Last Day Before the Big 1

Today was Declan's last day before turning 1 year old. My little old man. Got him up this morning and he's finally started sitting up in his crib in the mornings. Not before we go in his room but once he's fully away and knows we're coming to get him he sits up in anticipation.

The morning after the day that he banged his end on the tile floor and he looks great. Barely any swelling (just in his nose) and very little bruising. He was back to daycare today and he was happy to be there. Very sweet, heard today that just last week Kassen (2yr old boy at daycare) has started doing things to get Declan to imitate him. I watched this morning as Kassen slapped his legs then watched for Declan to do the same. Baby/toddler play...just adorable. It's just so cute watching them play on their own without encouragement or the lead by us adults. Proud of my boy.

I was back at work for most the day but did get home in time to give Declan his bedtime bottle with some cuddle time. I'm so excited for his Birthday. We spent an hour tonight putting his present from Grandma and Grandpa May together so he can play right away tomorrow.

I hope he likes cake.

Egg...of the Goose Kind

I know it was a matter of time and I also know it won't be a singular occurrence but I had hoped maybe not his face a mere two days before his 1st Birthday.

I received a call from work this afternoon from Declan's daycare. Kelly was calling to tell me that although Declan was ok, he'd had an accident and would have a goose egg when Tyler arrived to pick him up. It was cold outside today and they were getting ready to go outside so Declan was in his snowsuit and the mitten parts were down so his hands would be warm. Kelly placed Declan down on the ceramic tile floor and she reached for another child's bag when Declan decided he wanted to try and move forward. He leaned forward trying to put his weight on his arms as he's been doing so offer now but this time because of his covered hands they slipped out from under him and Declan landed on the tile floor face first. Poor Kelly, she felt so bad. Little Declan has an indentation in his goose egg that shows where the grout was in the tile. Declan's little nose is also red and was even a tiny bit bloody. My poor little guy.

He seemed to fare well as he was happy with Daddy tonight and he splashed lots in his bath this evening before heading off to bed. I had to work late and got home just after 11pm so I snuck into his room so I could see him. He was sleeping peacefully and it seems like the swelling is down. There will be extra cuddles in the morning since I've not gotten a chance to help make it better with hugs and kisses.

Poor tough guy.

Silent Treatment?

Declan was with his Auntie T. He was dropping his cookies onto the floor. Auntie T told him that was bad.

He wouldn't look at her.

Another Spin

Today was a Daddy - Declan day and the morning after a very late night for Declan.  Since he only got to bed/sleep at 10pm last night D was still soundly sleeping at 8:30am this morning.  Daddy decided he'd go get the little man up since we need him back on his usual routine.  By 10:30am there had already been 3 POOP DIAPERS.  Was it protest to being woken up? Was it the peanut butter? Is he just a crazy poop machine?  Who knows.  Too funny that this keeps happening on days when I'm at work all day and can't be there to help with the dirty diapers...wait...what's this..poop #4.  Too funny. 

Daddy set up Declan's motorcycle today so that he could go for a little ride.  He's only been on it a few times since getting it for Christmas so it was due.  Apparently some little mad just loved it.  He held onto the handles while Daddy pushed him from room to room.  Declan wouldn't put his feet up but he still managed to hold them off the floor.  There was some bouncing along, there was horn honking, there was opened mouth displays of excitement, the muffin man was tearing it up cute little baby style.  So jealous I missed it...but still not disappointed about missing poop city.

The boys hit the real streets later today and visited the grocery store.  My mini man is quite a hit with the ladies.  He was tilted head smiling and of course he remembered one of his signature moves....hands together in front with arms outstretched, a little wiggle and a big toothy smile.  Works every time.  What. A. Flirt.  We're so proud.

Most days with Daddy there comes a time where things slow down a little bit and they read some books for about 30 minutes.  The Muffin Man's favourite book is still his Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme book.  As they read along and turn the pages Declan anticipates which is next and can identify them by their picture.  Now when you get to 'Paddy Cake', Declan starts clapping his hands together as soon as he sees the picture on the page.  He really is more fun every day.

When I got in from work tonight Declan was nearing the end of his dinner.  Daddy let me jump in so I could have some Declan time.  I got to hear all about their adventures while my little guy finished up his pasta o's and scarfed down some cinnamon apple sauce.  Once he was cleaned up it was time for his pjs and his bedtime bottle but lucky for me we squeezed in another spin around the apartment so I could see my happy guy on his motorcycle.  He's so happy.  In fact...couldn't keep his hands on the handles because he needed to pump his arms in delight.  And the mouth...wide open, just like his smiley eyes.

Big Plans

His morning Declan got to hang out with his Auntie T which meant a trip to watch his cousin Madison play Volleyball. The muffin man seems to have had a fabulous time. Auntie T says that he would clap whenever everyone cheered. While the game was going on music was playing so Declan was boogying. Shakin' it to the left then shakin' it to the right. He was babbling away and being rather distracting overall. Auntie T says the players kept missing when they were supposed to rotate in because they were distracted by Declan and his cuteness.

When I got home from work Daddy and Declan were packed and ready to head out to visit with Kerri, Andy, Lawson (8) and Clayton (15 months). Except for the moment when Clayton unexpectedly hit the cymbals and made Declan cry, it appeared that the boys were very happy to visit. Lawson and Clayton were both very interested in Declan and sweetly interacting with him. After dinner the boys both had diaper changes that then led to pantsless playtime. Both babies were clothes in shirts, socks and diapers. So styling! And Declan enjoyed playing with Clayton's Xylophone. The boys played very well together.

Speaking of dinner. Declan tried something that was a strict no for babies under 1 year: peanut butter. Kerri gave Declan a peanut butter and banana wrap. He really enjoyed playing with the peanut butter with his fingers. It took a long, well supervised amount of time for Declan to eat dinner but he really liked it and ate it all up. He's becoming such a big boy.

All My Time

Had the day off today and I must admit that I could spend all my time just watching Declan.

In the morning I gave him an old fashioned Tim Bit. It was so intriguing to watch him pick small pieces off the Tim Bit to eat. He's still so little but watching him do things like this as a completely independent being makes him seem so big.

Late morning he was sitting in front if me but with his back to me. He was manipulating the dials and pieces on the toy. Again, independent of me he played along with the parts. Entertaining himself. Of course he still peeks back to see if I'm still there and watching.

Then came bath time...one of my favourite times. First we set up the stations. Diaper off station which will double as the dry baby and diaper on station. We also have the baby lotion, hair brushing, Q-tips, Jammie station. And we can't forget the actual bath station with his toys, facecloth, towel and turtle rinser. When the bath water was ready I took Declan's diaper off and he had a poop crumb on his butt. I held him high in the air and Daddy ran to get a baby wipe before I placed him into the bath. So happy was our little guy. He was a splash machine. He doesn't mind the water splashing in his in his face so I was soaking wet by the end. Daddy and I are taking him swimming on his birthday next week so it makes me so happy to see how he loves the water. When the bath is done and Declan is clean I scoop him up and wrap him in his big towel and carry him to the re-diaper station. I used the towel to dry the little man and he gets so excited he can't help but kick kick kick and have his focused serious face on. I adore this face, it's still my favourite. Once he was dried and diapered its over to the lotion station. Declan helps by taking a small amount of lotion on his fingers and wiping his thigh. I q-tip his ears and then use his brush to "style" his hair. After I give the brush to Declan and he proceeds to try to brush his own hair. Never works but he's the cutest. Again I could watch him doing this for hours. Then he was into clean fire truck Jammies just in time for a small bottle, snuggle and off to bed. Simple day but I loved every minute.

Hair

January 31

Declan sat looking at Daddy. then he leaned forward with his index finger uo and stuck it up Daddys nose...Declan!

They went on a trip to the grocery store and Daddy says Declan was super cool. He had his lean on and he was playing wit the lid of the peanut butter jar.

And finally Declan was sitting middle of the bed while Daddy was rinsing a bottle in the sink and looking right at him. In just a second Declan had scooted to the side of the bed and was peering over the side. Daddy's leapt for him and managed to grab him before he went right over. That's it...it's the floor for Declan...no more bed alone.