Family matters

A few weeks back, I had a bustling house and I loved it. My friend Sarah and her husband Nick came to stay with their cherubs Eva and Quinn.

It was not only wonderful to be able to spend time with them, but also to get to know their little ones. We were already living in Ocean Grove when Quinn was born. I've had cuddles, but it was so great to be able to get to know him.

Hello Quinn!



This little patootie is full.on. I think it's great, but can imagine that when he's still awake in the middle of the night and wanting to play peek-a-boo for the thousandths time, I'd think it was less great.



Nick and Sarah are such good parents. So much better than they give themselves credit for. They're warm and doting, sincere and patient. But they think otherwise, and I can see where they're coming from, because I think the same of myself. I'm the worst parent! But that's only because I rate myself on all the bad bits. I measure myself against the time the kids spend in front of the television, the junk food they love to eat, the times I get frustrated and upset and want to run far far away. I'm blind to the good things I do for my children. I hope Sarah and Nick can avoid my trap, and measure their parenting on the good things, namely the happiness of their children (which is immense!)

And hello Eva!



These photos were snapped on my living room couch just before we were heading out to dinner. Sarah and I were waiting for Nick and Amba to come back from surfing, and we were trying unsuccessfully to get four hyped up kids through the bath and dressed for dinner. It was chaos, so I promptly gave up and grabbed my camera instead. Way more fun.



I love this photo of Eva. She's a busy little bee. Being two, that's not surprising. But she can also be very serious. She's contemplative. Quite still at times. I love that I've been able to capture one of these moments.



I hope they come again, sit around my table, eat and talk merrily, and fill my house with bustle.

* Meaghan

What I'm reading: How are we hungry by DaveEggers
What I'm listening to: This year by the Mountain Goats