From Baby to Art Student, a trip down Memory Lane
So I decided to take some time and look back on all the years with our eldest 'baby', 20 now!
Here's Síomha as a baby, I couldn't have been more excited about being pregnant, I remember rushing off to buy baby clothes the minute I heard the news and I couldn't wait to tell Mark who was at the cinema with a friend. When she finally arrived with a big mop of black hair, it was love at first sight.
That's not to diminish how hard I found being a new mum - I didn't have any friends with children or a particularly 'maternal' mother so I was at sea altogether and obsessed with getting everything right and reading every parenting book available, basically setting myself up to fail.
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| Baby Síomha |
Still, as time went on and I got into a groove and gained in confidence, things began to feel a bit easier and I could relax and enjoy the good bits. Some of my favourite memories with Síomha were going to all the parks around Dublin. We lived at the time in Stamer St. near the South Circular Road and we were within walking distance of so many great parks. The one I loved the most was the Iveagh Gardens, it always seemed like a little bit of a secret place because it was so tucked away.
We pretty much visited them all though. Having no car wasn't a deterrant, I used to walk everywhere and although Síomha HATED being in a buggy, once she could get out and walk and run, she was happy out!
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| Siomha in Dunmore East |
We moved to Kildare after a little bit of time living in Clondalkin - Síomha went to a Steiner Kindergarten in Tallaght run by the wonderful Marie McCarthy and was also taught by Solvje and it was a whole world of loveliness and a place I was very happy for her to be.
We then had to make a decision about primary school and knowing that there was a Steiner School in County Kildare, we opted to moved bag and baggage to be near the school and bought our current house in Kilcullen.
She thrived in the Kildare Steiner School, it was the best option for her and brought out all the amazing artistic talent that has come to fruition now. She was fortunate enough to be taught by the wonderful Dorly O'Sullivan and Gale Pullen, amazing women and amazing teachers!
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| Siomha in France |
Above pic is Síomha in France, we had many lovely holidays there with my parents. I remember one year going home asking Síomha what her favourite part of the holiday was? She said 'the cows' :)
We had stopped near a field of cows and this was the part that stood out the most, so cute :)
Fast forward and we hit the teens - a bit of a rollercoaster. There was quite a lot of door slamming and 'I hate you's' - Mark got the brunt of it unfortunately!
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| Síomha Donegal 08 |
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| Síomha Kerry 09 |
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| Síomha Russborough House |
Having negotiated through the worst of the teens, things started to improve ;)
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| Daddy & Síomha Tree Climbing |
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| Mark, Izzy & Síomhs in London |
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| Siomha & Izzy Christmas Day 08 |
Siomha developed an amazing singing voice, something that has always seemed astonishing to me as I can't sing a note!
She also became more and more 'herself', with a quirky crazy sense of humour and a little bit of a 'living in fairyland' vibe - which can either be cute or infuriating, depending on my mood!
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| Síomha & Izzy London |
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| Síomha & Izzy London Park |
She finished school, looked gorgeous at her debs, did an art portfolio at Conleth's College in Newbridge..
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| Síomha Debs |
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| Síomha Graduation Conleth's |
Which brings us to today - Síomha has recently started in the National College of Art and Design and I couldn't be prouder - she's a super talented amazing person.
I still can't believe I'm the mother of a 20 year old but we've arrived at this point relatively unscathed so if I can do it, anyone can ;)
what a lovely post! You're clearly a very proud mother and it's easy to see why; she seems really artistic and judging by the debs photo she's a bit of a laugh too which counts for so, so much. I hope she's loving NCAD.
Also I can't leave a comment without drawing attention to the absolute bang of 90s of the picture of your daughter in Dunmore. I think every 90s baby had that jacket, and I have seen very few 90s babies in well coordinated outfits so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It was the style at the time!
Ha, thanks, it 's strikingly multicoloured! :)
Hi Cliona! What a lovely little trip back to the start! Having crossed Siomha's path briefly online I know that she has a lovely large quirky personality! So suited to NCAD ! I have no doubt she will be brilliant. As a mother of a 31 year old this has made be feel SO old !! ... but in a good way :) xx
Thanks Mary. Can't imagine you as mum of a 31 year old either, crazy!
Cliona this is a lovely heartfelt post. Felt like I'd watched her grow up myself just there! Best of luck to her in NCAD :) x
Oh gosh this made me a bit teary! I bet it only seems like yesterday. I have a 16, 15 and 2 year old and I am so nostalgic it kills me! Lovely, lovely post and what a beautiful girl xx
Awww, this post is lovely! I must admit, I have a little tear in my eye. Your daughter is amazing! You are amazing!! You sound so, so proud! And time does go by so fast. My eldest is almost 12 years old and I still can't believe it!
Really enjoyed this post a lot xx
Oh my god, this post has made me teary! I can't imagine my baby as a 20-year-old, all grown-up with a personality and at college! The time must have flown so quickly for you but I bet you remember it all like yesterday. Aw! Sabrina xx
Beautiful daughter who takes after her beautiful Mother. It is sad how fast time really goes by but look at the amazingly talented lady she has grown into! Congratulations to her on her Art accredidationx
Ahhhh that's lovely. I've got a toddler and baby and love it but constantly think about what they'll grow up to be
Aww this is such a cute post! Some really gorgeous photos in here,and she has such a beautiful name!
C x | Lux Life
What a story and it's really nice to look back on these things. My eldest is only 3 but I already like to look back on his photos and compare them with chloes one and see the similarity.
Beautiful post :)
I have to say , I had to re-read the intro - you just do not look old enough to have a 20 yo! My eldest is 19 - time flies so fast doesn't it? Kaz x
Lols, thanks Kaz and yes, it does fly! Crazy how quickly :)