Dooby-Dooby-Doo... where are you? We couldn't have a family without ya!

In case you think that my title is strange... that's what we sing to Declan to the tune of the scooby-doo theme.

Declan, Deck, Decky, Decky-do, Decker, Bro-bro... this post is all for you little buddy.

Oh Declan. Where to start?  You are weeks away from turning three. The most stubborn kid I know.  We like to call you 'independent' instead of defiant. :) You are unlike Cash in so many ways. Dad and I have predicted that you will always do things the hard way. You will always want to find out for yourself. And you will probably always think that you know more than Mom or Dad.

You are so sweet.  Such a loving child.  Although you don't like to snuggle as much as Cash, you will still pretend to be my baby once in a while.  You love to read, which is Mom's secret way to get you to snuggle more.  And you give the biggest squeezes and multiple kisses when I'm tucking you in. Then you request that I sing you skidamarinkydink and happy birthday every night.  Sometimes you ask for me to drop your animals from high up so you can catch them. Then you and your brother blow out the light like a birthday candle.

Whereas Cash is much more like me, you are so much like Dad. Less emotional. A little more serious most of the time. But, like Dad, when you are goofy... you are full-on goof.  You try to negotiate. A lot. And sometimes it works because you are so stinkin cute when you do it.

Your favorite snack hands-down is Cheez-its. We have to buy the Declan-size box (the family size) and it is your most requested snack. You are a chugger when it comes to anything liquid. This comes from Dad.

We are trying desperately to potty-train you. But in true Declan (and two-year-old) style, you only want to do it when YOU want to do it. I'm clinging to the fact that we still have 6 weeks until you are three. And three is the goal.  That will be $85 more a month that we can spend on Cheez-its. How can I make you understand that?? :)

When I asked you what you wanted for your birthday you told me a black balloon and a purple balloon... and the black balloon was for Ari (from daycare).  You love the entire wall of Hot Wheels wall-tracks that you've accumulated from Christmas. And you (like your brother) love anything electronic. You are great at the Mobi-go, and at the iPad (except you keep locking Dad's iPad because it has a code on it now!).

You love to take your shoes off in the car. You and Cashy LOVE to visit your grandma Ellen. You want to play on the iPad all the time. You love coming to the 'exercise toys' (where you can play while Mom and Dad work out). 

Decky. Mommy and Daddy and Bro-bro love you so much.  Our famly would not be complete without you.   When you aren't listening, and I tell you that Cashy and I are going to the store without you, Cash begs for me not to leave you behind.   That usually gets you to make better decisions... but not always. You are your own little person, and we are proud of you. I love you Decky-do.