Struggling Being A College Momma.

Well, that was a fail! 

The start of summer I told myself to blog more & do so much more things in my life..

And no. I didn't do one thing that I wanted.

It's been.. 3/4 months since I've blogged (OOPS!)

I honestly forget to blog, or I'm just too busy.

But anyway.

Im currently in 3rd year in college (I know, I didn't think I would be a 3rd year LOL!)

It's the last year of my course, which means

WORK, WORK, WORK!!!!

AHHHHH!

And with being a full-time college momma, It's very hard to find time to myself!

When i'm at home, I'm constantly thinking of what I've to do for college the next day or next week.

And when I'm in college, All I want to do is go home & see my little pumpkin! (SADFACE!)

With Kayden being 2, He's starting to notice that I'm going more often & it kills me.

But I do get a BIG hello when i come back!

It's crazy to think that, this time next year, I could be graduating.. and have a degree as a graphic designer!!!

I'm trying to work my butt off with all the briefs, but it can be exhausting. I literally have about 4 weeks to get 5 briefs done. :( 

which includes a draft of a dissertation.... YIKES!

And I'm here, blogging LOL!

I'm not sure what I am going to do when college is over, it's kinda like my safety net! 

There is an add-on year.. but honestly the thoughts of another year in college!!!

But, i'll see when the time comes.

My weekday routine is basically;

Wake up at an annoyingly early hour (Still dark outside)

Make my face look half decent.. Especially when I'm up at all hours.

Wake Kayden up, & get him changed and dressed.

Drop him off to be minded.

Go to college for the day.

Come home, pick up Kayden.

Make dinner (If I'm not tired enough..)

Give Kayden a bath, and dressed for bed.

Give Kayden his Supper..

& put him to bed.

And thats when I put myself to bed.

And I repeat that the next day. Its exhausting!

but there is time where he stays in his daddy's house.. which can help but I'm still exhausted!

And with ALL that, I try and get as much college work as I can, to try and be ahead of things.. but at the moment... Im WAY behind LOL!

It's hard to blog, look after a crazy toddler and be a college student all at once.

When I do get time to myself, I really do make the most of it and do 

NOTHING!! lol.

But yeah, thats basically me right now.

I'm either tired, cranky, stressed or happy.

but it will be all worth it in the end.

fingers crossed!!!

Thanks for reading

Aisling xo

TODDLER UPDATE!

Hey guys!

I was thinking of a blog post and thought to myself that i have done a toddler update in a very long time!

AGE: He is 1year & 10months as of today! another 2 months and he will be 2 :(

WEIGHT: Kayden was about 2 stone last month. Didn't get a chance to weight him this month yet.

HEIGHT: He is 33inches :) We actually got a wall sticker in Ikea that is a measuring chart! I love it! Great purchase!

SLEEPING: He sleeps straight through the night. Will go down after 9 and then will wake up around 9 also. If we are away for the day and he gets a late nap, he will go down later than usual but I wouldn't say he has a strict bedtime. Its usually around 9! And also he is in his own room which i think helps him sleep a lot better. as of recently he's nap time has been abandon a little, every now and again he does skip naps! which I'm going to find it hard to adjust as it is mammy time and i get most of the cleaning, washing and dinner done when he naps :(

TEETH: He has all his teeth apart from his four eye teeth, which i have noticed are just sitting above /below his gums, so in no time he will have them four! I was actually wondering when to bring him to the dentist as he does have a lot of teeth... I'm not sure though, he won't let the dentist go near him haha!

PLAYING: He very good at playing on his own when it is just him, but he also loves playing with other kids! Kayden is OBSESSED with football! like I mean obsessed. Its crazy how good he is at kicking the football and playing rugby for his age. There is no doubt he will be a sporty child, which means lots and lots of matches for Mammy & Daddy to go too :) 

PERSONALITY: Kayden is mostly a very happy toddler, but of course he has his tantrums and bursts of moodiness now and again. but it is easy to bring him away for the day or just stay at home! he loves his outings but is at that stage of not wanting to be in the buggy and wants to run around which is normal, but as a football fan he likes to dive onto the floor & it can get frustrating to get him to walk along side you! but I'm sure he will learn :)

CURRENT CLOTHING SIZE: He is currently in 1 1/2 year - 2 year clothing! he has a very narrow waist so most jeans/trousers might not fit him as well at his tops do! he is also outgrowing a size6 shoe!

DIAPER SIZE: Size 5/5+ at the moment.

WORDS: He will try to copy anything you say so i would say that his vocabulary is very good! i can't remember the words he says as there is many of them! but altogether he is good at talking and learning now to put words together such as "kick it" "Thank you" etc.. he can say please but will rarely say it lol!

RECENT MILESTONES: a bit TMI but he recently just figured out when he is going toilet, such as if he needs a "Poo" he will tell me! which is a great step to potty training! he understands you completely now, if you ask him to do something he will do it etc! Also i have introduced "Time Out" which is basically a corner that he stands in if he is acting up or not doing what is is told! basically we give him a warning first, and then if he doesn't listen, its timeout! Ive been trying to do a minute to his age, so its 1minute right now, and then i add a minute if it continues. After his time out Kayden will come over and say sorry with a hug a kiss and i remind him that It wasn't nice and thats why he went to time out.

So that is this months update! thanks for reading :)
Aisling xo

SUMMER PLANS!!

Hey Guys!

So it's official, after next tuesday (an exam) I'm officially on SUMMER!

YAY!

I'm done and finished second year, to my surprise it went so fast i can't even remember what i did!

I've four months off until I'm in my final year, and these four months will fly by :(

So, I want to make the most of it.. That i'm PLANNING! Omg!

(Now, i do not plan! I've never been good at it, or it never goes my way!)

This Summer it will just be Kayden & I, and a toddler can get so bored and grumpy and hate being stuck inside - abit what Kayden is like at the moment ;) So i want him to enjoy this break as he is older and he's way more active than last year.

I'm blogging this whole planning experience so that i know myself what i have planned and what i have succeeded while planning (If that makes sense)

(Right.. to the point Aisling!!!)

This summer, I do not want to lounge around and do the same thing every day! I want to make the most of the time i have off college and with my little boy!

So, I'm going to list a few thing i want to achieve this summer.

• I want to blog more. (Toddler reviews, outings, ootd, week in pictures, random things that I've always wanting to blog)

• To do more crafts with kayden. I would love to do videos on how to make things. Toddler crafts, baby crafts, gift ideas etc. Maybe put them on youtube... MAYBE!

• Have more daily outings with kayden. I don't drive so it will be hard to go far away (Unless Pietro is off and we go as a family) but more walks and discoveries for kayden!

• Maybe vlog a few things. Now i know! some people don't see the point in vlogging or uploading videos to youtube. But I'm a momma, and i love taking pictures and videos! Just to have them as a keepsake.. I would love if kayden could look back and see what he was like.. they way he acted.. what he wore (Like boys care..) but its for me. not anybody else!!

• SEW! I want to get crafty and make things for myself, Kayden or even gifts! I've a relation who is due a baby and i would love to be able to sew a blanket or make something for the baby to keep! 

• This theory test has always been at the back of my mind.. or people keep reminding me about it (Pietro) but i should really do it, do thats my plan! Pass the theory test and get on the road! 

And.. I think thats it! If i have more goals/plans etc i will note them!

I really do hope i can do this. Some motivation is really needed!

Fingers-crossed!

Thanks for reading

Aisling xo

I'M BACK!

Hey Guys!

I'm Back!! :)

It's been such a long time since I blogged last. 

I got caught up with college a lot this semester! between all the briefs - we didn't really get a break.

But since we are coming to the end of this semester of college, I'm now heading into my Summer Break :) YAY!!

I'm currently on a two week easter break, I then have four days to prep my end of year portfolio, and submit it.. and then its the waiting game for the results :( !!

I must say, college this semester has been stressful! It's been hard for personal reasons, I've had a major change and still adjusting. But hopefully by september everything will get back to normal!

The college briefs this semester have actually been fun. ALOT OF HARD WORK, but the end result is great!

I've made my first animation (Not as good as i hoped) 

no excuses but that its done!

I designed an App (Not published on android, just did the design.)

and a few small others that were group work and project design.

My Animation was close to my heart! (Soppy Aisling)

As soon as they mentioned it to us, i knew straight away what i wanted to do.

I had different ideas how to make it but as soon as i went at it, it got harder to make!

So, I painted. I painted every single little thing in the animation and my god i was sick of it!

And then, I had to photograph (while Kayden was running around at some point)

Have a look! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVZkCj1-zpU&feature=player_embedded

The animation is based of the circle of life. The mother is singing the song to her child as he grows up, he leaves to live his life and returns with his own child, the mother, now a grandmother then sings to the newborn.

Thanks for reading!

Aisling xo

BABY MOMMA TAG!

Hey Guys :)

Hope everyone's Christmas & New Year's was as good as mine :)

Kayden did sleep through the new year but that is because he is so young! Poor sod, he slept great that night despite all the noise LOL!

So, recently i seen this "Baby Momma/daddy Tag"

I thought i would do it for my blog, seems pretty cool :)

Question1. What is your son/daughter's name and how old are they?

My son is called Kayden (as most of you know, LOL) & he is 17months old :)

Question2. Do you have any nickname for your son/daughter?

Eh, I actually don't, believe it or not. Unless K-man is counted LOL. 

Question3. Do you like being a Mom?

Yeah i do :), Its great having a little mini-me. I honestly don't mind feeding/changing/bathing, It's great :) seeing all his milestones, saying he's my little boy :')!! 

But, you do have them tantrums LOL!

Question4. What's worst, being spit-up or dirty nappies?

I can honestly say, it's the smell of the dirty nappies haha!!

Question5. Who does the most work? Mom or Dad?

Kayden's is always with me except when in college so i can say i do more work ;)

Question6. What was it like when your Son/Daughter was born?

Ehh, painful LOL But my memory is so fussy, i was so drugged up! When he was placed on me, i was so scared to touch him & i fell asleep while doing skin to skin haha! 

Question7. What is the coolest thing your Son/Daughter has done?

Omg, i can't pin-point!! he's done amazing things.. between walking and talking.. kicking the footballs, climbing his chair and sitting on it! feeding himself.. he's done so much!

Question8. Do you have a Nappy Routine?

Well, i guess. when he wakes up in the morning, before nap-time/after nap-time, and before bed. (&whenever it's a dirty one, or a very full one)

Question9. What dreams or ambitions do you have for your Son/Daughter?

I would love if he filled his dad's dream for playing rugby for Ireland! It would be great to watch him on T.V! I want him to be happy, and to know what the meaning of family is! I will be a proud momma of him no matter what :)

Question10. Describe your Son/Daughter in one word?

Omg, ONE WORD? haha. I would say, Adorable! He's big blue eyes are just Adorable!!

Thanks for Reading!

Aisling xo

TODDLER UPDATE!!!

Happy Eve of Christmas Eve Folks :)!

So Kayden turned 16months about two/three weeks ago & I never did an Update.

AGE: 16months/1year & 4months

WEIGHT: 24pounds. Which is perfect for his age and gender :)!!

HEIGHT: He is 80cm/31.5inches, Which is right on track :)

SLEEPING: Omg, Sleeping? what is that?! He now tends to wake up at a certain time in the morning.. Not sure if its hunger or pain from teething but he doesn't sleep all night! Momma is exhausted :(!

TEETH: 8 teeth :) !! So in the last month he has had three cut through, and currently working on more.. Uh Oh! 

PLAYING: Same old really, but very fond of playing "Catch", not sure that the other kids understand as he just shouts CATCH and throws the ball at them LOL! He's very into Rugby now, Even when it's on tele.. he will just stand in one spot for the whole match just watching.. Typical little boy :) Loves playing with his Auntie Sinead!!

PERSONALITY: Happy chappy :), but is now having such bad tantrums!! Oh my, He tends to have them if i say "No" or when he doesn't get his way.. but other than that he is a happy little boy, would make anyone smile. Such a chatter box now, from the moment he's awake until he falls asleep.

CURRENT CLOTHING SIZE: defiantly will be in 18-24months by the end of this month!!! Growing so much :(

DIAPER SIZE: Size 4/4+ he wears pampers nappies. Hasn't changed in a while (has such a skinny waist)

WORDS: Cheese, Kick, Boo and Bird. He can say letters too, "H" "S" .. Still working on ABC's

RECENT MILESTONES: He is getting so smart it's crazy, He now tells me he wants to go to bed when he's tired, He can now get his doddies and bottle when i ask him too, will wave night night at everyone. He knows where the bath is, and will ask to have one. He taps the couch to sit on it! he will sit on the floor when you ask him (Brilliant when i'm taking pictures LOL) started to bum shuffle which is the funniest thing to look at LOL! he pulls faces, sticks out his tongue and rolls his eyes haha!

So that is pretty much his month summed up, he turns 17months on the 1st January!!

I will have a blog up of his christmas day, much likely a picture blog!

Thanks for reading!

Aisling xo

VISITING SANTA!

Hey guys!

So, This year i've been a bit nervous bringing Kayden to see santa.

Last year, he was so young and didn't have a clue what to do.

But as he is that much older, and does make strange to a few people. I knew the red suit and the facial hair would go down well with him.

Well, Last weekend we decided to bring him to see santa. I wanted to go up to Liffey Valley as it was meant to be good, but that didn't go to plan and we headed to Newbridge instead.

We went to Newbridge last year too, and I don't mind paying a bit for a picture because its a nice memory to have.

We walked up to the grotto and found that it was different, infact it was free to walk up and talk to santa and have a picture taken! (GREAT!!)

So we walked up the little path towards Santa, I was talking to kayden the whole time trying to ease him upto it. Santa was talking to a few kids before us so Kayden was just looking, taking it all in.

The kids walked off, and it was Kaydens time.

LOL it didn't go well, Kayden wasn't impressed and Santa was fairly awkward!!

Santa asked what Kayden's name was..... then turned to me and told me to take a picture!

I was like SERIOUSLY!! there was no, what do you want from santa? have you been a good boy?

I was so disappointed :( 

He made no effort in making kayden feel welcome or even spoke to Kayden himself! 

I will certainly be paying for a visit from now on, I was really looking forward to the whole experince myself!

Atleast the picture was a good one!

Thanks for reading!

Aisling xo

TODDLER ART & CRAFTS!!

Hey Guys,

As most of you know, I love Art and always have.. so of course I want Kayden to love art too.

I'm also trying to get kayden to draw, and paint..

So, I've been thinking of getting crafty and making toddler art & craft blogs!

It will be a tricky task to cover!

Today, Myself & Kayden are on our own, So it's prefect to start the blogs!

Over the past week or so, i've been thinking of christmas decorations, I would love for Kayden to make some that we could keep and hang on the christmas tree!

I decided to make a Christmas tree out of his hands :)

Tricky with a toddler that wont keep still LOL

So here we go...

Things you need; Green paper, Pencil, Rubber, Scissors (For adult use only) and finger paints. it would also be handy if you have baby wipes and newspaper!

LETS BEGIN!

 Step one: Place, newspaper around the area you are working. Place the toddler hand on the green paper & Draw around the toddlers hand, repeat five more times. If the toddler can draw anround her/his hand themselves, even better :)!!

Step 2: (Adult) cut around the pencil lines, as you can see below. repeat for the rest of hands.

Step 3: When all the hands are cut out, the toddler can now finger paint. Kayden did dots, he copied what i did. You can use what ever colours and design you want.

Step 4: things can get messy around now, the baby wipes will come in handy. Clean hands, clean the area around. (For me, i find its better to clean as you go) after you clean, Use pritt-stick to stick them in the design you would like them to go. The way i glued, was so the fingers looked like branches.

as you can see below, i glued them together aound half way on the hand.

Step 5: After the tree is all glued. i them cute out the bottom of the christmas tree with a box that looks like a present, (Last minute decision) The painted.

 Step 6: I then glued them together, and wrote "Kayden's Second Christmas" and punched a hole on top, i then treaded some tread and hung it up on the tree

Finished product! 

And that's it. Sorry if you find my directions on how to go about making this. I'm not good at explaining LOL.

Thanks for reading

Aisling xo