Boora Parklands Adventure!

This week our adventures led us the Boora Parklands Discovery Park.

The parklands are just outside Ferbane, Co. Offaly.

The best thing is that there is no entrance fee and you can wonder as you like! Which is a bonus if you have small tots that like to run as they please!!

there was a bit of an overcast and a tad windy but it wasn't wet and rainy, so we just brought light jackets and hoodies!

We also decided to bring a little picnic as I knew there was a little hut there for bird watching that we could sit in there and have a nice cuppa tae ;)!!

Kayden was loving the fact we had a picnic, he was so excited!

There is benches around the parklands to sit and eat also :)

We just brought the usual things, ready made up rolls we did at home, sandwiches, crisps, apples, doughnuts for something sweet, and some chocolate! we brought a flask of hot water, a bottle of milk and a little container of sugar! plus some 7up and water! 

The park has many different trails to go on, we got a little confused and went another way as usual but still ended up seeing the sculptures!

Kayden had a great time running ahead of us and then waiting for us to catch up... then he would run off again! 

Emilee was in the baby carrier as the trail has a lot of stones and gravel that the buggy would be too shaky for her to sleep! but she slept all through the walk, she loves the baby carrier which is a bonus!

The sculptures have a little description near it to tell you about the artist and a little about the sculpture itself! Kayden of course loved the trains, as he could climb all around them and sit inside the train pretending to be the driver!!

Theres also a little fairy trail you can follow, and find letters to make up a word with the kiddies! at the end of the trail is a fairy circle in which the fairies dance all night! Kayden was very aware and was terrified incase he stepped on a little fairy LOL!!

And you can also hire bikes from the visitor centre :)

We spent a total of two hours there, from eating our picnic to walk around! Its a lovely day out, a great way to get exercise for yourself and the kids! 

Even to see the pieces of Art around the trail is pretty cool! Little tots might not understand but a good few that the kids can play on!

There is such lovely scenery around for great photography!

Dont forget some bread to feed the ducks!!

Heres some photography I took a while back!

Fun fact! These pictures are two years apart on the same bridge! How crazy, all thats changed is he has more hair LOL

Thank you so much for reading :)

If anyone has any other suggestions on little day adventures for tots i would love to know :)

Aisling xo

Emilee's 2 month update

Can I just take a minute to acknowledge that Emilee is TWO months old!! TWO MONTHS?!
where has the time gone :( 

AGE: 8 weeks

WEIGHT: 12 pounds! She's a big Girl :)

HEIGHT: 54cm, she's grown 4cm since birth!

SLEEPING: sleeps for 4 hours at a time, sometimes will go a little longer at nighttime. Night feds are starting to get exhausting, its just starting to hit me now LOL

TEETH: No teeth! Thank god ;) 

PLAYING: Is starting to notice Mobile thingy (Not sure what its called) but starting to coo and gas at the little toys!!

PERSONALITY: Emilee's personality is definitely starting to show, she's such a happy baby! Loves the attention and whats to be talked too all day! She loves to be sat up and looking whats around her, will only lie down for napping! loves to stick out her tongue! She will smile if you kiss her on her mouth! 

CURRENT CLOTHING SIZE: So now she's completely out of newborn clothes (Some vests still fit her) Still getting wear out of some Up To One Month clothes, But mainly in 0-3month clothes!

DIAPER SIZE: In size 2 nappies! still has a good bit of room for them!

WORDS: Coo'ing like crazy! Trying her hardest to talk back at you!

RECENT MILESTONES: Starting smiling at around 6 weeks at my voice but now is smiling ear to ear seeing mammy, daddy and kayden! Smiled at her Auntie Sinead last week! Sinead was delighted! She has also found her hands! Mad into trying to suck her fingers or thumbs! She will follow anything you put in front of her :)

She has a appointment next week for her two month injections and I'm honestly terrified for her! I hate them so much, and to see her cry is going to kill me :(

She's doing great and I'm so blessed to have a happy and healthy baba :)

 *Isn't her top so cute! All the way from Australia*

Thanks for reading :)
Aisling xo

Emilee's One Month Update

I can't even come to terms that my little girl is already One Month old :(

She currently is weighting 9pounds 10oz! 

And I haven't measured her length yet :)

She is still being breastfed plus the odd top-up with formula!

Breastfeeding is going well, I breastfed in public for the first time this week. It was a little bit daunting but it was a success! I used a cover given to me by a friend, so i was well covered up. But to me coving up makes it so more noticeable and people stare more! but I wouldn't go bare breast on show haha! 

Im currently trying to increase my supply so i can't cancel out formula altogether! 

She has fussy hours between 11-half 1 at night, I think this is due to wind gathering during the day and her being over tired! but once she settles she sleeps until 7 in the morning. 

She loves staring at lights or the windows, And she has starting to focus more on my face during feds.

AND.. She smiled at me :D Proud momma moment :)

Emilee loves being close, so I'm planning on baby wearing! Ive researched lots of baby wraps, but most are from the US and the shipping charge costs as much as the wrap. So i've found a wrap in Boots which it looks like I will get it. Its called the Caboo carrier and the reviews are looking good :) 

She is currently in up to one month clothes, but still fitting into newborn vests. 

Not else much to say as she just sleeps, eats, poops and repeats :P !!

My recovery is slowing down a bit.

Ive been experiencing very bad back pain. Its mainly in the lower part of my back. 

I thought this was due to after effects of the epidural, but I've been told its because I'm on my feet all day and my back id still very weak that it is being strained. So from that I'm trying to rest a little more. Not pick up anything heavier that Emilee!

Thanks for reading :)

Aisling xo

A Very Belated Christmas Post. KAYDENS CHRISTMAS!

Talk about being away for a while..

Oops! I haven't blogged in months. :(

Anyways, As i did this last year i thought i would continue the tradition of filming Kayden's Christmas.

This year, Kayden was totally into Santa. Noticing Santa on TV, seeing him on houses etc.

It was the first Christmas that he was actually noticing what christmas was about, and i of course was so overjoyed about this. It was such a new experience with Kayden wanting to talk to santa and look at the elves.

He wasn't quite fond of meeting Santa himself, Myself and Kayden were christmas shopping in Athlone, and Santa was doing his visits. I of course took up the opportunity to bring Kayden to meet him. Did he want to? NO! Ugh. So disappointed :( I didn't get my santa picture this year because he was so scared, and the fact he actually was screaming NOOOO, i couldn't just drag him and have that one embarrassing picture! :(

But, i reassured him that Santa would be there next year if he maybe wanted to meet him then. (FINGERS CROSSED)

So then came Christmas Eve. I swear, I was more excited then some of the kids! I was a child myself waiting for his reaction the next morning.

We left Santa milk and cookie (Yet he wasn't impressed Santa was taking his milk LOL)

He wrote his letter to santa and signed it, then off to bed he went.

Half 9 the next morning.... No sign of him! We had to WAKE him up at 10 and by half 10 he was awake enough to see what santa got him!!

EEEKKKK! you should of seen my face, i was so excited!!

So we opened the door... and he walks in...

And BAM! SANTA DROPPED OFF ALL OF KAYDENS TOYS

It was amazing to see his little face light up, and to experience his excitement that he got presents from santa!

we spend the morning opening presents, and Pietro prepared the christmas dinner (YUM!) I've bagged myself a chef ;)

We then headed of to my grandparents for the evening to exchange more presents and to see everyone that was visiting swell.

Heres some pictures of the morning.

Ive never been so grateful!

(YES, this was the mess after opening presents haha. Can you find Kayden? LOL)

Overall, It was a fantastic day! And i can't wait for next year!!

Thanks for reading :) Hope Christmas was a good one!

Aisling xo

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

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

KAYDEN'S CHRISTMAS!

Hey Guys!

Hope everyone has a great christmas & what they wanted :)

Kayden ended up being sick on christmas day :( Poor baby!!

He wasn't too sure about the presents laid out from Santa, wasn't too impressed with his Mammy & Daddy for waking him up either!

So the morning started of around half 8, we woke up Kayden because we couldn't sleep any longer LOL! He wasn't too impressed, so we fed him upstair and i headed to get my camera to record him walking in..

He literally just stood there.. eventually waked up to the presents and found sweets and money HAHA!

HE opened the pressents and played with some, and i put him back to bed as he was unwell, he slept until 12.. which gave us time to get ready and head to My parents for dinner.

We sat down and opened out family presents and kayden get spoilt with footballs and chocolate!!

The rest of the family came over and we sat down for dinner and dessert and then went to open out Kris Kringle! 

Kayden went to bed at 7pm, and slept the whole night and woke at 9.30am! The day exhausted him, but he had so much fun!! 

So, here is the video & Pictures from the day :)

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