Sara, on Kinship. Sling Diaries, Vol VII.

The Sling Diaries, Volume VII. A photo-documentary chronicling the art of baby wearing in the lives of families around the world. Over the course of six months, Sling Diarists will create their own Sling Diary though a series of diary entries interpreting a unique theme given to them each month.

Meet all of our Sling Diarists here.

ON KINSHIP.

The home we are currently living in isn’t our forever home, we’ve known this all along. This fact comforts me and haunts me every day. When the roof leaks, pipes burst and space runs out, I’m grateful our time here is limited. But I long for a forever home, any place I can settle in and make plans. While I love change and new adventures, I’m a big fan of structure and stability.

While our life feels like it’s been a bit chaotic over the past few years, my parents, and their home, have been as constant as a river: changing slightly as time goes on, but always flowing and always finding pathways over rocks and around obstacles. It’s been a comfort to return to my parents’ home, to know that while everything around us rushes on, the pace at the end of their dead end lane is slow and comfortable.

Since we’ve moved into our tiny home, we’ve spent many Sunday afternoons at my parents’ house: visiting, napping, taking advantage of their hot water, washing machine, dryer and bathtub. Not only do Austin and I love the solace we find there, our kids love it too. We leave our work and stress at home and enjoy the company and rest. My mom and I chat about the week gone by as she works in the kitchen or she helps me problem solve whatever issue has come up in my life, always gentle and deliberate with her advice.

My dad’s help was invaluable when we were rebuilding the bus and he’s still quick to help out when something comes up, either in person or with a clever idea or solution. He and Austin often wander around the 5 acres my parents call home and talk about their ideas for the property, rarely making progress but enjoying the plans nonetheless.

The kids know where all the toys are kept and often disappear for hours at a time, quietly playing, only emerging for a piece of Oma’s koek or a cookie from the freezer. I love seeing my kids enjoy the same feeling of peace and comfort that I do. I will never tire of watching my parents love my kids.

Our Sunday afternoons have become my favorite time of the week. Not only is it nice to catch up on laundry and enjoy the soup and buns my mom makes for lunch, but the security that spending time with family offers is such a refreshing way to end the week.

Listening to Lulu sing and dance while Austin plays guitar or piano, or watching Abram rough house in the guest room while my mom rocks the baby to sleep fills my cup to overflowing and gives me the strength to face another busy week with confidence!

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Follow along with Sara over on Instagram, @tinyhomedream, and The Sling Diaries on Pinterest.