Mommy's little helper

So I know I told you he loves the washing machine and dryer right? Well he also loooooves the dishwasher! I was unloading it the other day so of course he had to run on over and help! Such a good little boy ;) Such a daddy's little boy ;) Clearly the clean gene did not come from me!

Wake hoody

My youngest brother (my BABY bro!), Graham, is a senior in HS and is deep in the throws of choosing a college. Wake Forest is one of his tops and he went there a few weeks ago and came back with some goodies for Declan! Obviously I am a Wake fanatic so I put this little hoody on the boy and tried for a photo sesh. Here are some outtakes - he's beginning to revolt against the constant picture taking. This phase better pass quickly because while he might be a stubborn 10 month old, I will kick his butt in that dept - this camera ain't going anywhere buddy!!!!!!

He'll eat anywhere, we're not picky around here.

Such a polite fella with the feet crossed. Gotta teach him early!

YEAAA....get it buddy!

 Love watching him play and amuse himself. too cute!

Daddy's cereal box = goooooood toy

THE TOOTH!

He looks a little out of it here but was finally able to snag a pic of the tooth!!!!!!! Yes, singular. He is 10 months with one tooth and none looking like they're going to pop anytime soon. Slow poke!

Chubby buddy!

Oh little buddy is just so chunky! It is too funny. I mean at least I hope its funny and not a serious issue...........................the kid loves his food, what can I say. Comes by it honestly.

Last time we were at the doc (about 3 weeks ago for his flu shot) he weighed in at a solid 22 lbs 1oz! YEA BOY!

 Would ya take a look at those legs!! SHOOOOWEE!!!!

Loving the little snowfall we had this am...

 Fantastic view of the quadriceps and cankles! THAT'S MY BOY :)

"DECKIE!!!"

It's pretty cute - we are one of the last ones to drop off at daycare in the morning so all the kids are there and the minute we walk in the door the other kids yell "DECKIE!!!!" - I have no idea if that's how you spell it but you get the jist.

So in any case, Declan just love his little buddies at daycare and they love him and the combo of that is SO fun for me to see. Its just so stinkin' cute to see how happy he gets when the other kiddos crowd around his carseat. He starts waving his arms and legs, practically begging me to get him out ASAP so he can play. While there are certainly (most) days I wish I could stay home with the little buddy, I think him being around another caregiver and definitely other kids has just done wonders for him. He is as happy as a clam and seeing how excited he gets/the other kids get when he goes just confirms that for us, this is the right decision.

And ps, now I'm starting to call him "Deckie" :) Tammy (daycare provider) calls him "Lil Decs" which I also love. The nicknames have begun.

"My back hurts"

Now, usually, this is Paul's phrase and for the most part it comes after a big clean and he'll turn to me with a nice little smirk and says "man....my back is killing me" after which I always fall for it and ask why and he proceeds to say, "well umm hello, I'm carrying this family!" Oh Lord the number of times I've heard that......................

Ok but seriously, my back hurts. Declan's new favorite thing is holding on to both of my hands and walking. and walking. aaaand walking. he gets to one end of the room, turns, and goes to the other side.....and so on and so on. he is relentless. and he won't just hold on to one. has to be both.........no ifs ands or buts he's a little punk about it honestly. and my back HURTS! Dec, either grow a little or just let go of my hands and walk already :) That is all.

Love you buddy :)

Hudson Gardens!

Friday night we went down to Littleton with Bill, Emma and Lucas to see some beautiful Christmas lights! Hudson Gardens puts on a pretty sweet spectacle so we thought we would head down and check it out. This was before.........really the only time Declan was warm enough to smile - we had just gotten there, bundled up and started the trek thru the lights. Literally 2 minutes into our journey it started HOWLING, spitting either rain or hail I couldn't tell, but it was freezing, unbelievably windy and wet. Must say, little buddy was an absolute trooper and didn't cry once - just babbled and blew bubbles at Lucas :) We had a great night with the Hempens - regardless of the wind and rain. 

 night night!