Whole Wheat Goodness!

Last week I joined Weight Watchers. Of course one of the reasons was to lose the dreaded flab that has become somewhat of a permenant fixture on my body since the birth of those gorgeous IrishKids! Another reason, and for me the more important reason, was to learn how to make better food choices for the Gormley family.

So being that I have invested in getting healthy, I went to the grocery store and bought all kinds of healthy items...1% milk, low fat yogurt, lots of fruits & veggies, and whole wheat waffles.

Do you know what I love about frozen waffles? They are super easy to make for the children, of course! Pop 'em in the toaster and a minute later they're done...all golden brown and delicious. Unfortunately, Kit's little body didn't get the memo that whole wheat is GOOD for you.

This is what she looked like about 20 minutes after scarfing down her waffle.

And she pretty much looked like that the whole weekend! Her hives finally cleared up on Sunday morning...after we talked to the pediatrician, who informed us that we weren't giving her enough Benadryl for her weight. I'm happy to report that she's back to her cute, no hive self.

And tomorrow morning...I'm making waffles!

Springtime's Here...Start Up the Tractor!!

I can remember soon after we purchased our house, Alan saying, "Now all we need is a tractor!" For a girl who grew up on 108 acres of land, I thought he was nuts! But for those of you who know my husband...you know that he did, indeed, get his tractor.

Last year, Kit was scared "witless" (feel free to substitute a more familiar term) by her daddy's favorite summer toy. She'd run for cover every time she saw or heard it. Boy, what a difference a year makes.
Personally, I think it's just sibling rivalry. There is no way our girl wants to be shown up by her little brother, who has NO problem with the yellow beast! They're too young for sibling rivalry, you say...Sibling rivalry is alive and well in our house. Alan told me a story last night that gave me a clear vision of the future, not to mention a few giggles. Alan had the IrishKids after Mel's and I was at work. He brought both children into the basement so he could have a shower. About halfway through his shower, he heard the two of them screaming and yelling. Then he heard Fionn still yelling and Kit crying. By the time he got out of the shower to see what the commotion was about, they were friends again! I burst out laughing...the IrishKids first fight, sans parents, score one for Fionn! I know, it's hard to imagine that such a sweet little boy could move his BIG sister and BOSS lady to tears...and that my friends is why we'll keep a close eye on our "angelic" son for many years to come!

Happy Birthday Alan

Yesterday we celebrated Alan's 35th birthday! The children were thrilled to sing Happy Birthday to their daddy all day long, in the morning before he left for work, in the car on the way to Mel's house, in the car on the way home from Mel's house, and when Daddy got home from work too! Little did Alan know that the IrishKids were celebrating with or without him!

Personally, I think they were just really excited to help him open his birthday presents. The process of tearing the wrapping paper is quite thrilling to the children. They really weren't all that interested in what the actual gift. Fortunately, I was able to find his gifts before his special day came to an end.
Most of his gifts were bought in Ireland in December and sent home with us in January. I thought I was doing so good, until I couldn't find the darned things! But as you can see, the gifts were located and everyone was happy, especially Kit and Fionn.
Thanks for all the beautiful gifts and bithday wishes from family and friends. I know that Alan truly appreciated them. Here's to a fun filled 35th year!

Queen of Knickers (aka Underpants)

As you've seen in recent posts, Kit is quickly becoming quite the 'big girl'. She's got a 'big girl' bed, bossing her little brother around like a champ, and ranting like a teenage drama queen! It's all these transitions (and our amazing sitter, Mel) that have encouraged us to take the next step....POTTY TRAINING!!!
Actually, Kit's taken to the potty quite well. She made the decision on her own and for the most part has been successful in her attempts. She's been off diapers, one whole week! We made a big deal of going to the store and buying her "wonder wears". She's got Dora, Curious George, pretty little girl panties, and Shrek and Mickey Mouse (which are actually boys underwear...but she insisted!).
And her favorite thing about her new knickers...is showing them off! She doesn't really care to wear pants around the house anymore. What an exhibitionist, where could that come from?As I said, she's doing really well and we're so proud of her! It's definitely a process and some moments are better than others, but it's easy to find the humor in it during moments like these.

Fionn's First Haircut...Among Other Firsts...

Look at that handsome little guy! We finally gave in and gave Fionn his first haircut. As you can see in previous posts...his hair was a bit on the long side. Alan had enough when he noticed that Fionn's locks were past his shoulders when his hair was wet!

So Daddy took it upon himself on Saturday morning to give Fionn his first haircut. I think Alan might have a future as a barber. Anyway, he couldn't have picked a better time to give Fionn a haircut because approximately 45 minutes later, we had to take him to the ER for stitches!!!!
Yep he's a busy boy...first haircut and first trip to the ER all in the same day! What happened you ask? Well, you see our little guy thinks he's a monkey. He climbs on EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, he doesn't have the best balance. Fionn fell off one of his toys (which he shouldn't have been climbing on in the first place) and cut the back of his head open. He ended up with about 5-6 stitches, which you can kinda see here.
He was quite the little trooper during our 4 hours in the emergency room. Not a bother on him, running around the waiting room, making friends with all the other people waiting and waiting and waiting... I don't recommend a trip to the ER anytime soon...not a fun way to spend a Saturday.

Anyway, we're glad he's okay and now we're in the process of covering our entire home in bubble wrap...we think that should do the trick!

Dressing Drama...

This is what happens when Kit disagrees with her mother's wadrobe choice...


I think even she was embarrassed when I showed her this video! Ahhh, lovable moments with the IrishKids!

Happy 60th Papa!

Happy Birthday Papa! Sorry it's taken Mom so long to get this posted...you know how she is! We're looking forward to celebrating your 60th year with you!
You are the best Papa in the world! We love spending lots and lots of time with you (even though we're slow to show it sometimes). You always make us laugh and smile.You're such a big help to our Mommy and Daddy! They're always saying how much they appreciate you picking us up, taking us to Mel's and just spending quality time with us when they're working. They wouldn't have it any other way (unless you need a break!).
We can't wait to do all kinds of fun stuff with you this summer. Like go for bike rides and boat rides, swimming in your pool, and walks around the neighborhood!
We love you sooo much Papa! We're glad that we get quality time with you and that you like hangin' out with us.
Happy Birthday Papa! We'll be celebrating all year long! Love, Kit & Fionn