would be a best friend forever. Maybe they'll be in the same class next year.

So I took Declan for a hair cut and when we were walking to the car he asked why it smelled like French Fries. I said probably because there were a lot of restaurants around. He said "I want French Fries for dinner. I want McDonalds French Fries for dinner." Of course I'm a sucker so he got a grilled cheese Happy Meal. He devoured it.

Best part of our travels this evening: Declan telling me how everyone had an invisible bucket on their head. That when you say or do something nice for someone you put a drip in their bucket. There are bucket fillers and bucket tippers. You don't want to be a bucket tipper. I asked him if I was a bucket filler and he told me I was. He then told me that he put a drip in my bucket because he loves me. I told him he filled my bucket right up. He really is my Sunshine.

Pokémon Kid

Declan came home today with some handmade Pokémon cards. He says he and a couple other classmates were making them. Such a little boy. Pretty cute that I can recognize a Poké ball and 'pikachu' in his drawings.

Being Monday he also had music class (which he loves). He sang me the welcome and goodbye song that they all sing ("We're glad you came today, we're glad you came today, hello hello to everyone, we're glad you came today!") and told me about playing with the drums (yay!!!). He also drew a picture of a quarter note, a beamed note and a rest. He draws them backward but very good otherwise. I was so proud that he remembered the names "quarter note" and "rest".

He also drew some other pictures on his whiteboard for me. One was a stick person with a big round belly and he draws a mini stick figure (baby) in the circle. He's fascinated with the idea of babies in their Mommy's bellies. I think it's cool he can draw it.

More Random

Thursday evening Declan asked "I wonder if Teo is bigger?" Teo being Matteo, the 2 year old from Kelly's. I told Declan I would text Kelly on Friday and ask. Kelly replied and told me that Teo is double the size he used to be and that he talks about Declan all the time. Very sweet. Teo was much like a little brother to Declan and he misses him.

Declan also told me about how Daniel sometimes has a hard time getting his Mr. Zippy into his backpack. I asked Declan if he helped him. Declan told me he doesn't help unless he's asked. Then he said "And he asked me so I helped him." (I'm guessing that the 'don't help unless asked' is leftover from the start of school when Declan was telling Daniel how to do things and it wasn't well received. Glad they've both moved on and seem to be building a friendship.

Declan and I were looking at his new Lego Superhero book. It had the names of different characters written under each ones picture. Declan pointed to the pictures and told me their names. He was stumped on one. I asked if he wanted my help and he said no. I just watched as he pointed at the name and said "C. C." (Pointed to the first letter) "G." (Pointed at the last) "C....G....Cyborg!!" I couldn't believe it! No...he didn't read the name but he did problem solve using clues he's got from learning about letters and the sounds they make. Happy to report he can actually recognize a nice number of words thanks to his reader homework.

And lastly everyone at Declan's school wore Blue as a part of anti-bullying education. He came home Friday and told us how they had an assembly and learned about "bystanders" and how you "don't want to be a bystander when someone is being bullied because then you are as bad as the bully." 

I really hope he understands the message and not just the words.

Declan Moments

It's been a busy couple days but here are some Declan moments:

He told me that "One time at Kelly's I had a bad dream that there was a big digger at a house and it was digging at the garage and then it kept going and went through the house and then it went up the stairs and it went in a bedroom that had a kid in it." Poor kid. That sounds like a dramatic dream.

Declan getting undressed in the morning, his pj shirt was unbutton and he told me "I look like a scientist when my pajama shirt is open." He then proceeded to tell me he would be a scientist one day.

Looking at the French Catholic School Declan asks Daddy what the names of the French people there would be. Daddy let him know there would be all different names there to which Declan replied: "I think their names Matilda."

I asked if all his friend were at school today. Declan said yes. I asked who they were and he told me: Vedaant, Harith, Daniel and Brod. I asked about Jessica and he said she wasn't his friend (This changes depending on the day). I said oh, just hanging with the 'bros' and Declan said "yup."

The School Day

Drives Daddy nuts.

Every day he picks Declan up from school and asks about his day. He pretty much gets nothing.

Me: Did you have music class today?

Declan: Yes.

Me: Where all your friends at school today? 

Declan: Yes, Vedaant, Daniel, Jessica, but not Issac.

Me: Was Issac away today?

Declan: Yes but he's not my friend. Not Abygale any more. 

Me: How do you decide who is your friend and who isn't?

Declan: They just are. And today we went to the park where the red swing is.

Me: The big new park with the wood chips? Your whole class was there?

Declan: All the classes!

Me: Wow all the classes? That's so many of you.

Declan: ya!

Daddy asked Declan if he had music or gym today. Declan said "I don't remember."

Sundown

Declan kept asking (begging) to go to the park today. Really wasn't feeling it but just can't say no to letting him play (he's 4 1/2, it's just mean to say no). About 4:40pm we finally head out. Thanks to the recent time change it is already getting dark. We had enough time for slides, the bouncy bugs, the swings, the teeder/todder and then again on some slides. Was great to see that Declan is more confident on the play structure and even climbed a short ladder. He asked me to count down before he would go down the curly slide which of course I did. One last time down the red curly slide and Declan yells "weeeee" then at the bottom he stands up, walks over to me and standing extremely close says. "It's getting spooky. There might be a ghost here." And it was time to go. The sun had set and it was getting darker. Almost 5:30pm and a perfect time to head home. Thank you active 4 1/2 year old imagination.

Stop With The Stickers

Me when I got home today: "So what happened?"

Declan: "I was walking and the wind got me. It pushed me really hard at the back and then I tripped and I fell into the climbing bars."

Me: "The wind blew you into the play structure?"

Declan: "Ya."

And yet another day of Declan coming home with a 'Watch for concussion symptoms' sticker on him.

In His Life

It is difficult to comprehend how this little person, this kid who used to be so dependent and who couldn't even crawl is now out in the world. Our days go by, me at work and Declan at school and they don't concert. His whole day independent of mine. Then this evening we talk about his day. 

He tried some new yogurt tubes I bought him in his lunch. I asked if he had any trouble opening it. He told me Mrs. Wigood helped him open it. Then he told me he spilt a little and Mrs. S helped him clean it up. 

I also hear about Mrs. Ritu (YMCA) and Ms. Sima (YMCA), Ms. Maryam (Student teacher), Mrs. Aryoso and Ms. Lavender. He even refers to the Principal (Mr. Hamilton) and Vice Principal (Mr. Chaisson) by name. Declan even talks with the Head Custodian, Mrs. H.

So many different people that are a part of his day, his world. It is still hard to comprehend it.

Drawings

Monday evening after Declan is already in  bed Daddy looks at pictures Declan had drawn at school and brought home. There were two different drawings of a stick figure and the figure had a frown. Usually all of Declan's faces are smiling.

Declan was in bed so we couldn't ask him about it.

Tuesday morning I bring Declan his breakfast and I'm carrying one of the pictures. He asked me why I had it. I told him I saw he'd brought the drawing home and I wondered why he looked sad. Declan told me the stick guy was sad "Because he doesn't have his Mommy."

I then asked who the stick guy was and he said "it's me."

I said but why would you not have me? And Declan said "it was just a dream." Then he turned the paper over and said "look there's raindrops." So I guess we're moving on then?

Now to this morning where I inquire about a new picture with two stick figures. One had a square head and a weird mouth. The other has a sort of smile. I asked about the picture and Declan told me the one with the square head was worried. "Worried?" I asked. Declan said yes "he's worried the other guy is gonna puke."

Funny.

School Germs are the Worst

Poor Declan has had a terrible cough now for over a week. Add to that on Sunday and then again today he's got a rash on his middle. Doesn't appear to bother him but I hate that he has it. Poor guy. No way he was staying home from school today though. Finally it was his day - he was the Super Student. Declan had to wear a special badge, he took the attendance to the office, he was the line leader among other "special" things. He also brought in his "Y" items for the letter board: Yarn, Yak, Yellow and Yawn. 

Now if he could just get better. 

Just the Best

Poor kid still has a nasty cough. He wasn't feverish so he went to school but felt lousy by end of day. While Daddy was getting him dinner Declan "puked". Just a rough go. I got home just as Daddy was reading him his bedtime story. Declan asked me to lay down beside him while Daddy read. Cute little guy wraps his hand around my wrist. When I kissed him goodnight I told him I'd be checking in on him during the night. He said "remember to wake me up so I can tell you more about my day." Which I did not because sickie needs his sleep.

The Cold

So a cold has officially taken hold on the Muffin Man. First signs he wasn't 100% came through the weekend. Yesterday and today he's got a nasty cough again and barely eats. Poor kid. He's a trooper though and still wants to go to school. On our walk there this morning we were collecting leaves. Close to school and with a good handful of Maple leaves Declan leaned into me and put his arm around my leg. 

He says: "I love leaf hunting with you."

That is the proof. What really matters is the quality of time. Enjoy the mundane simple moments like just walking to school. There's a lot of joy to be had in everything.

Halloween

Today is supposed to be just fun.

Declan went to school with his Batman mask/cape and dressed all in black as the kids were allowed to dress up. A fun day with a costume parade and treats and me getting another call from school. Declan tripped in class and hit his forehead on a shelf. Needed ice and had to wear a "I hurt my head, watch me for signs of a concussion" sticker. 

It's crazy how many bumps and bruises this kid has since tarting school.

He says he's ok and we still got him out, dressed as Darth Vader for trick or treating. Gramma and Poppa came along. Declan was so happy he was singing "I love Halloween, I love Halloween" while walking from house to house. 

I always loved Halloween and I just want the same for the little man. Glad he had a fun night.

And ate M&Ms soon as he got to sit down, out of costume and check his loot.

A Good Weekend

Saturday: Daddy/Declan Day

They got lots of errands complete and because he was such a good boy Daddy bought him a new little toy. He loves it and he's been very thankful. 

When I got home from work yesterday I noticed Declan has a poppy on his jacket. He told me he gave the money to the man to thank the soldiers who fought  for us in the wars. Then he said that "Daddy's grandpa was in the war and he was in a tank and he, Daddy? Did he hold a gun or was there a gun on the tank? Oh there were guns on the tank." Very nice that he paid attention to Daddy when he shared that story earlier in the day. He really does hear you and remembers so well.

Today Declan and I went to Walmart to get treats for Halloween. We checked out all the decorations that were left, then Declan looked at toys (we discussed in advance that there would be no new things today). After Walmart we visited the family friendly Haunted House at the Milton Mall. Turns out it was a little scarier than I was expecting. Even though I carried Declan through it he still got startled and jumped. I walked to keep myself between Declan and anybody that would jump out. Then we turn a corner and there is a women laying on a table and a man about to cut her open. I said "ok, turns out he's a little too young for all this." The man in costume says to Declan "I won't scare you." They were good and it was over quickly. When Declan told Daddy about it at home he said "There was a man dressed as a zombie and he told me he wouldn't scare me." 

Daddy: "oh ya?"

Declan: "yup and he had a chainsaw."

I think perhaps a Mommy fail?

We Made Plans

Yesterday evening Declan wanted to paint another Halloween picture. We ran out of time so I told him he could paint when I got home from work Friday. Then this morning I said "remember when I get home tonight you can paint." Declan's said "no we're going shopping so you can get me new winter boots." With that, we had a plan. 

When I got home from work the front door was open and Declan was standing there waiting for me. We were able to find some boots but only after a dance in the store, running to the front to test out the boots and me making Declan put them on and take them off himself cuz I'm not going to be helping him every day.

SUCCESS!

When we got home it was time to paint. So good when I can keep promises to the kid.

At school today he said he went down the slide on his belly (still feet first) and helped scoop out the seeds and gross yellow, orange sticky stuff from pumpkins. They're letting the seeds dry so they can count them. I'm excited for Declan's Halloween party at school Monday.

Open House

Yesterday Declan had his first field trip. The class visited Springridge Farm. He had a great time. No issues with the bus ride (except that he had to sit with two girls and he wanted to sit with Veedaant so he wasn't happy about that). At the farm he learned about how pumpkins grown and he brought home a little pumpkin pie pumpkin. Spoiler alert...it won't become a pie. There was a puppet show which starred Chickens. Declan told us there was a cowboy chicken in the middle and he said "Cock-a-doodle-doo!!" and "wakes everybody in the world up." Also the chicken puppet asked "why did the chicken cross the road?" I asked Declan "why?" and he said he doesn't remember the answer. He also said they got drunk box treats and he ate his lunch outside. Another memorable part of the day was seeing the animals. Declan's favourite was seeing the bunnies. They were all sleeping and one of them was not snuggled up in its bed but Declan said he was still sleeping and cozy.

Tonight was the Kindergarten Open House. Our chance to visit the class, meet Declan's teachers and have Declan show us around his class. When Inspoke to his teacher I asked if he was giving her any trouble. She said "well, no, not trouble" and that he's "sweet, not hitting other children or anything" but that "he makes poor decisions." The example she shared was from lunch recess today. When the bell rang for the kids to lineup to come inside Declan was off still playing on the teeder/todder. And "for a while" when he was supposed to be lined up. So he's deciding to do things he shouldn't be doing. What they do is then have him sit alone at a table without participating in the class activity for a few minutes. He doesn't like that so she's hoping this will help. Apparently he also winds up the other kids. 

Great.

On a positive we started reading Declan's 'reader' book and he follows well, recognized the repetition, could repeat what I said and point out the words. Great start. Have to do this every night. 

Oh Monday

When Daddy went to pick Declan up at school today he didn't notice him right away. Mrs Ritu told him "He's hard to see because he's in a Police uniform." Yup. Daddy didn't notice him right away because he was having fun dressed as a Policeman.

Daddy asked Declan how his day was. Declan said he had a hard time with his Apple cup today because he looked all over his lunch Box and there was no spoon. Yes I forgot. He still ate it but he said it was hard because he had to use his tongue.

And it's official. Declan now refers to Shelby as a friend at school. I've been told that Shelby and Ava laugh when he says silly things. This appears to have won him over.

When Declan and I were talking about his day he mentioned Canada's Wonderland. He wants to go back and sit in the last car of the "belly tickle ride". It's the car painted like a police car. I told Declan I'd take him back when it opens again next spring.

And lastly we got both a picture of Declan's class from last Friday's "Green shirt - Dwarfism Awareness Day" and his very first "School Picture."

Cousin Fun

Forgot to mention on Friday but at school this past Friday was Dwarfism Awareness day at Declan's school. Everyone wore green and the students were introduced to one of their schoolmates, Sana, who has Dwarfism. The custodian as Declan's school, Mrs. H even showed Declan Sana's special bathroom that the school built just for her. 

Now onto the weekend...

Saturday morning we hit to road for Canada's Wonderland. Was so excited for the little guy to see a big amusement park with proper rides and just run around with his cousin.

They started off with a train ride with Daddy before a mini yellow roller coaster with their Moms.

After that they went on The Red Baron plane ride which Declan seemed to love.

Things were going well and Declan was happy to hop on another kid ride but then we made the mistake of trying the Ghoster Coaster, a real roller coaster. He did not like it. He said it was scary and hurt his back. He added "it was not fun". This added to poor Holden crying throughout the ride and the boys were no longer interested in any rides. Everything looked scary. I feel so bad for the little man as he was having such a good time and was eager before the roller coaster. He does tell me he will be ready for it once he's ten. After a little while he agreed to one last ride, the carrousel but not without the bride of a game of ring toss. Then with the promise of a stop at Mastermind on the ride home for the boys we left Canada's Wonderland. Declan was instantly asleep on Daddy's arm as we left the parking lot. Lots of fresh air and running around got the best of him.

Saturday evening the boys continued to play well and were up late together. It was such fun that after meeting up for breakfast all together before they headed back to Ottawa Declan couldn't stop crying after saying goodbye. Once again, it's good, it means he really loved being with them but hurts the heart seeing his big genuine tears rolling down his cheeks. Poor little monkey.

Cousin Time

Declan was thrilled that his Cousin (along now with Grandma and his Aunt) were coming for a visit. Soon as Holden got here Declan wanted to show him his bedroom. The two boys got to playing right away. Declan showed Holden how he bounced on his bed, they drew on the white board, they dug out toys and ran around. Grandma brought them a Hot Wheels track to play with which entertained them for quite a while. They also played with light sabers and had some side by side video game time. It was well past bedtimes when Holden (was heading out with his Mom and Grandma to their hotel). He wanted Holden to sleep next to him. All attempts to console him by talking about how they have the entire day together tomorrow were futile. Declan just loves having Holden here.

Finally got the exhausted Muffin Man off to bed. He's sleeping soundly and hopefully building up some energy for running around tomorrow.

How 4 1/2 Year Olds Make Friends

Declan: I'm friends with Ava now too.

Me: Oh that's great.

Declan: She said "Can I be your friend?" and I said "ok."

That simple.

Oh The List of Injuries...

So cute. Declan yells at me, so excited "Mommy! Mommy! There's two Alex's. My friend (he means family) and one at school!"

Another call home from the school today. This one to tell me Declan fell and his his jaw bone on a bucket while playing outside. He cried a little but they put ice on it and he was back to playing outside.

Yes. A bucket.

He has a scrap and nothing more. Apparently they were playing "bucket ball" where they have to get the bucket in the goal. He also told me that Natasha (from a different Kindergarten class) was cheating.

And that's the 4 1/2 year old school day recap.

Weekend with his Girl

Happy kid.

We went to visit Chelsey. Headed over to the farm to pick some apples and run around in the pumpkins. 

Next, back to Chelsey's were they played with toys, kicked balls in the back yard, painted pumpkins, ate dinner, played some more, snuggled under a blanket and watched TV before heading up to bed. They kept getting up and chatting but finally the two fell sound asleep.

Then 5:30am they were wide awake. Stickers, books, giggles, videos, video games, more giggles and then they got up and went downstairs to play some more.

After waffles for breakfast they went to the park for about and hour and then it was time to head home.

An exhausted Declan whispered to me "I didn't want to leave Chelsey ever."

He napped hard when we got home but when he woke I got to cuddle my boy while the three of us watched the latest Ghostbusters movie. Declan's favourite parts were the balloon ghosts and the portal where the ghosts got sucked into.

Great weekend.

Smart Monkey

Declan draws a "T" on his white board. 

Me: Tuh Tuh Tee. What starts with T?

Declan: Tuh Tuh Tiger!

He got it!!

Then he knew Bird started with "B" and Lamb starts with "L".

It kept going. He's doing so good. I asked if he was learning this at school and he said he just knows it. We ran through a bunch of letters and he did fantastic. Very proud of my Muffin Man.

Decisions, Decisions

Daddy and Declan alone at home. Declan is laying by himself on the ottoman and Daddy is sitting in the chair.

Daddy: Do you want to come over and sit with me?

Declan: *silence*

Daddy: Do you want to come sit with me?

Declan: I'm thinking.

Time passes.

Declan raises his thumb.

Declan: Ok. You got a thumbs up.

And they sat together.

Jessica

Walked Declan to school this morning, the usual but maybe 15 minutes later than normal. This meant that Jessica was there already. When we arrived she started making a paper fan for Declan. He went to his cubby, hung up his backpack and then walked over to see her. She handed him the fan. Declan was so excited and he walked toward me to try it on me. Jessica was not impressed. She made eyes at me and stepped right up beside Declan so he'd turn to pay her attention. After that Declan just says "bye Mommy!" and starts playing with her.

It's on!! He's 4 1/2. Kids still mine. Look out Jessica.

Long Weekend

It was Thanksgiving weekend and I worked most of it. Meant little time with The Muffin Man. He had a great weekend with Daddy though.

#2

Big, big event today. For the first time ever Declan went #2 at school.

It's also the first time without a potty seat on the toilet.

And the first time without any assistance from Mommy or Daddy.

Big win for Declan Good!!

The Eviction

I love school age Declan.

Asking him what he's learned in school and he rarely says anything. Then out of the blue he's saying the days of the week. Well that was new. So, he's learning stuff!

His school art/activities are fantastic. When we got to school this morning I got to see one of their activities hanging on the classroom wall. It was about naming their favourite thing about themselves. Declan said his favourite part of himself was his eyes "because they're not blurry and he can see."

Then he brought home his Thanksgiving activity. 

While I was thrilled to see that he's thankful for me and Daddy it was surprising that in his picture he drew a "gun" in addition to drawing those things he was thankful for.

Yes he told me it was a gun. Quite casually actually.

This week we got his Halloween costume. Declan has been saying he wanted to be Darth Vader for Halloween since pretty much last Halloween. Well the costume fits and it's fantastic. He also got the red light saber. In costume he walked into the bathroom because it was dark and he could see it light up. Then he turned to me and with arm outstretched and fingers tense he pretended to use the force on me. Of course I played along because it's the best playing like you're four!

And lastly, this was a big week; Declan's toys have been moved out of the TV room and into his room. He's a big boy now and he needs his own space (and we want our own). I moved it all while he was at school so he came home to it as a surprise. Luckily it went great and Declan also loves having his things upstairs in his own room. 

Our TV room just got a lot bigger.

Fresh Pants

When I walked in the door tonight the first thing I saw was a plastic bag. In this bag was the clothes Declan was wearing when I sent him off to school this morning. My heart sank, the one thing Declan was nervous of was having an accident at school. I looked for him right away, not eating his dinner or playing with toys, I could hear the boys upstairs. Declan was in the bathroom and Daddy was outside. I whispered to Daddy "Did he have an accident?"

"No. Jessica spilled a bucket of water on him and he had to put on dry clothes."

Whew! Heart is ok.

Declan then told me about how she knocked over the water table and got them all wet. He got changed himself in the bathroom.

And it was finally Terry Fox day. The K1 class all ran around the track. 

Hang Out All Day

It's decided.

Really think the best way to spend a day off is just hanging out with the kid. Just doing four year old stuff. We both find him amusing and he's real sweet. Sitting cuddled up in the chair with me he says "I just want to go over and give Daddy a hug and kiss."

Yup that happened. It actually happens a lot. He's just very sweet.

This afternoon we had a short visit at Molly and MacGregor's (saying goodbye as they head off to New Brunswick). Watched from a distance as Chelsey and Declan took their shoes off, climbed up into the trampoline, bounced around, laughing, then climbed out, got their shoes back on and ran around. They sure are their very own little persons.

Somebody Missed Me

Declan was pretty much glued to me all day today. Right from when he got up this morning he's wanted me to play with him, watch what he's doing, tickle him and cuddle.

Not at all complaining. 

We managed to get in a needed haircut today a well.

Stop Growing Up

Declan tells me this evening that he wishes he was in SK instead of JK. Harith and Vedaant are both in SK so he also wants to be SK. I teminded him that Jessica was in JK but he didn't care. Kid needs to slow down and stop growing up so fast.

This morning before getting ready for school he randomly shouts out that Jessica can count to 25. "That's good." I say and then Declan proceeds to count to 30. Was he trying to show off? I don't know but that was weird. Oh and cool, cool he can count to 30. He told Daddy and I that he's going to count to 100 for us tomorrow.

We. Can't. Wait.

Pretty excited about writing his name on the chalk board today. He told me about it and then practiced a little on the white board in his room. Then I check my email and see that his teacher sent out a pic of Declan after practicing his name. My heart is bursting.

Schoolwork

Daddy reported that when he picked Declan up from school today he got to see the kids all yelling goodbye to Declan. Really gives you some peace knowing he's making friends. He came home wearing a Spiderman sticker that Olivia put on his shirt. 

When I dropped him off at school in the morning he pointed out names of his friends: Jessica, Harith and Vedaant.

Every day Declan comes home with different drawings or artwork he's completed. Lots of scribbles, stick men (one of which he said was Iron Man - it had blue on his chest), snakes (and he draws a line for the body, a round circle for the head and another line for the tongue) and paintings of big splotches of his new colors of choice: Orange, Brown and yellow.

During a Buddy Interview (they are paired with an older grade child) we learned that Declan's favourite movie is Star Wars, his favourite book is Spiderman and his favourite restaurant to eat at is the Legoland restaurant. xoxoxoxo 

Kid Perspective

Really love getting a recap on Declan's day at school. 

Even better was when he asked about Terry Fox...

Declan: How many more days until Terry Fox Day?

Me: Two. Tomorrow is Wednesday and then the next day, Thursday is Terry Fox Day. Are you looking forward to it?

Declan: Yup. He had a Robo Leg

Little Sick Muffin

I finally got home from my days away. Got the best hug from Declan when I walked in the door. Great peace of mind that Declan had a great time with Daddy the past four days. Even with a run to the walk-in clinic due to Declan's terrible cough he still had a great, albeit calm time with Daddy. Sitting down watching movies when you're sick really is perfect. 

The Week I'm Missing

Thanks to a work trip and a road trip in the same week I've missed most of Declan's adventures. What I do know is he's loving school still. Every day Daddy picks him up he's hanging out with different kids. On Thursday morning when I walked him to school he could see that Jessica was walking into school a ways ahead of him. He yells out "JESSICA!!" and waves to her. Inside her Dad is helping her with her shoes and bag while asking Declan if he's wearing another cool shirt today. Which he was. He had his Canada shirt on. Declan sure is his own little man. On a FaceTime call this evening he told me that he played with his friends Jessica and Riff. So now there's another friend we know by name.

While I've been away Declan has been a good boy for Daddy (and Maddy in the morning for the walks to school). They boys have a movie date tomorrow and apparently some video game updates for Declan's phone. Glad they're having good times.

Bright Sky

It's true. I don't mind the early morning wake up on a Sunday morning when it's by my 4 1/2 year old and he's running into our room to tell me what's he's seen:

"I looked out my window and I saw the moon and it was big and its glowing!!"

"That's right Monkey, that's why people think the moon is magical."

As he's running away, back to his room: "it's glowing!"

6am Monday morning update: Declan just told me he had a long, scary dream last night. He said he was in the game called destroy balls. There was a giant Robot that was trying to destroy the world. Declan was trying to destroy the man that was inside the robot. He jumped inside and tried to get the man but the man got him and knocked him down. Then I got him because I got up.

Friday

Declan asked me to sit with him so he could tell me about his day.

"Daniel was gone so 'yay!'"

"He wasn't there today?"

"I think he ate too much, or maybe he threw up."

Two things Declan has learned at school:

1) "Daddy my hand is up so I can talk."

2) "Hands on top (places hands on his head) you stop."

2nd Call From School

This time it was because the Muffin Man is sick. In addition to his cold he was running a fever and when I got to the school he was sound asleep on the floor. Kids everywhere playing and he was sound asleep on his side on the carpet. I had to carry him to the car and when we got home he just laid on the chair with a big pillow and watched the Muppets. 

As if that wasn't bad enough I spoke to the Principal when I got to the school and he told me Declan had been having a rough week. Turns out Daniel has been being a bully the entire week. He's been in the office and they've been having "talks" with him to try and curb his behavior. Declan told me later that Daniel was chasing him this morning and kept trying to grab him. This is when I learned that Daniel is also in the Before/After program which means Declan is around this kid all day long. Thankfully Declan doesn't seem too bothered about any of it just yet and still wants to go to school. Really too bad this all starts so early.

Classic

Daddy: How was Daniel today?

Declan: He said sorry to me. I told him not to scratch me ever again.

........

Me: I see you picked out a library book to bring home. That's cool.

Declan: The teacher had to ding the name, then ding the book with the COMPUTER!!!!

(Not sure why he yelled computer but he seemed pretty excited about the process)

First Call Home from School

Finally Declan learned the name of his little friend at school: Jessica. Need to keep my eye out for her. Hope she's cool.

Going through the first Schoolastic book order forms last night and Declan told me about the Kissing Hand story book. He said the teacher read it to them in class. I can't believe we get so much detail when he's recapping the day. He also said they went to the music room. They were not allowed to touch the instruments because their fragile but the lady was singing and she said "Tah tah tee tee tah." Whoa the memories of school that came back to me when he shared that. I guess music class hasn't changed much.

I did get our first call home from the school Monday. Only the fourth day in. Seems the little boy in the cubby beside Declan was sitting in Declan's spot instead of his own. Declan was telling him where he was supposed to be sitting and the other child didn't like that and scratched Declan's back. A good four finger, between the shoulder blades, left a mark, scratch. He cried but he didn't retaliate and he got over it pretty fast. Teachers have to report everything (especially when it leaves a mark) so we got the call. Meant Declan's cubby was moved but even that doesn't seem to bother him. I did ask the teacher "was Declan being bossy?" to which she said no. Interested to see if he has any more to say about it after today.

He HAS to be an Old Soul

The Fruit by the Foot commercial comes on and it's the one where some kid is chewing on one end of the candy and as the camera pulls out you see that an alien, all dressed up in clothing and a wig is chewing on the other end.

Declan laughs.

Looks at me and says "That's funny cuz an alien wouldn't be eating candy."

He's killing me.

The three of us were walking over to the park this afternoon when Declan tells us about how the other day at school he was outside sitting under a tree reading a book with a little girl. 

And this evening we learned that he likes Wilco and The Ramones.