EASY WEANING
Eliza is almost 10 months old now and thriving… probably because she has the best diet in the house! When I began weaning her, I struggled a bit and, to be honest, it had been so long since weaning my son Dara that I’d totally forgotten. But then I met Siobhán Berry of Mummy Cooks. Her website not only has the most delicious recipes for weaning but also sells little pots for storing food.
Now, I only have to cook once every two weeks for Eliza, pop everything in the freezer and rotate what I’m giving her (there’s usually a choice of five meals) each day for lunch or dinner.
SO, WHO'S MINDING THE BABY?
Eliza is such a daddy’s girl right now… ever since I finished breastfeeding it’s like she’s decided he’s No.1. It makes life easy for me now because I’m leaving her a lot while filming the RTÉ travel series Getaways. People often ask me: “Oh, who is looking after the baby while you’re here?” Her father, that’s who!
I doubt men get asked that same question when they’re away on business. Of course, I miss Eliza terribly when I’m working away but, right now, I’ve chosen to be away for short bursts in order to be at home more of the time. Does that make sense? I’m just home from an incredible camping trip in Catalonia.
Our campsite was Villanova Park and it’s positively perfect for families. There are two large swimming pools, mini-golf, great food and entertainment every night… Plus there’s a supermarket on site, great for picking up all the sausages and burgers you’ll need for your BBQ, which also comes with each mobile home. Check out villanovapark.com
WHAT A HERO
They say never meet your heroes but, recently, Dara met one of his. Dara is now 10 years old and plays every sport that involves a ball! While he was getting a haircut, he spotted Dublin footballer and All-Star Johnny Cooper.
To Dara – and many others – Johnny is a superstar. All he’d hoped for was a “hello” – that would have been enough. But Johnny spoke to Dara for almost half an hour and gave him advice on how to play and then, as a parting gift, gave him a pair of his gloves and a kit bag! I really hope Johnny won’t mind me telling this – the story has been told to family, friends, grandparents, neighbours and anyone else who’ll listen and is one of Dara’s highlights of 2017.
MUM'S THE WORD
I’m just home from the loveliest morning with my friend Lynda. She’s been banging on about an event called ‘Mum Talks’, so today I went along to see what all the fuss was about. It’s simply a morning breakfast event held in House in Dublin, featuring three female speakers, who are experts in their fields. I sat drinking coffee, had some pastries and listened to other mums talk about working or not working… with zero judgment.
After the event, the mothers (babies are welcome, too) hung around and mingled. Their next event is September 4, and I’m going to head along again. I’ve no doubt these talks will be rolled out around the country in the near future. Tickets €20. See @MumTalks for details.
WHAT EVERY FAMILY NEEDS...A DOG!
We got our first dog Murphy about 18 months ago. He got his name from my mum, whose maiden name was Murphy. He’s a delicious little Lhasa Apso from Tipperary, and I can honestly say he’s completed our family.
Not only is he the most gorgeous little cuddler who is full of love – but having him forces me to leave the house each day for a long walk. Rain or shine, I’m out for over an hour each day and now Eliza is, too. He’s great entertainment for the two kids and, already, he’s given Dara a lovely sense of responsibility.
So, I advise families with young children to get a dog. Obviously do your research first… but they’ll give you back so much more then you’ll ever give them.
