Documenting Declan (One Year)

Weight: 19 pounds, 6 ounces
Length: 29 inches

Everyone needs a Declan in their lives. I am selfish for keeping him to myself. Declan is happy, loving, playful, inquisitive, obstinate, and fearless. He has made us so happy. I recognize how blessed we are to have a child like Declan. Not every day is perfect but it is so close that I think we will just round up. I am grumpy about Declan growing up but I am also hesitantly curious to see what trouble and successes his charisma will bring. I love that he is old enough to laugh and play with us but young enough to still be entertained by his feet. He is my Declan baby.

Balancing things on his head makes him happy.


He wants whatever someone else has.


He tried climbing over the top of the basket but got stuck.


Shredding paper party!


Riding on shoulders is a little scary with Alex.


But lots of fun with Daddy.


Too cute.


"If I clench my teeth will you stop kissing me?" No.


He made a friend. I can't stop laughing about these pictures.


He never drank out of a bottle. He is a sippy cup champ.


The bromance with Alex continues.


Best friends.


Afternoon snuggles.


I should probably take off his shirt before eating. He is messy.


Just put him straight in the hamper.


Socks come off immediately after being placed in his carseat.


Tongue and drool are constants around here.


He plays with whatever toys he can find. I have no idea what he likes because he plays with everything.


He is our entertainment.


He saw his shadow and smooched it repeatedly.


Why is he so old?!


He can stand for a long time and has taken a few steps.


He walks around like an old person.


The oven produces delicious things so it is his friend.


This car guy has learned to "Vrrrrm" toy cars while pushing them around.


Bath time has not always been his favorite but he has developed a love for it recently. Not enough duckies for everyone but plenty of water to splash around in.

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

He...

...loves climbing the stairs.

...does not really try to walk. He will take one step.

...has two teeth.

...breastfeeds five times a day.

...takes two naps a day. 

...gets hangry (hungry + angry).

...eats whatever I put on his tray but gets sick of it after a while and starts throwing it until I give him something different.
...loves strawberries, bananas, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, macaroni, and whatever he finds on the floor under the table.

...has mastered the pincer grasp.

...gets into drawers and cabinets.

...loves to play catch.

...climbs on top of everything, especially the kids' bathroom stool.

...gives belly blows, open mouth kisses, high fives, waves.

...loves spitting.
...growls back at us if we growl at him.
...has mildly wavy hair! It is curly when wet. Stud.

Declan, we love you so much. We are so glad you are our son. We hope things go your way in life but if they don't, we will always be on your team. I hope you set high goals because I know you can accomplish them. You are so young and yet so in touch. I love how you see the world, everything so new and edible. Happy birthday, baby boy.