A baby on the way (not mine)

There is something about the anticipation of a birth that I find utterly thrilling. The miracle, the mystery, the longing, even the anxiety that hold an ancient drawing. An excitement even in its mention. Perhaps in part it is an excitement founded in my own experience. The changing that happened in birthing for me. Perhaps it is the connectedness that women find in the life event of giving birth... Maybe it is just where my heart is at this time. Whatever its cause I feel good and alive and strong. What a privilege being a Doula

Traveling with four - stories and more

I’m standing in our cold Randwick kitchen boiling the kettle for a late night hot drink.  The bedrooms are quiet.  ‘The Churros in Barcelona are amazing I reminisce absentmindedly to husband’.  He smiles.    It has only been two weeks since our return and despite the memories still being strong it feels like a lifetime ago already. 

Before embarking on our 5 week trip with our four children who are 7, 5, 3 and almost 1 year old I read many things, it feels right. First I search for blogs, then packing checklists, things to do with children, famous playgrounds, I googled it all.  Surprisingly there aren’t a huge number of people travelling with four small children, three of whom are preschool age. Even less people are writing about it.

In reality the ratio of unplanned events on this holiday were far higher than those I organised based on my research. It was in essence the unprompted acts of kindness and the plethora of unpredictably serendipitous moments that made our journey what it was – a crazy, eventful, delicious and at times insanely stressful adventure. 

There are so many things I want to be able to say to somehow cajole those teetering on the brink of the decision to travel with small children. While talking about Rome, Barcelona, The Andalucía coast, Lisbon or Bintan Island may be impressive (or make you question our sanity) it feels a poor attempt at sharing the essence of the holiday that was the catalyst the change, love, growth, awe and excitement I saw every day in each little face that we dragged on ridiculous numbers of planes around silly numbers of countries.  Five weeks away from home with family exploring outside our world is good for the soul.