Welcome
Hello, I’m Pip Baume – and this is Kindred Ponderings.
Kindred Ponderings is a space to explore, celebrate and normalise family diversity in all its interesting, complicated forms. It’s a place for reflection, storytelling and connection – because family is so much bigger than the people we share blood with. This is a space for every kind of family story – including yours.
What’s in a name?
Kindred speaks to a deeper sense of belonging – to kinship, shared heritage, culture and community. It’s the bond we feel with the people who shape who we are, whether by birth, circumstance or choice.
Ponderings invites reflection. It’s the quiet, curious work of exploring our stories, our histories, and the bigger questions about identity – who we are, where we come from, and what it means to belong.
Together, Kindred Ponderings is an invitation to think differently about family.
Why I created Kindred Ponderings
Families are often viewed through a linear lens – a neat branching tree of parents, grandparents and shared bloodlines. But for so many of us, it’s not that simple.
Families evolve through birth, adoption, fostering, surrogacy, relationships, friendships and countless other connections. Each of these stories deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated.
I created Kindred Ponderings to:
- create awareness of the many ways families are formed
- expand the conversation around what family really means
- normalise family diversity so no one feels their story sits outside the ‘norm’
- challenge stigmas and stereotypes that so often surround families who don’t fit a traditional mould
- share unique experiences – mine, and hopefully yours too.
Rewriting the narrative
Families that don’t fit the so-called ‘norm’ are too often judged as less than. I know – because I’ve felt it.
I’m very open about being adopted. But sometimes, when I share that part of my story, people often pause - not sure what to say. They seem to make assumptions about me and my life – and honestly, it surprises me every time.
Because I am loved – deeply and wholly – by all of my family. The family who raised me. My birth family. And the friends I regard as family. My life is full. My identity is whole.
That’s the thing about family diversity – these stories are rich, layered and full of love. They don’t need to be pitied. They need to be understood, respected and celebrated.
My story
I don’t have a family tree – I have a family forest. 🌳
I was adopted by my mum and dad when I was just 2 weeks old. I grew up with my older brother, surrounded by the love of our extended family.
At 20, I met my birth mother. At 28, I met my birth father. From there, my family grew again – with birth siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends I consider family.
My mum used to tell me, “You’re very inclusive…but it complicates your life.”
And she was right. Being open and inclusive has brought complexity – but it has also grown my family forest into something I’m deeply grateful for.
A little about me
I live in Sydney, Australia, with my family. I love nature, skies, the ocean, travelling, languages, and the people who make my world feel full – my family and friends. Most of all, I like to notice and appreciate the little things in life.
What you’ll find here
Through Kindred Ponderings, I’ll share my own experiences and reflections – the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. But this isn’t just my story. It’s ours.
I warmly welcome others to share their stories with me – because every family, every journey, every kind of kinship matters.
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to share your own story, start a conversation, or simply say hello – my door is always open.
Together, let’s celebrate our uniqueness, broaden the way we think about family, and build a world where every family – in every form – is seen and celebrated.
Thank you for being here.