Declan - 4 Months Old

Sweet Declan,

You are 4 months old now.  I can't believe how fast time is going with you in my life.  As I mentioned last time, mom had to go back to work :(.  It has been so hard being away from you during the day, but it just makes our time together even more special.  You are doing great with your new babysitter, Becky.  She says you smile and laugh all the time with her.  When I pick you up and get you home you are so happy.  You latch on like you have never eaten before.  It's so nice that we are able to have that time together and I'm doing my best to keep up my milk supply while at work so we can continue it as long as possible.

We had quite an eventful month with the holiday season upon us.  You had your first Thanksgiving Day this month.  We had a great day filled with lots of food and family.  We went to Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle JMac's house first.  You just loved getting passed around to all the different family members.  Everyone is so in love with you!  After that we went over to Gram and Poppy's house.  You had a great time being passed around again and everyone kept talking about what a good baby you are!  You loved being around all your cousins and second cousins too.  We got a picture of your generation of kids (plus Nathaniel).

(L to R - Harrison, Louise, Declan, Brooke, Alex, Will, Grace, Brady, Nathaniel)

After Thanksgiving, we started getting ready for Christmas.  We headed out to Eckert's Farm to cut down your very first Christmas Tree.  You really seemed to like the fresh air and enjoyed hanging out with mom in the Moby Wrap.  I think we just pushed it a bit too far cause you started crying at the very end of tree cutting.  Soon after we went inside and I fed you and you were happy again.  We got some really great pictures of you and your brother that we ended up using on our Christmas Card this year too.

Searching for the tree:

Here we are right after we cut the tree down:

As I said, you calmed down shortly after that and took a good nap that afternoon.

We did many more Christmas type activities.  You had your first visit from St. Nicholas who brought you an ornament to put on the tree.  We played Christmas music and decorated the tree.  And we went to Cor Jesu's Breakfast with Santa.  Everyone there just loved seeing you and they all loved the cute little "brrr" on your bottom:

You also got your first picture with Santa there which you did quite well with:

We also went to visit Santa Claus at the Museum of Transportation.  You got to sit with Santa in the Caboose!

We also saw the Macy's Train, rode in the mini train, and walked around to see all the old trains.  You again really liked hanging out with mom in the Moby wrap and even fell asleep in it for a little while.

Walking through the tanker car, you were sound asleep:


We also took your picture for your First Christmas Ornaments.  You did a great job wearing your cute little Santa Hat:

And we got a few family pictures for the Christmas Card:

Although we did a lot in preparation for Christmas during this time, we also had some really normal days.  Your brother continues to just dote on you.  He just loves having you around - although sometimes he tries to take back the attention!  You are a very chill baby and you smile all the time.  It's so awesome!

It is basketball season, so you of course have been cheering on Marquette.  Your brother is working on the Go Marquette Cheer and I'm sure you will be singing it with him in no time:

You are starting to drool quite a bit, so I'm thinking some teeth will be coming in soon.  Also, at the very end of this month you started rolling from your back to your tummy!  I'll get that on video soon.

You are such a wonderful baby, Declan.  I'm so happy that I get to be your mommy!

Here are your 4 month pictures:

I love you my Little Ray of Sunshine!

Love,

Mom