Declan's first Halloween

Declan had his very first Halloween, and dressed up as a Pug! He goes to bed so darn early these days (6pm!), so we tried our best to keep him up until Grandpa and Grandma Caswell came over for dinner so they could see how cute he was. We only had one group of trick-or-treaters, which was so depressing! Oh well, it was still a great Halloween!

Declan's cute little backside!

As soon as we got him into his jam jams, he was ready to fall asleep right on Grandma Caswell's shoulder.

At this point, Declan was so tired at this point, and was not in the mood for pictures, so there were no smiles from the Pug!

Aamodt's Apple Orchard

Tony and I took Declan to Aamodt's Apple Orchard and it was a beautiful day! My mom and sisters met us out there to walk around. There were so many little kids running around and riding on the ponies and taking hayrides. We can't wait until Declan can run around and play when he gets a little older. Maybe next fall!

All the fresh air pooped him out!

Tony and Declan feeding the goats.
Declan seemed interested, but wasn't quite sure what to think!

Grandma Rooney sneaking some kisses!

My sisters and my boys hanging out!

Declan seems very interested in Kate's cider!

And yes...Declan is wearing baby choppers!! Aren't they great!? We thought they would be perfect for all of those hockey games this winter!

Declan's accomplishments!

Some new things in Declan's life.....

• Declan officially has his first tooth! It came in a few weeks ago, but it is definitely out there now! It's on the bottom left, and his bottom right is slowly making it's way in as well.
• Baby food is going so well, and he loves carrots, green beans, squash, apple sauce, pears, and bananas! He has so much fun when we feed him, and smiles and laughs between each bite.
• He has some new sounds that sound alot like dadadad....and he loves make spitting sounds. It's hilarious!
• He can ALMOST sit up on his own. He is a little top-heavy still, and tips back, but he is close! If he is sitting forward, he can sit by himself!
• He smiles and laughs all the time. He is the happiest baby I have ever seen!
• He is pretty much sleeping through the night. In fact, last night, he went to bed at 6:30, and went until 6:30 this morning without eating! We have to put his nook in a few times, but he is getting better. Last night was rare, but we are hoping he can go 8 hours consistently now!

Grand Marais

Kate and Eddie invited us to Kate's parents' cabin last weekend, and we had so much fun! It was absolutely beaufitul up there with the changing leaves. Her cabin was right on Lake Superior, so we had a good weekend of relaxing, catching up, and of course, playing with Declan! Poor Declan has been fighting a bad cold for a few weeks now, and I think it finally caught up with us. Tony and I have been a little under the weather this week. I think Declan will help boost our immune systems with all of his little colds.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

See how close the deer was!

Declan wanted to stay up late our first night there, so we bundled him up and he hung out with me while I had some fresh hot cocoa!

We hungout on the rocks outside of Kate's house - it was so beautiful!

Some cute pics....

Here are some cute pictures from the last few weeks...

Solids!

A few weeks ago, we got the green light to start Declan on solids! So, we started him on rice cereal, and since then, he has also tried carrots and green beans....and LOVES them all! I am pretty sure we won't have a problem with him disliking anything! It's so funny feeding him - he just can't wait for us to put the food in his mouth!
We weren't sure how he would do, because they say between 4 and 6 months old, babies can start eating solids, but sometimes it takes them a while to get used to swallowing thicker substance, but Declan has been doing quite well. Of course, much of it gets all over his bib, face, hands, ears, but he is really getting the hang of this whole spoon eating thing!

SJU Homecoming

Tony and I took Declan up to St. John's homecoming this weekend to visit Conor. It was a beautiful day and we think Declan had a good time at his first football game! It was so fun to see people and their kids....I can't believe it has been over five years since we graduated! We visited Conor's dorm room, which brought back memories for Tony....their room was right by Tony's old room! We couldn't leave without getting Declan some Johhnies gear....a new sweatshirt and winter cap for the hockey games this winter!

He was wiped out!

Conor and his girlfriend Cate



Gotta love the Baby Bjorn!


Declan and Ali

4 Months Old!

Sorry it has taken me so long to post, but it has been a crazy month! I was supposed to go back to work the week of August 18, but I ended up with Pancreatitis. I was in the hospital for a couple of weeks, but I am back at home getting much better!

Declan had his 4 month appointment last week, and I was so proud of him! He cried for a second when he had his shots, but then was just fine! He now weighs 15 pounds and 15 ounces, almost 16 pounds already, and he is 26 inches long! He is in the 75% in weight, and the 75-90% in height! We are now able to start him on rice cereal, which we have tried a few times, and he seems to like it! In fact, he grabbed the spoon out of my hand yesterday when Tony and I were feeding him....I think he wanted to help.

He is getting so big everyday and is so much fun! He is smiling, laughing, and talking like crazy! He is also developing a more consistent nap and bedtime schedule, which has been nice for Tony and I. At daycare, they discovered that he likes when the little boys bark at him (I think he remembers Luca!) and he laughs like crazy. We have also learned that he also likes when we sing and dance with. He's so much fun and loving daycare. Tony and I are so glad we decided to go with Melanie's Munchkins instead of KinderCare.

Here are some recent pics....

Hanging out with Auntie Colleen when we met for lunch one day

We brought Declan to his first hockey game on Saturday night! He slept most of the time, but seemed to enjoy it. He is excited to go the the Johnnie hockey games to see his Uncle Conor play soon!

Hanging out with Mom!

Grandpa and Grandma Caswell got Declan some new jammies, and they came with a matching hat! We had to get some pics with him in it - he looks so cute!

Such a big boy in his bumbo seat!

Tony and I at Rutter's cabin

Tony sent me flowers and balloons in the hospital, and when we got home, Declan seemed to love them - he couldn't stop staring at them!

Declan and Dad hanging out before the Talbot golf tournament. We will have to get Declan some baby knickers soon so he can join in the fun!

Getting ready for bed!

Everything goes in the mouth now!