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Saturday, December 21, 2013
Gemma's Christmas Card
She brought this home from creche yesterday. Merry Christmas from Gemma!
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16 Months!
On December 10th, Gemma turned 16 months old! It's so hard to believe that another 1/3 of a year has gone by already. Gemma loves to imitate, and I'm amazed at how much she picks up just by watching others. At 16 months, Gemma:
-Is constantly on the go! She loves to walk and run around, and she does not like to be in the stroller very much. In the airports on our recent trip, she wanted to push the stroller instead of ride in it. She is also a climber and a bit of a daredevil. She climbs from our chairs onto the couch and back, tries to climb up the back of the tub when having a bath, and wants to stand on the changing table all of the time.
-Loves giving hugs and kisses. In the airport, she reached out to all the little kids she saw to share her hugs. She also has to hug and kiss the other kids and staff at creche before we leave in the afternoon and even kisses the Christmas tree goodnight!
-Enjoys playing with imitation toys- when we were in MN, she LOVED cousin Freya's kitchen and doll stroller. She also likes to play with her purse and talk on her phone.
-Has a new favourite word, 'uh oh'.
When we were in MN, she said something that sounded an awful lot like 'Grandma', and when we look at pictures of Freya, she says 'yaya'. On the planes, she said 'hiya' to everyone that passed and said it a lot in MN also, but she hasn't said it as much lately. 'Daddy' continues to be a favourite as well!
-Got 4 more teeth (I'm pretty sure they're the first molars), so now has a total of 10! 6 on top and 4 on the bottom.
-Really likes listening to music and dancing. She loves the song 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer', and I sing it countless times a day. She also loves 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'. When we were all getting over jet lag, I put it on, and now we watch a little bit pretty much every day. She dances along when the songs come on, and when she wants to watch it, she goes over by the tv and marches in place and waves her arms!
-Likes to help around the house by carrying the clothes from the washing machine to the dryer and putting them into the dryer. She also helps put groceries away by taking them out of the bag and handing them to me.
-Is still taking two naps a day on days that she is at home and one on creche days. She goes to bed around 7:30 (7:00 on creche days), and usually sleeps around 12 hours straight, knock on wood! We had some hiccups with jet lag, but overall Gemma is a great sleeper in a crib or pack and play. She still rarely sleeps in her car seat or stroller. I'm not complaining though!
-Tried pancakes and pizza in MN and liked them both. She also had her first taste of ice cream in the Chicago airport. Cheese, bananas, and pears are her favourites.
-Is a sweet, funny, independent little girl, and she brings us so much joy!
Most of the pictures from the month were taken in MN, but here's a few more:
Carrying mommy's coffee cup after work and creche
Bath time!
On the way back from Mayo with Daddy in his van
Just up from a nap
Playing with the baby gate
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-Is constantly on the go! She loves to walk and run around, and she does not like to be in the stroller very much. In the airports on our recent trip, she wanted to push the stroller instead of ride in it. She is also a climber and a bit of a daredevil. She climbs from our chairs onto the couch and back, tries to climb up the back of the tub when having a bath, and wants to stand on the changing table all of the time.
-Loves giving hugs and kisses. In the airport, she reached out to all the little kids she saw to share her hugs. She also has to hug and kiss the other kids and staff at creche before we leave in the afternoon and even kisses the Christmas tree goodnight!
-Enjoys playing with imitation toys- when we were in MN, she LOVED cousin Freya's kitchen and doll stroller. She also likes to play with her purse and talk on her phone.
-Has a new favourite word, 'uh oh'.
When we were in MN, she said something that sounded an awful lot like 'Grandma', and when we look at pictures of Freya, she says 'yaya'. On the planes, she said 'hiya' to everyone that passed and said it a lot in MN also, but she hasn't said it as much lately. 'Daddy' continues to be a favourite as well!
-Got 4 more teeth (I'm pretty sure they're the first molars), so now has a total of 10! 6 on top and 4 on the bottom.
-Really likes listening to music and dancing. She loves the song 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer', and I sing it countless times a day. She also loves 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'. When we were all getting over jet lag, I put it on, and now we watch a little bit pretty much every day. She dances along when the songs come on, and when she wants to watch it, she goes over by the tv and marches in place and waves her arms!
-Likes to help around the house by carrying the clothes from the washing machine to the dryer and putting them into the dryer. She also helps put groceries away by taking them out of the bag and handing them to me.
-Is still taking two naps a day on days that she is at home and one on creche days. She goes to bed around 7:30 (7:00 on creche days), and usually sleeps around 12 hours straight, knock on wood! We had some hiccups with jet lag, but overall Gemma is a great sleeper in a crib or pack and play. She still rarely sleeps in her car seat or stroller. I'm not complaining though!
-Tried pancakes and pizza in MN and liked them both. She also had her first taste of ice cream in the Chicago airport. Cheese, bananas, and pears are her favourites.
-Is a sweet, funny, independent little girl, and she brings us so much joy!
Most of the pictures from the month were taken in MN, but here's a few more:
Carrying mommy's coffee cup after work and creche
Bath time!
On the way back from Mayo with Daddy in his van
Just up from a nap
Playing with the baby gate
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Fun Times!
The rest of our time in Minnesota we spent hanging out with family, seeing some friends, eating a couple of meals out (very interesting with two toddlers!), and doing some shopping. Paul and I were a bit crazy and went to the outlet mall in Albertville in the middle of a snowstorm. The drive there and back was a bit scary, and we both fell on the ice in the parking lot, but there was hardly anyone else there and we got great bargains!
It was so fun to watch Gemma and Freya together. It was pretty much, 'monkey see, monkey do' the entire time! They played and chased, and Gemma wanted to give Freya hugs and kisses all of the time. Freya was a little hesitant! They were so cute together, yet it was difficult to get photos, as they rarely sit still!
Here's a photo recap of the rest of our trip:
Freya trying on some heels at DSW!
Reading with Grandma
Gemma attempting to give Freya a hug
Matching shirts- they say 'Grandma's Little Helper'
Enjoying pancakes at IHOP!
One morning, Mom and I took the girls to an indoor play place at the Hopkins Pavillion. They loved it! Here's Gemma and Grandma with the slide.
Bouncy castle!
Building with blocks
Later that evening, the girls watched some kids playing in the snow outside.
Our visit to Santa at the Ridgedale mall. Gemma has hat hair and wasn't too happy to sit with Santa. Freya did great!
This was after our visit to Santa. The mall was pretty quiet, so they loved running around after the visit!
Gemma liked Auntie Margo's Christmas tree!
Me and Freya
Playing on the bed
Freya with one of her Christmas gifts from us- a leotard for when she starts gymnastics in January!
Gemma getting a lift on the suitcase
Another meal out- this was something else! Gemma ended up eating mostly applesauce, and Freya ate mostly ketchup and pickles!
Watching an app on the iPad with Paul
Kisses for auntie!
Gemma and Grandpa
The time went WAY too quickly, and on Saturday, December 7th, we headed back to Dublin. Gemma did really well with the travelling. She drifted off to sleep while watching a video on the iPad while we were sitting on the plane in Chicago waiting for a crew to take us to the gate. She slept around 40 minutes. We then got a snack and headed to the international terminal. Once we got through security again, we let Gemma run around and play for awhile. We had dinner, then got Gemma into her pj's for the flight. We departed Chicago around 7:30pm local time, and Gemma fell asleep shortly after takeoff. She slept 5 hours of the 6 hour and 15 minute flight (we had good tail winds, so made great time). We arrived back in Dublin, got through immigration and baggage claim, then headed to the car. We were back in our place a little after 9am local time, but it felt like 3am to us. After some breakfast for Gemma we all went down for a nap!
Helping in the Minneapolis airport
Gemma got a 'Junior TSA Agent' badge in Minneapolis
Asleep on the plane at the gate in Chicago
Eating pizza in the Chicago airport
A little more playtime before getting on the flight to Dublin
Fast asleep!
Back in Dublin, waiting for Daddy to get the car
We had such a wonderful time, and thank you to everyone who hosted us and travelled to see us. We can't wait to come back to Minnesota soon!
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It was so fun to watch Gemma and Freya together. It was pretty much, 'monkey see, monkey do' the entire time! They played and chased, and Gemma wanted to give Freya hugs and kisses all of the time. Freya was a little hesitant! They were so cute together, yet it was difficult to get photos, as they rarely sit still!
Here's a photo recap of the rest of our trip:
Freya trying on some heels at DSW!
Reading with Grandma
Gemma attempting to give Freya a hug
Matching shirts- they say 'Grandma's Little Helper'
Enjoying pancakes at IHOP!
One morning, Mom and I took the girls to an indoor play place at the Hopkins Pavillion. They loved it! Here's Gemma and Grandma with the slide.
Bouncy castle!
Building with blocks
Later that evening, the girls watched some kids playing in the snow outside.
Our visit to Santa at the Ridgedale mall. Gemma has hat hair and wasn't too happy to sit with Santa. Freya did great!
This was after our visit to Santa. The mall was pretty quiet, so they loved running around after the visit!
Gemma liked Auntie Margo's Christmas tree!
Me and Freya
Playing on the bed
Freya with one of her Christmas gifts from us- a leotard for when she starts gymnastics in January!
Gemma getting a lift on the suitcase
Another meal out- this was something else! Gemma ended up eating mostly applesauce, and Freya ate mostly ketchup and pickles!
Watching an app on the iPad with Paul
Kisses for auntie!
Gemma and Grandpa
The time went WAY too quickly, and on Saturday, December 7th, we headed back to Dublin. Gemma did really well with the travelling. She drifted off to sleep while watching a video on the iPad while we were sitting on the plane in Chicago waiting for a crew to take us to the gate. She slept around 40 minutes. We then got a snack and headed to the international terminal. Once we got through security again, we let Gemma run around and play for awhile. We had dinner, then got Gemma into her pj's for the flight. We departed Chicago around 7:30pm local time, and Gemma fell asleep shortly after takeoff. She slept 5 hours of the 6 hour and 15 minute flight (we had good tail winds, so made great time). We arrived back in Dublin, got through immigration and baggage claim, then headed to the car. We were back in our place a little after 9am local time, but it felt like 3am to us. After some breakfast for Gemma we all went down for a nap!
Helping in the Minneapolis airport
Gemma got a 'Junior TSA Agent' badge in Minneapolis
Asleep on the plane at the gate in Chicago
Eating pizza in the Chicago airport
A little more playtime before getting on the flight to Dublin
Fast asleep!
Back in Dublin, waiting for Daddy to get the car
We had such a wonderful time, and thank you to everyone who hosted us and travelled to see us. We can't wait to come back to Minnesota soon!
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Thanksgiving
We spent Wednesday, our first full day in MN, just hanging out at Margo's and recovering from the travelling the day before. On Thanksgiving Day we watched a bit of the parade in the morning, then headed to my aunt and uncle's house to spend the day with my mom's side of the family. We had a delicious meal and enjoyed seeing all of the family. Gemma especially liked the sweet potato casserole. How could you not like something covered in butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows?!?
Freya Thanksgiving morning
Gemma and Daddy post dinner
Gemma loved playing with the magnets on the refrigerator!
Paul, Me, Mom, Margo, Gemma, & Freya
Freya looking forward to Christmas!
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Freya Thanksgiving morning
Gemma and Daddy post dinner
Gemma loved playing with the magnets on the refrigerator!
Paul, Me, Mom, Margo, Gemma, & Freya
Freya looking forward to Christmas!
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Monday, December 16, 2013
Travels to MN
We arrived back in Ireland a week ago yesterday after a wonderful full 10 days in MN. We've spent the last week unpacking, washing clothes, getting over jet lag, going back to work and creche, and getting ready for Christmas, so I'm a bit behind on here! I'll attempt to catch up over a few posts.
We departed Dublin on Tuesday, November 26th. Our flight departed at 1pm, so it wasn't too rushed getting up, ready, and the last few things packed in the morning. Luckily when we checked in, the desk agent was able to put an empty seat between Paul and I, so we had 3 seats for the 3 of us. It didn't take too long to get checked in and through security- once we did we let Gemma out of the stroller, and she squealed with happiness at all the space in which to run!
The 8 hour flight to Chicago Gemma spent walking up and down the aisles, watching movies and playing with apps on the iPad, looking at books and toys, saying 'hiya' to everyone who passed, and eating lots of puffs. She only slept about 45 minutes, but she was fairly happy the entire time considering the lack of sleep and cramped quarters!
We had to change terminals and go through security again in Chicago with not a huge amount of time to spare. Once we reached our gate, we let Gemma loose again, and she was delirious with tiredness at this point! She just ran around giggling. Once we got on the plane, we sat and de-iced for quite awhile, and Gemma got pretty fussy at this point. She then slept most of the flight to Minneapolis. Once in MSP she was running and giggling again! We got to Margo's place around 7:30pm local time (1:30am to us). Gemma played with Freya for a very short while, had a bottle, then crashed.
At around 3am, Gemma started to fuss, and we brought her into bed with us. It was quite funny, all day she had only wanted me, but at this point, she only wanted 'Daddy'! I've taught her well! We got up for the day around 7, and within a couple of days Gemma was pretty much adjusted to MN time!
Some pics from the journey:
In the car park at Dublin airport waiting for the shuttle to the terminal.
Gemma just discovered she turned the light on with the remote control!
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We departed Dublin on Tuesday, November 26th. Our flight departed at 1pm, so it wasn't too rushed getting up, ready, and the last few things packed in the morning. Luckily when we checked in, the desk agent was able to put an empty seat between Paul and I, so we had 3 seats for the 3 of us. It didn't take too long to get checked in and through security- once we did we let Gemma out of the stroller, and she squealed with happiness at all the space in which to run!
The 8 hour flight to Chicago Gemma spent walking up and down the aisles, watching movies and playing with apps on the iPad, looking at books and toys, saying 'hiya' to everyone who passed, and eating lots of puffs. She only slept about 45 minutes, but she was fairly happy the entire time considering the lack of sleep and cramped quarters!
We had to change terminals and go through security again in Chicago with not a huge amount of time to spare. Once we reached our gate, we let Gemma loose again, and she was delirious with tiredness at this point! She just ran around giggling. Once we got on the plane, we sat and de-iced for quite awhile, and Gemma got pretty fussy at this point. She then slept most of the flight to Minneapolis. Once in MSP she was running and giggling again! We got to Margo's place around 7:30pm local time (1:30am to us). Gemma played with Freya for a very short while, had a bottle, then crashed.
At around 3am, Gemma started to fuss, and we brought her into bed with us. It was quite funny, all day she had only wanted me, but at this point, she only wanted 'Daddy'! I've taught her well! We got up for the day around 7, and within a couple of days Gemma was pretty much adjusted to MN time!
Some pics from the journey:
In the car park at Dublin airport waiting for the shuttle to the terminal.
Gemma just discovered she turned the light on with the remote control!
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Monday, November 18, 2013
Happy Birthday Granny!
Paul's mam's birthday was November 10th, so we went down to Louisburgh for one night the weekend before last to celebrate.
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15 Months
I'm a week and a day late! On November 10th, Gemma was 15 months old. It seems like everyday she is doing something new now. Gemma is now:
-Practically running around the place! She loves to walk around, especially new places. The weekend before last we were at Paul's parent's house for a night, and I think all she did was walk around!
-Climbing up onto the couch in addition to the two chairs in our sitting room. She has learned to back down, so I'm not quite as nervous as when she was trying to dive head first off of the furniture!
-Saying 'hiya', 'bye bye', 'night night', 'car', 'daddy', 'mama', and 'more'. We also think she says a version of 'Sarah'- the main childcare provider in her room at creche and the name of one of the other little girls at creche.
-Putting clothes in the laundry hamper and garbage in the garbage can. Today she got a bit mixed up and promptly threw her hat and mittens in the garbage when we got back from a walk!
-Also putting the books we read before bed into the chair next to the one we sit in when reading. At first I would ask her to do it, then one night last week I came back into the sitting room from getting her dinner ready, and she had already put the books into the chair. We read certain ones, and she had picked the right ones!
-Loving Barney the dinosaur and Shrek. When she hasn't been feeling well with a cold, I let her watch a bit of them while we snuggle on the couch. She sat still and quiet for 40 minutes watching Shrek once! I hid the Barney DVD for awhile, but she found it yesterday and kept grunting at me with it and bouncing up and down until we watched it!
-Giving kisses with puckered lips now and continues to give great hugs. She's great at waving bye bye without being prompted as well.
-Still loving books. I think she spends more time with them than any toys she has. She's rediscovered a couple of box sets and loves taking the books out and putting them back in.
-Starting to cuddle and give hugs to her stuffed animals. Paul brought her a little Scottie Dog from Scotland a few weeks ago that she especially likes.
-Likes songs and dancing. A favourite is 'If You're Happy and You Know It'.
-Down to just one bottle a day at bedtime. She's still not great at taking milk out of a cup, but she loves yogurt and cheese, so we give her lots of these. Eating can be hit and miss. One day she'll eat something, the next day she'll spit out the same exact thing! Toddlers!
-Still a big, healthy girl. I haven't taken a weight or height lately, but her 18 month clothes are starting to get a little small! We'll be stocking up on 2 year clothes when we're in MN soon.
-Such a fun, sweet, happy little girl! Everyday her report from creche says 'Gemma was in great form today', meaning a great mood. We are so lucky to be the parents to such a wonderful little girl!
Some photos from the past month:
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-Practically running around the place! She loves to walk around, especially new places. The weekend before last we were at Paul's parent's house for a night, and I think all she did was walk around!
-Climbing up onto the couch in addition to the two chairs in our sitting room. She has learned to back down, so I'm not quite as nervous as when she was trying to dive head first off of the furniture!
-Saying 'hiya', 'bye bye', 'night night', 'car', 'daddy', 'mama', and 'more'. We also think she says a version of 'Sarah'- the main childcare provider in her room at creche and the name of one of the other little girls at creche.
-Putting clothes in the laundry hamper and garbage in the garbage can. Today she got a bit mixed up and promptly threw her hat and mittens in the garbage when we got back from a walk!
-Also putting the books we read before bed into the chair next to the one we sit in when reading. At first I would ask her to do it, then one night last week I came back into the sitting room from getting her dinner ready, and she had already put the books into the chair. We read certain ones, and she had picked the right ones!
-Loving Barney the dinosaur and Shrek. When she hasn't been feeling well with a cold, I let her watch a bit of them while we snuggle on the couch. She sat still and quiet for 40 minutes watching Shrek once! I hid the Barney DVD for awhile, but she found it yesterday and kept grunting at me with it and bouncing up and down until we watched it!
-Giving kisses with puckered lips now and continues to give great hugs. She's great at waving bye bye without being prompted as well.
-Still loving books. I think she spends more time with them than any toys she has. She's rediscovered a couple of box sets and loves taking the books out and putting them back in.
-Starting to cuddle and give hugs to her stuffed animals. Paul brought her a little Scottie Dog from Scotland a few weeks ago that she especially likes.
-Likes songs and dancing. A favourite is 'If You're Happy and You Know It'.
-Down to just one bottle a day at bedtime. She's still not great at taking milk out of a cup, but she loves yogurt and cheese, so we give her lots of these. Eating can be hit and miss. One day she'll eat something, the next day she'll spit out the same exact thing! Toddlers!
-Still a big, healthy girl. I haven't taken a weight or height lately, but her 18 month clothes are starting to get a little small! We'll be stocking up on 2 year clothes when we're in MN soon.
-Such a fun, sweet, happy little girl! Everyday her report from creche says 'Gemma was in great form today', meaning a great mood. We are so lucky to be the parents to such a wonderful little girl!
Some photos from the past month:
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