Five Shares

1. I told Declan that Daddy used to play with toys when he was little too. That he had cars as well. And Declan responded with "yeah...and they were all Black and white."
2. Yesterday Declan brought home a piece of paper. Seems he was taking a Tally. Must have been an important discussion in breakfast as he took a count of how may people did or don't have toast for breakfast.
3. Declan asked me to explain how leaves turn colours and fall off and then disappear. I told him he'd learn eventually in science class. "Science class!?! I need that because I'm going to be a scientist!"
4. Today we learned that Declan played with the new boy in his class. Apparently they talked about how they were going to be friends. No...he does not remember what his name it.
5. And finally there are toys everywhere. There are HotWheels tracks all over the house. I commented to Daddy "it's crazy that there's toys all over the house." To which he responded "I'm ok with it." Awwwwwww

9 Days

I like playing with the kid.

Right now he's most interested in cars. He wants to connect the different tacks and sets he has and get out every car he's ever gotten. They race down ramps and up in the air and some drive over his PJs, other toys...me...and this evening even the cat got involved.

This weekend I worked both Saturday and Sunday so my time with Declan was minimal but he had hours of play time with Daddy. I came home today to a giant contraption that had cars in loops up in the air above the stair. It's what boys do. We're 9 days from having a 5 year old. I actually can't wait because every year has been better than the last. Oh and at 5 they still want to play with you so it's cool.

Pants

So the kid announces: "I don't want anymore clothes. Just toys."

Me: "I thought you wanted splash pants?"

The Kid: "Oh ya. I want splash pants but then just toys."

Got him some splash pants today. So he's good.

Dear lord.

Sleepovers

Saturday Declan had his theater class and then after coming home for lunch we headed off to spend the rest of the day with Chelsey. Two hours at an indoor Playland, some dinner, played at Chelseys with all her toys, then bedtime, they slept in until 7:30am before getting up for another few hours of playing and some breakfast. Declan didn't want to ever leave and there were tears. When I asked "What was your favourite part of the weekend?" He replied "Sleeping with Chelsey". They're going to be sad when they get too old for same room sleepovers.

Muffin Man got up out of bed last night with a Mousey Emergency - the gingerbread he holds between his hands had come off. Declan needed me to sew it back on right away. This made me think how I have had numerous staff that can't even sew a button back on a sweater. What will they do when their little Prince or Princess gets up in the night and has a Stuffed Animal Emergency?

For the last two weeks Declan keeps saying that he's going to ask the Genie for his three wishes. He won't tell me what it is he wants to wish for (apparently you're not supposed to). The other day he asked me to bring him to a store so he could buy a lamp so he could get his genie. Last night he heard Daddy and I talking about it being Monday and that I would be back at  work today after being off for nearly a week. Declan joined in "I wish you could always be home." I let him know that would be great. He very excitedly then told me "That's what I wanted to ask the genie for!"

I am now keeping my eyes open for that lamp.

Schools Days

This week had been difficult for goodbyes in the morning. Declan has started crying when I try to leave him at school. Not because he doesn't like school but because he wants me to stay. This morning I told him he has to be strong, no more tears and if he can do that then in about a week and a half I'll visit his school for 30 minutes in the morning. 

And he did it. No tears.

He told Daddy this evening that he didn't cry so now Mommy can come to his school.

Little does the Monkey know that I would be going anyway because it's my scheduled class observation day. 

I can complain really about his wanting me around. I'm lucky. This morning just hanging out he told me unsolicited "I like school but I do miss you when I'm there."

This kid is good. He probably could have asked for the world just then.

He's also his own person. When we got home from school we got Daddy's presents ready for him. Then Declan sat with his snacks watching a cartoon. When Daddy walked in the front door Declan remembered all in his own to say something "Happy Birthday Daddy!" He wasn't reminded or told to say it. That's just from the little man all in his own.  

Donating

While Declan was at school I took the opportunity to clear out clothes that no longer fit him. Dropped some off at a donation bin. I packed up some of the nicest items and some shoes he outgrew so fast and then after picking Declan up from school we visited Kelly. Declan always liked Matteo, a little boy who is now nearly 2 1/2. We donated his old items to "Teo" and gave them a few minutes to visit. Kelly was shocked at how big Declan has gotten. (And I was surprised at how big her kids are now and it's only been since September). Kelly knew we were coming so she had a few Lego Star Wars books for Declan to thank him for passing his old items on to Matteo. He sat on the floor with Matteo sitting beside him so close their crossed legs were touching. Nice to see that the care for Matteo is still there. Declan certainly would have made a good big brother. 

Sunday Funday

One thing from yesterday I almost forgot to note (and I loved it): Declan looks at me yesterday morning after I'd changed into my coral coloured hoodie and he says "I like when you wear that shirt."

It is now my favorite shirt.

This morning we met up with Chelsey and Auntie Daniella at Cirque Du Play. It was 2 1/2 hours of some serious activity. I am envious of the energy of small people. 

After playing for so long we all went out for a bite to eat. When we got home the first words out of Declan's mouth to Daddy were "I had a lunch date."

He warms my heart.

2nd Class

Declan's 2nd theater class was a success. He was happy to go, he was eager to join the group and march off to the class. When the leader checked in part way through she said they were all trying to act mad but he's so happy he'd try and then bust out laughing. I learned that one of the songs they're singing in 'Tomorrow'. I told Declan I know it and he said I could practice at home with him. Love it. 

When he gets home after class he is much more expressive. Big confident movements and he sings a lot. 

We made some crafts today and played with his remote control car. Daddy let him stay up a little late past bedtime while I was in the shower. Very sweet. I think he had a good day. We all did.

School Days

First day back to school after winter break and poor Declan was just exhausted at the end of the day. When it came to bedtime he was actually asleep less than 4 minutes after we said goodnight to him. 

For a short while this evening when he did have some energy he asked to put his special shoes (shoes for theater class) on. He seems to equate having them on with getting to be silly so he wants to do it.

Theater

This morning was Declan's first Theater class. A full 90 minutes long they have a singing portion, a dancing portion and a theatrics portion. About 10 little 4-6 year olds in his class. They started with role call before heading off to their class and Declan didn't seem too nervous at all. He got right involved and even the leader of the program said she doubted he'd have trouble participating. About 20 minutes in she peeked in on the class and came to tell us he was participating and up front and center. 

Yay!!!

So excited for him. Really wanted him to have fun and be interested in going back. Thinking this has to be good for building self esteem and it's a great opportunity to be silly and be creative. The real test I guess will be how eager he is to get ready to go again next Saturday. Here's hoping!

Break Over

Today was my last day off for Christmas break before getting back to the grind. The last "Mommy and Me Day" as Declan calls them. 

It was just the best not having to set an alarm and being awaken each morning by my little Monkey.  Today all he wanted was to go back to Cirq Du Play but I'd made other plans. We first played a couple games here at home in our pjs, then we got dressed and headed out to pick up some things he needed for starting his new Theater class tomorrow and finally we made our way into Hamilton so Declan could play all afternoon with Clayton. They hadn't seen each other in about a year and a half so it was like they were new friends. They're both a little bossy but they figured it out and played well together. Inside for about two hours and then they played on the schoolyard of Clayton's school for a half hour in the freezing cold. Boys. How they can ignore the cold I don't understand. The two of them had the rosiest little round cheeks. They had a blast. When it was time to leave Declan cried and didn't want to leave his friend. Half the drive home he made sure I knew how sad he was but then he fell asleep, just exhausted from play. When we got home he was still pretty beat but he was happy. Had a nice evening with Daddy and a bath before bed. He's excited for class tomorrow and right now he's sound asleep in bed. I'm missing him already. Now and then I might just have to keep him home from school all to myself. 

Adventure Days

With us both at the tail end of the worst cold ever I knew Declan needed to get out but what to do on a freezing cold day....McDonalds Playland! 1) It meant I could get food in him because I told him he could only play if he ate his grilled cheese Happy Meal  - score! 2) It's a free play area so if he didn't have the stamina no big loss.

He had a blast. He was all nervous at first and I wasn't sure he'd do anything but gave him enough time and he eventually climbed the entire structure, making it to the top. He sure was beat when we got home. Bedtime-out cold!

Then today I decided we would try Cirq Du Play. Another Mom at McDonalds told me about it and it's right by our house. Again when we arrived he was excited but didn't want me to leave his side. He was super cautious with everything. I played with him for the first hour but then he had to venture on his own. He made a friend, was running all over, finally went on the big slides by himself and was doing things I don't usually see him do like swinging on the monkey bars. Three hours he spent there and once again he was out soon as we said goodnight.

Day ONE

So today was day one of "Mommy and Me Days" - Declan's words, not mine. We have a whole four days to ourselves this second week of his Christmas break. It's been over a week that we've both been sick so we are not in any position to go crazy but still nice to have the day together. A morning that included games of "Go Fish" and "Guess Who" and plans to see "Sing" at the theaters with Poppa coming along. Nice calm plans for day number one.

Memorable part: I was upstairs getting cleaned up and dressed when Declan yells up to me.

"Does Milk come from a cow?"

"Yes it does! Why do you ask?"

"I didn't know that. It doesn't taste like cow."

Ha ha ha ha ha ha killing me.