Yes, his son's middle name IS Rolf

I have loved The Sound of Music since I was 5, when I got the record album for Christmas. I watched it religiously every year when it came on TV. And as a young adult, I even had the video. Soon, I'll be getting the film on DVD so that Síofra can share all my favourite moments: the Captain (or Georg, as I like to call him) breaking down during Edelweiss, only to have Maria join him and renew his strength and singing ability, and So Long, Farewell, with all its popping out to say Coo-Coo. And, of course, the gazebo scene, where Rolf and Liesl bench hop in the rain (though I do admit that the line "totally unprepared am I, to face a world of men" has stuck in my throat since my childhood).

My good friend Sarah (who was once serenaded to the tune of Edelweiss, but would rather forget the experience) shares my love for TSOM, and put us together with a little Bass ale and the MSU campus gazebo and a re-enactment will soon follow.

After Sarah's recent Rolf post, I was googling a picture of him to send to her, when I found this. Which leaves me with one question: Where did it all go wrong?

As much as I would have loved to have been the one to call an album "Gazebo Love," I can't help but think this is a desperate plea for a fan, preferably a stalker.

And then it got worse, when I followed this link from Daniel's website.

So go ahead, Rolf, blow that whistle, call your lieutenant, because selling Canine Hair Solutions is a crime.

Big Party Fun

Síofra's 4th birthday party was a roaring, shouting, running, jumping, dancing success. And while doing the post-party sweeping of the community hall floor where we hosted the party, I couldn't help but think, thank god all this mess isn't on our living room carpet.

There were 16 children there, and most of the parents stayed, too. So it was worth my marathon baking session on Saturday night, because all 36 cupcakes were eaten! The entertainer from Gymboree did a great job, and with that many kids it really was essential that we had some sort of a focus to the madness. Síofra was in her element as Party Girl (the title she used for herself all day). She got an obscene amount of presents, so many that I've tucked a few away for a rainy day and she hasn't even noticed. Her and Paddy's favourites at the moment are these. All I can say is that I played with loads of Barbies as a child and I turned out ok, right?

Pictures, as promised...

Bubbles and balloons = fun times. Check out Paddy in the background contemplating how to climb up on top of that sound equipment. He succeeded later on, only to be rescued by Richie.


Cupcake heaven.


Holding court.


Paddy enjoys his food. He actually couldn't be any cuter.


Weird lighting makes Daithí fuzzy.

4 years ago today...

...I looked like this. And I was chugging Gaviscon for my searing heartburn pain.

Siofra's big party is on Sunday; there will be 14 children there, and thankfully, we've hired an entertainer to do some singing and dancing with them. Hopefully this will allow the adults to have a cup of tea and a conversation?! She is so excited-she goes to bed talking about her birthday and wakes up thinking about it.

It's hard to believe it's been four years since her birth.

More later, including photos from the party...