Two Boys and a Girl

Facebook

2011-10-08T08:35:00.003+01:00

Hi All, I have been hideous at updating this whole year, and have spent a long time thinking why and my answer is FACEBOOK - it's easier now, quicker and faster to upload photos. I have always used this space to keep in touch with family and friends and let them know how we are doing, but now FB does that for me. I am deciding at the moment whether or not to continue blogging or whether I'm going to find a new purpose for the blog.... Hopefully before christmas I'll have come to a decision :) But if you aren't a friend on facebook yet, find me (Kerrith Fisher), friend me, then follow the family :).....

for old time sake, here are a few of the best from the last few months:

Kissing the Stone

2011-08-10T17:22:00.004+01:00

Ben FINALLY got to kiss the Blarney Stone, something I had been promising him since June... And he was so brave, and I was so proud!

Longing for Country Living

2011-08-10T16:29:00.005+01:00

It's official, I should be living on a farm - we were so lucky last week to be invited to mind a friends farm while they were away on holiday... we got to look after the chickens, the elusive tortoise (who we only found on the last day), Cindy the pony, Tess the sheepdog, Tammy and Rev the 9 week old springer puppy... It was glorious. The farm is in West Cork which must be one of the more scenic and beautiful parts of Ireland (although I'm biased because I think every part if this country has something to offer)... The children had a ball and relished the freedom... words fail me and so I will just have to show you how fabulous it was...

Out with my friend at the Pirate and Princess party, I'm here, but I won't enjoy myself... !

Walking the dogs, or walking the children??

The wonderful House

Daniel riding Cindy

Our family after a long day out

A Big News Day

2011-07-04T14:38:00.005+01:00

At the circus on Friday - with a python!

Loving life - as usual

Our very successful camping trip - the kids loved itDaniels 4th Birthday Cake..

Again - it's been an age.... but it's just been so busy to! Today is a big day for me.. FINALLY, got the letter saying that my citizenship has come through - now I need to give them money and they'll invite me to a swearing in ceremony (it's a lot of money!)... So hopefully this is the end of the road for me. It's been a bumpy one to say the least and I'll look forward to being able to travel without having to get visa's every time....

Ben got his school report today - and I'm not just being a proud mom, but it was really excellent. A good way to start his schooling and I hope that the rest will be as glowing. We are going to make sure that he understands how pleased we are with him :)...

Have more photo's but they are not loading up, so will have to try again another time..

2011-04-04T14:56:00.006+01:00

Hello out there... Okay, you could be forgiven for thinking that I have dropped off the planet, and in some ways I have felt like I've been off the grid. But I feel like I'm back again... so if anyone is still looking in - sorry for the long break. And if no one is out there (which at this stage I could understand) then I'll just ramble along to myself quietly ...

I'm not going to give a run down of the last four months - it would be tedious, but needless to say detox went okay, almost lasted the 28 days... We survived Rachel's 2nd Birthday (my baby is two!!!!!) and we managed to fit in a 10 day break to Maui (heaven) and now it's roll on Easter Break and my MIL's impending visit... In between that it's been the routine of school and weekend home decoration (which is impossible with three sets of little hands trying to help with paint and drills and everything else DIY related).

And here is what you really visit for - the kids :) :

Rachels Cakes
Ben on the Beach (yes I know, hat and gloves, but it IS Ireland!!)

The Aunty and Uncle!

Resolutions and New Starts

2011-01-06T09:55:00.005Z

At the Zoo on Monday, funny watching birds land on ice

January always brings new beginnings... and this year is no different. A photo was taken of me over christmas that horrified me. First I thought, bad angle bad pose, but really I had to face facts - I need to lose weight. So here I find myself, with the millions of other people who make the same resolution each year. But something feels different this year. Maybe the fact that I haven't been on a diet in almost, dare I say 6 years (since before I was pregnant with Ben) and in fairness I have been pregnant two more times since... Or that it just feels right this time... But I am happy to say that things are progressing well so far (I'm sure you're all delighted to hear!)... I am hoping to post a picture in the not to distant future on my blog... One that I can be proud of, but in the meantime here are the pic's of people I am really proud of!!!!....

just a ps... new blog design pending - I loved my old one but I'm getting restless and need something new. secretly hoping for photoshop for my birthday...

Ben and Dan playin in the ZOO

Eskimo girl Stomping it out

Beautiful

People I love the most!

This... and it's only 3rd December!

2010-12-03T13:11:00.003Z

Outside our house last night... Finally got the light right!!
Off on a snow adventure...
This was just to cute not to include
My absolute favourite photo this month... and this was taken before most of the snow fell!!

Well, it's all about snow... I have never seen as much snow in Ireland in all our 10 years here combined! We're having a blast, but only really since Robin got back from Sweden with proper gloves!...

Happy Halloween

2010-11-03T20:37:00.002Z

We had a wonderful Halloween this year - felt like it was lasting memories for the kids. The houses on our street went to town! And Ben had the best last two days of school before midterm break (his first school holiday)... The whole school went in fancy dress on the Thursday - was lovely, an autumn day with crisp sunshine and beautiful colors and all these kids dressed up and then Friday saw them going to a show - The Hungry Catepillar.

Robin and I didn't dress up this year, but I think we are definately going to make an effort next year:) Ben is already planning is outfit, so it's safe to say that he enjoys it too!

Here's the pics:

We had a wonderful Halloween this year - felt like it was lasting memories for the kids. The houses on our street went to town! And Ben had the best last two days of school before midterm break (his first school holiday)... The whole school went in fancy dress on the Thursday - was lovely, an autumn day with crisp sunshine and beautiful colors and all these kids dressed up and then Friday saw them going to a show - The Hungry Catepillar.

Robin and I didn't dress up this year, but I think we are definately going to make an effort next year:) Ben is already planning is outfit, so it's safe to say that he enjoys it too!

Here's the pics:

Really - Two Months since my last post!??!

2010-10-26T13:10:00.004+01:00

Where has the time gone??... It's incredible. The last two months have just flown by... Here's what's been happening:

Parents came to visit
Our Childminder decided to study again
Result is that I resigned and am now a SAHM
We bought a house (the paper work was insane) and moved
Ben Started School (as you know)

Looking at it now it doesn't sound like much, but boy it's been time consuming!!!

And now for the pictures...

Got to photoshop out the runny noses!!

Ben Starts School

2010-08-27T15:47:00.004+01:00

Isn't it amazing how fast five years can go! Yesterday Ben started school and it was as amazing to see my son proudly sitting in his class surrounded by the people who are going to shape his life for the next eight years as it was to hold him for the first time. It was a poignant and touching moment...

And I couldn't not add this in - how cute is our little christmas elf?... Early admittedly, but I'm really excited for Halloween now... Check out Woody and Buzz in the background there...

The Day Ben Learnt to Ride

2010-08-22T21:19:00.003+01:00

I have been pushing for a while to have the stabilizers taken off Ben's bike. He's five in October and I thought it was time, Robin didn't. I have to report that HE WAS FANTASTIC!! He took to it within about five minutes. I was jumping around like he broke a record or something. It was amazing - the rest of the day I felt this glow of admiration and pride... Just look...

Of course, Dan then had to try to - and he was good as well, but I think he needs a little more practice...

Laughed til I Cried

2010-08-02T21:37:00.003+01:00

This has been one funny weekend... I just have to share.

Robin and I are trying to teach the boys Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika - and since we left SA in and about the time the 11 official languages became official, and considering that we're only fluent in two we don't know all the words. So - Robin often sings (and I mean no disrespect at all with this) "Manu Padayachi is an MNET presenter" instead of "Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo". On Saturday we decided to download the lyrics and teach them the words. Ben listens intently, asks to hear it again and then says "Daddy, why are the singing the wrong words? they're not singing Manu Padayachi!?"

And then there was this... Pictures and a thousand words and all that...

Party Pictures

2010-07-25T10:47:00.003+01:00

I am increasingly frustrated as I can't seem to work out how properly to set the shutter speed on my camera - so most of the photo's I took of the kids at a birthday party are disappointing... but I did get one or two that I could post... We're well into party season here now. Had one yesterday, two today and another in a weeks time. The kids are having a blast...

It is what it is...

2010-06-20T20:25:00.004+01:00

I've had to realise and accept something today - as much as I wish I was, I'm not a prefectionist. I'm a just-make-doist. There are not enough hours to get everything the way I want it - Daniels cake didn't turn out the way I want. In fact I only had time to do one side - so at least the profile looked finished. i just COULDN@T finish it with the kids crawling all over me, and having to finish the food for the party and tidying up after them even though we had prepared the day before, the boys decided to pull all their toys out about an hour before we were due to go. Robin also had to fly to Sweden for business today and so while he was around this morning he wasn't with us for the party or the clean up...

All in all, the day went really well. Daniel LOVED the bowling, and the weather was fantastic and I got to catch up with people I care about...

Here's the Day

It was so hot, the kids had their party under the trampoline

The boys bowling

Connor and Daniel

My Best Effort - but it's not going to win any awards... ;)

I'm 3!!!

2010-06-18T20:56:00.006+01:00

We have had such a great day with the kids. We went into the Street Performers World Championship in Merrion Square and had a blast. The kids ran and played and rolled down hills. Daniel got a new bike for his birthday and he's loving it!... It's a bit of a surprise, but Ben is getting a new one tomorrow. We will have one happy boy on our hands as he was very jealous of Daniel's present.

Isn't this a great shot - Ben caught in motion

Daniel and Rachel - drawing at the park

My New Bike

Rolling down the hill

Still House Hunting

2010-06-13T09:36:00.003+01:00

We are STILL house hunting. Each weekend off we trek, looking for our perfect little spot (it's been over a year now). The kids are bored, and to be honest, I'm tired of thinking this is the one. But yesterday, I think I found my forever house. It's beautiful and has such potential - but it'll take a load of work (it's a victorian villa built in 18760) and commitment and money! Bob likes it to, but doesn't like the work and money bit. It got me thinking though - we always take the easier option, but I think from this perspective that working more for something will make it mean that much more to you. I'm heartbroken cause I won't be the one to let this little house realise it's potential! Here are some pics of the kids from yesterday -

Meet Starsky

2010-05-23T11:52:00.006+01:00

So this is the newest and final addition to our family :) He's just a bundle of cuteness!! Seriously.

What a fantastic weekend! The sun shone, and it was HOT! I feel like we had a four day weekend we did so much stuff - and BBQ'ed both days. A visit to the Zoo, a picnic at the beach, a view house viewings (which is very usual for us at the moment) and time spent with friends. Lovely!

Look at all my teeth

The brothers Co-operating

A little bit of attitude

Coy smiles

Meet HoppityHop

2010-05-17T21:27:00.003+01:00

Me and Rachie and Lisa's Birthday

Rachie waiting for her pancake...

Okay, I know that it's not the most origional of names! But there was no swaying Daniel. Our bunny whether we liked it or not was going to be called hoppityhop. She's quite cute, a little traumatised already and the kids are crazy about her.... so here she is...

Monkeys, Skeeto's and Volcanic Ash

2010-05-04T23:01:00.006+01:00

Rachel "dancing" on the table

Ben riding Jimmy

Just about the best picture ever

Daniel getting ready to hold the chamelion

Rachie and her daddy

The title is obscure, I will give you that - but it's been literally AGES since I've been able to blog and as it is it's 11pm here and I know that Rachel will wake up in a few hours. We've been and come back from SA and what an exciting trip. The main focus this time was on family and for Robin work to and that made it really difficult to catch up with old friends I am ashamed to say. The kids had a fantastic time though, and as usual I learned a lot - this time about letting go. There is a big difference between raising kids in Ireland and kids in South Africa... Seeing children play, having fun and experiencing freedom from parents hovering around came as a shock - I thought Europe had one up on Africa but in that respect I was wrong. We are to overprotective of our kids here - making sure they don't fall, or run in the road, watching out for some other disaster to happen - helicopter parenting ... we forget that kids need to live a little!

Okay, I'm going to stop lecturing - and explain the heading, then let the pictures do the talking... Daniel thought it would be fun to chase a troop of monkeys (cute little things really) all was fine until the monkey's stood their ground and mock-charged our little gut - let me tell you that by all accounts he turned tail and ran so fast that he covered 70 mtrs in about 2 seconds! And the wonderful caring parents we are fell about the place laughing at the fright he got.

Skeeto's - (n) aka Mosquitoes. as in "The skeeto's thought I was breakfast but I amn't". Again - Daniel attracting the wild life in africa got completely covered in mosquitoe bites, while the rest of us got off with hardly any

And then the dramatic turn that our holiday took - 6 extra days due to the Icelandic Volcanoe... Thanks Chaps!

Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T20:26:00.006Z

I took the kids up to Drogheda today - and it was a bit of an eye opener! But the kids had a good time and I must say I did to. It's nice to see them enjoying themselves so much. Look :)

Ben wanted to be a flag

boys having a chat waiting for the parade

Lovely Rachel

Serious parade watching

The Irish dancers looked really good - their hair was amazing

Cheeky smiles

Happy Smothers Day and the Big Day Out

2010-03-14T19:19:00.007Z

What a lovely day today - the kids could not stop wishing me a happy smothers day. Got spoilt to as a lie in is worth its weight in gold, AND I got a day at the spa down the road to look forward to. We had already agreed to meet up with a friend of mine and her children in town this afternoon for the start of the St Patrick's day festivities. They turn one of the greens into a big playground and the kids love it. We were even luckier today as the sun decided to join us, and you can't beat a bit of sun after a long bleek winter. We got a table, right next to a little hill and the boys spent all their time there rolling down the hill having the time of their lives. Rachel took it upon herself to charm most of the people around us, literally strolling from table to table smiling and raking in the compliments (I was playing the part of the proud mommy and loving it too, so I can't say it was all her)... The boys rode the mechanical sheep (yes, it's Ireland!)... Ben was all gunho until he actually got up there and he was no sooner sitting on the sheep than he hopped off and wouldn't go back on, I think it was higher than he had thought it would be... then the boys got to drum with the group on the street, just about the time that the local TV cameraman was passing and they were shot - first the Leinster website, and now TV - we are working hard to increase their media profile :)... Oh, and the boys were dressing Rachel up this morning in their swimming gear, was very funny... Have a peek at our day -

Mechanical Sheep

Daniel's Shamrock

Having Fun

Ben smiles when he thinks of rugby

The Birthday Party

2010-03-07T10:47:00.003Z

We had a lovely party for Rachel yesterday and I think she had a great time. It didn't rain, which is always good and the kids loved the trampoline and it was great that we could be outside. I am still struggling to come to terms with my baby being one!

Getting ready for the party

Ben and Sean his buddy

Pretty Dress

Friend Margaux and her little boy Macs

Happy Birthday Rachie

2010-03-01T22:13:00.006Z

I can't believe that Rachel is one tomorrow - where did that last year go?... She is just such a wonderful little girl and we are all so lucky to have her with us. She is a happy, generous and loving child - sorry I'm gushing a little, but she really is. We are having a party for her on Saturday with everyone coming round. But tomorrow we're just going to have a little tea and I made cupcakes. i really am struggling with photo's at the moment - so I appologise for the quality of the shots, but you'll get the idea.

This is our new toy which arrived this weekend. The boys love it, and I must say that I have been enjoying the trampoline to!

And here's our little princess ( ;) going up to bed the night before her birthday... She's bushed so no smiles for the camera.

Introducing Jennifer

2010-02-23T19:47:00.004Z

Jennifer has been with us for over two months already - so here she is... We are really lucky, the kids are happy and so am I. Her being with us has made my going back to work easier. I have no photo's of Daniel, he didn't want to smile for us...

Leinster Practice

2010-02-15T20:41:00.003Z

Jennifer was wonderful today and took the kids to the Leinster Open Practice! Needless to say they loved it. It was amazing to as Daniel was spotted by the official photographer who took lots of photo's of him enjoying the practice... so we might see him on the website. If that happens I'll let you know... here are the pics :)

Spidergirl

2010-01-31T20:41:00.003Z

I couldn't not pop in this quick post... Rob spontaneously lifted Rachie and hung her upside down at the door - and she though it was hilarious! She couldn't get enough :) So now we've dubbed her Spidergirl. Oh, and I didn't believe it but Beer Butt Chicken worked and it's delious... so I had to add that...

The End of my Hiatus

2010-01-24T13:08:00.005Z

The last few weeks have been a very big adjustment. Returning to work has been wonderful if I'm honest, but I definately feel like I'm juggling and all the balls are up in the air all the time, and I can drop them at any moment. Jennifer, our child minder is working out really well and the kids are happy and adjusting well. My main aim was that their routine wouldn't be altered other than me not being there and in that respect I think I've succeeded.

The return to work co-incided with quite a few other things happening in our life. We've had serious problems with the tenants in our house in Lusk, our car finally died (pity I was in it at the time and had to spend two hours in the freezing cold waiting for a tow), I tried to cycle to the tram into work, on probably the coldest morning we had and the bike slipped from under me. Thank goodness I did wear the trendy helmet Bob bought me in America otherwise I wouldn't have come away from the fall with only a stiff neck. AND apart from Daniel and Robin, we all got a dose of the winter vomiting bug - all of this happened in the second week of work while Robin was away in Helsinki... And those are the reasons for my lack of blogging.

But I'm back now, and I'll be updating you all a lot more often. Here are a few shots of the last month. Enjoy :)

It was the Week Before Christmas

2009-12-18T20:49:00.003Z

I'm sorry that I've been silent for so long... I just don't know where the time has gone. Also, I think I've been hiding a little to be honest - enjoying the last few full weeks with the children before I go back to work. I can't possibly fill you in on everything we've been up to but I can show you so here are a few photo's to get you up to speed...

Our trip to see Santa - he actually came down the chimney... and Sparkle the elf was very good to

Our Handsome Daniel

You recognise these mom?

Rachie enjoying the toys in Santa's workshop

Ben at the post box

I overheard...

2009-11-09T11:15:00.003Z

Okay, this is just to funny not to post. This conversation took place between Ben and his granny last week:
Granny: Ben, what is your address?
Ben: I don't wear a dress granny, girls wear dresses
Granny: No Ben, where do you live, what is your address?
Ben: I told you already, I don't wear a dress???

Then we have a conversation between ben and myself. We were talking about names and I was explaining what a first name and a surname was and where they come from. Ben then informed me that we didn't name him correctly and that he wanted his name to be Ben "Rugby Playa" Fisher (spelling mistake intentional as that is his pronounciation)

And THEN:

a conversation between Daniel and his daddy on Saturday:

Daddy: Can I have a huggle Daniel?
Daniel: No Daddy, maybe tomorrow. Be patient!

To Funny!!

Bob has been travelling quite a bit this last while and I'm starting a pictoral of his travels on a map for the boys and so he has to take photo's in front of famous landmarks... here are the first two :)

Our Limerick Trip

2009-11-04T21:22:00.007Z

The hotel we stayed in

Us by the river

Our walkway

Rachie in her backpack

Our daily walk

Well, we've just got back from Limerick - loved it!!!! We stayed at a hotel right on the shannon river and it was lovely. Of course being Ireland it rained every day, but it didn't put a dampner on our fun :) walks at the river, swimming in the pool every day and I even got time for an indian head massage... Heaven. The boys just had the best time - Ben couldn't understand why we had to come home, he wanted to stay at his new home...

This one was just to cute not to post... Santa's little elf...

Ben's Birthday

2009-10-23T17:39:00.005+01:00

I'm sorry for taking so long in getting these up for you all who've been checking :) I have had a few problems uploading the photos' We had a really busy week with ben's birthday last week - and I really think that he had a great time - but then who wouldn't with three parties... Won't be doing that again - sorry Daniel and Rachel...

The boys are enjoying having their granny here so much, and it's lovely to see them getting so much attention. It's only a few more weeks to go really until I'm back to work (okay - so it's two months) but I'm starting to get that ground rush feeling... The good news is that our child care is sorted out and the woman who will be looking after the kids is fantastic! At least I won't be worried about leaving them - plus we've known her for a while and so it won't be so new to the kids....

Here are the photo's:

So, September Done and Dusted

2009-09-30T19:49:00.007+01:00

The brothers Fisher reading

It's long overdue - but here are a few shots of our holiday. We were so incredibly lucky with the weather. It was beautiful, hot and sunny most of the week. The house we rented for the week to, was just lovely and had everything that we needed. The boys had a ball - and we had a good time, but Robin and I realised that holidays for us do not involve relaxing with a book on the beach in the sun or getting some time out. No, no - it's just the same work in a different location :) That said though we did enjoy it alot.

Rachie enjoying the sun

Hopefully one will have Tiger Wood talent

Love the sunshine and the sea

The Lake where we stayed

Scuba Ben

Can you believe that's the Irish coast in September !

Ben decided pants worked better on his head - he thought it was hilarious

The beach was a big hit!

Sammie's Party

2009-09-05T20:55:00.003+01:00

We had a lovely day today, celebrating our friend Sammies 4th Birthday... The kids had a blast - and I must say, I'm enjoying that they are so much more independant and go off and play.

My Baby Rocks!

2009-09-04T20:36:00.001+01:00

Literally - Look :) (quality isnt great as it was from my phone...)

2009-09-04T06:50:00.004+01:00

Rachels day got just a bit to long and she didn't last until bed

Playing nicely together

Loving the play center

At the park

Do you think she likes swinging... ??

I can't believe that it's been almost a month since I posted last - so much has happened and changed in that time! Rachel is on solids now and nothing seems to be holding her back... She's putting her two teeth to good use and likes nothing better than a bit of toast or mellon to knaw on. She's also crawling backwards now (officially as of this morning) properly on her hands and knees and since she was only six months on Tuesday I think that's good going... Among the big decisions we decided that we aren't moving in the end anyway... It all got a bit to much for us and when I realised that it was going to take me a good four hours commuting everyday to work I got cold feet and bob and I decided to call it off. I must be honest the on again/off again process has left me a bit flat.... But I know that this is the best decision for us... The other aspect that was weighing on my mind with the move was that the boys would be out of the school catchment area for the school we've chosen for them (although we only find out in December as to whether or not we've gotten in to the school or not!)... The upside is that I don't have to pack boxes, but the idea of the move has inspired a "Clean House" clean out and I am working towards a car boot sale to clear out our clutter...

A Challenge from Jo

2009-08-06T11:49:00.003+01:00

I have received a challenge from Jo

1 Open the 4th file where you store your photos

2 Pick out the 4th photo and publish it to your blog

3 Explain a bit about it

4 Pass this challenge to 4 other blogs

And this is it:

I loved this photo and there is such a nice story to it - we were coming back from visiting friends in the UK and it was close to Paddy's Day. We were walking through the airport and saw the leprechaun hat, stuck it on Daniel and took the photo. This turned out to be one of the best photo's of Daniel... Loved the challenge!

a note to say...

2009-08-05T20:18:00.005+01:00

Thank You Jo-Anne! My new header was created by Jo an old school friend of mine and I love it.

We're Moving

2009-07-31T15:33:00.010+01:00

Rachel hit another milestone today look. Both boys used the car, and now it's Rachie's turn...

Rachel in the Car

Daniel in the car

Ben in the car

From the two pics above you can see Rachel and Daniel are from the same factory as Robin would say...

So, it's official (I think)... We are moving at the end of September into a beautiful house in the Dublin Hills. It has the space we've been looking for, it's on a farm so there is the rural aspect and it's still only twentyish minutes from work for Robin. Friends of ours built it, they are going back to SA and that's how we got the opportunity. And being South African they built it with the South African asthetic in mind. It is a gem of a house and I'm really excited. Also has the most beautiful views of the whole of Dublin. The other thing is that it is semi furnished which means we will be finally getting our own furniture again! (and this means shopping and deciding on design again - can't wait )

This is it

2009-07-18T12:00:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the loss of background - if you caught it... The photobucket account needed to be renewed... We're back in business now... So, I would love a little bit of feed back. I think this is the skin I'm sticking with for a while - have been trying loads over the last week - what do you think? Let me know :)

Hitting the Milestones

2009-07-14T06:36:00.006+01:00

When we had Ben the thought of weaning onto solids seemed like such a huge thing... When to start, what to feed, would he take it or not... And here we are with Rachel, just so ready, we had pork with applesauce last night. I made the applesauce, she was sitting on my lap, one thing led to another and I am happy to report that she took to it like a duck to water. It was just a taste, but something tells me weaning is not going to be a problem for her.

We were at the zoo last week and the boys loved it - so we bought the family year pass and now will probably go to the zoo everyweekend. Look forward to lots of photo's of animals. Here are a few now:

New Looks

2009-07-09T20:42:00.003+01:00

I am trying very hard to improve my skills when it comes to the design of my blog - and so my might notice changes soon. the most obvious is the background, but there are other things that I'm trying to do... Have patience, we'll get there. I have spent ages trying to get the changes sorted and so I'm just going to post the photo's for now... will write an update soon....

Beach on a Cloud

2009-06-28T21:15:00.004+01:00

Smiling Tiger

Finding the crabs

Delight! is biggest game was pretending to be scared of the crabs

Lessons on the beach with dad

The title is strange I know, but today we went to the beach - it was warm, the wind wasn't blowing, it was a lovely day - except for the fact that it was completely foggy and your could hardly see 100 meters ahead of you at any given time. It was so atmospheric. The boys had a fantastic time - they discovered crabs and spent all their time building them a house and a river and then a huge big hole for the crabs to swim in... it was a great day...

Yay - A Beach Day!

2009-06-24T21:29:00.006+01:00

So this is summer, this is it! We ditched everything today and went to the beach - and what a beautiful day. Daniel fell asleep in the car and so when he woke up the beach wasn't his favourite place... He didn't like the sand, he didn't like the water and he DIDN'T like the little boy who kept nicking his hat (and he doesn't even like his hat!)... It was very funny - and we got some good shots, so here they are...

Sorry, the first one is of Rachel, fully sucking her thumb...

How cute is this....

Daniel's Birthday

2009-06-22T10:39:00.003+01:00

Well, Daniels party is over for another year, but in four months we have Bens and five months after that Rachels first - we have managed to spread our childrens birthdays rather evenly over the year... It was a lovely day thank goodness, a little bit of wind and a bit cloudy but importantly, no rain. Also, the kids loved the space, and it gave the mom's and dad's some space to :). Unfortunately, we haven't had very well children since then though... Ben has a really high temperature that responds to medication but not for very long and yesterday it was up to 97.7 - the highest he's ever had. Strangely though, he has no other symptoms and so we really don't know what's wrong with him. Daniel doesn't have a temperature, but if very sleepy, tired and cranky which is great fun. Rachel is teething definately, but is her usual happy self.

Other than the party we had friends stay with us on Saturday night and it was so great to catch up with them as we haven't seen them in about two years and yesterday Father's Day! I got a lie in!!! then when we managed to get the kids to all sleep together (yes!!!) we watched Mama Mia (I knew there was a reason that we didn't make an effort to go see it in the cinema - at least it didn't take itself to seriously). When the kids woke up we attempted to go into town and see the Street Performers World Championchips. And that is were things went pear shaped - three small children, one big double stroller, two grumpy tired parents and about 19 thousand other people all milling about straining to see a small man juggling a cabbage on his head or bouncing on a violin did not work well. The first show we managed to get good seats for was unfortunately a puppet show, so Ben started freaking out (he is not a puppet lover!!) so things went from bad to worse!... Finally after about an hour we admitted defeat, packed the kids back into the car and headed for the safty of home... Anyway - here are a few snapshots...

Party in the Park

Cute shot of Rachel

To much Party

Looking sweet

Our Spot

The Cake

The Big Digger - A bit of hit

All About Rachel

2009-06-14T17:04:00.004+01:00

I can't help it, but I just love playing with her - we're having such fun with Rachel. We were at a birthday party over the weekend and she was the life and soul of the party - primarily because she laughs and smiles for everyone so easily....

Well, Daniel is two on Thursday and so a lot of planning is going into his party. We are going to have it in the park (hopefully optimistic of me) as I think it'll be more fun having him tear around outside (and also a picnic party will be a little less work for me). I'm hoping to make a fish-shaped cake for him, and lets pray it turns out okay... Will let you all know.

So here are the latest pictures of the little lady :)...

I'm getting cuter and cuter

2009-06-08T08:44:00.003+01:00

Today is a momentus day - Daniel is potty training himself, and as much as I'm not ready for it he is... He went to the toilet and did all the business! Rachel is just so amazing, we got a new bumbo for her (supporting south african products :) )... and she loves it. I had to include the pics of daniel jumping off the couch - his newest pastime! Even that has become boring now, and so he's devised a new game, stand on the windowsill, bolamakissi over the couch and roll onto the floor. It's heart stopping... I think I should get a standing order prescription of valium because he is going to be our extreme sports guy and I think we might have one or two trips to A&E in our future (in fact I'd put money on it)...

Funny Face...

2009-05-28T20:41:00.005+01:00

I can't help it - Rachel is getting just to lovely... She found dinner time hilarious for some reason tonight... Laughing and giggling - and the boys are starting to compete in trying to make her laugh. Ben has taken to making up songs for her "You are my baby Rachel, and I love you in this house" seems to be his favourite lyric. I know that this is a short post, but just for you to enjoy the photo's...

Something tells me, I'm in for Something Good

2009-05-24T19:27:00.004+01:00

Our first summer day - real summer day, shorts and t-shirt and no shoes summer day!!!.... Long may it last. The boys had a ball outside, Rachel even managed to be outside with no jersey and no socks! This is big folks, you who live outside of Ireland just don't understand - and here are the pics to prove it :)

Had to include this one - this is her laughing

Busy Busy Busy...

2009-05-20T12:12:00.003+01:00

I don't know if I'm coming or going at this stage - Finding the time to blog has proven impossible at the moment. As it is I have 15 mins before I have to pick the boys up from school... so this is going to be a little rushed. Sorry :) The breakdown of what has been going on is basically bob travelling to all the corners of the earth this month. Last week he was in San Francisco, next week he's off to the middle east for almost two weeks and then he's barely back before he heads off to Sweden! I'm starting to plan Daniels second birthday party! Which seems crazy to me, honestly - he cant be two already. The house in Lusk as kept me busy as the tennants moved out and we had to get new people in. I feel like if all else fails I'd be qualified to rent out houses... I've been doing a lot of it lately.... And here's the most important bit the pics... Oh by the way - got a new camera and I'm loving it!! :) Rachel is as good as gold, so nothing has changed there. She really is just a happy little thing and we are all loving her to pieces...

Our Weekend

2009-04-28T21:38:00.002+01:00

I love the park
I'm going to kick it!
Rachel as little roo
Daniel in the plane at the park

We are all doing really well at the moment - I think we've really settled down now into being a family of five. Rachel was eight weeks yesterday! I don't know where the time has gone to be honest. She is doing so well - sleeping eight hour stretches at night and after a quick feed, back for another four. I really couldn't ask for better. I have found that the change from two to three has been a lot easier than the adjustment and change from one to two. Daniel is in creche now two days a week, and he's doing okay, but not settling to well at the moment. He is obsessed with planes and all he wants to do is go to the airport to see planes. His exact words "Daddy back see airport planes high sky"... (I always tell him that we can only see planes on the weekend when daddy's home)... Apart from anything else - don't you think that's fantastic speech for a little boy who is not yet two!!

A Sad, but Sunny Weekend

2009-04-19T20:56:00.002+01:00

Yes, that is blue sky over Dublin, and yes - we got to braai!
We could even sit outside and enjoy the sunshine
Yes, ben is in the jacuzzi! in the sun!!
Our happy Rachel - there's a smile for you grandpa
Look at my big muscles!

Well, we had to say goodbye to mom and dad on Friday as they flew back to Doha - and we were all very sad to see them go. The kids have been asking all weekend for them, with Ben particularly sad that nanny went home. But, this is ironic, we had terrible weather the last few days they were here - lots of light and persistant rain. Lo and behold though, this weekend has been fantastic. We have had to really gorgeous days that even allowed us to have a braai today in sunshine! I actually felt warmth from the sun and it was good!

As for the family - Rachel is just getting bigger and bigger (6.1kgs at her doc's appointment on Friday). But with bigger comes sleep I have found - she is doing really well - going for about seven eight hours at a stretch at night - who could ask for more at seven weeks! :) The whole family even got a lie in this morning with Daniel only waking at 7:17!!! And for those in the know - know THAT never happens! :) This means that all is good with the Fishers... Will post again soon

Potty Head!

2009-03-31T21:39:00.005+01:00

What a week we've had! Daniel started creche today, and things went really well - but it's only day one. The teacher for his class is really good and she managed to keep him calm when I left which was no mean feat. I have realised in the past week or so that he really needs to mix with kids his own age on a regular basis. Also, he's bored at home with me and Rachel when he's not getting the same attention he's used to. This boredom has led him to get into everything at home and subsequently a lot of trouble. Take for instance yesterday when he found the potty ring inset, which he decided would look good on his head - he then pulled down and got the thing stuck around his neck. This was really funny until mom and I realised that getting it off was not so simple and we had a real problem on our hands. It took about 30 mins of struggling until we oiled his head and the ring and pulled! Thank goodness it slid off. Rachel is still the model child - sleeping so very well, feeding well and just an angel. I am really loving her and her being with us makes me feel like our family is complete.

Anyway, here are a few recent pics:

Please be patient - we have a technical problem!

2009-03-25T10:12:00.002Z

Hi everyone, sorry that the posts have been so few and far between... but we really are struggling with our camera's at the moment. I won't even go into the details - but it has been difficult over the past few weeks. Not to mention getting to grips with dealing with three children under four. The result is that Daniel will be starting creche two mornings a week from next week! I think this will be beneficial for all concerned, and especially him as he is now very bored at home with me and my attention is taken up with Rachel... Otherwise, Rachel is just a little gem, honestly we could not have gotten any luckier with her. She is sleeping very well at night, and while not through (who could expect that at three and a half weeks!) she's only waking at two and about four thirty to be fed... She has a very happy disposition so far to, and yesterday when mom got back from visiting friends down the country Rachel's whole face smiled when she saw her... It was quite something to see, as I have thought she'd been smiling, but yesterday there was no doubt. Also, the public health nurse was here yesterday and I can announce that Rachel is now a whopping 5kgs!! Showing she has no problems feeding! :) Here are a few of the latest pics of us this morning :)

Welcome Baby Rachel

2009-03-05T16:44:00.002Z

Well, only 2 hours passed her Irish due date - Rachel Fisher made her grand entrance! All went so well with her delivery, but as most of you know, I had to spend two days in hospital which I was hoping to avoid. It is really nice to be home now though and to start settling down with everyone at home. She is just a lovely baby - when born looked exactely like Ben. But she's changed already. As you all can see - and as the paediatrician delicately put it, she's not petite! But as with all our children, we build them strong and at 9.1 pounds she's no exception. She's feeding really well, and seems more settled when there is chaos and mayhem (aka Ben and Daniel) around her. As long as the lights are on and there is noise everywhere she sleeps - once everyone is in bed and things calm down she's as wide awake! I will write more in the coming days... so keep checking :)

Snow Day Number Two

2009-02-03T21:40:00.006Z

We have seen snow in Ireland like I have never seen it in nine years over these last two days - the boys are having a ball!!! Unfortunately, bob's car didn't start today and we had to pick him up from work... Which took us over two hours, for a trip that normally takes about 15 mins. The traffic was crazy!! I couldn't resist posting these picks to show you how much fun we've had :)

Our snowman on the green

My supercool boys (they fight over that hat, can you believe)

Loving the snow

Snow Day

2009-02-02T10:41:00.004Z

Well, I was expecting some weather this morning when we woke up because for almost the last week we've had quite bad storms, but I did not expect to find it snowing! Everything was covered, white and lovely. We had so much snow that a snowman miraculously appeared on the green outside our house. The boys are very excited, and ben can't wait to go skiing :) (definately my child)... It's been snowing solidly now for about three hours now, and I'm loving it.

We've been so busy these last few weeks - the cars (both of them) had to be fixed, and all of a sudden I realised that the baby is due in less than four weeks!! I am ashamed to admit, but it took me completly by surprise... and so I've been quite frantic getting her room ready... I've wanted to keep it very simple and not use to much pink, but somehow, when everything was put together - it's PINK! Oh well, she's the only girl we're going to have so why not?? :) We've kept the walls simple though - and when she's born I want to put up her name on the wall with her date of birth....

I took these two photo's because the one on the right was taken at 7:30 this morning and the other one was taken at ten - so you can see how much snow has fallen.

Not the best shot of her room, but the best I can do with the camera I have...

A Huggle...

2009-01-17T21:14:00.003Z

I can't let time carrying on passing without documenting this beautiful and wonderful word... With the pregnancy progressing and the weather being the way it has been this last little while I don't have any photo's of the boys since Christmas - and while I feel I can neglect that for a little while I cannot not explain a huggle. Daniel has decided that he wants neither a "hug" nor a "cuddle" - but rather "a huggle". And nothing gives me more joy than hearing "Huggle Mommy??" when I pick him up in the morning, or "Mommy Huggle!" after his bath (which is his little ritual after bathing since as long as I can remember). He is coming on so well with his communication - "Tankyou Ben", "Me Dance", "Daddy Sleeping??", "I go there", "Share, me share" - oh yes and has got the concept of humor as will laugh heartily at anything he lables "funny!".... This is not even to mention his repetoire of songs which are to numerous to list...

Christmas Casanova

2008-12-25T20:53:00.005Z

Merry Christmas everybody - we hope that you had a wonderful, happy day filled with family, food and fun! Robin and I learnt a few good lessons this year:
1. It is VERY important not to over feed a sick child on milk in the middle of the night (even if he asks for it) as the cleaning up from the consequences at 1:30am is not that much fun!
2. The reason you have to start opening presents at the crack of dawn is because each present opened needs to be played with immediately, before opening another. We had six hours (I kid you not) of opening presents, and we still have four under the tree unopened as we ran out of time!
3. No matter how prepared you think you are when it comes to the food, things can always go wrong (we went to friends for lunch where we had a great mac and cheese as the planned roast got thrown in the bin as the meat had gone off!). For my contribution (which was the starters and desert), I thought that I was 100% prepared, but I still managed to spend about 3 hours in the kitchen???

All in all though it was a lovely day and the kids really enjoyed themselves (Daniel is not well, but managed to sleep while we were out and so we were able to eat lunch uninterupted which was a treat). Ben enjoyed himself a lot to - especially when he cuddled up to Sammy in the cupboard (thanks lisa! :) you have started a trend). And she was enjoying it as much as he was I think :)

Lots of love to you all
Merry Christmas

What a Big Night

2008-12-13T20:54:00.007Z

Tonight is the first night that the boys are sleeping in the same room together!!!! and so far so good. I have had such a mental block about it - as their sleeping patterns are so different, but it has to be done sooner rather than later. And it didn't even take that long to get them settled - but lets not count chickens hey?? :) We have been really busy over the last little while. A visit to Santa on Monday in Mullingar (which is an hour outside of Dublin). It was fantastic! Beautiful grounds, old ruins, a wonderful forest walk and of course Santa. We were out visiting our old neighbours to this week and their new baby which was wonderful - I really do miss Lusk so much! And today we had a lovely time, visiting the new Hamleys Toy store in Dundrum. The boys loved it and so did we. They had snow and a bubble machine at the door, people dressed up as toys helping with demonstrating the toys and toys all over the place for the boys to play with. And to top that a lunch out at Nando's!! Yes, Nando's is here - but it's a little different here as it's not just a take-away, but a restaurant to. And a really nice one at that. We had fun, the boys had fun - it was great.
Daniel is just getting so wonderfully cheeky and smiley - there are a few photo's I just couldn't leave out. The one with chocolate all over his face, was the result of one small biscut :).... Ben is changing and growing so much... All we get these days is "why? why?. why?" and "no, but" as an answer to every request that I make. It is worryingly similar to vicky pollard's catch phrase in little britain! will have to get this out of him :).... Enjoy the photo's....

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas!!

2008-12-07T20:48:00.005Z

We are SO SO SO excited for tomorrow - I'm taking the boys to see Santa, in the midlands at a country house where he has apparently set up his ice palace in Ireland! Will be taking a lot of photo's to bore you all with tomorrow :). But it's been a busy weekend here - Ben went to rugby with his Dad on Saturday to see Leinster play and I took him to Imaginosity (Children's Museum) today AND we got our tree up this morning. As I write this I'm watching the beautiful twinkly lights - what is it about a christmas tree that instantly cheers you up. I'm really excited for the holidays now. Here are a few photo's of the weekend:

All Happy its Christmas

Our Tree

I do like my spikey hair

Seeing my weight in water at Children's Museum

Delighted! I cracked the code in the bank vault

She's a Shy One

2008-11-29T14:55:00.005Z

So, I went for my second 4D scan today - as with the last one, she was hiding and we couldn't get any good ones really - and today was the same! She literally turned away from us as soon as the scanner was put on my tummy. Of course she's going to be beautiful, she's ours :), but model material, I don't think so :).... Anyway here are the three best.

Also, I had to add these two - Daniel is already enjoying the Christmas Spirit and Ben is freezing at the Leinster game against the Gwent Dragons on Saturday Night. We didn't stay for the whole game as I can't tell you how cold it was. Even wrapped up it was bitter and too much for the boys, and if I'm honest, me to :)

I Love Winter

2008-11-14T16:22:00.006Z

It's not raining!!!! We are having the best time ever now because it's not that wet - not like summer was anyway. We've just come back from the park and we had such a lovely afternoon. The kids ran around, played pirates, kicked balls and most of all jumped in muddy puddles - which was I think for them the highlight (not so much for me as I didn't pack a second change of clothes and they got sopping - will know for next time).... I forgot how lovely it is to be out in the brisk air, enjoying all the colors of autumn (the leaves are still golden and only just falling off the trees so autumn in my book)... Here are the pics for you to enjoy to :)...

The Scan

2008-11-08T14:55:00.004Z

We had the scan this morning and disappointingly we didn't get any good pictures of her at all because she was snuggled in to me and not to keen on being photographed. Plus, while she was calm, happy and seemingly asleep, the boys went balistic! daniel screamed his head off because he couldn't come to me and Ben screamed because he didn't like me being scanned - so Robin really had his hands full! The woman who did the scan was fantastic and tried everything to get the baby to move, including letting me go for a walk, but nothing. So, she's asked me to come back again (assuring me at no extra cost!!!) and I have another booked for the 29th November... I'm going on my own this time and hopefully our baby girl will want to pose.... And we double checked - definately a girl :)... So the result is only one half way decent picture (and she looks very similar to the one we have of ben). Also - I've included a pic of my new stroller, the Phil and Ted VIBE... I am DELIGHTED with it... And I'm sure that it's going to make life easier with the three!

Our little girl

My Vibe

2008-11-06T09:44:00.002Z

So, again I'm a little late in the posting - but Happy Halloween everyone! The boys had a great time... Ben was a dragon and Daniel a Lion (which I just loved)... Ben "got" trick or treating this year and couldn't believe his luck! He asked to go again every day since :) Also, he quite enjoyed carving the pumpkins and so I think the whole thing was a big hit. Now with Halloween over, can you believe that I'm starting to plan christmas! It'll be quiet this year, but I really want to start establishing christmas traditions, which so far I've decided will consist of baking decorations (thank you Nigella) and making our own christmas wrapping paper. Also - I want the boys to make their presents for their friends - I just have to come up with something decent and within the capabilities of a 3 year old and a 17 months old (not at all a challenge). But Ben is doing really well at the moment too - baking biscuts, making thank you cards and painting ... Since coming back from SA we've been very productive! :)

A few more photo's from SA

2008-10-20T18:31:00.002+01:00

Us out for dinner as a family

Daniels' Christening

Ben's birthday cake

At the party

Ben's first pony ride - on a smiling horse!

So, that was the quickest four weeks ever... I can't believe that we are back home in Dublin now and our South African Holiday behind us. We had a lovely time, and it was exactly what I had hoped it would be, spending time with family. I don't know when we'll be back and so this trip was really special.

It's A.....

2008-10-15T06:43:00.003+01:00

Girl!!!!! Just a quick post to let you all know that we are expecting a little girl on the 20th February... A little sooner than we thought too:) Here are her first pics...

Our SA Trip

2008-10-11T10:12:00.003+01:00

The reason I've been out of touch is that we've been out of touch the last little while is that we've been visiting everyone is South Africa... And let me just say this Cape Town was ridiculously COLD!!!!!!! I was expecting some sun - not the same type of horrid weather we have in Dublin!... Thankfully JHB and Pretoria have performed better and we are enjoying lovely sunshine here. The boys are loving being with the family and we have had just a great time with everybody. Jason and Lisa are a big hit here as they have lizards and a cat which I have found are just kid magnets.
Ben's birthday is planned for tomorrow - at a party venue with pony rides and jumping castles and party games - so I'm sure that he's going to have a ball. After months of telling me how much he wants a Barney Birthday he changed his mind about two weeks ago and now wants a Super Ben birthday... which means the cake and the theme had to change. The great thing about being here is that I don't have to do anything! The cake was ordered and the venue do the food, so all we have to do is show up... I will write more about our holiday when I get home, but here are some photo's to keep you up to date...

The story with this photo is that at Roy and Beth's house Ben made cookies for the first time... here he is taking them out of the oven and they were hot, hot, hot!!!! Also, the whole night he decided he was baker ben and that's all he'd answer to.

I'm Back!

2008-09-03T20:26:00.003+01:00

I'm sorry that it's been three months since I've posted anything at all... I can't even say that it's been a busy time.... All I can say is that it's taken me this long to have anything real to write about - we've had REALLY bad weather here the last few weeks. It's been a challenge to get the boys out and about, people have been away on holiday (the lucky ones anyway) and I found out that we're expecting again!!! :) This has taken some time sinking in, and while both bob and I are delighted as we always knew there would be a no.3 we didn't think that it would be this soon :) Oh well, they'll be great company for each other. Ben and Daniel are getting on so well now, and play really nicely together, and it didn't take that long to get there. Daniel has been at a difficult phase of learning to walk, learning to get up and down stairs, learning, learning, learning. Needless to say that he has fallen off his feet, down the stairs, off the tables, chairs, couches, slides and anything else he can climb up. He is a bit of a daredevil. His favourite game is jumping off the couch. He is amazing though - a week after taking his first steps he was kicking a ball. He can hit and kick now with the best of them. He is also fantastic talking - he has about 50 words now and is starting to string a few together - "Bye Bye Daddy", and "I go there" are the most clear, his comprehension is fantastic to - can take instruction so well... not bad for 14 months - and I know, I'm making him sound like a little genius - but he is: REALLY :)

Anyway, enough of that - here are a few photo's of the family :)

Daniell getting his ball from under Ben's bed

My coy boy

How fast did that year go - Daniel's One

2008-06-26T22:05:00.005+01:00

The Cake

My Beautiful Boys

Opening Presents

More Loot

Had to add this - LOVE the smile

This post is so overdue - and I'm sorry to all the family... I have really struggled this last week with Daniel's birthday. He is so wonderful and such a delight for us, but I have been a bit sad that he's not a baby anymore.... We had a wonderful party, all the kids had a really good time I think. Daniel loved the attention, and even for a small gathering, I couldn't believe how much work went into getting everything ready.... True to the summer we're having it poured with rain and so we were had to stay inside. Here are the pics of the day, and a few others I just had to add

Watching the Ducks

Ben's new angle on slide

Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:02:00.009+01:00

The first and most important thing to say is that something happened today - that has never happened before, and probably will never happen again - Daniel had a three hour sleep this morning from nine until twelve! This allowed us all to have a rest before we hit the Teddy Bears picnic in Black Rock park... And what a lovely day. There were jumping castles, face painting, magicians and jugglers, people on stilts and LOTS of balloons. The boy loved it. And so did we. When we got back we had even more fun - Daniel was in a really silly mood and chasing his ball all over the house, laughing and giggling and practicing his walking. he even stood up on his own without support... so we're still hoping for an independent step by Wednesday....

Our Weekend

2008-06-08T21:09:00.005+01:00

We've been exploring a little and found our local beach - Kiliney. And it's oh so posh :)... Lovely beach, we went down and the amount of yachts and sail boats was amazing... And it was pretty too. We had lunch with the Kents today and I loved this photo of ben and katie - on the Dora laptop...

Daniel has been a little under the weather and has had a really high temp for the past three days. If it doesn't come down by tomorrow it's off to the doc for us. I've been saying this so much lately, but I can't believe that Daniel is going on one - we bought his present today - a tricycle with safely bars so he can't fall off. Can't wait to take him on walks with it.

June Bank Holiday

2008-06-01T22:01:00.003+01:00

we have had the most fantastic weather this weekend - it has been truley spectacular ! It has been hot, windless and perfect and we are all saying long may it last. There was a maritime festival in dublin this weekend and we all has a great time.... Lots of music and street performers and food and fun. Yesterday was equally good and we even managed to get the pool set up for the boys to have a paddle in ... The pics say it all :) have a look...

We're back from Spain, what now?

2008-05-21T21:48:00.003+01:00

We've been quite busy actually since getting back from Spain - the boys had a lovely time and really enjoyed building sandcastles on the beach. Although, one would be hard pressed to defend the notion that their dad was just supervising the building as opposed to turning into one big kid and constructing dams and waterways crucial to any good castle. The boys have a very good role model in that respect. Since being back we've been to the zoo, and the park almost every day as the weather was fantastic last week. Unfortunately, this week is back to what we know best - hence the boys have found their way into everything inside! Daniel has taken a particular shine to the washing machine and the boy genius has figured out how to open the door - which is not good for me as now I have to watch him even closer. He's also got a wicked little streak in him gunning for everything he's not allowed - the sky box, the dvd player, the fireplace. Apparently, when I say "No Daniel, don't go there" he translates this into I must dash as fast as I can to the no go area, before my mom catches me, the race is on.

Ben is just wonderful as usual - over the weekend we caught up with his friend Sean, who is going to have a Spiderman themed party for his third birthday and so my son, on his own, decided that he's going to have a Barney party, and a Barney cake, with Barney candles and Barney presents. I kid you not, a lot of thought has gone in to this on his part! "I need that" - Ben speak for "Do you mind if I have that please" He is now completely devastated that Daniel is having a birthday before him too - he is not going to let Daniel eat his Barney cake.

The boys in the cupboard

Naughty Grins

Washing Machines are REALLY interesting

Bust

2008-05-21T21:43:00.002+01:00

First trip out on the bike

Ben's thumb after closing it in a door in spain

Dan is definately my poster boy that glow around his head is his hair!

Swiming with the penguins at the zoo

An actual braai in the sun - that's it for us, summer over

so much for april showers

2008-04-08T13:14:00.004+01:00

Anyone here in the Northern Hemisphere is really asking "What is going on?"...???? It's been snowing since Easter! I'm starting to loose hope that we're going to have a summer at all again this year. Thank goodness we are off to Spain in a few weeks, hopefully there we'll see the sun a little.... Ben is already planning the sandcastles he's going to build when we're there... On the other hand we've been really busy the last few weeks, with birthday parties for the boys and discovering our new surroundings - while the new house doesn't feel like home and I miss Lusk a lot, there is a lot of really good things out here to do, and the boys are spoilt for choice with the parks and playgrounds we have really close to us. Here are a few shots of the last week....

Our New Playground

2008-03-30T22:06:00.003+01:00

We have such a fantastic park down the road from us - have a look...

We have such a fantastic park down the road from us - have a look...

Our Weekend Break

2008-03-25T15:02:00.003Z

Hi,

Well we're back from London and we had a lovely weekend, although it snowed the whole time so it felt more like christmas than easter. The boys were fantastic on the plane both there and back which was great. Ben and Sandra have such a lovely home and they made us feel really welcome, and the boys played so well together too... Also, Daniel has now reached genius status in my eyes as he can clap on demand - not bad for nine months. And we got some lovely shots... Here they are...

How Long Has It Been!!!

2008-03-20T22:02:00.003Z

Okay, so it's been ages since I've posted - BUT I have a really good reason.... We completly uprooted our lives and moved Southside. Which has felt like the equivalent of changing country it's so different. We are really close to Robin's work and what we wanted from the move has been realised - we have breakfast together, bob leaves for work at about 8:30 and he's home for sixish and we have dinner together every night... and I'm sure that we've added years to his life that he's not stuck for three hours a day in traffic.... I will go into all the details later, but at the moment I'm packing we're off to London for the Easter weekend. The boys are fantastic and we've had the best photo's taken of them professionally - but until I get those sent to you here are the not professional ones to get you updated....

I have to tell you about this one - we were unpacking and Daniel was really quiet, after a few minutes I went to check on him.... and that was what I found - he'd passed out in his high chair - we couldn't stop laughing at him :)

I love my brother SOOOOOOO much!

Supercool with my glasses
Us at the Thomas the Tank Engine show - the boys LOVED it - Daniel was bopping along to the music...

Happy Birthday to Us

2008-01-12T07:55:00.001Z

Family moments

Me and my Brother

Celebrating Birthdays

Me and my buddy Sean

Well, both Bob and I are now another year older as we celebrated our birthdays this week - we were both very spoilt and had a really good time. I spent a good part of this week hunting all over dublin for a Nintendo Wii for Robin - and even had two of our friends scouring the stores too... everyone had the same story - we're sold out and don't know when we'll get more in stock, try again next week! Finally I managed to source one in the last store left in Dublin I think and he wasn't disappointed. Ben is starting to get more and more like his father - this week I went into his room to wake him up as it was almost nine o'clock... Once I got him to wake up I was told "No mommy, light off, Ben tired, Ben sleeping"!!!! Soon he's going to be saying "just five more minutes" - a phrase Robin is famous for. Daniel is now sitting on his own, and is trying very hard to crawl so soon I think we'll be mobile.... and then the fun starts :)

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T03:26:00.000Z

Here's wishing you a wonderful New Years Eve... And for the year coming we hope that it's peaceful and prosperous for you all.... I can't believe our desert holiday is almost over - we are on our way home tomorrow - three weeks goes very quickly. We've had a really good time here and I'm going to be sad tomorrow to say goodbye. Here are a few more shots of our trip....

Camels in the Desert

Playing in Dunes

The Fishers

Rafting at the Waterpark

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T16:46:00.000Z

Merry Christmas Everybody! We hope that you had a very good day and celebrated with those nearest and dearest to you. We had a lovely day, the boys were thoroughly spoilt by their grandparents and Ben just love everything he got. Daniel was more facinated with the paper and the boxes the toys came in, but isn't that always the case for a six month old? Now we have the new year to look forward to and I hope that it is a positive and peaceful year for you all. I couldn't resist being overindulgent and posting these pics of my beautiful two boys...

A Few Pics

2007-12-23T01:48:00.000Z

We are having such a good time here - Bob and I got away on Friday and went skiing!! It was fantastic and made me realise how much I love it... I can't wait for the boys to be old enough to learn and for us to go skiing as a family. The SkiDubai was very well put together and the two runs they had not bad. Mom and dad babysat the boys for us which was great too. It was so strange to ski in the evening and the next morning take the boys to the pool to have fun in the sun. I even managed to get Daniel into the water - he's not a fan of the cold... AND got a smile from him :)

Pics Of Dubai

2007-12-17T03:37:00.000Z

I've managed to get the photo's uploaded of our trip.... Here are some of the highlights :) We are having a really great time here and today plan to spend time on the beach - I'm hoping to see a camel or two.... Tomorrow it's christmas shopping time. I've put it off for long enough... Ben is loving it to - and is making us laugh so much. Now, if you ask him how he is his standard answer is "Not Bad" ??? Don't know where he got that from :)

Mom and Dad's House

Building on the Beach is incredible

Madinat Market

Proving we were there

Boys Playing together

Us in Madinat with the Burj Al Arab behind us

Our little Arabian thief hiding in a pot

Playing in the fountains

Dubai for Christmas

2007-12-15T17:32:00.000Z

As the title tells you we are in Dubai at the moment.... Thankfully we had a really good flight from Dublin and it was direct which was fantastic... So here we are for three weeks with the folks to enjoy the sun and sand - I didn't think that I would enjoy it as much as I am at the moment. Mom and dad live in a really nice complex with a lovely playground and pool literally across the road from their villa... It is a shopping mecca, and really I feel like I'm in sandton a lot of the time - except for the occasional traditional arab garb even the people look like you would find in sandton... The boys have adapted really well and the four hour time difference hasn't seemed to be a problem for them. This afternoon we went off to the beach which was lovely, got to see a camel or two and then went to the marina - which is sandton square with boats, for drinks. There was a fountain there and Ben just loved it - hence the footage above. He was shouting at the water to spray and it was very funny.

The amount of building here is just unbelieveable - I don't think that any description can do it justice, I really feel like I'm watching the birth of a city - they are building everywhere!

Blogger is having aproblem with photo's so I'll try post more soon...

Warning: Christmas is Coming!

2007-11-11T21:45:00.000Z

We had a lovely morning this morning - our little family tradition of a Sunday brunch out somewhere was upheld and we were in Howth this morning at a little cafe with our friend Cathy and Riaan and their son Sean. After which we proceeded to feed every type of wild animal we could find - seals in the harbour, ducks in Portmarnock and swans in Malahide! We were so intent on our mission that Ben missed his afternoon sleep, something that never happens. After a brief stop home where we though he might nod off for a while (something that did not happen) we were out again - to the police station to get the boys South African passports signed and the shops. We had a real fun time at the police station though - he wouldn't sign the forms because our embassy hadn't phoned him to tell him to do it?????? He then asked my if I understood what he was saying????????? I speak English mate, I hear you loud and clear. As I write this I am still in awe of how blatantly racist he was to us... I know that sounds melodramatic, but he honestly treated us like morons! Let me change the subject - I'm getting cross just thinking about it!

At the shops Ben saw the Christmas decorations for the first time (YES they are up already, hence the title of the blog)... He was so funny - everything was twinkle twinkle (all the flashing decorations)... He almost broke his neck to see the reindeer suspended from the ceiling, and he was VERY weary of the three rocking Santa's in the display - I think they were playing "I wish it could be Christmas everyday"... The shops were full too, and there was a buzz about the place, and Ben made us feel like we were seeing Christmas for the first time too.

Here are some photo's of the day...

Us in Howth

Feeding the Ducks

My beautiful Daniel

Jumping off the pier

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T09:17:00.000Z

We had such a wonderful Halloween last night! There were more kids at the door than we’ve ever had before, and I was going to take Ben and Daniel Trick or Treating, but we just couldn’t get our timing right. We were going with the neighbours but they were running late, then Ben needed dinner and by the time everyone got together for the fireworks Ben was asleep… But he had good fun handing out sweets at the door and saying bye bye to everyone. He wasn’t quite sure WHY he was giving away the sweets though… Surely they were his? I think he was saying bye bye to the suckers and sweeties instead of the people …

Ben in his Policeman Costume

Riding the Horse

Daniel has been a little under the weather lately too, and is on antibiotics and an inhaler for a chest infection, but thankfully he’s on the mend now. You wouldn’t say there was anything wrong to be honest as he still smiled and laughed all the way through it.

Ben had a party at creche yesterday to celebrate too, and one of the girls there had a super costume on where it looked like she was riding a horse, and she was giving all the kids a ride… And here is Ben, loving it! He wasn’t too social though, after he finished his sweets and had his ride it was “Home, Mommy, HOME” while tugging me to the door…

Well, now that we’re into November already - we’ll have to start thinking of Christmas… It’s only weeks away. I love the holidays, and so as usual I can’t wait. It’s more special now because of the boys… We are in Dubai this year visiting mom and dad and I can’t wait for my dad to meet Daniel… One of the saddest things about living away from family is that they don’t get to see our beautiful boys growing up… I know and understand why I’m so biased, but Daniel really is a cutie… just look…

Wide Smiles

Oh!

I don't do Flashes

I Ga Goo

2007-10-18T21:13:00.000+01:00

Translated is "I Love You", sung by our favourite purple dinosaur Barney - I thought I would show you all too (this is my first video posting), when Ben disappears it's to give me a hug and a kiss... And I couldn't post this without putting Daniel up too - and since he's only four months his repertoire is a little limited - watch how he doesn't roll onto his back :)

Ben is Two

2007-10-13T16:34:00.000+01:00

Ben is Two!

We have had such a lovely day… Ben’s party went really smoothly, and everyone seemed to have a really good time! It didn’t rain and so the kids were out in the garden, ben I’m sure ate his weight in sweets, which is always a good yardstick for a party and is now sleeping off the sugar… A good time was had by all… Here are the photo’s…

The Cake

The Table

Look no Rain

Before the Party

Watching "In the Night Garden"

My Cake

Happy to You

Enjoying my cupcakes at creche

Counting down to two

2007-10-09T20:00:00.001+01:00

Well, Ben is two on Saturday, and I just don’t know where the time has gone to! How could two years have past… I can’t help thinking this week, of how it was going into my second week of being overdue and remembering just how much I wished he was with us… But also, who would have thought two years ago that I’d be here today with TWO boys! It’s a little hectic here at the moment with preparations for the party, but I’m sure that everything will go smoothly… I will post the photo’s on Saturday afternoon for those of you who would like to see Ben on his birthday! Here are some of the photo’s we took this afternoon as we had a little impromptu photo session…

2007-10-02T20:52:00.001+01:00

Isn't he lovely?

I have a new computer - yay!! With windows vista and so I’ve been spending some time finding my way around the new layouts. The great thing though is that I have new picture and editing packages which are fabulous to play with. I can make movies, burn dvd’s and generally have great fun recording my family Speaking of family I can’t help myself with the shots of the boys, I know there are a lot of them, they are just to wonderful… See for yourself…

Crazy Hair

Yogurt, the sixth food group

Baby's got blue eyes

Gratuitous cuteness

what our weekends have been reduced to!

Ben’s “Happy to You” is getting closer (his birthday party) and I am starting to panic slightly. We have most of the decorations we’re doing a baby Einstein theme, but I have to get the cake organised and the eats for everyone. I’ve decided it’ll be easier to structure the party and not keep it going to long so we’re having it at 10:30 in the morning with games and stories and a run in the garden… I’m looking forward to posting those photo’s…

What Good Weather

2007-09-15T19:51:00.000+01:00

As my previous posts have stated, thank goodness! We finally are getting a few good days... And today must have been the best of them. We had such a lovely day with the boys - both were just angelic and neither cried... Bliss... We spent the morning at Ardgillian Castle and the playground there, time flew and Ben just loved the slides, but was even more taken with the sailing boats on the sea - he's taking more and more after his grandfather! He shouts "Boat!", "Boat!" at me all the time. Then we got home to get ready for John and Nicola coming over for a Braai. The weather held up and we got to eat outside. A real treat! :)

Unfortunately, Robin hasn't been with us this weekend, he is off competing in a Cisco Fitness/Team building Challenge with his company, which has meant night runs in the rain, canoeing in the dark, I believe he had to swim 400mtrs today - he's going to come back shattered.

Here are my beautiful boys :)...

Indian Summers

2007-09-12T07:41:00.000+01:00

Finally! We seem to be having a reprieve from the wet weather and the last two weeks have been dry and bright... In that time the boys have been dragged from pillar to post outside... Every playground in a 50 mile radius has been visited (I can say that honestly cause we were up North in Newry and took him to a playground there) and every beach north of the liffy has seen some time too. Robin took Thursday and Friday off last week and we had a wonderful long weekend together... This week however, he is off on some corporate teambuilding challenge and will be away from Thursday to Sunday - I'm going to have my own teambuilding challenge on my hands at home with the two boys :)

Here are the latest photo's:

Come here fists

Riding Sheep in the Botanical Gardens

Dan practicing neck control - serious business

Riding bikes

Me and Dad squirrel spotting

Storytime with Nicola and the twins

Say Cheese

2007-08-16T09:05:00.000+01:00

I have some lovely shots from the weekend and so this is more about photo's than text today... But I must tell you, we've been trying to teach Ben to smile, and to do that we've told him to say "cheese" and so that is the reason for some of the manic looking smiles you're about to see :)... Here are the boys... As I'm the official family photographer, shots are always with daddy!

Daniel...

2007-08-09T21:05:00.000+01:00

Okay, so those of you that are sensitive to over indulgent mothers who think that there children are beautiful and like to show them off at any given opportunity - invited or not - stop reading now! I want to dedicate just one entry entirely to Daniel, who is changing daily and who has already at seven weeks shrugged off his "newborness" and has become a lovely, chubby baby. He is still sleeping well and I'm delighted to say lights up when his brother is around (as long as he's not hungry, sleepy, windy or generally cranky)... So who lights up some of the time his brother is around :)... He is also BIG on eye contact... As long as someone is talking to him face to face he's a happy little chap. I am so enjoying him and like all my previous posts, am loving being a mother of two - somehow I feel my family is more complete now...

Mom left today, back to Dubai. I was very sorry to see her go, but knowing that we'll be there for Christmas is something to look forward to. It was wonderful having her over and having her here to get to know Daniel a little... The next time she sees him he'll be six months old!

Here are a few more photo's of the boy...

The August Bank Holiday

2007-08-05T22:13:00.001+01:00

It's mom's last weekend here as she is flying back to Dubai on Thursday and finally we got to go out for a meal, albeit Saturday lunch... The weather was halfway decent, and there were people swimming in the sea - but there was no sun to be seen at all. We got a bit of an early start on Saturday and left home at 10:30 for the garden centre to buy the plants to finish off the garden (see pic below)... The women there was wonderful and spent about half an hour with us advising on the type of plants for our garden... When it came to choosing I felt like a winner of one of those shopping gameshows were you are allowed to run around throwing things into the trolley willy nilly... 3 of those, 5 of these and chuck those in too for good measure :). Finally though the garden is pulling together and we have a really nice space outside for the boys to play and for us to entertain - if summer ever comes this year!

The boys are doing well and both are now over the chicken pox, Ben has been sleeping in a "big boy bed" for four nights now and is doing very well with the transition. Daniel is wonderful, and is so smiley in the mornings which is his best time. We are really enjoying him... and he is so different to Ben, I feel he completes our family. I have yet to experience anything more special than when Ben interacts with him and Daniel beams his gummy wide smile at his brother...

Here are a few more pics of the boys....

Say "Cheese"

Enjoying the Sunshine

The Chickenpox

2007-07-30T11:31:00.001+01:00

So another weekend has come and gone, and it was lovely. The Irish weather was up to its usual mixed bag and so we were caught once or twice in the rain. We went for a walk in the park on Saturday and Ben got to talk to the animals... He decided it was a day for shades and as you can see in the photo wore them the whole day - even to sleep!

After the walk in the park, it was time for the playground - or "outside" as Ben calls it, everything that is fun is "outside"... His vocab is growing daily, and while "please" and "thank you" are said when prompted, we have still to add "yes"! Everything is "no" even when he wants something.

Sunday saw a trip to Howth and the harbour and market there. The weather was fantastic in the morning and it was a great time out. We got to see a rather large and old seal, and Ben was fascinated with him...

Daniel too enjoyed the day out, or what he could see of it from the stroller :)... Unfortunately for him though, he contracted Ben's chicken pox - two weeks to the day, and while he's fine with no temperature, has quite a few spots... On the one hand I'm glad that he's getting it now as it'll be over and done with for the two boys, but on the other, he's only six weeks old and it's so young to be sick... I'm hoping that it's just a mild case.... Poor mom, here for three weeks and in quarrantine for two!

Will update again soon with more pics of Daniel - we haven't taken too many at the moment on account of the spots...

Three Weeks On

2007-07-10T12:23:00.001+01:00

Hi, So we're three weeks into being a family of four - and we are all adjusting really well. Ben is very good to his brother which is wonderful, but is a little bit of a terror with me, which is to be expected I suppose. But even that is getting better, he's accepting of Daniel but doesn't like the time I spend with him. I make a big effort though to have one-on-one time with Ben when we get home from creche. Other news is that from next Monday Ben will be part time in creche and home with me in the afternoons, and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with him. Here are some up to date photo's taken this week of the two boys... Oh, the other big news is that Daniel is sleeping really well for us and last night slept from 10 until 4. The public health nurses told me that I don't have to wake him for feeds at night but not to leave him longer than seven hours... He is battling with a little bit of wind at the moment after his feeds, and hopefully that will settle soon... Otherwise a dreamy, sleepy baby :)

Hey Guys!

I love him, does he love me back ??

Me and my dad in my new house

Garden Time

Daniel's One Week Old

2007-06-25T16:07:00.000+01:00

Well, Daniel is a week old today - I can't believe it's been a week already! And we are settling down nicely as a family. If I'm honest, I was quite worried about how I would be with the two boys on my own but I had to cross that bridge last Thursday when Bob got tied up at work and I had the two together in the afternoon. The day was made easy as Daniel slept in his car chair for most of it and I could give all my attention to Ben... We are really just loving having Daniel around, he is such a relaxed baby so far, a good eater and to this point a very good sleeper. I'd forgotten just how much newborns sleep! And even as second time parents, we still have a little healthy paranoia - on Saturday we called the hospital again because Daniel wasn't too keen on waking up - at all... After a rather confusing conversation with the nurse, (who asked me if he was still breathing!!!! Of course he's still breathing, if he wasn't I would be calling 999 not YOU...) she assured me that all was well and that newborns sleep most of the time they're not eating...

Ben is still taking the whole new addition in, and while he's not overly physical with the baby, he's really gentle with him actually, he is acting out a little - whether that is his age coming into play (being nearly two) or Daniel I'm not sure, but he definitely is a little more challenging. In a good way though, as both Bob and I can see him trying to establish his boundaries with us... And I'm learning too, I'm learning to choose my battles and I'm learning stuff can be replaced - cd players, digital camera's and every other electrical device in the house worth investigating... :)

Here are some more pics of the new boy and the family...

Baby Daniel's Arrived

2007-06-21T07:14:00.000+01:00

So it's official now... and Ben is a big brother!... Daniel arrived at 9:23 Monday morning, rather quickly to everyones surprise, including my own. We only got to the hospital at just after 7 and both Robin and I though it would be at least lunch time before the little guy made an appearance - but he had other plans. The stay in hospital wasn't bad this time either, in fact it was really good. The nurses were fantastic AND I got my own room for the second night which was fabulous too.

Daniel is a very relaxed baby so far, and I'm loving being a mom to a small baby again. I am so much more relaxed this time too, and can enjoy this precious time instead of stressing over every little cry and peep...

Ben has also surprised me in that he is very interested in the baby, and doesn't seem too upset that Daniel is around. Everything has to be given to the baby, or thrown into the moses basket for the baby (whether Daniel is in it or not)... The only funny thing is that we've had the moses basket downstairs in the lounge for almost the past month and Ben hasn't shown any interest in it at all... Until yesterday when he had to climb into it and sleep in it and be rocked! :)...

We are having difficulty deciding whether the two boys look the same and who they take after - what do you think?

Daniel a few hours oldBen a few hours old

Take care everyone, and I'll post again soon x

Finally A Summer Day

2007-06-10T07:05:00.000+01:00

Hi, just a quick update in that we had our first Summer Saturday yesterday. The weather was gorgeous! Hot and bright - which doesn't often happen in Ireland. Here are a few pics of the day...

Three little kids in the garden

Our first Braai of the "Season"

Me and my Dora Straw

Hard at work with Dad

Swimming in the Evening (it was about 8pm at this stage)

I'm a model, you know what I mean?

Sleeping after a hard day of fun...