Tomorrow, Skedaddle!

Declan told Daddy he didn't want to go to Lacrosse today. I sent a message from work for Daddy to tell Declan that if he went and tried hard he could pick what we did Sunday.

They had a serious conversation about it and Declan listened well. Lacrosse was 45 minutes today and Declan didn't cry at all. In fact I heard he ran around for about 30 minutes and took lots of shots on net. He had to be exhausted. When I got in from work today and he told me about it he said he didn't cry and he picked Skedaddle Kids as where he wanted to go.

So that's where we will be tomorrow. He earned it. He also went to sleep pretty easy this evening. It's also his first night without pull-ups. Looking forward to a dry kid in the AM with another reason for this four year old to be proud of himself.

A Friend for Hunter?

Bath time.

Hunter comes in and snuggles on my lap while Declan is playing in the bath.

Declan: "I wish I had a kitty AND a bunny."

Me: "Why a bunny?"

Declan: "Because they're cute."

Me: "They ARE cute."

Declan: "And I think the bunny and Hunter would be friends."

Me: "You're not worried Hunter would hurt the bunny?"

Declan: "No. He would friends because the bunny would be so cute."

It's no wonder we enjoy things less as adults than we did as children. At 4 Kitties and Bunnies are cute friends. Adult me knows Hunter would tear a bunny open in under 60 seconds.

Pig Dream

Sure was great to be home with Declan after missing him for two days while I was in Georgia for work. First he did let me sleep in a little since I'd gotten home so late. Once we were finally up and both dressed with headed to Gramma and Poppa's for a little visit.

Declan was excited to see them, running to greet them when we arrived. He had to eat lunch first but once he was done he combined Poppa to go upstairs with him to play in all the rooms and jump on the beds. Resulted in a lot of laughter. Declan left a toy up there and once he'd gone to retrieve it he decided he didn't want to come back down. Fake dramatic waterworks followed. I said "too bad Declan's crying because the chipmunks would like some peanuts but won't get any because Declan's too busy."

He paused the crying briefly and snuck the rest of the way downstairs. When Grandma saw him she asked "Are you going to give the chipmunks peanuts?" He said yes and then as he passed me he told me "I had to stop crying because YOU said the chipmunks wouldn't get any peanuts if I didn't"

Cracks. Me. Up.

Same visit Gramma asks Declan "Why are you so cute?"

First answer "I don't know."

Gramma says "oh I thought you were going to say because I'm cute."

Declan pauses, turns to look at Gramma and says "you're very cute."

On the drive home Declan told me he liked his toys and then said "I think I have to sleep" and immediately fell asleep. About 30 minutes later he woke up saying "I've never been camping. You needs woods to camp. You need wood for a fire and then you can try to make a fire with two sticks like Daddy Pig."

"Declan. Were you just dreaming about Peppa Pig?"

"Yup."

A Leader

We've had a busy weekend with the Muffin Man. We started the weekend with Lacrosse. Declan can handle 30 minutes. That's his threshold. After 30 minutes he's tired and wants to give up. At 35 minutes there were tears. He's not the only one. There were two kids that did nothing but cry the entire time. I'd say it's not his thing except when he was trying he was really trying. He can run with the ball well and does a good job shooting on net. He can't scoop but he did find the wall and scoop against it. He also smiled for the first 20 minutes a lot. Hopefully once he can scoop the ball he will find it a little easier and have fun.

Later on Saturday we got outside. Bubbles and chalk, it's great to be in the back yard. Later still and he was getting dressed into pjs and I tried to help. He told me he could do it himself because "I'm big and I'm four and I'm a leader." Turns out Kelly says he's a leader because he's the oldest. He seems to like the title. 

Sunday he helped me pick out plants at Home Depot. Later in the afternoon he helped me pull weeds and plants grass seed. He also stated longingly at two older boys down our street playing basketball. He wanted to go to them. So on that note I see that he wants to play sports games. Perhaps he'd just rather be taught by some kids.

Lego Kid

Declan got a new Lego set today from Kelly.

"Rey's Speeder" 

193 pieces

Ages 7-12

I opened the Lego bags and put the stickers on. Declan followed the instructions and for the first time completely built the set himself.

Is this a thing? 4yr olds can follow Lego instructions for 193 piece sets? I had no idea!

What else can this 4yr old do? We had a dance party with Daddy before bedtime. I love his moves. 

Rock the Boat

Daddy was getting Declan into the bath and Declan was chatting on about some conversation the two of them had. I interrupted and asked Declan "What is the best thing about your Daddy?"

Declan: "Loving him" and he followed that up with a big hug for Daddy. They can be so cute sometimes.

Now a couple weeks back I had Declan sit, still wrapped in his after bath towel, on my lap. Then I'd sing "Don't rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby, rock the boat, don't tip the boat over" at which point I'd let him drop off my knees a little and catch him. He loves it. He then would ask to sit in my lap for the "Rock the Boat song". After a couple times Declan started to sing it for me. He'd go so fast and get so wound up. Next Daddy started playing the song through his phone so we could have the proper song while we goofed around. Tonight was one of those nights but this time Declan got off my knees and started dancing, moving his hips side to side and he reached for my hands so we could both dance.

Seriously he's a hilarious dancer but I wouldn't miss any chance to dance with this kid.

Hmm That's New

Comedy.

It's got to be at least 80% timing.

Declan has great timing.

It's not contrived but rather just fortunate and it kills me.

Just seemingly out of nowhere:

Declan: "I wish I was in the news."

So I laughed for about three minutes before asking: "What? Like a weatherman?"

Declan: "No I want to talk. I could have a microphone."

I am really looking forward to school projects and art. He's just so unexpected.

He's MY Entertainment

As we are driving to Kelly's house this morning Declan proceeds to tell me all about the "funny animal show, and people being funny doing silly things". He said he liked "the orange cat that fell in the toilet". Essentially what he was telling me is that last night after Daddy and I had said goodnight to Declan he crept downstairs and watched TV and we hadn't noticed. Declan watched the entire episode of America's Funniest Videos followed by about 10 minutes of The Simpsons ("the show with the pooh guy who has a store"). He said "I wanted to watch the Simpsons but you wouldn't let me". I think he's pretty proud of himself for getting away with being up so long.

This evening at home Declan and Daddy were playing. There was a lot of laughter upstairs, then down the stairs, in the hallways and then as Declan came into the TV room he just started crying. Got him sitting down right away and then he told us he hurt his "baby toe on the wall".  Poor guy just experienced his first stubbed toe. It sucks but at least the pain ceases quickly.  Just now I peaked in on him in bed and he's sound asleep with both arms behind his head. All is good.

4 is so Simple

Saturday morning I was awaken by the Muffin Man standing at my bedside. I always hear him coming but this time he was already at my side when he spoke and woke me up. Startled me. He then hopped in between me and Daddy. Declan told us about the dream he'd had in the night.

"I was in a toy store and there was lots of toys but way at the top everything was so small. Then at the end Gramma and Pippa were there. I've never had a dream like that before."

The four year old mind is awesome.

Later at 10am Declan had his first Lacrosse practice/"game". We quickly got him dressed in his #8 red T-shirt, helmet and gloves then scurried him along to join the coach on the floor. Opened the door in the boards and let him go. He quickly ran over and joined in with the other kids. Rather impressive to his Mommy and Daddy who were both shy children. He paid attention somewhat, he did try what he was told. He couldn't grasp scooping up the ball but he did a decent job of throwing it. After about 30 minutes he complained of being sweaty, and hungry, and tired and his helmet hurt. Thinking it couldn't be much longer I told him to keep at it just a few more minutes but after another five he was over to me in tears. Declan had met his limit. He'd done a great job and there were others having already given in or who were crying. I took off his helmet and let him sit on my knee for another two minutes until the coach called it. Very proud of his efforts and he said he had fun once we were in the car. Aunti T, Mad, Gramma and Poppa had all come out to see him which he was very happy about. Here's hoping next week goes at least as well.

After a solid afternoon nap we headed off to Chelsey's house so the two could play for a few hours. They are so good together. They can trash a room real good but then again at some point before bed they cleaned up the playroom because none of us adults did it and it was spotless when we checked after the two of them were off to bed. Crazy!

Together again for a while this morning and then it was home for us. 

Busy day. We got Declan's new lacrosse stick shortened, got two balls to practice with, played in the backyard for a couple hours and the kid went to be super easy.

He did need to get up briefly to poop. When he did that's when he said we forgot about Pooh and Bunny. He meant we forgot to put them in bed with him.

"Actually buddy we mistakenly left them at Chelsey's. She going to take good care of them until we see her next and can get them back."

"Oh ok."

"They're kind of on vacation."

And Declan busted out laughing.

So we dodged a bullet there. Hope to get them back soon.

Then There Were 20

Not too far back there were little bumps in Declan's gums where he would soon be getting his four year old molars. We were anticipating some sleepless nights and maybe some extra tears or crankiness. Maybe there was a little. Hard to know for sure. One day we knew they were coming and then we simply forgot all about it and now there are 20. Declan now has all the teeth a healthy four year old should have. He's a tough little guy. Tougher than he knows.

Study Hard

In the car. Declan looks out window and sees a plane with the long white trail.

D: Look Mommy a rocket ship!!

M: Oh yes, I see

D: Can you open the window [sunroof] so I can see it? I want to go in a rocket. I want to go to space.

M: Not everybody gets to go to space. You need to make sure you study hard. It's not like going for a drive in a car or on a train or in a plane.

Then he's quiet and just stares out the window.

M: what's the matter?

D: *mumbles*

M: sorry buddy I couldn't hear you.

D: *more mumbling*

M: sorry Declan but it's loud and I can't hear you. Can you say that again?

D: I'm sad because you said I can't go to space.

M: No no, that's not true. I just mean it's not like how I bought this car or would buy a ticket for you to go on a train or in a plane. Only a select few people get to go to space. They are astronauts. You need to study really hard.

Then some silence. I park the car and Declan takes of his seatbelt. I open the car door for him and he looks at me.

D: I'm going to do really good in school mommy.

I sure hope so little man.

Does This Mean He Thinks He's Our Boss?

Heading to bed:

Declan: "How about you guys can be my storm troopers and I'll be Darth Vadar? Now make sure you walk right."

To Infinity and....

Declan was in the bath while Daddy mentioned that Declan had said he has dreams of space.

I suggested "We really should make him a space ship out of a box this summer to play with" to Daddy.

"It can't be a box. It has to be a real rocket to go up high. Not a box. A box won't get me up there."

"I don't want you to go to space."

"How come?"

"Because I'd miss you."

"But you're coming too."

"Oh I am, am I?"

"Yes."

"And is Daddy coming too?"

"DADDY!?! Are you coming to space too!?!"

FYI - I don't want to go to space.

To Reach

Any time Declan and I talk about his getting bigger he reaches for the ceiling and tells me he's not that big because he can't touch the ceiling. This morning he stood on the ottoman and reached. "Look Mommy! I still can't reach. Can you reach on here?"

So I walked over, stepped up on the ottoman and showed him I could just barely reach.

"Do you think you could get me up there?"

"Let's try."

So I had the kid climb up on the ottoman with me and then I picked him up high as I could. He was giggling and nervous to let go of me and reach up but when he finally did he could touch. Declan was thrilled. 

Good thing I still have some balancing skills.

Then this afternoon Declan and I went out to pick up some lacrosse gloves and a helmet for his first day of Lacrosse next Saturday. Gloves we found easy but he had to try on about 6 different helmets before he got one that would fit.

Apparently he got my forehead. Poor kid.

He's excited though and he's ready!!

Poop Toy!

A great week as Declan officially pooped on the potty three times!

As promised it was a trip to Toys-R-us today so he could pick out a new toy. He knew it was up to him to big but that it would need to fit in the budget and couldn't be too expensive. It was great watching him looking at different toys but not selecting them, waiting for that something special. We saw all the Star Wars Lego but he said he didn't want any. As we neared the isle with the Imaginex logo he shouted "Imaginex!" before heading down the isle. The moment he saw the Tony Stark/Iron Man play set he grabbed it from the shelf and said "this is the toy!"

We walked the entire store but he didn't want anything other than the selected toy which was easy. His excitement was so genuine. He kept saying "ok let's go to the cash" and then yelled my favourite "this is my poop toy!!"

Declan then used two leftover gift cards to pick up some Trash Packs. Pretty nice haul for the Muffin Man today. 

3:30am

Awaken by small footsteps shuffling into our room at 3:30am.

A little voice beside the bed asks "Mommy can I go pee, I mean can I come sleep in your bed?"

"Why do you want in here with us?"

"Because it's nice and comfy in there."

So I obliged. Let him crawl in between us. I rolled over to face the side of the bed and he rolled over to face Daddy. His little warm back pressed up against mine. Apparently his leg in the small of Daddy's back.

It's sweet and I know there's only a short while where he'd want to snuggle in between us so on these rare occasions he welcome.

Little stinker then sleeps in, sound asleep while we've already gotten out of bed in the morning.

The Force

After daycare Declan and Daddy went to Walmart and purchased the new Star Wars movie: The Force Awakens. Declan carried it to the cash desk and then all the way to the car. 

The boys watched about 40 minutes of the movie to start.

When I got home today I got a four year old synopsis of those first 40 minutes. He knew the characters names, the vehicles names, he detailed all the action he saw and told me what he hadn't seen yet. 

Such a boy thing.

Big Day Today

This evening Declan announced that he had to poop. He was heading upstairs to grab a pull-up to put on when I asked if he'd like to sit on the little potty instead. At first he said no he was getting a pull-up. Then I asked if he was sure, maybe he'd like to use the little potty. 

That's when he said he did want to try it. He helped me set it up in the bathroom and I explained that he still had to pee in the big toilet as usual and just use the little potty to poop.

It took nearly 30 minutes.

Daddy and I waited patiently outside the bathroom door.

Then it happened.

Declan called to say he'd pooped.

He was pretty pleased with himself and the first thing he wanted to do was call Kelly.

"She's going to be so proud of me."

So I called her on speaker phone. When Kelly answered I'd barely begun to explain why I was calling when Declan interjected with "I pooped on the potty Kelly!"

And how did she respond?

"You did? I'm so very proud of you Declan."

He was so happy.

Daddy also told him how proud he was of Declan for using the potty.

I told Declan how proud I was that he was willing to try something new.

It was a really good day for Declan.

His little friend Natalya at Daycare also brought him a rock.

And I think when you're 4 and a sweet little girl gives you a rock it's a big deal. At least that's what it seemed like when it was the first thing he showed me when I walked in the door after work this evening.

Goosebumps

Well it finally happened. Poppa (and Gramma) came over and watched Goosebumps with Declan. He said it was spooky but he also said he liked it. He had a nice solid nap after and he slept well Saturday night. No mention of bad dreams or any problems at all. Today he talked about it a few times, just mentioned that he watched it and liked it and he talked about the characters. Best part for me was the about 20 minutes of the movie where he was snuggled up on my lap.

Today the weather was lousy (snow came back) so we stayed indoors all day. Played numerous games and got in some Lego time. Declan did a little work with his numbers and letters today. He seems to have about 19 letters down for recognition and sounding out.  We need to get in more practice with the pencil though.

Scary TV

Declan was off to bed at 7pm, his usual bedtime. He got up because he had to poop but was then back to bed by 7:45pm.

Daddy was out with his friend and I left the TV on as I accidentally fell asleep on the couch before 9pm. Some show that came on at 9pm must have been sci-fi or fantasy with people who become monsters or creatures. Declan had crept downstairs and was watching it while I was asleep on the couch. He woke me at 9:40pm to say "Your show is kind of spooky Mommy."

I told him he was to go back upstairs to bed.

Declan ain't budging. He then told me "The man's face changed and he was kind of a monster and the girl, she drank something and her hair went all white. Your shows a little spooky."

So I turned everything off, including all the lights as it was upstairs to bed for the both of us.