In their stride

In November 1985, a young Glasgow couple brought their 4^th child screaming into the world and she hasn’t shut up since. Almost 28 years later, that wee baby has somehow found herself in a plan much bigger than herself and has wound up living in London.

That baby is me: Peeks.
At least that’s how my gorgeous nephew V refers to me.

As I approach my 28^th birthday, I’ve been looking at the family around me which seems to grow every time I blink… I have the most incredible family. It seems fitting to start this blog with them for they are the ones who have had to put up with my incessant wittering since I uttered my first word.

My parents are unbelievable. They had brilliant parents to learn from but somehow my parents seem to be on another level. Sure, they haven’t always got everything right but who does? I couldn’t have hoped for better parents. My siblings and I definitely put our parents through their paces in many different ways – I know I haven’t been the easiest child in the world to bring up!!! – yet they seem to have taken it all in their stride and loved us relentlessly.

This brings me onto my sisters and brother. They are all married and parents themselves these days and like my parents they seem to have taken to parenthood and family life like ducks to water. I am completely in awe of them and their spouses as they bring up my incredible nieces and nephews. The oldest of this new generation is my 4 year old niece who recently visited me in London with her two brothers (parents in tow). She is a shining example of how all five of this generation are being brought up; an utterly gorgeous girl who is completely delightful and fun to be around. Does she push the boundaries? Of course she does, but that is all part of growing up. Watching how my sister deals with that is amazing – she is a brilliant mum. Both my sisters are, because they learned from an incredible mum.

And my brother? Well… my brother has only recently become a dad but as one of our oldest friends said about him in the days before his daughter arrived: “He’ll be a great dad; it’s what he’s been getting ready for his whole life.” It’s true. And in the few months of him being one, I can assure you, he’s a natural and doing a fab job. But again, we have a fantastic dad who has taught him well. I must admit, although my siblings are doing a fantastic job and look like they could do it with their eyes shut, they have chosen incredible spouses to partner with.

I love watching my siblings flourish as parents and only hope that some of it has rubbed off on me too. Not yet, but maybe one day.

Peeks x