Thursday 30 April 2015

Why Having A Girl Is OMG For Me



Why does the thought of having a girl terrify me?

5 Tips for Surviving Car Journeys With Children



I drive a lot of miles each year. Most of these journeys are with a full car. There is the odd one I get to make alone, or with only one or maybe two children in tow. Normally though it is the whole family.

Monday 27 April 2015

My 10 Things 26/04/15


For this months My 10 things Linky post with A Cornish Mum, I've decided to do things I can't live without.

Friday 24 April 2015

I am the Dad who...

Thank you to Stevie over at A Cornish Mum for allowing me to tag myself. Here is my I Am list,



I am the Dad Who;
  • Loves an afternoon nap with #BabyPink on my chest. Check out my post Why I love nap time
  • Is never late to pick my boys up from school. Normally I'm the first one there.
  • Helped coach the boys soccer teams so I could spend more time with them.
  • Was terrified of having a girl and only 11 weeks in has me wrapped round her finger. Shh don't tell her mother.
  • Is trying to teach his children that they can be anything they want to be, as long as they put in the time and effort.
  • Is a secret blogger. None of my family and friends know.
  • Thinks my son is so funny. Sometimes whilst telling him off, I'm trying hard not to laugh.
  • Has to tell his youngest boy that the orphanage I was in was nothing like Oliver.
  • Has driven lord knows how many miles around the country to watch my boys play soccer, hurling, karate, cross country. 
  • Loves the fact my youngest still thinks I let him win at races, even though he is now faster than me! Only at short distances.
  • Loves showing them how to cook and bake, even though the mess they make drives me mad.
  • Still checks on them all when I wake up in middle of the night.
  • Give them all a kiss whilst doing this. As they are too cool for kisses now.
  • Now knows why shortly after adopting me my parents hair went white! 
  • Hates spending money on himself, would rather treat the boys.
  • Can't wait to take #BabyPink swimming.
  • Threatens to walk them into school holding their hands if they don't behave.

One of the most enjoyable posts I've written. There are so many more things I could add.


Wednesday 22 April 2015

Internet Window Shopping



Since #BabyPink arrived in our house. I've 
found myself spending more time on the internet looking at dresses, headbands, tiny shoes and any other baby girl clothes I can find.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

The Strange Case of Lost Socks


A quick trip round the shops today. Only a couple of things to get. So being the proud Daddy I just carried #BabyPink in my arms.

Sunday 19 April 2015

Have I Outgrown Star Wars



In 1975 a couple of things happened.

I was born and George Lucas released the first of the Star Wars Movies. 


These two events didn't have an impact on each other until some years later, when the second (Actually episode VI was released). 

My adopted parents took me and my sister to the American Base Cinema to watch The Empire Strikes Back, I was hooked. I spent the rest of that summer pretending to be a Jedi Knight. Luke Skywalker was my favourite character, Lord knows how many times I defeated the Dark Side with my lightsaber, made from a broom handle.

My pocket money was spent on action figures at the market. Birthday and Christmas presents for many years always included Star Wars toys. I had loads. 

As there were no DVD's and Videos were rare, movies were re released each year. Without fail I would beg to go see the Star Wars movies in the cinema, when they were showing.

Time went by. I grew older, started working, and forgot about Star Wars. 

Technology rediscovered my love of the series. We had the Digital Remastered Videos. Mobile phone ringtones and then the internet was born and there were Star Wars fan sites. Movie paradoys, fan films. I went Star Wars crazy again.

Then the news we had all been waiting for. Finally there were to be more movies. I scoured the web, whilst working, for spoilers, sneak peaks, cast interviews etc. Till finally the day came. A release date was announced. The Phantom Menace would be out in the US before the UK.

Time for a Stateside trip to see Mum and Dad. In order to coincide with release day I would have to miss my cousins wedding. I prebooked tickets before leaving the UK. It was everything and I thought it would be and more. Darth Maul wowed us with his double lightsabre, we saw a young Ben Kenobi, and there was merchandise aplenty.

This time I bought it with the intention of not opening and keeping for my son, when I had one. So I could pass on my love for the series and one day if he chose could sell the figures, watches etc.

Holiday over and a few months later at a midnight showing, I watched it again with my friends. I had a box of merchandise which was growing and growing. I even bought limited edition Pepsi Cans.


The next two movies came and were also seen on release date. By now there wasn't much time difference in the US and UK release, and finances didn't allow for trips just to see a movie.

Again years passed and Star Wars wasn't as high a priority. I met herself and watched them with her boys. Somehow they weren't the same. Was it just because I'd seen them so many times? Was I older and no longer wanted to be a Jedi Knight? I wasn't sure.

More time has now passed and a few days ago I saw a tweet mentioning the first Teaser Trailer was out for the new Disney Studios Star Wars Episode 7. This would normally have had me disappearing off somewhere quiet to watch it over and over in peace.

Instead I didn't. I didn't even click the link. No favouriting or RT'ing. I just moved on to the next tweet. Even now a week or so has passed and I still haven't watched it. 

I've just searched YouTube for the Teaser Trailer to include here.


 I actually watched it. The answer is no. It looks brilliant. Now I can't wait till December to take the boys to see it. Hopefully in 3D. It's amazing I started this post with the conclusion already made. YES I had outgrown Star Wars. One minute and thirty seconds of Teaser Trailer and the Force Has Awakened in me.

I'm off to find a broom handle to fight the Dark Side with. Now how do I get a pre release copy to review on the blog. 

My Sunday Photo 19th April 2015


OneDad3Girls
Instagram

Saturday 18 April 2015

My Week in Pictures

The week began with the boys starting a new school. This one has a strict uniform policy. Yeah. No more tracksuits, unless it's PE day.

Thursday 16 April 2015

A Letter to the Irish Government



Dear TD's and Senators,


With all the recent fuss about austerity and water charges, other issues have been kept out of the public eye. I am specifically referring to children, there is one area that I take particular issue with.

Namely, where the mother of a child is married, any children are automatically deemed to be her husbands. I'll give you my circumstances.

I met a woman in 2007. At this time she was married but living apart from her husband for over a year. She had custody of their children and he had court ordered access. There were numerous issues, child welfare concerns and safety of the children during his care. My partner became pregnant in 2008 and gave birth to my son that same year. When attempting to register his birth, we were informed that as she was still legally married, her husband must sign a declaration stating he was not the father. Eventually he did. After some expense on our part, paying for solicitors letters.

In 2009 my partner returned to court over access and a no access order was granted. Due to a clerical error, no order was written on the papers. The legal aid centre will not proceed with a divorce or legal separation until this error is resolved. It cannot be resolved without returning to court as the judge involved is no longer sitting.

In February thus year we became the proud parents of a beautiful little girl. As of today she is still unregistered.

Why? Because even though she has had no contact with her husband for over six years, he is deemed the father, unless he signs a declaration stating otherwise!

There was an opportunity to rectify this stupid and antiquated law in the children's and family bill.

As with anything useful, this government has chosen to ignore the issue and leave some of us fathers with no option but to take up, the already overstretched court services, time on a silly administrative issue.

Why can the mother not just name the father on the birth certificate like all other civilised countries.

Yours Sincerely

Alan
The Dad Network

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Adventures in the Big Smoke


A rare event occurred today. Herself handed me a pile of cash and sent me off to Dublin with only our youngest lad as a chaperone.

Monday 13 April 2015

Sleeping



#BabyPink is approaching 9 weeks old. Depending on which parenting books and sites you read, she should be sleeping for around 15 hours a day. 10 at night and 5 during the day spaced out over 3 or 4 naps.


Sunday 12 April 2015

The List 11/04/15


I can see this link up becoming one of my favourites. At first glance its an easy post. The only rule, it must be in list or bullet form. Slightly harder to make it interesting though.

Tuesday 7 April 2015

A Plan



As with a lot of things in life, when I decided to start blogging it was without a plan. Let's blog I thought. So I went to Wordpress and five minutes later, hey presto I was a blogger.

I created a twitter account to promote the blog and interact with other bloggers. This is easy I thought.I started reading other blogs, and the realization dawned on me. My blog could be so much better.

Monday 6 April 2015

Bank Holiday Blues



Today should be a great day. A Bank Holiday Monday, the sun is shining so why am I feeling blue?

I will tell you.

Sunday 5 April 2015

Silent Sunday




Product of the Month - April


A new month and what I hope will be a regular feature.

Here I will review a product we use at home. It could be toiletries, food, clothing, toys, anything really.

This month it is Cussons Mum & Me Ultra Mild Head to Toe Wash.

Do I Expect Too Much?




After reading this post on Slouching Towards Thatcham's blog, I asked myself the question. Do I Expect too much from the boys?

Upon reflection I have to say yes! Now I could attempt to justify this in a number of different ways, but I won't. Suffice to say I had a completely different upbringing compared to them. Either by nature or nurture I behave the way I do.

Saturday 4 April 2015

Moment in a photo

What I love about my smart phone is that there is a camera with me at all times. No longer do I say "I wish I had a camera"

I've always liked taking pictures of ducks and swans on the lakes. They are so peaceful and graceful as they glide across the water.

This was taken some time ago. I had taken the boys out to the lake so they could run around for a while.

Whilst sitting on the bench I noticed this swan and her young heading to the shore.

Its amazing to think in a few short months the young will grow into beautiful swans.

My 10 Things

I've so many lists of 10 things I could write. 10 things I want to show my kids. 10 things I love to cook. 10 things I want to do. 

You see. There are plenty. For my first linkup with Cornish Mum's 10 things list, I think I will go with 10 useful blog posts.

A bit like most things I dive in headfirst and then research after. These posts have been very useful in helping me and a useful resource to refer back to.

In no particular order, here are My 10 Things

Friday 3 April 2015

Shopping Revisited





Now being a man shopping has never been my strong point. Before #BabyPink's arrival herself took me clothes shopping in the hope it might help me adjust to having a daughter. It didn't, read what happened here.

Since her arrival I've become a new man. I spend my quiet moments, (the few there are) searching the web for quality, classy and unusual outfits for her. The reasons for this are twofold. One there is nothing on the high streets in rural Ireland,that everyone else's children are not already wearing! Two my car is currently sitting on the driveway and refuses to drive more than five minutes from the house. (That's a story for a different post)

My search for clothes for an ever growing #BabyPink started with fashion brands.

Tommy Hilfiger first. I like his style, clean, crisp, nothing fancy but looks classy and no one else would have it on their daughter.
This dress is lovely and is what I am looking for, to dress #BabyPink in. Only problem I can't afford nearly €60 for one dress, which at the speed she is growing wouldn't fit her by the time I managed to get it on her.

                                Tommy Hilfiger Rugby Striped Dress - barely pink-pt (Pink / Purple) - Tommy Hilfiger Clothing - main image


I then tried Armani. I'd always wanted a real Armani shirt and Trousers, not Emporio. I finally got them in Sachs, on Fifth Avenue. Lasted me for years. Anyway I digress. On the website I came across the outfit below. I fell in love with it. Then I saw the price and realised, not a hope, over €100!!
I'd be homeless if I spent that amount of money on one outfit.

                                     
By this time I'd realised we were going to have to set the bar a little lower, until we won the lotto at least.

Baby Gap then. This was more my price range. Might get away with one or two purchases if there was a bit of extra money one month. The range didn't get my pulse racing though.

Floral bow dress


By this point I was getting disheartened. Then I joined in #MummyPagesChat on Twitter. @Fabgirldesigns was there and there was a competition to win an item from her shop. I popped over to her profile and clicked the link to her Etsy shop. Now we are talking. Every spare minute I was on my smart phone, browsing the shop. Here's my favourite.

                                                 Girls dress, pink, turquoise roses, florals, girls clothing, aline, pinafore, tunic, 100% cotton, girl, baby, toddler, size 6m to 8 years

Pricewise not as good as Baby Gap. Uniqueness and sheer style and beauty. Winner every time. Now to work out how to save enough to buy #BabyPink a few of these.

Right I'm off to Etsy to see what other goodies we can find. Can't believe I'd never visited it before.

Disclaimer: None of the brands or companies have provided clothing or incentives to be included in this post. All opinions are my own.




Wednesday 1 April 2015

Perfect Family



Since the birth of #BabyPink I've been hearing the same thing from a number of friends and family members. "Now you have your girl you can stop"

This really infuriates me. For a number of reasons.

Firstly it implies that herself and I only had another child to try for a girl.

Why do people assume we would not have been happy had #BabyPink been a boy?

Why should we not have more children just because we now have boys and a girl?

As my twitter name @omgitsagirl and first blog show. I would have preferred a boy, but provided baby was healthy. I would have been happy no matter the sex.

My very first post covered my initial feelings on becoming a father to a girl. Read it here.

Now I'll clear a few things up. No matter what sex #BabyPink had been, I was having no more children. I am 40 this year. Herself and I had already said before she became pregnant this would be the last.

At no point did we decide to "Try for a girl"
We decided to have another child. Full stop!

I know people who have four or five children of the same sex and continue to have them in search of that elusive girl or boy. Why?

Now that I have #BabyPink I wouldn't change her for the world, but  if she had been a boy I would feel exactly the same, and there would be no more children.

Perhaps to some having a child of each sex is a perfect family. To me, even if we'd had another boy my family would be perfect.