We welcomed our delicious little granddaughter into the world over the Easter break, she arrived on her Grandad’s birthday which he is very chuffed about (he will finally be able to remember ONE family member’s birthday at least!!) Despite the fact that she was born in Ho Chi Minh City we actually managed to be very involved throughout thanks to the wonders of technology and we felt very privileged to get a video call very shortly after her birth to share in the moment with the very proud parents!

They are now home getting used to their new life and their (so far) very chilled and relaxed daughter. I am so excited to be flying out in a week to share some of the newborn bubble with them and my brand new large suitcase is full of various things for Mum, bub and Dad!! They seem to be coping well and it’s all slightly surreal to think the nursery we finished decorating just 2 weeks ago is now home to our very own little princess!!

We enjoyed a lovely 5 days with our other little baby extraordinaire over the Easter break and it was really gorgeous having them all finally here in The Meadow. Cooper was just amazing, not only adjusting to his first sleepover outside of home but also SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!! We naturally attributed it to the fresh country air and consider it a firm tick of approval from young Coops for our nursery setup and future stays with Grammy and Gramps. He made the cutest little Easter Bunny too…..

We managed a trip into Berry, a walk along the beach and lunch at The Shoalhaven Heads Hotel as well as entertaining some old Uni friends of Sams and enjoying some yummy food and a roaring bonfire along with a couple of nice bottles of red. In between we were happy to enjoy all the cooing and gurgling that accompany Cooper’s gorgeous dimply smiles and even a few gummy chuckles! He is the best fun to hang out with and the house feels rather sad and empty now they have gone home 😦

We had all been very interested to see how the Chocolate Drop would take to our little man and as predicted she was fantastic. She was definitely curious about all the interesting baby smells but she was so very gentle and gave him the Bailey lick of approval to his feet and hair! Cooper wasn’t fazed in the slightest and hopefully they will become the best of buddies in the future.

Despite the fact we are still wearing shorts and tee shirts during the day we know this won’t last! The whole lane has been busily getting ready for the cool weather ahead ordering and stacking firewood, burning off all the dead wood around the garden, covering swimming pools and generally hunkering down for winter. Once I’m back from Vietnam it will be time for the electric blankets and cosy throws on the lounge! The sun sets around 5pm now and the chooks are all snuggled up together on the roost by the time it’s dark at 6pm. They all seem to be getting on well with the possible exception of our latest chicken who is older than the other newbies and is super bossy. I have named her Trunchbull after ‘she of the same name’ in the film Matilda. The entire chicken coop is scared of her including the rooster who is showing severe signs of being a bit of a namby pamby and whom I seriously doubt will do anything of leadership quality. Le Rod is a bit of a dud so far I’m afraid…..

The balmy Easter weather has meant that the whole of Sydney was on the road to make the most of the school holidays and mid 20 temperatures. All the beaches are bulging with holidaymakers and the campsites are overflowing with cars and vans, bikes, surfboards and scooters and the sound of children having some old fashioned fun rings out around the coast. The famous Berry Donut Van has been doing a roaring trade after being voted the number one takeaway business on the South Coast and there are queues of epic proportions coming out of every café in Berry so we can safely say the local businesses have had a good Easter! On Anzac Day I loved hearing the roars of delight as people played 2 Up in the local pubs, a lovely contrast to the solemnity of the mornings Dawn Service and Anzac March. I love seeing the men and women in their uniform, young and old alike sharing a beer and a yarn on this most beloved day in Australia.

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As I write this I am so aware of how lucky we are to live in this time, this place and in this way. I am so grateful for those that came before us who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. I am VERY grateful for the safe arrival of two beautiful little grandchildren and the happy relationships that surround them both. I am thankful for my little white house in the country where we can grow our own food and welcome friends and family to stay and enjoy the serenity of The Meadow and for my partner in love and life with whom I share it all. We are blessed indeed……