Month 13 and 31
Around the coast of Cork
Sleep at last. Colds are less frequent for them and the constant beer tap nose stream dries up for sometimes days at a time. The kids have moved from the Creche in Ballincollig to the UCC Creche, so they are now 'on campus'. OK a tad earlier than expected but they still come home at the weekends with their washing. It is of course handy as they are right beside Fiona's work, where she is of course a nanny to slightly older (although acting it is debatable) kids.

We were at the beach today. Actually we sat and watched the beach from our car as the wind and rain swept in from the Atlantic, but the last few times we went, the weather was beautiful. Old head is a few KM's down the road from us, which give postcard perfect views of the cliffs of the Atlantic coastline and then on down to Garretstown strand. Aoife mistook the water level whilst playing on the strand and after getting 'hit' by a massive wave (about 2 cm) was totally distraught and a tad baffled at the numbing sensation in her feet as a result of getting them wet. A far cry from the south China sea and the gulf of Thailand of which she is of course more accustomed.

Kinsale which is famous for its Seafood and yachting is a stopping point on the way home, for fish n'chips, which the kids of course love. The fish bites give a selection of Salmon, cod, sea bass amongst others. Unfortunately Oisín has his dads taste in fish so I rarely get any smoked cod for myself.

The boy is getting big. Another level has been reached in the kitchen as now he can empty the third from the bottom drawers too. The girl has much more to do as a result. As he empties, she comes along behind tutting and cleaning up after. Previously she was able to take 'her stuff' and play with them on the couch, out of his reach. Times are changing and her favourite place in the whole world is in the travel cot whilst the boy runs riot around the rest of the room.

The main trick at the moment for himself is flushing the toilet. He has stopped (at least when he is in view) of sticking his hands into the toilet and sucking on his fingers, so for myself I have even started flushing after use! I watched the simpsons recently and watched Bart flushing Homers wallet in much the same way. So maybe its not just an Oisín thing! Every time the toilet flushes now I run into the bathroom to see what is just about to disappear before my eyes and just out of reach. Of course this is embarrasing when you have guests staying, so make a note to lock the door if you are in there. I am forever in trouble in this house!

The wedding planning is in full swing and of course the expenses that go along with it. As we have come back from one of the poorest countries on the planet, I do have issues with the amount of money wasted in this once very poor country. I grew up in Ireland when even the very rich were broke, so I find it quite strange to spend about 4 Euros for a cup of coffee. (That's about 382453 US$ with current rates.) But its a silly amount anyway. We decided to set a limited budget aside for the day. Fiona stopped me in my tracks when I came up with the brainwave of telling everyone to bring their own steak (and veg). I also wanted them to make their own music... alas, I was pulled up on that one too.

We have started going out a couple of times a week, sometimes till after 10 PM!! It's kinda like having a previous life again. We are so settled now that we even own a lawnmower. The ultimate commitment... kinda up there with the whole getting married thing.

The kids links page has more info on life for the lads.

Kids's link page, or backup to the main page at Feicim.com