It's a...

...girl!

She's here.  Finally, finally here.  Ten fingers, ten toes, red (we think?!) hair, eye color to-be-determined.  Goes by the name of Freya.

Likes: Bath time, walks in her pram, sleeping during the day, David Bowie
Turn-offs: Her Stokke newborn set highchair, sleeping between 6-10 p.m., the car when it's not moving

We are alternately besotted and exhausted -- confidence reigns proud on days when she feeds, sleeps well & pretend-smiles at us...and is alternately shattered on days when she doesn't.  But this is parenthood, and we are hopefully rising to the occasion!  In time, we'll meet her high level of expectations...she is a Leo, through and through :)  

Nine Days Zwischen

Officially 9 days "zwischen."  This is a German word, meaning (roughly) in-between, that I picked up from an article by Jana Studelska, a midwife, about the last days of pregnancy.  I like it as a term much better than "overdue," which has a pejorative edge to it.  Library books can be overdue...so can electricity bills.  Babies?  I feel like it needs a more spiritual read.

Anyway, the good news is that M and I are making this time work for us.  I think you'd agree he looks pretty comfortable?

Dog Days 2013

I've been spending some serious QT with the dogs during my maternity leave (currently on Day 7.)  They seem nonplussed, verging on flummoxed, by my constant presence in the house...but not unhappy.  There are benefits to having a human food source around nearly 24/7.

My day typically starts with a dog walk -- to the nearby park or down to the seafront.  It's good for me to be upright, employing gravity hopefully to good effect over the next few weeks.  But more than this, it's a chance to think, breathe, enjoy, speculate...a mind/body connection.  I highly doubt the dogs think of it this way, but their joy at being out, free and in the smells of the moment is the good kind of infectious.  

The latest photos from the dog days of summer below.  

Kibble?

Action shot

Among the wildflowers

Salthill Solitude

Moments before rolling in dead crab...

Post-walkies

If there's one thing Ireland does really well...

...it's rainbows.  

Fitting also, as it's the inaugural day of Dublin Pride 2013.

Salthill Monkstown Beach

"Didja know there's a never-ending kibble bowl at the end of every rainbow? FACT."

When the Shoe Fits

This was the Metro Herald horoscope (Aries) on my last of work before maternity leave.

100% correct when it notes that my sign does not easily relate to pause or taking stock.  But it's time for a new rhythm.  

Onwards and...downwards?  (Baby.)

PS: Officially NONE of my shoes fit.

Mawwiage

Two years today...still facing the world, happily and defiantly together :)