Documenting Declan (2 Months)

Weight: 13 pounds, 2 ounces
Length: 23 inches

There are so many Declan quirks that can't be captured in a picture, video, or even words. Declan is my little buddy. I love how his hands shake back and forth when he stretches and how I get so many kisses from him because he dives into my head and puckering my lips is the quickest way to soften the headbutt. I love his half smiles and his silly eyes. I love how pleased he looks if he spits up. The same look I am sure I'll see hundreds more times as he learns to empty the toy box and then when he learns to walk and probably again when he learns to ride a bike. I love the chunks on his thighs and the way his bottom cheek droops when he is lying on his side. Every part of him is so precious.

Alex and Edison shared some toys. Just in case Declan gets bored of staring at the lights.

These boys make me so happy. How can they already love Declan as much as I do? It amazes me.

Belly massage?

Edison is constantly saying, "Tuuute." Every time he sees Declan it is like he cannot control himself and must comment on the cute baby.

Slumber party at Declan's!

His little nose!

I don't blame them. I like to be around Declan, too.

Alex is so sweet with his little brother. This one at least.

Edison starts crying hysterically if we don't let him kiss Declan. Then he repeatedly insists, "Kissss!" until we give in. He will even kiss Declan's feet.

 "Mommy and Daddy aren't quite so squeezy when they hold me like this..."

Daddy snuggles.

This seems to be the best part of the day for both of them.

This is my favorite outfit. It is still too big for him but he wears it once a week.

Always dancing.

Curly hair? Not really, but I will pretend.

Crazy faces and puckered lips.

Alex has started asking to hold Declan a lot more.

I don't know why all babies do this but it cracks me up.

Wrapped around his finger.

We spend his awake time gazing into each others' eyes.

His skin started clearing up about one week after his baby blessing. Hallelujah!

Cute blanket, Great Grandma Merkley!

You can do it!

"I think I had too much to drink."

So loveable.

I have not kept it a secret that Declan is an amazing sleeper. His schedule is becoming more predictable. I basically just plan that he will be sleeping always.

 How to be a good parent:

Make sure the other children don't lie straight on top of the baby.

Feed your child on demand so they never look elsewhere for food.

Help the child experiment with different styles.

Introduce them to delicious ice cream as young as possible. (Just kidding, Mom. Set down the phone.)

Here are a few more things Declan does for which I do not have a matching picture:

He...

 ...is another month closer to crawling and walking and leaving on his mission and retiring. How does this happen so fast?!

...is getting very grabby at my hair. His clammy hands like to grab Sam's leg hair, too.

...is smiling when awake, asleep, pooping, always. He started smiling in response to us at 5 weeks and I am surprised he doesn't smile while he's crying.

...opens his eyes so wide if he wakes up and it is dark. I love seeing him trying to take in everything.

...does a lot of grunting and snorting.

...turns his head from side to side constantly. His bald spot is coming along quite nicely.

...would not wake up when I tried to get his passport photo taken. We poked, tickled, tipped him upside down, stripped him, and pulled his eyelids open. No luck.

...loves to hold our fingers.

...sleeps for up to eight hours at night and nurses every 2-4 hours during the day.