Unhappy Baby

Declan is a pretty easy going kid.  Except when he is sick or teething. Or, apparently, when he is awoken from a nap. Or, when we moved from sink baths to tub baths. He definitely did not transition well to the tub bath.  See for yourself.

Waking From a Nap

Big Boy Bath Time

Christmas Morning

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

Well, looks like Declan got his two front teeth for Christmas (his bottom teeth). One came in the Thursday before Christmas and the other cut through the day after Christmas.  Unfortunately, he has been pretty miserable due to the teeth and a cold.  But, apparently he was on Santa's "Nice" list because he made out like a bandit!

Trouble

Ta-Da! ...and Deep Trouble For Mommy

Exploring

Finger Foods

Long Time, No See...Many Changes!

It has been a bit hectic lately.

Thanksgiving was a fun and busy week.  We hosted Thanksgiving for the first time with Neil's parents and with his brother, new wife and her father.  It turns out we moved to the town that she is originally from, so we get to see them quite a bit when they come to visit us and her family.  We also lucked out that she is an amazing cook and took over the majority of the heavy cooking. It was so busy, that I never put Declan in his cute, grown-up clothes or even got a picture of his first Thanksgiving.  I think Neil got a picture on his phone.

This was a very busy week - every day we had a Declan-event.  Monday was Declan's 9-month doctor appointment (I love asking questions, but hate the shots...Declan hates the shots too). Tuesday was the last day of Wee Ones library until January and then our mommy group meet up at the book store later in the day. Wednesday, I took Declan to My Gym for the first time.  The timing was bad and he didn't really enjoy it, but I plan to bring him back and I hope he can have a good experience next time.  Thursday was my favorite activity of the week - Kindermusik. We both love it and I already signed him up for the next session.  And today, we had a play date at our home. Next week, I am throwing a Mommy and Baby Christmas Cookie Swap Party.  I must be nuts!  Not sure how I am going to pull it off.  Eek!

Declan is also doing so many new things!  Pulling himself up to standing, clapping, waving, eating finger foods...it goes on and on.  And he has his bottom teeth coming in! I will try and post pics and videos later.  We are in big trouble because I just saw him pull himself up on the stairs and climb a step today.  ARGH.

Push-ups, Pull-ups and Crackers

Declan is on to snacks!  His favorite snacks are Happy Baby Organic Puffs and Baby Mum-Mum Organic Rice Rusks. I love that he can feed himself and he does too! It also seems to be an "activity" that keeps him happy when he is fussy.  I just have to watch that we don't overdo it since the snacks are dry and he doesn't drink much water.

Neil and I have noticed Declan getting up on all fours lately.  He can't hold it for very long, so he's still crawling military style and hasn't gotten his tummy off the ground while mobile.  He also pulls his entire upper body off the floor using just about anything he can reach...windows, drawer handles, crib railing, etc. However, yesterday he surprised us both by pulling himself up on his bouncy chair into an upright position.  He tried to get his feet under him to stand, but slipped back down.  When he tried again, he got up on his knees.  Declan was so proud of himself, he started belly laughing. So, a few minutes later, Neil was in Declan's bedroom, screwdriver in hand, lowering the crib mattress.  My back is not happy, but my little man is growing up!

Photo Shoot

Autumn Leaves Are Falling

Well, since we last checked in...Declan had his first halloween party, a visit by the Locke grandparents, his first snowfall, first Halloween, a visit to the choo-choo train at Longwood Gardens and a family portrait taken. See below.

Good Times

Well, we survived Declan's first cold.  Even though we had to miss many of our routine baby activities during the week (so he didn't pass along the cold to other little ones), Declan still managed to have good times.

We went to the Brandywine Zoo last weekend.

He had his first ride on Daddy's shoulders and his first "cookie" (aka teething biscuit).

We attended the Harvest Festival at East Goshen Park this weekend.

And Declan tried on his Halloween costume for Grandma and Poppi, who came for a visit.

I think he is almost over his cold and we can start off the week with a healthy little boy!

Declan's First Cold

Declan started getting a crusty, runny nose Thursday night.  Friday, runny nose.  Hasn't let up yet and sleeping is a problem (because he has problems breathing with all the rivers of snot).  Neil and I are exhausted.  I hope the little man feels better soon.  We all need a nap.

Belly Scootch

Wedding in Maine

Well, it was quite a weekend and Declan was so perfectly behaved (except for that moment during the wedding ceremony where he decided to laugh and coo...and daddy took him for a walk). But we made it!  We left Thursday after Neil got home from work and drove through the night to New Hampshire.  Friday morning, we drove to Bar Harbor, Maine (first time there and it is beautiful! loved it!). Saturday, was Lori and Christopher's wedding - great time and amazingly happy couple. Unfortunately, we had to leave right after to head back to Pennsylvania.  Sunday, we drove from Stamford, CT to home...home again, home again. It was a very long trip and Declan was an angel.

You're My Baby Boy

Neil had a great morning with Declan while I was getting my hair done. Check out the video.

Later in the day, after we all had naps, we went to Milky Way Farm to get some ice cream and scope the pumpkin scene. Good day.

The Social Calendar

We were a few minutes late to Wee Ones at the library on Tuesday.  Declan was taking a marathon-nap and I actually had to wake him up to leave.  Why can't he have those naps when we don't have plans?  Anyway...

Later in the day, we met up with our mommy's group at the local bookstore (great children's area in the back for the little ones to crawl and roll around). It will definitely be a wonderful place to visit in the winter months.

Tomorrow is our first Kindermusik class.  Friday: Infant story hour at a different library and a possible play date with a mommy and little one who recently moved from NJ as well.

...I think Declan's social calendar is busier than mine ever was before having a baby.

Making Music

Today Declan went to a music class we heard about at the West Chester Restaurant Festival yesterday.  He definitely liked the keyboard.  And eating the shakers. And just about anything else that would fit in his mouth.  Did you know that a xylophone could fit in a baby's mouth?

Childhood Flashback

Declan and I went to Barnes & Noble for story time on Thursday, but it seemed to be for the bigger kids (those who could walk, talk and hold a crayon).  However, I did see this book from my childhood and had to pick it up for Declan.  Ahhh...the memories.  It looks like it will be a favorite of his as well.

Daddy's Boy

Well, Neil is back to work after two weeks of vacation and daddy-son bonding.  We miss you.

Lunch at Limoncello

First time on a swing at Everhart Park

First time in a pool and hanging out at the Jersey Shore

James and Cristin's wedding

Visiting goats at Highland Orchards

We look forward to your next vacation and many more adventures!