Grand Slam Champions 2009

I wasn't sure I would ever see this day after the near misses of recent years of arguably the best rugby players at our disposal in generations - Ireland being crowned six nations rugby grand slam champions in 2009. A proud day to be Irish.

Of course the team made us go through a nerve wrecking 80 minutes against Wales in the last game, going close to losing it in the dying seconds. But this team deserves it and the coach Declan Kidney is being called by many a 'legend'.

This even gives me hope that Limerick will manage to win an All Ireland hurling championship in my lifetime.

32 Week Update

I went to the Dr. today for the 32 week update. My belly is measuiring 32cm so I'm right on track. The Dr. told me I was having a boring pregnancy and we both agreed that was a good thing! I'm feeling good and staying active. I'm running 2-3 miles a few times a week and doing some other work outs. Overall I feel I have the pregnancy thing down. I just can't believe the next step is baby! Only 2 more months and we'll get to meet our little guy.

St Patty's Day

Thats what they call it here in Chicago - Patty's day. Seems to be the Amercian translation of Paddy. They do know how to celebrate it though - the last two Paddy's days in Chicago have been among the best - forget about dyeing the river green and the parade and all that, its the enthusiasm of Chicagoan's to get out in green and be 'Irish' (or 'Chirish' - the Chicago Irish - as they were pushing this year) for the day that is impressive.

We started the day with about a dozen people over for a traditional irish breakfast and we watched the Ireland v Scotland rugby match with the first beers of the day. The game was a lot closer than expected but the victory put us all in a postivie mood. We headed to O'Brien's, a neighbourhood bar, and enjoyed the craic agus ceol (i.e. fun, beer and music) and joined up with plenty of our Chirish friends. About 9pm (see the pictures of our merry state) myself and Biz had enough celebration - Paddy's day starts early but finishes early too which is different from back in Eire but no harm - my hangover kicked in about midnight but at least I was functioning the next morning.

Hope you enjoyed yours!

Belle Belly

Following some queries on how Biz is shaping up these days we took this picture today to show her current state of pregnancy - polite comments only please : - )