Happy St. Paddy's Day - 2025

St. Patrick’s Day felt extra special this year—probably because we had the cutest little leprechaun to celebrate with. I was prepared and had the perfect outfit lined up for baby Mads. She rocked a green jumpsuit with little shamrock accents, topped off with a matching bow. She was the most stylish little lass around, and her daycare teachers made sure to tell her so. Everywhere we went, people commented on how adorable she looked. I have to agree—she crushed the festive look.

Not to be outdone, Tex joined the celebration with a shamrock-covered bandana. He seemed pretty pleased with himself, trotting around like he knew he was part of the holiday fun. Alison and I had to do a bit of scrambling to find something green to wear. Apparently, we’re not as prepared as Madeline when it comes to holiday fashion, but we managed to pull it together.

Of course, the real highlight of the day was the food. I’d been gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day for about a week because this month’s signature dish was corned beef, and I was determined to make it from scratch. No shortcuts. I bought a brisket, gathered all the pickling spices, and spent last week brining the meat in the fridge. This morning, I finally pulled it out and let it simmer low and slow on the stove for hours. By dinnertime, it was perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

We rounded out the meal with cabbage and a baked potato, making for a simple but festive plate. And, of course, baby Mads got in on the fun too. She munched on some cabbage and roasted potatoes, really committing to the experience. She seemed to love chewing on the cabbage, even though it was too tough for her to actually eat. It’s great for building those chewing skills, though! The potato wasn’t a huge hit, but that didn’t stop her from giving it multiple attempts—each one resulting in more mess than actual consumption. Fortunately, Tex was standing by, happy to assist with cleanup duty.

As we ate, we had The Pogues playing in the background, setting the mood for a relaxed, cozy evening. It was one of those simple but meaningful celebrations—just good food, good music, and our little family making new traditions.

I can’t wait for all the St. Patrick’s Days to come, watching Madeline grow and take part in more of the fun. Maybe next year she’ll actually eat the potato. Until then, I’ll just enjoy the messes, the tiny shamrocks, and the joy of sharing these moments together.