Declan is starting to talk . . . kind of.

Declan has been quite a joy this past little while. He goes through cranky stages (but I think they may be a reflection of my mood), however right now he is going through a pleasant stage. He is giving out lots of hugs and kisses to people he knows and doesn't know alike. At church today, he was so adorable. In between the services I went and played in the nursery with Declan. He would get really excited everytime someone he knew came through the doors. He also would play with other kids and give them hugs. I've noticed that when he plays with others he is quite gentle. The only time he gets a little too rough is when he is on his way somewhere to get something, and if anyone is in his way, he pushes right through. He doesn't push them, but he pushes through with his body. I think I can accept that.

He is starting to talk in this conversation style where is talks quietly in little sentences. He is picking up more words. He says 'Daddy' quite clearly. He says' Mom'. When he looks in a mirror he says 'dyda' We used to think he always said that for dad, but then realized that he is trying to say his own name. He now slaps his chest when we ask where Declan is. He consistently says bah for pop. Today someone at church said to Declan "How are you today Declan?" and he answered 'Good'. I don't know if that was a coincidence or not. He is slipping our words all the time that sound like real words. He said 'all done', 'up'. If we say 'say ___' ...he'll often say something that sounds like it. I heard that by 18 months they should say 18 words consistently. I think he might reach that milestone. He is 16 months now. I can never remember the words he says . . . but I know he says more words. He says 'yah' a lot when we ask him a question. He understands all basic commands.

Declan spends between 45 min and an hour in the play pen playing all by himself. He loves playing with the stacking cups the most. He is starting to stack blocks together into a tower. He likes vehicles and pushes them around on the floor. He also puts little people into the right spots. He tries to play with puzzles but hasn't got the hang of them yet.

A couple days ago Declan did the most annoying thing. He took off his diaper and pooed on his bed and then he spread it all over. It took 2 hours to clean it up! It was quite disgusting. He even had it on his face.

This coming weekend we are going to Toronto. Gary and his dad are going to a blue jays game and then on Sunday we are going to the Toronto Zoo. Hopefully it will be a nice day!