Coming to Australia on parental leave was a big decision for us. We had to invest all our savings (also future ones) and put Thomas and Daniel through a major culture shock away from their friends. Especially I was hesitant to take the big step, but I will always thank Bryan for pushing this decision as this is turning out much more valuable than the new car I was dreaming of ....

Some of the things I love about being on parental leave in Australia

- Due to the warm temperatures I have 24 hour cuddle-access to Jonathans soft baby skin and cute feet and toes

- In the morning, we don't feel the usual winter stress of looking for 2 sets of a left and right mittens, and putting several layers of clothes on before we can get out the door - here, the kids get up, put on their uniform and a layer of sun screen and they are ready to go!

- Every day, I get the privilege to pick up the big boys from school at 14:45, and we have all the time in the world to walk home (10 minute walk), talk about the day, stop at a playground, look a birds (besides the many lorikeets (small parrots), there are a couple of laughing Kookaburra in the area that sound like to Santa Clauses laughing). We do whatever we feel like - because there is still lots of time left in the day to do homework and cook dinner

- I get to spend lots of quality time with Bryan: lunches on the terrace, lunches on the beach, exploring our area, star gazing and drinks on the balcony ... Frankly, I was quite curious to see what it would be like to be together all the time, but we are not (totally) sick of eachother yet

- In Jonathans nap times, I get to enjoy a good book by the pool, or on the bench by the river (where there is always a nice breeze) instead of watching old episodes of Beverly Hills 90210 on TV

- The three brothers are building a strong relationship: Jonathan gets to spend a lot more time with his big brothers, noone can make him laugh like Daniel and Thomas can. As eachothers only play mates after school, Thomas and Daniel are developing a strong friendship (although they would probably never admit to it)

- Swimming in the pool every day with the boys

- Exploring the beautiful beaches and nature of this country

While we love this temporary fantasy life, there are definately things we miss from home:

- Our friends and family, of course. Thankfully, we have one good couple of friends here (Mickey and Naomi), that is enough to keep us sane and give us new input. Bryan is already talking about planning a party for when we come home so we can see you all again

- I would love to have a day or two to see all the tulips that would be about to bloom in my garden at this very moment

- I would love to just one night sleep in my own bed, with my nice cozy duvet and stick my toes out to feel the cool winter air in the bedroom

- The boys miss being able to run out the door and over to the many play and class mates in our neighbourhood

But all that will be ours for the rest of our lives, so I will be off again to enjoy Australia while we have it.