In perusing the comments the other night, I came across one from a reader, Sadie, who shared that her 83 year old mother has a yellowed, curled clipping stuck to her bathroom mirror with the following quotation:
“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.”
…and it completely moved me.
Which is why I reflect as often as I can, through words…through pictures…through writing and talking and just taking it all in…just how beautiful the ordinary is. What I’ve learned in life from loving and treasuring those perfectly normal days…it’s profound.
Guess what I got yesterday?
My girlfriends all chipped in and surprised me with a house cleaner. Let me rephrase that. A team of housecleaners. Like four of them, and they arrived in a van and entered the house like Rambo, hoisting buckets and vacuums and ladders. Yes, ladders. As in ladders they climbed on to reach fan blades. Fan blades that haven’t seen the light of day through the thick blankets of dust that have been coating them since they were installed. I’ve never had our house professionally cleaned…which is why it’s never been horribly clean because, despite my wild and crazy shakedowns before entertaining guests or really trying to convince my husband I was incredibly productive while he was at work, I’ve given up on spit-shined and instead choose picnics and tea parties and letting the creative side of my brain have a free-for-all.
When this amazing team of housecleaners arrived, they set right to work and I couldn’t leave the house fast enough…not because I wanted to get out of their way, but because I wanted the embarrassment of what they must be thinking about my house-keeping abilities to go away. Like when one of the ladies dug under my kitchen sink to pull out my cleaning supplies and I watched her shake a bottle of Soft Scrub that was obviously empty but had been put back under there anyway.
I played dumb…”How’d that get in there? I guess it’s empty. Sorry.” And after she tossed it in the garbage I watched her pull out yet another bottle of cleaner only to shake it like the former once again, cock her head to the side with this confused look and then toss that empty into the garbage as well. I wanted to disclaim once again but felt too stupid, so I did what every other self-respecting inefficient housewife would do. I ditched.
As we left, headed to the park and errands, I heard one of the girls rattle off something in another language to another. My dad, walking behind my shameful trail said, “I don’t speak their language, but I’m pretty sure she just told that girl…This woman’s a pig.”
While the team spent five hours transforming my house, we headed to the park where we sat on a big blanket next to the lake and ate “Thubway,” as Lainey calls it, warded off black crows, and tried out every swing the park had to offer.
(and p.s. House looks beautiful and Girls…Thank you. Love you. I am lucky to have your love.)
And what’s a “Normal Day” without a trip to Target…just because. We casually wheeled our red cart through the aisles, in need of nothing, but tossing in silly things like Scooby-Doo band aids and Easter candy because it felt good.
I love Easter for it brings with it pastels and tulips and daffodils and these sweet aisles in Target that remind me of a baby shower. Little chicks and bunnies and soft shades of pinks and turquoises…it makes me happy. And Peeps…oh, the Peeps. You buy them early, peel back the plastic and then let them sit for a couple weeks until the sugar coating gets crispy and the inside is chewy. …and that’s the proper way it’s done.
I’m so looking forward to this again, and that whole colorful confections/spring-hath-sprung thing.
As we were heading to check out at Target, I saw one of the cashiers waving at me and it hit me. I come here all the time and have chatted with several of the employees throughout my pregnancy, lately informing them of the final countdown, and the last time I had seen her I remember what she had said…”Next time I see you, you’ll have that baby in your arms.” I knew she’d want to see Nella…to congratulate me…and I suddenly didn’t know what to say. Do I tell her? Will she notice? Do I not say a word and have her notice on later trips to the store and wonder why I never said anything? I started to get uneasy, hugging the sling a little closer as she ran over to me to take a peek.
“Let me see, let me see!”
I smiled as I pulled the sling fabric back and revealed this piece of heaven we’ve been waiting for.
“Her name is Nella…” I stopped and watched as she took her in. And then, for some strange reason, I went on in this painfully seamless fashion, “…we found out when she was born that she has Down Syndrome.”
The cashier just stared at me. “Oh…” and then she didn’t know what to say. It was obviously just as painfully awkward for her. And I suddenly felt stupid, like I just muttered “I love you” to the boy I liked and he didn’t say it back, and I just wanted to retract it…to tell him I didn’t love him and that I certainly had never thought of what my name sounded like with his last name. I protectively pulled the sling back over my sleeping baby’s face and looked down to notice my embarrassement was now compounded with the fact that I was leaking two perfect round wet spots on my white shirt, and I wanted to abandon my groceries and run like a bat out of hell for the hills. Why did I tell her that? For that matters, why don’t I just print out her chromosome studies on little laminated cards and pass them out to anyone who happened to glance our way? Why was it important for the cashier at Target whose name I don’t even know to learn that Nella was anything more than just our sweet little bunny?
I figure this will eventually go away. And, as the incredible mother I talked to on the phone the other day reminded me, Nella is not a “Down Syndrome child.” She just has Down Syndrome, like some kids have ADD or asthma. We don’t feel the need to tell people, “This is my son, Charlie. He has ADD.” Why is it any different in our case?
I’ll get there. I’m getting there. In fact, when I look at her, all I see is Nella…who is more perfectly beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Whose almond eyes and rosebud lips have stolen my heart.
And, speaking of stealing hearts (sorry, can’t think of any other transition)…
…a sight seldom captured in our normal day, but so beautiful it brought me to tears the other day…
Austyn’s treck off the bus towards our driveway after school and Lainey’s joyful welcome of her very loved big brother:
What lucky girls I have to be so loved.
And, speaking of love (sorry…had to do it again. Damn transitions)…
There has been so much lately with family taking over our house, settling into couches, snuggling our babies, reading books. It’s this masterpiece to behold.
Thanks to Heidi, I’m actually one of those photographer moms who has pictures of herself with her babies.
Gary gave Lainey a horticulture lesson as our girl has developed a bit of a green thumb, taking interest in watering and nurturing some of our little plants outside that would have surely died if it wasn’t for her interference.
She was thrilled in her shy-smile little way, choosing her seeds (so very Lainey…bright, sunny sunflowers), burrowing shallow holes into the dirt, carefully placing each seed and tipping and spreading a shower of water from the pink plastic watering can so perfectly, you’d think she worked in a nursery.
And that snuggly love we’re experiencing goes awry only a few times a day when the big sister tries to ferociously cram a pacifier into the little sister’s mouth, taking her cries and wincing only as signals that, “No, she wants it, Mama.” Me thinks not.
(not sure why Lainey’s hand looks like a rubber prosthesis here.)
You know who comes home for real tonight? Our long-lost daddy. There will be tears at the airport. And, if I have anything to do with it, one of those embarrassing running-in-slow-motion-towards-him-with-loud-cries kind of welcomes. Onlookers will be humiliated for us. It’s going to be that good. Like if judges could score our welcome, there would be signs with lots of “10”s. And clapping. And maybe a standing ovation.
But, that’s just normal for us. Our normal days.
And, today, I shall write and attach to my mirror a little piece of paper which I hope will crinkle and yellow over time:
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasured day you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart…let me hold you while I may.
~k
Hi Kelle ๐ I’m just browsing your blog then I noticed it was updated. I like the way you let Lainey do everything. It was great. She looks so cute. Just reading your blog, makes me feel like a part of your family. Makes me feel everything. Send my kisses to Lainey and Nella ๐ ~Christine
Beautiful. I too will be writing that quote down.
Thanks for sharing your days. I so enjoy reading.
Kelle, what a beautiful way to start my day. On the house cleaning thing – I have definitely come to the conclusion, that there are way more important things than a clean as can be house. I can’t do it all, and neither can you. Our families are way more important than a clean house.
And your Target adventure, I could just feel your emotions through your words. Nella is simply beautiful, already changing before our eyes. Simply scrumptious. I wish I was there, I would eat her up.
I love normal, uneventful days. Let me tell you. Normal is good.
Looking forward to hearing about the daddy’s homecoming. It will be spectacular. If I could, I’d be at the airport, and hold up the signs for you. I’d bring a bunch, and pass them out. All the people would think I was crazy. But that’s ok. I’m sure it will be a “10”.
Have a great weekend Kelle.
Oh goodness Kelle. I am so NOT a crier, so why does everyone of your posts get me teary eyed?
I’m so jealous of all the pictures you have of yourself with your babies! I need a photographer fiend!!
BEAUTIFUL. All of it ๐ Your girls are so so precious. and what a beautiful family you have surrounding you and your girls. I’m happy for you!
I cannot beleive how much Nella has grown in the past couple weeks. Your family is so beautiful and I love looking at the photos and reading your blog. You have a good perspective on life and we should all take a lesson from you. Hope you and your family are well.
Hi. My name is Mari, I found your blog through a friend about a week ago. Thank you. Thank you for reminding me of what is important in your post today. I love that poem about today. Your daughters are beautiful, and I hope you have a lovely day today. My husband comes home to me and our 4 kids today also and I will be sharing in the same type of tackle the husband and daddy with all the love he can take. Thank you for sharing your life and uplifting me today. I hope to uplift yours in the future.
On top of your ridiculously inspiring writing, “Feels Like Home” was playing on your blog today, which is perhaps my most favorite song in the world. I heart you, your family that I feel like I know, and your blog. Have a wonderfully normal day. ๐
Ever since I’ve found this blog, I look for updates every day. And on the beautiful morning I find one, I grab my cup of coffee and anxiously sit down to what I know is going to be a great read. I know each time that your writing and photographs of your beautiful family will bring me laughter and sometimes even tears, but the kind of tears that make you feel good afterwards, that make you want to take stock in your own life. Thanks for inspiring me (and I know countless others by sharing your life)!!!!
Thank you for inspiring me….to be a better mom, friend, wife and human being. Thank you for reminding me what’s truly important in life – family, friends and love.
Take care of your beautiful family – what a treasure.
I am a new reader…and I have gone back and read pretty far in your posts and I finally have to speak up…I am so glad peope like you still exist. I get so caught up in the world around me with all its rushing and busy-ness. I find you so refreshing, a pure light.
Your daughters are beautiful. Nella is a gift, God chose to gave to you. I love reading about/following along as you truly start to believe this. Thank you for sharing that with us. Thank you.
Just beautiful!
Oh my goodness… that picture where you are kissing Nella and she has her lips puckered is so stinkin’ cute!! I just wanted to tell you that I think you are inspiring and beautiful… I hope you know that! I passed along the ‘Beautiful Blogger’ award to you – you have some of the most beautifully honest and simple words I have ever come across – so thank you!
You can get the details of the award at my blog.
Blessings to you and your family!
“…trying to convince my husband I was incredibly productive while he was at work…”
Loved this! So true for me. Have been following your blog for a couple weeks and am finding it incredibly inspiring. Your pictures are beautful. Thanks for sharing.
It’s funny but I remember feeling the same as you when our little sunshine was born – first taking him out in public and wondering if anyone would notice that one of our twins had almond shaped eyes! To say something or not to say something. Realizing finally that it didn’t need said. Either people would notice or they wouldn’t. But often when they did notice they had a smile in their eyes and shared that they also had someone in their life with an extra itty bitty chromosome. And I always noticed how that made them happy – and hoping that one day soon that smile would reach my eyes as well. Now that he’s 8, I know that smile not only reaches my eyes but touches every part of my heart and soul. Never could I want my life without the magic of that 21st chromomsome. Believe me, Nella, will work her magic…
Kelle..this post made me laugh so many times! As far as the clean house goes…well I started to hire someone from time to time and I LOVE having the entire house cleaned at the same time, but then you know what? I get anxiety getting it dirty and messy all over again…cause I am a freak! Oh well…we all have issues..ha! I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look! I forwarded Nella’s Birth story to my sil and she says “who the hell looks like that after having a baby?” And she’s right…bless you all. The babies are so beautiful. Thanks for another inspiring and wonderful post.
I’m going to have to start reading your blog updates before I put on my mascara.
Have you received a thousand copies of “Welcome to Holland” stories yet? I’d love to read a post on your interpretation of that story.
Also, have you gotten a copy of the Red Octopus book for Lainey?
I’m a new reader & its my first time to comment….
You have such a way with words (& pictures) I just love your honesty. LOVE IT! I seem to cry, smile & laugh out loud on all your posts. That quote is perfect…one everyone should have on thier mirror!
Your house is so beautiful, how could anyone even notice dust bunnies?
Oh and hello, nice to meet you ๐ I love your blog! Your children are so cute and your photography is amazing!
Hi Kellie, I was sent the link to your blog through a friend of a friend of a friend….Your story is amazing…I get chills when reading your posts and look forward to a new one everyday. ๐ Your girls are absolutely beautiful just like their mommy.
I love your style of writing, I can feel every emotion you feel through your words. You photos are so beautiful! Thank you for letting me into your world. You are amazing. ๐
I too had one of those embarrassing, awkward “Target” moments when my little Casey Jane was a newborn, except that it was in Bed, Bath and Beyond and it wasn’t even a familiar face, just another customer in line admiring my adorable baby. I blurted out “She has Down Syndrome” before I realized it then we both just stood there with this chasm between us! Why I felt like I was deceiving anyone I didn’t tell, withholding important information about my baby that would impact how they would feel about her — I don’t know. But that feeling is so foreign to me now. I don’t even tell new babysitters anymore that she has DS — they just need to know what time she goes to bed, what food she likes to eat and where her PJs are. Never thought I would get to that point 6 years ago when she was born but it comes; it definitely comes! And it will come to you too!
SOOOO enjoy reading your posts — they brighten my day! And thank you for posting that “Normal Day” quote — I read the comment soon after it was posted; went back a day later to find it and spent half an hour searching in vain with no luck! Another bathroom mirror will be adorned today!
Enjoy your awesome ‘welcome home at the airport’ moment tonight with you hubby! Love those!!
Bless you and your beautiful family — Angela
Again I find myself lost in your writing. Your kids are gorgous! You are so inspirational. I can see you on Oprah one day! I really can’t wait for your book!!! You are also an amazing photographer. Would you like to come to NJ to photograph my family:)..lol…jk. Can I ask you a question: Do you actually get to read all these posts???
Missy
Kelle,
I don’t remember how I found your post but the search first brought me to Nella’s story. I had no idea there were more posts until days later. Anyway, your story is moving. We also have a son with Down Syndrome and have lived in your shoes. Although, a few things were different, we have been there. You are doing a fabulous job taking this all in, your life has changed and will continue to change. Nella will need you just like any other child. She will need you to be her mom, her confidant, her biggest fan, and her most trusted advocate. You are on a journey, that is your own, but you have just joined a family that is huge. Our kids are just like other kids they just come in a different package. You weren’t given a death sentence, life will go on as you are realizing.
Your Target incident had to happen and you handled it just like the rest of us who have children with a different package. I still don’t answer those types of situation with the same response, it really depends on where I am or who I am talking to. Some people don’t need everything or an explaination. You are navigating your way through a new adventure with no map but you are doing a great job. The nice thing about adventures with no map is you can create your own.
Keep loving and laughing, a sense of humor will get you through the rough spots. Hold that baby girl because she will grow up. Our son is a treasure but we don’t treat him any different than any of our other five children. He is a blessing and can be a real pain sometimes, but like your title says we are living each day “enjoying the small things”.
God bless you and your family
j.o.
Good Morning!
So excited to see that a new post was up! So lovely, once again . . . the photos and the words . . . perfect. The photo of you and Nella on the swing is so nice, you are so beautiful, inside and out! You look fabulous, it is hard to believe that you just had a baby! Enjoy your visiting family and I am very excited for you to have your reunion with your husband today! I feel happy just thinking about all the joy you will experience! Enjoy!
I have that same quote on the sidebar of my blog. I read it often to remind me of what a gift every day is.
I love reading your posts and I was so excited this morning to see that you updated. You help me to remember that even the small things are worth writing down and celebrating.
I have 3 little ones and we homeschool so I can totally relate with you on the housekeeping….I like to keep a clean house too but life usually gets in the way and I’ll take playing with my kids over dusting my ceiling fans anyday! The fan will always be there but our babies will grow up before we know it….
Thank you.
Kelle, I recently found your blog and have spent hours and hours going through your posts and pictures. You are amazing and beautiful and inspirational and grounded and I love reading every single word you write and looking at your gorgeous photography. Lainey and Nella are beautiful little lovelies and I so enjoy reading about the amazing days that you all have together.
I am a mom to a 9 month old sweet baby girl and your blog has given me so much inspiration for how to give my own child a creative and fun and loved childhood.
You are such a strong and beautiful inspiration for other women and mothers out there. I hope you know how special we all think you are! And I cannot wait until you write your book!
Happy (delightfully) Normal Day to you and yours!
this post is wonderful. i am teary eyed:)
i love the quote, what a way to live:)
i thoroughly enjoy your blog and the peek I get into your life.
thank you
I thought the way you spoke to the cashier is brilliant.
Silence, the not telling, is like trying to hold in a public secret….it makes it awkward for everyone.
Your simple statement of truth provides an opportunity for love to be exchanged and shaming stereotypes to melt away. No, it certainly isn’t your job to be a one person educator, but your conversation showed your openess, your acceptance and your profound love for your daughter who does have DS.
The other person had the problem, not you, don’t take it on.
And from personal experience, because most in the USA like to pretend to live “perfect” lives, I have faced the awkward stares and jumbled words as I shared the news of an untimely death of a beloved family member. The cashier’s response had to do with a lack of training in preparedness for anything other than “perfection” because of our phony societal standards: Young people don’t die, educated people don’t lose jobs, smart folks don’t get in car wrecks resulting in paralysis, wise folks never face illness……you know all of the evil lies we wrap ourselves in so that when we encounter the truth we haven’t a f’n clue what to say.
Your choice, but next time offer to let Nella be held and watch what happens.
Nella is the answer, Nella is perfect, healing, spirit love and the world needs her.
MJ
Oh I am just in love with your blog. And I’m not a big blog stalker. Love everything about yours. Love your honesty. Love your pictures. I think I’ve left a comment almost identical to this, but I’m leaving another one. So there.
Love this. Thank you so much for the reminder to cherish & appreciate each “normal” day. ๐
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I remember those first few weeks/months, where you don’t know whether to say anything to strangers or not. You figure it out, as you do most things.
You’re a wonderful mommy, and I love that normal quote. If I ever have a normal day again, I’ll be sure to quote it. LOL
๐
Sorry about your Target experience! It is a learning curve, and will get easier!
I love that pic of you and Nella Baby, it looks like she is puckering up for a big kiss for her mommy!
Oh Kelle!
Nella just gets more and more beautiful by the day. There is something quite captivating about her face. LOVE her.
Normal days are good, they are even great! Our favorite song about normal days is “Just Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Vassar…perfect!
Keep writing and inspiring all of us who continue to follow your story! Thank you for that!
Nella is “perfect”ly beautiful, sweet, and looking like she’s already becoming interested in her perfect little world. There is nothing for you to explain to anyone. Nella will speak for herself when the time comes for her to do so. Keep loving and enjoying your precious little girls! And have a perfectly normal day.
rubber prosthesis!? hilarity. lqtm
And you KNOW I love Love’s proclivity for planting, nurturing and growing. So wonderful.
Margot crams Ruby’s pacifier in her mouth all the time too! She says Ruby need mookers? and Rubes just stares at her with smiles and then Margot says ok, here you go and shoves that puppy in with all her might. Ruby likes that! me thinks not too.
Goosebumps…this is what your blog gave me. I love it and your girls are so beautiful.
Cheryl
Yeah for friends who love you like crazy and send cleaners!
We had a few awkward “Target moments” when Alayna was born. I personally think we all have to have those to figure out our path and what is right for our family. But, now we are at that place where our daughter is just a girl not a diagnosis and depending on the situation we share our information or not.
As our 6 year old says, “mom, I forgot she has ds”
That pretty much sums up our normal.
So excited for your homecoming tonight! Enjoy!
I think the onlookers won’t be embarrased but rather jealous of that kind of love.
I think the be still my heart pic is my favorite one of Nella yet. Oh how you can just loose yourself in her beautiful sparkly eyes.
I absolutely adore everything about this post. The quote – it is perfection.
That little Nella is a photogenic little lump of sugar!
So how does Photographer Mom get picks of herself with the kids? I am the only one who ever picks up a camera and there are very few of me with my kids. Do you just make yourself use the timer? Carry a tripod?
Normal days are a gift. I cherish normal, and long for more of them right now as I deal with an extremely troubled teenager. The shots of your babies just kill me because they take me back to when my girls were little and heartache, rebellion, and hard times seemed unfathomable. Enjoy this time and your normal, you will miss these days so much!
As always, I am amazed by the peace that transcends your writing. It is clear that you are an incredibly strong woman. And that scene at the grocery store is definitely something I would’ve done too if I were in your situation… I am the queen of awkwardness.
Lainey’s clothes are incredibly adorable! Does she dress herself? If I have a little girl, I want her to dress just like that!
And lastly, I love the pictures of your dad with his granddaughters. You are so blessed to have so many people who love you and your family, and that makes me happy!
i came across your blog yesterday, while searching for someone who is “like” me. We may have nothing in common but the fact we both have daughters with special needs, mine 4 years, yours 4 weeks. We are at different phases of this journey, but i have no doubt we have the same rewards. I read your birth story and it read just like mine 4 years ago, sure some details different, but the same emotions and feelings. i wish the best for your little girl. She will do great things with so many things that are great in her life. I will keep reading even if it hurts to. God bless you
Dear Kelle,
I remember this so well, like it was yesterday. Before we got Andrew we were “up” for another baby (also with Downs Syndrome)..we weren’t chosen by the birth mother for him which was devastating, but I learned so much going through it. Anyways, while the process was still a process I would find myself so excited to tell everyone that there FINALLY might be a baby…but I would apologetically announce “but he has Downs Syndrome”. Im not sure why I did that. For one thing, we applied for a DS baby and another I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME in this fact. I dont want to blame others and say that I felt as though people may be uncomfortable or feel less excited once they found out that piece so I saved everyone from the potential awkwardness and sabotaged my moment….my happiness..my excitement. Truth be told I reay feel like (Ive never told anyone this)that I didnt deserve that little boy. I had apologized for his existence so many times before he even existed. It was so weird…this is NOT who I am at all.
When Andrew came (6 months ago)after losing the battle for Nathan (the other baby) I realized that this was a gift. Like every part of his existence is a gift. I have never apologized for this little boy. In fact, as he gets older, his appearance is a simple advertisement for his Downs Syndrome. But even if people dont ask, the awkwardness is non existent and has been replaced with an overload of pride and admiration for this perfect little child.
Nella is lucky little girl, and you and your famiy are also lucky to have the opportunity to open your hearts up to this very special little being. Congratulations. Nykki Poole
Thank you for reminding me to treasure the normal days – it is something so easily forgotten.
I have been following your blog since you posted Nella’s birth story. You have been inspiring me to see beauty in each day ever since.
Thank you.
I’m a new reader and I just wanted to say that your family is beautiful. Many of your pictures have brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for this post. I needed to be reminded that normal days are wonderful.
Your words enrich my existence. Thank you.
Lovely photos as always.
And your Target story. I struggle with that too. My Sylas has CP and at 2 1/2 walks with a walker or crawls to get around. We are often getting stares and those “eye” questions, like, “what’s wrong with him?”
I usually want to shout NOTHING, but so often I find myself stumbling over words, trying to explain him, when really I know there is nothing to explain. These waters are murky and so hard to wade, but it gets easier. It really does.
Bri
What a great post! And beautiful family ๐ I’m a new follower of your blog, and I just HAD to comment when I read the part of this post about Peeps. That is EXACTLY how I eat them…the ONLY way! Yum ๐
I am addicted to your blog. You are my daily dose of good!
I have an adopted son and the first couple of years when people would comment on him I would say
“thanks he is adopted” as if I should not take credit for him. I would walk away with a terrible feeling like why did I say that? I dont know them, why am I labeling him? I do not do that anymore, he is my son and he is loved, he is a beautiful human being and has the most amazing soul and I am his mother. He might not have been born in my belly but he certainly was born in my heart.
Thanks for your writing, your beautiful photos and sharing your amazing family!
Hi Kelle,
I love Lainey’s outfits, she looks just so girly and pink it makes me smile.
Nella is so beautiful, she’s losing (I know you don’t want to hear this, I didn’t either with my baby) her newborn look. You can see some changes in her.
The pictures of the girls and your dad made me cry, it’s such a sweet moment.
Friends are… love siblings. I have no siblings only child here and my friends are just as wonderful as yours, you are very lucky to have them.
As for the store clerk, don’t worry you are a new mom all over agian with a new baby. Everything is new.
I have been touched by your blog like no other in recent time….your story, your words, your pictures….make me cry, make me laugh, make me think and most of all make me smile. Have a wonderful day
Teresa
I carried you in my heart this morning…I was taking my special boy to school we were on the freeway and your family entered my thoughts and in my mind I could see your girls, you, your beautiful family, sweet, Nella…::sigh:: a smile spreads across my face, I look in the rear view mirror and there is my boy singing away…life is beautiful!! So nice to see a new post this morning! I can relate to the target experience with the target worker, we do learn, baby steps! Nothing like seeing an older sibling show love to his younger sibling…ahhh!! The pics of you and Nella, something holy about them! There is such oneness, peace and I can see the love you have for her but I am in awe because it is like I can see the love she has for you….I see the bond,I can taste it!!
“Oh goodness Kelle. I am so NOT a crier, so why does everyone of your posts get me teary eyed?” from an earlier comment
exactly!!!!
There is so much I want to tell you – about how you have now become my biggest inspiration – as a mother, wife, friend, photographer, writer and so much more. It seems everyone has already told you everything I want to say and more – and my little post may not even reach or touch you. But coming from a woman with a husband who has and will have a life long battle with a serious illness, who understands deep sorrow yet remains positive because that gets us through… Maybe I will touch you in some way today. Just know you have touched my life. You inspire me. You are amazing. Continue being the exceptionally honest and wonderful woman, mother, daughter, wife, photographer, writer that you are. Thank you.
Your’s is the first blog I’ve read that I actually check everyday for updates!
I also want you to know that you’ve inspired me to take more pictures of my baby girl. I’ve been going crazy with the camera lately.
I’ve had your Target moment several times. My daughter doesn’t have down syndrome, but is developmentally delayed. Strangers often remark how she must be walking all over the place or something like that. Instead of just politely agreeing or even just saying “not yet,” I sometimes blurt out “well, no because she’s developmentally delayed.” Then I feel like a weirdo as the person stares at me having no idea what to say.
Lastly, but not least, I’m taken aback with every post by the beauty of your family ๐
This story has been amazing. I was linked from a friend and I haven’t stopped reading. Your family, your heart, and your strength are simple beautiful.
-M
Your family is so beautiful. And, I thought I was the only one who preferred Peeps that had sat out for a few days. So glad there’s someone else.
My younger sister Jenna (2 years younger than me) has DS, so in a way I guess I am like Lainey in your family’s story. She will be SO blessed growing up with Nella as her little sister like I have been with mine. You learn and love so much.
I absolutely adore Nella’s little pursed kissy lips in the pictures of you kissing her… you are all so beautiful!
As always, beautiful photos and words. Kelle, I’m with you 100%: all I see is your perfect and beautiful Nella, her potential is unlimited. ๐
“You will help your sweet girl be far better than OK. You will show her boundless love. She will know that she is accepted and cherished and celebrated for every last morsel of who she is. She will know that her Mama’s there at every turn. She will believe in herself as you believe in her. She will astound you. Over and over and over again. She will teach you far more than you teach her. She will fly.” Jess Wilson (http://adiaryofamom.wordpress.com/2009/05/01/welcome-to-the-club/)
Lots of Love,
KC
Everything about your blog and your family is so incredibly beautiful! The music, your pictures, your writing, everything. Each new entry brings tears to my eyes and makes me yearn for those sweet days when my children were little (and also makes me a little regretful that I didn’t treasure them as much as I should have at the time). Thank you for sharing your beauty with the rest of us. ๐
For pure, simple beauty your blog gives me more than any other blog I follow. Thank you.
I am very happy for you that your man is back home.
Adele
Oh those puckered lips of Nella’s are simply scrumptious! Once again, my day is brighter after reading your blog. Thanks for today’s “lovin life” lesson..keep them coming!
I just dont think I could enjoy your blog any more than I do. Like I read it and we’re immediately friends. Thanks for sharing your heart and being so open about everything — and I am SO the same kind of housekeeper you are . . . and what a lovely gift from your friends!! ๐
Kelle,
I often wonder how I will react to people looking at Justin when we can finally take him out in public. Justin also has Ds. We have been homebound since his birth 10 months ago due to open heart surgery and immune issues. I’m so glad to know that all turned out okay even though you felt awkward with the checker at Target. Your friend was right, our kids are not what they have, they are simply Justin or Anna or Ella! I’ll rememer that the first time I introduce him to the checker lady ๐
Hi Kelle,
A friend forwarded me Nella’s birth story and I was so moved. I’m currently a doula-in-training, and your story gave me a lot to think about.
I stumbled across an article in the Huffington Post today about a program developing to teach children with Downs ballet. Obviously Nella is a bit too little to start dancing yet, but it sounds like an awesomely inspirational group of families and children, and I thought you might be interested in learning more about it. The link is below.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-snavely/free2beme-ballet-class-fo_b_469000.html
Enjoy your girls! Keep writing and photographing, we are all listening.
๐
A friend led me to your blog, and I am so thankful. Your words and pictures are just gorgeous. Your children are beautiful!!! Thank you for your continued inspiration!
Loved yesterday’s entry! It so hit home. Before my husband & I put our budget on a diet, we used to have house cleaners & I’d always find myself cleaning before they got there. Of course, this was before I had my daughter so I actually had time for that. I often think back & wonder how I *didn’t* have time to clean back then with just a full time job & no babies! Alas, there are only so many hours in the day. And just as the saying goes, No one on their death bed wishes they’d spent more time at the office the same could be said for a clean home & mindless chores. The minutes you spend with your beautiful family are the precious silver & gold strands that weave in & out of the quilt of your life. You have to make them count. Otherwise it’s just a bunch of boring ole black & white.
Lainey has grown into such a beautiful young lady & her spirit really shines. Nella is already showing her personality & I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her & for all of you.
I’m new to your blog…I read your birth story of nella, and now have been skimming through your blog. You have one very beautiful family! and your girls are absolutely gorgeous! May God keep them safe always!
I love your positiveness.. its beautiful! It really pulls your readers in. I adore your blog with the beautiful photography!
Your a strong woman. And you deserve this gift from your friends plus more ๐ Hope you truly enjoyed your day “off”
Morning!! You got an award on my blog this morning for being so inspirational to me!
Your family is absolutely beautiful. I love checking on it in the mornings to see if you have updated it. 5times a day would be nice ๐ I love seeing the pictures of your girls and you… and everything. They are so BRIGHT and CHEERY!!!! Thanks K.
xo-
J
What a beautiful, touching post (as per usual).
And you know, this is a funny little story in relation… but I’ve always had bad skin (thankfully it’s much better now, but still troublesome) and when I would meet new people, I would say something like, “Oh my skin is looking so broken out today!” within 15 minutes of the conversation, any way I could fit it in.
I still do it, sometimes.
The thing is, it was *my* insecurity in myself. I wanted so badly for them to know I knew what they were thinking. The problem is, most of the time, they weren’t thinking anything I thought they were… so they never knew what to say, either.
I think if I was in your position, I’d be doing the same thing, because I’d be scared people would see her & think something to themselves and think I didn’t know what they were thinking.
I’m starting to realize, most people are smarter (and more kind) than we give them credit for, and they will overlook anything odd they may notice and instead see exactly what you see.
Nella is so incredibly cute. she is perfect…and the pictures of Lainey with her big brother are so sweet…I loved this post.
As you know from taking pictures of people, they’re all different. No one thinks exactly alike, or reveals themselves in the same way.
I have found, being the mom of a child with autism, that I’m much more prone to just smiling and listening, looking to see if someone needs to know more in a given situation. Sometimes, it’s been really beneficial to use the word autistic. Other times, there is no need, and it’s the furthest thing from your mind. Your photographer’s sense of observation will serve you well.
Don’t beat yourself up for your Target incident, Kelle. You shared your joy. You spoke honestly. You are not responsible for other people’s reactions, nor do you really know everything that clerk was thinking. I suspect the clerk will enjoy seeing Nella on future visits!
Even our casual interactions happen for a reason. That’s part of a “normal day,” as you have said.
I love, love, love the normal day quote. I added it to my email signature immediately. Thanks for sharing that (and thanks to the reader who shared it with you!)
One of the things that I love about your photography is that you take pictures of “normal day”. At times I have slipped into the trap of only taking photos when the kids hair is combed, when the house is cleaned, when no one is grumpy, etc. (which turns out to be almost never, in a household of three small children). It is good to be reminded to take photos of “normal day”. When I look back at photos from five years ago, I love the ones with dirty dishes in the background and toys all over the floor because they remind me of what our lives were like then. I need to take more of those photos now!
You would be proud of me…I’ve purchased a couple of new lens for my Nikon D90 camera and started taking the type of pictures that inspire me to take more pictures. Yay! Thanks for your inspiration.
Kelle,
My friend who just had a beautiful little girl with DS passed this along and I can’t wait to read your posts…they bring me to tears everytime! You have a wonderful way with words and simply put…should SHOULD write a book, include all the little stories and title it: Enjoying the Small Things. Your little miracles are absolutely beautiful!! And I can’t wait to keep reading and getting updates! Thanks so much for sharing your stories with us!
Hello there… oh, I so understand how you felt in Target. I posted a comment earlier – we also have a beautiful little girl with DS who is almost 2 now. I found it SO hard to know when to “out” her when she was little. SO hard – it’s still hard. I told a girl I ran into from high school once and she said, “You know, you don’t HAVE to tell people”, and another lady told me I shouldn’t tell anyone and then no one would know. But I did need to say it for those first months. I had to get used to how it felt on my tongue. And sometimes I wondered if it was glaringly obvious to those who would look at my baby and somehow I felt like it was the elephant in the room – and I NEVER, NEVER wanted anyone to think I was ashamed that she had DS or that they couldn’t talk about it, so I often would bring it up first.
Now I feel like it’s kind of old news, so I don’t mention it as much, but sometimes I will and reactions are different…. some people just don’t know what to say. But that’s ok. You don’t need to feel ashamed for sharing something with anyone. You’re not responsible for their awkwardness. They just don’t want to say the wrong thing sometimes, so they don’t say anything. I think it’s good you brought it up because you’ll probably go to that Target many, many more times and see that woman and one day she would have noticed and now she won’t be afraid to talk about it.
You opened a door today…. what that lady chooses to do with it is up to her. Just keep proudly bringing that girl in. You know what my girl does now? Waves and blows kisses to all the cashiers at our local grocery store. They LOVE her – I’ve never brought up that she has DS, but I’m sure they know. Every time we go through the line, they make a big fuss over how well dressed she is and how cute she is and whether they’ll get any kisses today (which aren’t really kisses but raspberries.)
It’ll start to feel easier.
Bless you for sharing that. I so get it.
And I also wanted to say how happy I am that Nella seems so well! So many of the little ones we know have heart issues or feeding issues and the like and Nella seems to be doing so wonderfully. That’s so fortunate.
Take care….
Heather
I remember those moments in the beginning where I didn’t know what to do. Should I tell people or not that Colin has Down Syndrome? Sometimes I felt like I needed to purge the information, sometimes I wouldn’t tell them but then wonder if they could “see it”. It was really hard. But then, over time, it did get easier. I didn’t feel it was something I had to tell people unless I wanted to or felt that it was the right moment. I just let them say such sweet things about my little baby boy and was simply happy because he WAS adorable.
I have been following your story since Nella’s birth story gripped my heart and sent uncontrollable tears streaming down my face. I am late heading back to work because I can’t stop reading your post. Seriously, laugh out loud funny today! I love the empty cleaning products under the sink, because let’s be honest, we all do it. And love the description of the airport reunion. Keep writing, you are so good at it. There has to be a book some day!
Your words have touched me so many days, but today I leave a comment. After our son was diagnosed with autism (he is pretty severely affected, not speaking at age 5) a friend of ours gave us a shirt that identified him as a child with autism. I was torn, like you are, about the desire for others to understand him, his world, his sometimes odd behaviors, and my desire to let him be him. When he lets out a high pitched scream in the store, or when a stranger asks him a question expecting an answer from him, I sometimes stumble, try to make an excuse for him. It is a delicate balance, but I have learned no excuse is needed. He is a happy, delightful, wonderful son, and our family is blessed to have him and that is all that matters. I know this awkward moment you had at Target; it will probably not be alone, but it will get easier. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Love that quote ๐ I can’t believe how big Nella is looking in all the pics. She has beautiful eyes. And that last pic of Lainey in black and white – LOVE it! what a cutie-pa-tootie!
Hope you have an AWESOME weekend reuniting with Brett! I bet he’s so excited to see all his girls ๐
You need to try chocolate covered Peeps. You don’t have to cover the whole thing, just dip as much as you like into melted chocolate of choice.
I, too, have had the joy of leaking breastmilk in public. Arrrgh!
Hope you have a wonderful reunion with your hubby! I can see it now… ๐
I am 52 and JUST NOW learning to appreciate a normal day. You are blessed to recognize it so early
I have been reading your blog for a week now and I am addicted, both to your words and your images. I know that everyone says this but I “feel” and have felt your pain…my daughter with 3/21 is now 3 yrs old. I started a blog too…nothing like yours. I enjoy your vision and inspiring real words. I know that you feel that right now it seems “everyone can tell that she has DS” but the way you act is how everyone will “re-act”. It is amazing the comments you will get, so the best advice I can give you to save you from those painful moments is pretend there is nothing wrong and that your joy is complete…as you have mentioned, and the on-lookers will follow you!
I posted this on my side column of my daughter’s blog and I don’t know if it will help but just in case here it goes:
XOXO Ann
TIPS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Not everyone knows what to say when a child is born who is not “typical.” Here is a list of “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” established by Families Exploring Down syndrome.
DO SAY: These are feel-good statements and actions that are usually well accepted and which all new parents would welcome.
• “Congratulations.”
They just had a baby! What better response to show that you love them and their baby than to extend congratulations. If the hospital allows it, a bottle of champagne could be greatly appreciated.
• “He/She looks just like you.”
The baby probably does look like someone in the family. All of the baby’s genes are from the family. “My son looked exactly like my daughter did when she was just born,” said Lisa Roland, whose son Jamie has Down syndrome.
• Friends and family who actually “do” something such as read about the disability (or find information on the Web) are appreciated. This thoughtfulness really means something to the new parents. It shows love and concern for the baby.
¸Offer to baby-sit.
It is a fear of the new parents that their family will not accept the new baby. By saying something like, “Well, when are you going to let me baby-sit?” you are showing the new parents that you want to be a part of the baby’s life. This will be a great relief to them.
• “We will always be here to help.”
Another very good way to show that you intend to be a part of their lives.
• “He/She will do fine.”
The new parents are probably pretty worried. They might not know much about Down syndrome, and they may be concerned about possible medical problems. Your having a positive attitude will rub off on them. They don’t need pessimism or negativity from their loved ones. Even professionals who are not up-to-date on Down syndrome issues can give off a hurtful negative attitude. You need to be the positive and informed person who will offer support and acceptance.
• “We’ll all learn from him/her.”
This is another good way to show that you intend to be a positive part of their lives. After all, how can you learn from their new baby, if you are ashamed of him/her? Their new child will give everyone involved an opportunity to learn about love, acceptance, and respect for persons who are not “typical.”
( I couldn’t fit the don’t say-so you can go to the blog if you are curious)
I can SO relate to your post; only maybe in a slightly different way. I think it will just take time to adjust to your “new normal”. When my son was first born, his disease was not obvious to anyone. Not even us! His diagnosis came at 11 months of age. And as he got older and bigger, it was more obvious as he wasn’t walking, standing, crawling..etc.. I soon became used to peoples’ comments and even stares…..Sometimes, people would ask me why my child was so tired when really it was because he lacked the strength to lift his head from my shoulders. Sometimes, those comments would be hurtful to me. Even though I knew they didn’t mean anything by it. Don’t feel bad at what you said to the cashier. I think each one of us with a special needs child has experienced the same thing at one time or another. Especially in the beginning. There will be people who don’t know how to respond and others who will know exactly what to say. And you will also learn how and when to share your daughter with people. Just give it time. PS….I just had to giggle at the “prosethis hand” comment. :0)
wow…two beautiful daughters, a beautiful family, a beautiful life!
Wow, I can completely relate to that awkward feeling when you tell an acquaintance — and wanting to take it back — not wanting pity, just wanting some understanding. But people are caught off guard and don’t know what to say. I wrestled with it a few hours ago at the dentist. One of the hygienists was so taken with Henry and kept telling me how precious he was — and as he approaches 6 months I feel like people must see it now, but no one will say anything or ask. When he was a newborn, I think no one could tell. So I wrestled — should I tell her? or not? she probably knows. why would I tell her? I didn’t. I guess when he’s old enough to have his teeth cleaned, I’ll check a box on some form and it will be pretty obvious by then anyway. But I go on . . . this is your blog! ๐
I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and have been sharing it with friends. I so look forward to your new posts. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and your thoughts on life with all of us. Very inspiring.
wowza…I’m a puddle of tears every time I read your blog.
THANK YOU for reminding me to cherish moments. My camera is in at the repair shop right now, and there’s been 1000 shots just this morning that I’ve wanted to capture – moments I’ve wanted to freeze.
Enjoy your gorgeous girls!
Kristy Klaassen, Chilliwack BC
It is becoming cliche, but again, it WILL get easier.
Just two weeks ago the middle school where I teach showed the Hallmark movie, Front of the Class, to our student body. It is about a boy reflecting on his life with Tourette Syndrome. The movie hit me like a ton of bricks. First, we showed it on the day a friend happened to pass me the link to your blog, so flashbacks of Cameran’s birth and all of my similar raw emotions were replaying in my mind, so I was already an emotional wreck. Second, it has such a powerful message that I cried–sobbed–through the majority of the presentation. At one point the boy sitting in the back of the auditorium looked at me and asked if I was okay and if he could get me a tissue. I thanked him and said I would be alright.
Flashforward to class afterward. I called in the Learning Support co-teacher (we are a full-inclusion school) to lead our discussion because I knew I couldn’t make it through discussing the movie without breaking down once again. See, there are pictures of my daughter ALL around my classroom. I had not told my students about Cameran having Ds because they do not need to know. She is my daughter. Period. BUT…there was something magical about that movie that made it okay. With the help of the other teacher we educated my classroom of regular education students about how some disabilities are easily seen, like the man with Tourette’s, while others are not noticeable on the outside, such as someone with a learning disability. We talked about how the words they use, esp. use of the “r” word as slang, etc., may affect someone even if they do not realize it. At that point I passed out pictures of my daughter to each row and began my story. Our story. I told them how I worry that she won’t be accepted by everyone as she grows older, and how she is like everyone else, but you can see her difference like the man in the movie. And it felt good. And I cried all over again, completely defeating the purpose of having that additional teacher in the room with me, but they connected. One girl raised her hand and shared that when she and her parents saw my husband and daughter and I in a furniture store one weekend, her mom has noticed that “something was different” and that Cameran was a beautiful baby. People understand. Good people understand. And you know what? That room of 7th graders now understand that all ANYONE-disability or not- wants, is to be accepted.
It felt good. As you take more trips to Target (my favorite store ever!) or anywhere else, you will figure out what works for you.
Have a perfectly “normal” day with your family!
Hi. I just discovered your blog. Your photographs and children are beautiful! So nice and inspirational (written as I blow my nose!).
This post just simply makes me smile. *Cheers* to normalcy.
I absolutely la-la-love the picture of you and your little bunny together! It looks as if she is puckering up to give you a great big ‘your the best mommy ever’ kiss in exchange for yours!
You are doing so well,I cried raw tears for weeks after my daughter was born.
Nothing gave me joy at that time in those early weeks.
Every time someone looked at her I was second guessing if they could tell she was a little different and without realising it you have taken a massive step by telling that lady in the store(even if you feel you shouldnt have)
It took me months and months to tell people of my daughters syndrome.
Now I will talk to anyone who is willing to listen and only ever cry tears of joy at my wonderful,funny amamzing little 2 year old cupcake.
I love normal days and its taken my daughter to make me realise that and just appriciate the small things as they make up the bigger brighter picture
I still tell random people my son is autistic for no good reason I can pinpoint, and I still kick myself for it afterward. It’s a learning process, this special needs mom gig. 4 years into it and I’m still a rookie.
Anyway, your friends are awesome. Please tell them to send a cleaning crew to my house. ๐ I doubt anyone who looks at you and your children could ever say you were a pig. Speaking of which, every time I see your picture I am in awe of your makeup. What kinds do you use? If you say that’s your natural skin, I may just cry.
We are having our own reunion with daddy tonight, but he’s only been away for 1 week, nothing compared to how long your beloved has been away. I hope your reunion is a perfect 10.
I am a Mom of six and I love being a mom, your blog helps me stay focused, I appreciate your insights (and reality). Thanks, we love your family.
HI there, I posted in your post about the birth. I was wondering if we could talk through email, I have some questions for you about DS and whatnot. Would you mind emailing me? I would really appreciate it.
[email protected]
Thank you
Gee, I should be WAAAAY past that hormonal crying period after having Gabe, but your blog takes me back to such tenderness that I can barely breath sometimes.
Your picture of Nella, where you write “Be still my heart.” makes me feel so in love for you. I love my son like no other. You are selfless in your tender time and I thank you for that.
So beautiful ๐
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(sorry had to repost….typo!)
So I am reading along, thinking of what I will write in my comment…relate that I too could be a better housekeeper…add my oh so worldly views…remark on your beautiful photos, (AGAIN!) or perhaps something terribly profound. Then I read…………. “not sure why Lainey’s hand looks like a rubber prosthesis here” I laughed so hard I snorted and made my napping dogs bark!. That’s all I am going to say….thanks Kelle!
xo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
Ok, I totally have more to say…but I had to get this out real quick…because apparently you have this in common with my sister, who proudly exclaimed at the ripe age of about 10, ” I only like hard peeps!” She gets to relive that courtesy of my brothers and myself every Easter. Alright, I have to go back and drink in the new “Nellainey” goodness.
I understand all too well….my son is almost 15 months and am now to the point where I have stopped apologizing for him and explaining his situation to everyone we meet. When people ask me how old he is and realize that he doesn’t walk or talk I simply smile and kiss my sweet Ethan and walk away. It will happen for you one day and you won’t even notice it because she is your heart and soul and love….ps – her lips are the most beautiful ever!!
Beautiful!
It is hard when you first take your baby out, wondering what strangers are thinking, “can they tell”, “should I say something”. I promise you it gets better. You will find yourself at Target searching out babies with Ds, or adults and you will find yourself smiling, going up to complete strangers to share your story and to hear theirs. You will GLADLY tell anyone and everyone all about Nella and about Down syndrome, and you will suddenly say to yourself “you know I NEVER talked this much in my life”. You will be the best advocate for your daughter. Show her off. Be proud of her, be PROUD of the Down syndrome. It will take time, but I promise it’s coming, and the more people see that you aren’t afraid to share her difference, the more accepting they become. I’m to the point where I am lovin it all.!!! ๐
I adore your entries.
They make me reflect, laugh out loud, cry a little, and love a lot.
Your photographs are delightful and capture so much.
Lainey is a beautiful little girl and Nella is about as adorable as it gets!!
P.S. That’s the only way to eat Peeps!!
Please write a book! Please? I would read it 100x over and buy all my friends a copy!
I just love your beautiful photographs. So lovely and such a lovely family too.
xoxo
Oh how I love your photos.
I think it’s perfectly normal right now to want to explain. It’s new. No shame in it, either way. I also know the day will come when you won’t think to say it and someone will ask and that will be just as awkward. (My cousin Abby has Down’s. I remember when my aunt was asked by a stranger the first time.)
My oldest daughter has ADHD, my younger daughter is asthmatic. Doesn’t define them, it’s just a part of them.
Nella is just Nella. But she’s still tiny and new and you two are still getting to know each other. You’ll get there.
I just discovered your blog (from a post from another blog, LOL). Wow, I don’t know where to start. Beautiful story, beautiful family, beautiful you and husband, absolutely – without a doubt – BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL children. I am totally touched by reading your day to day thoughts and experiences. Your photos are amazing! I just want to hug you and tell you how wonderfully strong you are – and I don’t even know you. I want to pinch Lainey’s cheeks and kiss those newborn toes of Nella’s!! Sending you well wishes from Arkansas.
I echo what Vonda wrote earlier – it feels a little weird in the beginning and now I really only say anything if the conversation truly warrants it. I like the thought of people getting to know Grant and then finding out he has DS before getting any preconcieved ideas, but if that doesn’t happen – whatever. WHATEVER = that’s the theme of life most of the time. I don’t care if people know or don’t know – he’s our child, he’s the coolest thing ever, and either people will see that or not. But it is fun to see other mothers in the store with their children w/ DS – they are almost always incredibly kind and fun to talk to- kind of like you are all in this very exclusive club together. In my short 3 years of this “club”, I’ve never once met someone who had a bro/sis/child/grandchild/cousin with DS that they weren’t absolutely smitten by them.
I so enjoy reading this blog as it takes me down memory lane all over again! Plus, my heartaches to have Grant that little again. I’m so in love with your sweet Nella and the GORGEOUS pictures you take of her.
Kelle, I just want you to know that I totally get that awkward moment at Target..I have triplets, one of whom was born with a bilateral cleft lip. We would go places (Target usually!) and I could never figure out why I always felt compelled to say, “Yes, they are triplets. This one was born with a cleft lip.” As if they couldn’t tell. ๐
To further compound the matter, all three of my babies had to wear cranial helmets to correct flattened heads, so that brought a whole new onslaught of “looky-lous” and again, I found myself announcing WHY they were wearing these funny helmets…So I want you to know that my need to explain every detail of my children’s medical lives has subsided at 11 months old. I realize now that when I stopped worrying and feeling embarrassed about it, so did everyone else. In fact, I don’t think anyone really cared all along. It was just my insecurity…Thank you again for sharing your stories with all of us. Your blogs and your girls make me smile.
I cry like a baby every time I read your blog. They are not tears of saddness or pity but instead pure joy and thankfulness. I am so amazed by God. He couldn’t have chosen a better person for Nella. I sit here with my own little snuggle bunny, a three month old colicy boy, who I have been frustrated with more than once. However you always bring me back, I love him so and God chose me to be his mommy. Lainey and Nella are some of the most blessed kids in the world. Thanks for your inspiration and I continue to pray for you. I just hope I can be as brave and courageous when God gives me the unexpected.
you want to know something funny? i, a perfect stranger who found you some time back through dig, was actually thinking about how you needed someone to come clean your house! not because of any judgments but because i was thinking what a nice help that would be for you. hooray for girlfriends.
i feel like a broken record, but your girls are so lovely.
and the target moment will happen again and again and you will feel differently each time. some of the parents i work with say that sometimes they want to yell whatever their news is (unfortunately, it’s mostly about death) to people in the world, and sometimes they feel like they do a disservice to not tell the truth. i guess my point is that there’s no rule book, no one-way or right way of doing anything. and you know that so i don’t know why i’m saying it but maybe just for some extra support.
you are an amazing mama, creative spirit and person.
I too wondered why I felt compelled to tell strangers about Caleb’s Ds in those early days. I finally heard the answer through another mom. I’ll paraphrase here: “I was telling myself”.
I think your accidental slip of saying Nella has DS..is just a way for you to accept it slowly. She is perfect the way she is and will only bring happiness to your family! It’s true though…the condition doesn’t define who Nella is.
It’s the little pursed lips while you’re kissing her…the noises she makes while she sleeps…the karate kicks she gives…those are the things that DEFINE Nella..
I so hear you about normal days. They are the most amazing gift and I say a little prayer after I put my kids to bed thanking God for my children and for one more day with them. It’s amazing how your perspective changes when you realize that everything – every day, every breath, every smile, every snuggle – is all a gift. We did nothing to deserve it, and it can all vanish in a second. I have just recently learned to cherish it all, take nothing for granted, and be grateful for everything. And when I read your blog, that comes through loud and clear….love it. ๐
Again another great blog!! I love reading them. Your girls are so cute. I just want to pick them up and squeeze!
What a fun ordinary day. I too am learning to treasure the ordinary day instead of wasting my life away waiting for only the bog ones on the calendar. Life is much more exrodinary that way!!!
This brought a little tear of joy to my eyes. Thank you.
I was welcomed to your blog by Bunny’s birth story. Now I’m hooked! I’d say you have come pretty far in a short time. I used to offer my Bean’s diagnosis as well. I don’t anymore. I don’t know exactly when I stopped but I did. When others speak to us in public and comment on him having Down syndrome I am always a bit taken aback that they noticed. Because like you with Bunny, when I look at my second born all I see is Bean.
Beautiful family~no need for explanations~ever….Take care dear~and go easy on yourself~you’ve been through a lot ๐
I`ve been reading your blogg for hours now…..
Beautiful girls, beautiful pictures and your wringting is so good.
Thanks for sharing.
Love Vivian from Norway
Hi Kelle,
I first came to your blog, over a week ago to read Nella’s birth story. Every time I read it (and it’s been read at least 20 times now), I cry. I’ve wanted to comment on it to let you know how beautiful and touching it is, but I just don’t think I can do it justice. Today’s post was something I can relate to–in fact I recently posted something very similar on my blog. Our first-born son, our miracle IVF baby will be born in 8 weeks with a birth defect. Something always makes me tell the whole story, like some sort of confession, and I don’t know why. Hopefully, with time we’ll just acknowledge the comments with a “thank you” instead of feeling like we owe an explanation. Your family is beautiful and I have enjoyed reading your posts and admiring your pictures. It’s evident what an awesome mom you are!
Hi! I’ve posted one other comment to you but just wanted you to know that because of your blog, I took my first picture of shoes today…my three year old daughters tennies and her friend’s boots in a sandy area. I loved it so much and smiled…thank you for the gift of looking at the ordinary in a beautiful way. I’ve been keeping a grateful journal for a long while and have always felt that that was the real result of that as well…now I get to do it with pictures! ๐
Also, I have a ten year old with T21 also so…I know with my whole heart the angst of “sharing” at the beginning. It will get easier and all I can say is…you hit the lotto with Nella (Lainey too of course) and the best part is, you know it! Enjoy your normal week-end with your love home. Beth
Kelle,
Your Target moment reminded me of your birth story. Of Nella locking eyes with you and pleading for you to love her. I think Target moments happen often with parents of special needs children. We tell strangers in the hope that we see love and acceptance for our children in their eyes. We are pleading for them to love our babies. To accept them wholly.
It can be hard at times, when the first reaction is an I-have-no-idea-what-to-say-how-to-help-how-to-take-the-pain-away sort of reaction. I’m betting the next time you see the Target clerk, she’ll have had time to process things, and she’ll be accepting and will fall in love with little Nella more each time she sees her.
And speaking of Nella (like the transistion? lol), she’s getting so big! She’s always been beautiful, but she’s more beautiful every time I see her pictures. And little Lainey…what a doll!
I’m so happy for you and your family. You will be blessed in ways you can’t even fathom right now. ๐
i love that quote… hope you don’t mind if it makes my mornings too.
This is my daughter Mira (and up until recently, we would say, she has Autism) because one could not ignore the refusal the look at peoples faces, the rocking, the flapping, the pirouetting tip toes and because up until recently 90% of people had no couthe and would blurt out in front of her “what’s wrong with her” to which I’d wince and then say NOTHING, she’s beautiful isn’t she? But often, they could not let it go and they would persist, “she’s lovely but what’s wrong with her, why is she fidgeting like that? Why wont she look at me? Why is she screaming?”
This is my daughter Mira
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fidgetblogs/4368409221/
and like your Nella, she is gorgeous.
You’ll find what works for you, what way to glide through these kind of encounters and sometimes, that other 10% of people will sneak up on you and make your day with the simple truth: “what a beautiful child! You are blessed”
I love reading your blog, the love you have for your family is amazing and always brings tears to my eyes, tears of pure happiness, you dont see love like this very much anymore….your family is very lucky to have such a wonderful momma like you..
a friend forwarded your blog to me – if I saw your baby at target I would have to first comment on how beautiful ALL you babies are and how brave of you to brave Target with all those tempations with a toddler(?). i was too scared to take my little guy anywhere, sometime getting his dressed is still a daunting task! what beautiful kiddos you have. love your blog!!! kak
Kelle I love the picture of you kissing Nella she looks like she has her lips all puckered up. I love the quote you started today off with.
Kelle,
Your photos are a veritable smorgasbord of happiness! And you had let me see your beautiful Nella and told me about her “addition”, I would have said “how wonderful” since I know a couple of kids with Down Syndrome and they are like any child, charming and special.
Lisa
Oh the following you have! I love that quote!!!! I think I’ll print it out too, thank you for sharing that! Lainey is like the cutest little girl in the world! And Nella… well you know she has stolen my heart completely!
I related to your Target story. Ours was different in that we knew prenatally about Tarenne having T21. And I did tell people when they met her. But by that point I had had time to adjust and knew our approach would be, YEA DOWN SYNDROME! And it rubbed off on our girl. She doesn’t say it as often now, but from about 7 to 9 she would yell, “DOWN SYNDROME ROCKS BABY” whenever she met someone else who had t21. So cute!
HUGS
Hi Kelle!
In relation to your other post, which I remembered when I saw Nella’s latest pictures, one thing I love about newborns are their pursed lips, as if after just a feeding. It’s too cute. ๐
– Pat
Absolutely beautiful! Writing this quote down right now…
Beautiful pics of you and Nella – she is just precious! Love all your pics and the vibrant colors ๐ You will treasure each and everyone. Nella will grow so fast!!! The awkward Target moments will fade, I promise ๐ Enjoy all these baby moments – they are gone too soon!
You are KIIIIILLING me with those jammie pictures!! I remember Lainey and Lily in those like it was yesterday. Like yesterday as in 2/18/10, but it wasn’t yesterday! Nella makes me miss the newborn stage more than any other baby! Yearning big time!
I literally covered my mouth laughed out loud at the “i love you then wanting to take it back” analogy. I so can relate with that feeling!
going back to look at those jammie-jam-jams again!! (heart palpitating)
xoxo
Hi,
Found your blog through a link from another blog that I so enjoy!! Your photos are beautiful and the funny thing is I am thinking to myself Wow I recognize that park, in fact I was standing in that exact spot in Target today (where your father and daughter were), Your family is beautiful, Congratulations. Sharon
Our oldest daughter, Sara, has Down Syndrome. She will be 18 (18!!) in April. Your daughter is just beautiful!
i still struggle sometimes with this “target scenario” but I have learned that it doesn’t matter and you will be amazed at the people you will meet that will share a story of someone in their life with “something extra”. My two girls 7 and 5 still don’t know about “down syndrome” well at least not that we know of…I never wanted them to look at her different and I wonder if one day they will just know and may have known all along, while I was worrying about it. They love and treasure her as Lainey will to Nella and the down syndrome won’t matter!
I hope you don’t mind that I referenced you and put your dad’s poem on my blog post today. I just had to share it!
Thanks for the reminder about the “normal” day…we have this quote on our wall that says “normal is just a setting on the washing machine..” I like it because who is to say what a “normal child” is or isn’t. Another quote that REALLY helped me in the first stages of our journey with Bree was “the great thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time” When I would start to fear and be sad about the “what if’s of the future and what Bree would or wouldn’t do in the future, I like to remember this quote!
Did you get a call from Oprah yet? I wouldn’t be surprised! Your life is ordinary, yet remarkable. You are beautifully normal, yet inspiring to so many.
You and your little ones are changing lives, one by one by one by one… thank you for being you. You are a blessing.
Absolutely beautiful! Welcome to my wondrous world of parenthood to an angel with an extra 21st. It’s nothing short of awesome!
Aaah, sweet updates! Thank you for sharing your “normal” day with us.
So many delicious photos again…I showed my husband this time and then proceeded to whine “why can’t I take photos like THIS” to which he pointed out, “Duh, she is a PROFESSIONAL photographer” Eh, yeah, I sort of forgot about that part! LOL ๐
You talk about your girls being your little rays of sunshine when in fact YOU are the ray of sunshine for so many people that come here to read your blog. Thank you for making it “real” though and knowing that we all too have very dusting fans (and shelves, light fixtures etc etc) too!
Its is about making the most out of everyday and cherishing all the baby cuddles, isn’t it?
Everytime I come on here I wish wish wish I had of held my babies longer when they were still tiny, I wish I had of co-slept, I wish I had of taken better pictures or had a professional photo shoot, I wish I had of stopped racing around trying to have a “perfect” house all the time. I wish I had of been a better Mom instead of a uptight stressed out crazy lady!!
BUT these things can’t be changed, and so I may regret it a little, but I can’t change the past, I can only try to be better for the future! And hopefully be more aware of all the “little things”. I am trying, and your blog is like my little daily reminder to slooow down!
Also: in other news, at least 3 or 4 times a day I think, maybe I should cut my bangs like Kelle’s? And a couple times I have been veeerrry close to picking up those scissors! lol..best leave that to the professionals as well I think!
It is nice to see a pic of you as well- and oh my god- did you really JUST have a baby!?! Hawt Mama!! ๐
Allison in Australia x
P.S: And now for a little Single White Female…are you on Facebook or Twitter by any chance??
I am…Allison Goodall (australia) on Facebook and “allison76” on Twitter ๐
My heart overflows with joy to see the deluge of support and encouragement your are receiving! There truly are beautiful, soulful, joyful, faithful people in the world who are eager to share the joy and burdens of complete strangers! I stumbled upon your blog through a friend, and (like innumerable other commenters) look every day for a new update. Your words echo in my mother’s heart and I am continually brought to tears. I have a 4 year old son Jacob and a daughter Cecilia Rose born a few weeks before sweet Nella, so we are drinking in the newness together.
I wanted to share a moving excerpt from a favorite author, Wendell Berry, from his novel Hannah Coulter. It is incredible how he understands a mother’s heart and captures the divine bond we have with our children, especially through the miracle of nursing He is certainly a soul brother!!
Enjoy, sweet Mama!
“She was needed, and there she was among us, growing and changing every day, a living little girl, one of us. At first she was only present, enclosed mostly in her own small being. And then, we could see it happening, she began to look out of her eyes. She began to see the light from the windows. She began to see us. She began to know us. She began to look at us and smile, as if greeting us from a world we did not know or had forgotten. She made sounds at first that were just sounds and then she made sounds that were answers and sounds that were calls.
To know that I was known by a new living being, who had not existed until she was made in my body by my desire and brought forth into the world by my pain and strength—that changed me. My heart, which seemed to have only loss and grief in it before, now had joy in it also. I felt myself setting out with that “Little Margaret” in the world and into her life.
She would wake up hungry in the night where she slept in her basket by my bed. I would turn on the light, change her diaper, and then turn the light off. The rest I did in the dark, by feeling. I took her into bed with me and propped myself up with pillows against the headboard to let her nurse. As she nursed and the milk came, she began a little low contented sort of singing. I would feel milk and love flowing from me to her as once it had flowed to me. It emptied me. As the baby fed, I seemed slowly to grow empty of myself, as if in the presence of that long flow of love even grief could not stand. And the next thing I knew I would be waking up to daylight in the room and Little Margaret still sleeping in my arms.”
I love your blog. The emotion is always so real. Your photography is moving beyond words or measures. Nella is beautifully radiatiating with life, love and will teach us all so much.
Kelle,
The beautiful, inspiring, thoughtful, informative responses are meant for you but are speaking profoundly, loudly, to me. I so needed to hear what everyone had to say about their daily experiences with their children who have Ds. I will keep reading all the responses to your blog faithfully because they are Heaven sent and filling me with hope and answers to long unanswered questions about life with Ds. Thank you, Kelle, for sharing your life with us!
Debbie in TX
mom to 6 bundles of JOY!
including Justin, Ds, 10 mos old
What a beautiful entry! I clicked over here from a friend who’d shared this on FB, & I’ve been blessed to’ve visited your entry. The photography’s beautiful, & you’ve done a wonderful job of capturing many of the little, everyday joys in life that so many people take for granted. Thank-you for sharing this! ๐
I have been a faithful reader the last few weeks and I commented in your birth story with a link of Owen’s first year video. He is our little one with DS. Who is now 4 and runs around the house in super hero outfits. Never did I think 4 years ago we would be where we are.
I appreciate that you are sharing your stories. That you are opening the hearts of so many that have never experienced DS before.
I have recently found this little quote and just fell in love with it so I thought I would pass it along.
“God doesn’t give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with Down syndrome doesn’t TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family”
And another little montage for you ๐ This is the latest one I did for his 4 year birthday. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=9e0ed889fa2ec487193769&skin_id=601
[email protected]
it has been beautiful re living the beginning with you. beautiful words and beautiful pictures.
we must have all done the same in the beginning, feeling the need to tell people who were strangers to us that our sweet baby has ds. as time passed the need will go away and your comfort level will rise about how to handle these things.
Just wanted to leave a short comment…on peeps…my favorite also! And love them even more when left open to the air, as well…lol
I want you to know that your blog inspires me, to enjoy the small things in life..thanks for sharing your life..
Dawn Howell
Just wanted to leave a short comment…on peeps…my favorite also! And love them even more when left open to the air, as well…lol
I want you to know that your blog inspires me, to enjoy the small things in life..thanks for sharing your life..
Dawn Howell
Just wanted to leave a short comment…on peeps…my favorite also! And love them even more when left open to the air, as well…lol
I want you to know that your blog inspires me, to enjoy the small things in life..thanks for sharing your life..
Dawn Howell
My two year old, George, has DS, and your beautiful photos of your little ones make me look at my son through a slightly different lens, figuratively speaking ๐ The easy, normal days are far more frequent than they used to be (considering that George has four older siblings and a mama with cancer….) and I can’t imagine George WITHOUT downs, somehow… take care, and email if you need support from a mom who’s just a little ahead on the journey.
My one year old Jackson has DS. I slso didn’t know until he was born. He is my fifth boy & I adore him more than I can explain. I’m not eloquent enough to adequately express how much I felt your heart as I read your birth story. I’ve loved reading your blog and seeing the photos of your stunningly beautiful daughters. Not to mention those keen quilted chairs! Your Nella looks just like my Jackson ๐ Precious. Thank you for blogging. Your life in sunny FLA warms up the life of this New Englander in February.
I don’t think it looks like Nella really has down-syndrome, I mean, I know she does. I think rather, she looks alien, strange and exquisitely beautiful. Like a flower you’ve watched bloom, from a bud. When its petals unfurl you realize it doesn’t look like the rest, and upon closer examination, you admit, its even more beautiful.
I love your blog, its inspiring and fills my days with such joy! Thanks for sharing your beautiful life wish us.
I love friends who do things we didn’t even know we wanted. I LOVE the Lainey and Papa pics…makes me want to go see my family. I love the big sister being so “helpful.” And I truly love your birth announcement! Y’all are on our fridge and I smile every time I “see” you!
As always, the pictures are heart-stopping. They move me to the core of my soul every time I read. As for the issue of why do we feel compelled to tell people that our child has Down syndrome, I have an opinion on that:
http://kathleenbasi.com/2009/03/27/to-tell-or-not-to-tell-the-question-answered/
Kelle ~ I read your birth story less than 1 week ago (a friend had posted the link to it on FB), and I had a headache for 3 days straight from crying so hard. It was the most beautiful story I have ever read. So real, so honest, so amazing. I am now addicted to your blog. You are an incredibly eloquent writer and amazing photographer. But, much more than that, you are an inspiration to all. Just the title…enjoying the small things…says it all. I am making extra sure I AM enjoying the small things…and holding my almost-3-year-old and almost-6-month-old extra tight and relishing in their “deliciousness” as you would say. You have reminded me to do that.
Lainey and Nella are absolutely beautiful, just like you. (and for the record, they are outfitted in the most adorable clothes and hats ever!!)
p.s. laughed out loud at the pacifier picture and the Me Thinks Not. ๐
Kelle, that little Nella gets cuter and cuter. What a gorgeous shaped head – my boys – all four of them, had such nice little heads. You must be having so much fun with “your girls”. I can only imagine what it is like to buy pink things for little cupcakes!
Wonderful photos of the girls,
xx
kelle
thank you for sharing your pictures! I was feeling sad today..as my little girls would have been 1 year old this month and I long for the pinks and purples, curls, and jelly high heels! I have the most precious little boy, but my heart still has a little spot for my angels that always seems empty…no matter what your child may have or not have…you have them! every child is different from how many hairs are on their head to how many chromosomes are in their line…that is what makes them yours..your special little ones, that no one else has…no matter where they are, here or heaven…your little ones! thanks for letting me ponder on my special little ones today!
kelle
thank you for sharing your pictures! I was feeling sad today..as my little girls would have been 1 year old this month and I long for the pinks and purples, curls, and jelly high heels! I have the most precious little boy, but my heart still has a little spot for my angels that always seems empty…no matter what your child may have or not have…you have them! every child is different from how many hairs are on their head to how many chromosomes are in their line…that is what makes them yours..your special little ones, that no one else has…no matter where they are, here or heaven…your little ones! thanks for letting me ponder on my special little ones today!
kelle, you are such an amazing writer and photographer and i just know you are a fabulous mom too. reading your words and looking at your beautiful photos inspire me to be take in the good stuff everyday as a mom of a crazy happy almost two year old and to take more pictures of my “little” too :o)
Glad to see everyone doing well…
You’re story about the lady at Target made me think of something I am learning in my Special Education course at school.
It’s called People First Language. Any individual who has a learning disability or physical disability is s PERSON, to be defined by WHO THEY ARE, not a disorder they may have. So we practice saying The student with (not afflicted by) Down Syndrome, not the Down Syndrome student. Or the student with ADHD, not the ADHD student. It sounds easy and practical, but is surprising how easily those words become jumbled when they are rolling off our tongues.
Anyway, it just made met think.
Nella is beautiful, as always.
I love your stories and your cute little girls! Life is so sweet and your blog is a testament to that.
I must know though… what eyeshadow and liner do you use? It looks great in your amamzing pictures.
(Some days it is all about the make-up:)
Thank you so much for blessing all of us with your beautiful words and photos. Your blog is like a feel-good movie that I just want to watch over and over again. I love the laughter and the tears that it brings and cherish the fact that it reminds me how much to appreciate my life and my not-quite-so little ones here at home. Lainey is just pure sunshine, you can see it in her face, and Nella couldn’t be more beautiful. I am so glad that you are enjoying all of the little moments each and everyday. They go so fast.
Your blog is just…bliss.
Lainey is quite the fashionista – – I just LOVE her colorful clothing. And little Nella? The photo of her next to the black caption is incredible. Both girls are simply beautiful.
As usual, I was moved to tears with your Tarjay employee experience… “This is our gem, Nella.” I hope that becomes her introduction.
How I enjoyed your “normal” day… and how I’d love the cleaning gals to take over my pigsty – – I mean humble home – – for an afternoon!
I don’t know if it’s because its midnight, or because your life and posts are so beautiful that I have writers block right now. I had a bunch to say earlier! Dangit! I do love the Jammie pics though. Babies and toddlers in jammies are the best!! I feel like I want to jump through the screen and like pick Lainey up and see her little laugh and smile that are so greatly expressed all the time! I wanna reach my arms through and pick up Nella, all soft and gentle and hold her close!
I will be back with more to say once I figure out how to get it all into words. Your too fast for me! Lol. ๐ Once I go to comment you have two more days up! So I’m afraid you won’t go back and read the previous days’ comments, so I have skipped a few! :O I get awed by one blog entry.
Its like watching a T.V. show or reading a book, you eventually have to stop watching re-runds or reading the same paragraph over and over just because you like it; guess I just mark the page and continue on to take in all the beauty! Don’t we all?!
Kelle,
Lainey’s already a heart-breaker and Nella gets cuter every day! I love Normal Day and I think it will be seen on a LiveJournal account soon. ๐
hi kelle! i thank the Lord for guiding me to your website, it has been my source of inspiration ever since. Anyway, i just want to share this song to you, it has touched my soul just like how your birth story has touched me so deeply…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re5EIUIXbhc
enjoy listening!
God Bless,
Hazel from Dubai
Although I am just one of 1118 followers, I’m a little loathe to leave a comment for fear of appearing as though I am intruding on your private life, but here goes…
You write so profoundly, I wish I had just half of your ability. On top of that, you are an AMAZING photographer (I’m sure I have a talent somewhere, but I’m yet to find it). On top of that, you are the kind of person I wish I could be – from your mothering, to the friendships you share, to the clothes you wear. (Now I’m beginning to sound like a real stalker…)
I loved reading about your excitement at your husband coming home. My husband once went away for ten days. Like you, I had imagined a ‘welcome back’ so great it would have been scored a handful of tens. Instead of time slowing down as I ran into his arms and he spun me around as we laughed and sobbed into each others hair (I know, right?), we ended up in an awkward half hug – similar to that which a young boy might give his frail grandmother. I guarantee yours will be much more romantic!
Holly (from New Zealand).
PS. I almost hope you don’t read this, ‘cos I’m a little embarrassed.
Hi Kelle!
Your normal days are very special days.
There are so many New Zealanders leaving comments now (Hi Holly).
Have a great weekend with your family.
Linda in New Zealand.
Ohh, Nella IS just beautiful. And so is Lainey. And so are you.
I have been following your blog for a month or so. I take it in over my morning coffee. Have you ever seen this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0 Best-selling author Katrina Kenison reading to a group from her latest book “The Gift of an Ordinary Day”. I was bawling by the end, but have a whole new appreciation for the Ordinary Day. I have twin boys who are my world, we have been blessed with many ordinary days.
Your family is beautiful. I can’t wait to watch you all grow!
Love this “normal” post. Your story of your panic in Target reminded me all to well of many outings with Brady. In his case many people would straight up ask me what was wrong because they could see the feeding and oxygen tubes. I ALWAYS struggled with telling them the truth becuase I HATED that uncomfortable moment where they look like they’re so sorry for even coming over to love on your little one. I love the advice you got from that other mom. It’s perfect. Love all the new pictures and hope that you got that perfect 10 of a welcome home at the airport!! XOXO!!
This was a beautiful post. Well, they all are, but I really liked this one. I need to remember about the normal days, too.
I am so happy that your husband is coming home and I hope you have a wonderful weekend together as a family!
xo
p.s. ok, your dad is HOT! ๐
Hi there. I have been reading your post for a few weeks now, and love your blog. this is completely non-related to this current post, but i was looking back and i saw the book you were making for your first daughter. i was wondering what program you used, and if you had a result of the finished product. it looked so beautiful, i would just love to see it! thanks, and your family is just gorgeous.
Kelle, I’ve been reading your blog for just a short time now and absolutely am in love. Your photographs are beautiful and capture those little breath-taking moments of life! I think your daughters are precious!
big fans of Fancy Nancy here too.
Hello Kelle! I’m just another reader who can’t get enough of your blog, your pictures and your gorgeous family.
Because of your blog my husband and I opted out of purchasing a flat screen mountable tv for our bedroom and will be purchasing a DSLR camera to capture all the wonderful moments that happen. You pictures could speak each blog post for themselves without words. I’m deeply moved and full of emotion as I see each picture of your beautiful girls.
Thank you for sharing your life with the world. I hope my pictures will capture the same wonderful, normal, day-to-day stuff in the most fantastic way that yours do.
Shannon
YAY you found the chantal song!! hope you love her.
p.s.my daughter was very excited to see that your daughter has the exact same rainbow shirt she has. i love how little kids are so incredulous at the concept of same/matching things.
your blog is beautiful!!!
thank you for opening your heart with the blog world!!
I feel as if I should be the one offering you advice as I’ve been mom to my son who has DS for 3 years next month, but I’m the one who desperately needs advice from you. I hope that’s not asking too much! I adore… Ok, ok, I’m completely jealous of the love you are so naturally able to show your kids. My introduction to motherhood has been a true whirlwind. I’ve had 3 in less than 3 years and I long to be able to let go and just enjoy all the little things about my kids. Every day I read such inspiring quotes, phrases, and posts, but I still have such trouble because I’m pulled to do the dishes or tidy up the living room, tackle my long list of to-dos… When all that can really wait. My children won’t! I’m afraid the next thing I know they’ll be all grown up and I’ll still be in this daze. So would you kindly share your secret to truly enjoying motherhood?
(Here’s a link to what my journey has been like: http://campanilefamily.blogspot.com/2010/02/real-me-is-not-so-super.html. Nella’s birth story inspired me to finally be honest about all the struggles I’m dealing with despite my need to make everything seem so perfect in my life… If you care to peek. ๐
She probably didn’t know what to say because she wasn’t sure how you feel about it. I never know quite what to say either. It sounds patronizing to say, “I absolutely love people/kids with Ds.” But I REALLY do. As a teacher, I love visiting the sped class just to see those babies. I wish I had a sped degree so I could work with them, because even the ones with discipline problems are the sweetest, most loving babies on the planet. The man across the street from me has Ds and is the most precious man! I dreamed for a while about adopting a baby boy with Ds, even have his name picked out. “Andrew” gift from God. But because we have six daughters and the fact that my husband is 55, my husband is not on board with adopting. lol
Nella is beautiful and perfect just like your pediatrician said. Lainey is beautiful, also. I LOVE your pictures, especially the ones with you and your baby.
A friend of mine recently had a baby girl with Ds and found out after she was born like you did. She was kind of more prepared because she knew that at 44 she was higher risk, but they are thrilled with their baby girl. Babies are always a blessing and a miracle. God bless and keep you.
I read another blog about a baby with Ds and he is the cutest thing. you should look at it, too. wwwourunexpectedjourney.blogspot.com. I think that’s right, if not it’s also on my sidebar. =)
I too, am going to print out the quote and tape it to my mirror…I thought that the second I started to read it. Thank you for your blog, I am really trying to make the ordinary extraordinary these days. I also wish I had girlfriends to send a cleaning service to my house ๐
That last picture is so very precious! And you’re with great company who have had weird awkward moments with your child who you love so desperately — like, “why did I just say that?” I’ve had those moments, and all they do is resolve inside of me how I will, next time and always, be that fierce advocate of my child that I truly am inside. I hope that makes sense, ha. Sometimes we just freak out and trip over cracks in the sidewalk, glance around, and then pick up our feet better the next time. I can’t say enough times, thank you, for being human to us. It’s what brings us back. Every time I see a pic of Nella I think of how much she looks like you. It’s so cool! She and Lainey both look like you and yet they look so individually like themselves, I can never get over how that works ๐ Love you!
Kelle, Sweetest Mom you are, no need to say anything to anyone you don’t particularly know, cause you always look like the proud Mom of the 2 most beautiful girls, Nella is gorgeous and a bundle of the sweetest bunny I have ever seen, I cannot put into words just how beautiful she is… As a stranger when this has occurred to me, looking at a child or new born with DS, I remember tears filling my eyes, tears I think for all the emotions that are associated, unfortunately no NOT, emotions just make us human…*shrugs* But I also remember that every child is beautiful, any child gives me joy and warms my heart… So always stand proud, say it if you want, or don’t say anything at all, but whatever you say or do or don’t, don’t ever kick yourself for it, just be the proud and loving Mom you are Kelle …You and your girls, radiate beauty, don’t ever think twice about that …I love visiting your blog, it warms my heart and soul, I want to thank you for sharing, it is all soo very good, thank you again dear Kelle …*warm virtual hugs*
I got a piece of paper to write this on as soon as I read the words in the very beginning. They are beautiful. And SO very wise.
I just love your girls. I can’t get enough of them. And your dad! What a wonderful man. I loved seeing him reading to the girls.
And the housecleaners. I LOVE the house cleaners. God bless your friends! Beautiful indeed!
i have no clue who you are but i found your blog through sarah barton. i am SO inspired by you and your beautiful girls. i could sit and read your blog for hours. you really make the world a better place. thank you so much!!
When my daughter was a baby, I felt the need to blurt out her diagnosis also. I don’t know why. I guess because it was always on the tip of my tongue and in the forefront of my thoughts. (And also because I thought everyone could SEE it.) But as time has gone by, it’s no longer in the forefront of my mind. She has a syndrome, but it doesn’t define her. She is so much more than that. As Nella grows and you see her personality blossoming more and more, it will just be one more part of who she is.
You are doing great! And your pictures are amazing. And I am jealous of what great friends you have!
finally…i was able to read the words and not just check out the pictures. the are so beautiful!
gary and lainey pic is precious, and the swinging pic of your dad and lainey…a couple of my faves. oh yeah, bestill my heart pic should be blown up and made into wallpaper!!!
normal day…those are the best. i’m going for that nap i promised myself earlier.
loveyou.
i too need the house cleaners … so bad. and i would most likely hide when they arrived too.
like i’ve said to you in another comment. her diagnosis does not and will not ever define her. she IS nella. plain and simple. people might inquire sometimes … and people may make generalizations sometimes. but … having worked with so many children with down syndrome over the years … each and every one of them is an individual … and what you do with her and lainey and what you teach them on those “normal” days … is what will make them into who they eventually become.
pretty sure they will both be girls that love to bake cookies and take pictures and enjoy color and beauty in the everyday. they will love books and reading and being outside and playing in the sprinkler.
and they will both cherish family.
because it’s what you teach them. i’ve seen it.
In addition to my comments above about the content of this post (which I loved), I wondered if you can answer another photography question…What kind of camera bag do you have? I want to find one that allows me to comfortably carry my Nikon D90 on shopping trips to Target!
When my daughter was diagnosed with her heart issue, I came across this passage in a Daily Word book that my 92 year old great grandma had send to me. She is the mother of a daughter with cerebral palsy and she is the greatest inspiration that I have. She still cares for this daughter today.
I am not very religious, but this passage isn’t either and it really spoke to me. I think it will to you as well:
The Stream of Life, by Martha Smock
If we were to stand on a high hill and watch in the valley below the progress of a stream, we would see its breaks and turns, we would see its varying width, we would see clear and clouded areas, still and troubled stretches. But we would see it as one stream, flowing into itself.
If we were to stand off from ourselves and from some high and mystic hill look down on this we call our life, it would not be unlike a stream, and we would see, with eyes free from the curtain of past or future, how days and months and years flow together, how all is swept along in the ceaseless progress of the soul.
There are no isolated incidents in life though there may seem to be. No experience comes to us that is completely foreign to our consciousness, that has no relation to what we are. The happening that seems so tragic now, that seems to change our whole life, cannot, does not, affect the ceaseless flowing of our life, does not stand unrelated to the past or future, but flows from the past and is absorbed into the future.
Can you remember the worries or fears of last year? Are they still as fearsome, as important, as they were then? Next year, the year after, and the year after, will you even be able to remember them? And today’s fear, which keeps your mind from rest and peace—will it be different from all the rest? It will not. It too will pass.
How soon the stream of life flows on! “I’ll never be happy again,” “I’ll never love again,” we say, but almost before the echo of our words has died away we have turned our heart and life toward the new, and laughter and light and love beckon to us from tomorrow.
What we are today is the result of all that has gone before. If we could, we would not exchange our experiences for those of anyone else in the world, troubled though our stream of life may have been and rough our voyage. We would not be the unique individual that we are without our particular background, without having passed through the experiences that life brought to us, without having made the mental, emotional and spiritual growth that we have made through the years. In the honesty of our soul we must admit that we would not want to be anyone else even if we could be. What we really want to be is the best possible self that we are capable of being.
We may ask ourselves: What is the purpose of life? Why am I here? We may not be able to see our purpose clearly, we may not be able to understand ourselves or our life from a human standpoint, but if we will think for a while on a different plane, if we will ascend the hill of Truth, we shall get a view of ourselves and life that is beautiful and inspiring, that reveals new horizons and possibilities for growth and good. We are a living soul on a living voyage, without beginning or end.
Life is full of surprises….and curveballs.
Thank goodness for that.. right…otherwise life would be so boring.
You have a gorgeous family.
xo
Life is full of surprises….and curveballs.
Thank goodness for that.. right…otherwise life would be so boring.
You have a gorgeous family.
xo
I was 43 and my husband was 48 when after sooo many years of disappointment we became parents in a unique way..Adoption..oh the word is just music to my ears. I remember having those awkward moments when people who knew we could not have children would see us with our baby and you would see them try to fit the pieces together…or even some would be bold and ask..It always left me feeling like my relationship was less or different than most mothers. Time..and becoming more comfortable in my “Adoptive” mothers skin has changed all that, each time I would be asked or I got a little more comfortable with either answering or not answering the questions. When you wrote that Nelle was not a DS baby, but she was a baby with DS reminds me of the moment I realized that Gracee was not an adopted baby…but she was my baby through adoption..it was that moment that I totally became Mommy..just Gracees Mommy!
I loved this post. I’m so glad you wrote about your experience at Target. What a good lesson to realize she “has” down syndrome…it’s not what defines her. Thank you for teaching me.
Kelle,
I’ve been following your blog since Nella’s birth story. You. Are. Amazing. I finally decided to leave a comment when you blogged a sentence about Peeps. I LOVE it when they get hard on the outside and chewy inside. I often get made fun of for this or responded to with an “eeew” but you hit the nail on the head. It’s just how it’s done. Bless you – for many more things besides Peeps!
Take care,
Megan
I ran into your blog from somewhere. I too have a child with Ds. I have twin boys who are almost 4. One has Ds and the other does not. I didn’t find out until they were born and it was incredibly difficult. I have been wanting to write my story every since but I haven’t been able to find the words. I finally got something put together but haven’t showed it to anybody yet because I, like you, don’t want to leave anything out. Maybe I will post it on my blog…maybe. But I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. Thank you!
Your family is amazing and beautiful ! You are so inspirational to everyone you touch I am sure !! I am a follower for not only because of your pictures but the way you write . 100% beautiful !
I’ve been reading your blog since your birth story was posted on the down syndrome board i visit. Nella is beautiful I just love those kissy face she’s making in the pictures of her and you. My 2 year old son has ds. Congrats on such a wonderful family.
So I’ve been silently stalking your blog for about 2 weeks now. I came across it through a friend and simply fell in love. I’m trying to catch up on your life by reading your old posts, I even went back to look for the first ones of the pages for Lainey’s first year book. I really want to do digital scrap booking and I was curious as to which programs and such that you use. Hopefully you can point me in the right direction? Lainey and Nella are the luckiest girls, I hope I’m as creative and involved with my kids as you are with your girls ๐ I love that you have a mixed family and both sides have embraced it, it makes my heart smile. You have angels for babies ๐
-Michelle
PS. I totally stole a quote from you as the title of my blog, I hope you don’t mind!
Hi Kelle,
When I saw you had over 200 comments, I decided not to leave one. Then I changed my mind. Dontcha love bein’ a girl?!
Our daughter is 25 and I remember those same feelings of panic and confusion when introducing newborn Beth to others. I stood in that awkward silence many times. Then I began to learn that when I followed it up with her date of birth, how much she weighed, things she is started to do, it opened a door for others to see we weren’t devastated. Your happiness with your ‘angel’ will allow others to join in that happiness.
Congratulations on your beautiful family!
First you have awesome friends! I can relate to your Target experience. Still not sure how to deal with the question of whether or not to tell strangers. I don’t want them to think I’m uncomfortable with talking about but don’t to make them feel uncomfortable either.
Thanks for the normal days quote. So good to be reminded.
i am not a blog person; i’ve never understood the desire to put so much of yourself ‘out there’ and have silently moved from blog to blog trying to figure out this secret, yet very public community. your words and images make me forget about the encrypted walls and pixel counts. your reflections are more raw and pure than i thought possible, and your ability to see, capture, and share simple beauty is awesome. you’ve opened my eyes to a refreshing new world.
So much to say, but most of all I wanted to say I totally felt that way too when my daughter was born — wasn’t sure if I owed people the explanation that she had DS. Of course I didn’t, but I didn’t know better. Not sure if you have been told about the book Gifts or not, but this was my story in Gifts I … I talked about exactly this! ๐ Here is the link to my story that was in the book …
http://thebalsisfamily.blogspot.com/2007/06/gifts-mothers-reflect-on-how-children.html
AMAZING!
A few things I want to say. I am a young mother of 7. I am Muslim, and married at 17, had 5 babies when I was 23 and 7 at 30. Things happen so fast that you NEED to cherish the normal days. The time flies, Iam in my early thirties and have 3 teenagers, 2 preteens and 2 babies (theyd beg to difffer as they are 6 and 3 1/2) but they are my last blessings.Every moment in enchanting and a blessing. We homeschool and every day is extra special.
Enough about me, a couple things about your family,
1) well they are gorgeous beyond belief.
2) My dear mother is named Lainey Nell! So i wonder if Lainey is short for anything or is that her full name? My mother is Russian. Her given name was Elania (pronounced Yelena) she went by Elaine and then shortened it to Lainey, which we love but didnt realise there were others.
3) You are RIDICULOUSLY PHOTOGENIC and look like a model even in your birth photos, are you that beautiful in real life? ๐
4) Just curious what your cultural or religious background is?
and
5) You do not need to explain about Nella at all, sweetheart there are A LOT of people out there with children with some sort of label on them, I have two of my own.
6) Just wanted to say a belated Congratulations on your beautiful little lady! (which probably should have been #1)
7) Mom says give Lainey and Nella a special kiss from Lainey Nell!
Everything encompassing this blog is in the the category of GEM. Stunning. I was turned on to your blog by a link that a friend of a friend posted about your birth story…you have inspired me and woke in me new bits of goodness. As of now i think i will be doing my research paper in physiology on 47.
Love your post, about the whole target thing…. there will always be stares, or questions, I know this from having an older brother with DS. It used to bother me, way back when , but you know what? Nella is a blessing to you and your family just as my brother was and is to our family. He made us a closer family, he made me, and ,my children compassionate to others who were different. Nella will do that for you and your family. cherish it. You were chosen girl. It’s all good.
I just found my way here via Momtothescreamingmasses. This was the first post I’ve read, beautiful! I was blessed to have an aunt with Down Syndrome. I grew up to be a special ed teacher. Your daughter’s path may be a little different, but she will bring so much joy to those around her. God Bless.
So much of your writing about Nella’s birth reminds me of the passage below.
http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html
Kelle….thanks for sharing your normal day with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate these wonderful normal days! What’s normal is what I often say. Thanks for saving the best for last…love Nella in “po-po” dots as my Grand Emma calls them. Looks like it was an exhausting day.
Okay had to get my Lainey and Nella fix for the day. I’m good now. I swear when I see Nella’s face I want to hold her so bad that I honestly feel like my heart is going to explode out of my chest. Just had to say that.
Who is the man with the bluest eyes on earth holding Lainey in the pictures? The love just pours out of him, you can just see it!!! ๐
I don’t even know if you will get to see this, since you have soo many wonderful comments to read through!
I replied earlier, but forgot to ask this…
Am wondering what camera you use. Your pictures are gorgeous!!! Do you photoshop them or just upload them straight from your camera?
If you have time i would love if you could reply to me on my blog somewhere since it might be hard to find your reply in here ๐ So many comments!
May God bless your family
Hi, just discovered your blog. Wow! our son Jonathan has DS as well. My wife has made a documentary about our children. I hope that you can find time to make your way to the facebook page for the film:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deedah/436157085647?v=app_2344061033#!/pages/Deedah/436157085647
Please go to the trailer link to see my two precious ones.
I love the tribute you are making to your children.
Phil
i often tell people right off the bat maya has down syndrome. i don’t know why i do it, but i do it with pride. i think it’s ok to tell them i guess. especially after they say how cute she is. =) your photos are inspirational and so is your writing. always looking forward to your work.
Normal is good xx
Just found your blog through Nella’s birth story. My little Antalya (who also just happens to have Ds) is 3 years old. Reading your words brings back a flood of memories of all the emotions I felt at her birth. Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog. I’m hooked. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things your little Nella does!
In case no one sent you this yet…
WELCOME TO HOLLAND
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with down syndrome – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It’s like this……
When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.”
“Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”
But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…. and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills….and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy… and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.”
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away… because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But… if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things … about Holland.
Oh, Kelle!!! You and I are like soul sisters, here…..my first foray into the world, after my little guy came home with a trach and g-tube was to…..Target!!!! I had almost the exact same deal….except we had a double stroller, with all of Pete’s equipment, and everyone kept running over the stroller and smiling, like, “Twins!!!!” and then they would look into the stroller and step back, like, “Uh??” Oh, oh, oh…..I had a hard time. I cried the whole way home, and wailed, “When is it ever going to be NORMAL?” My husband lovingly reminded me we have never been “normal” anyway….so why start now?
Now, I am on my second sweet baby with a trach…..same syndrome as my last little guy…..and this baby is my first girl….and woe to anyone who does anything but gush at how cute she is….(because she really, really is adorable), her big brothers would probably go kung-fu panda on them.
I used to blurt out the same thing…”Yeah, they have a syndrome that causes, blah, blah, blah….” and now I just smile back when people say, “wow, she’s so cute” and ignore their quizzical looks about the trach…unless they ask….
It is like you have no anonymity anymore….you don’t……and that is hard, even for an extrovert like me. Some days, I don’t feel like explaining for the bazillionth time why my girl has a trach….but usually I smile, and try to be a good ambassador for our special little people.
Love reading your blog……your birth story moved me to tears, I shared so many of the same feelings when my first guy with his syndrome was born, and after Lily as well…..there is a fierceness of feelings that is breathtaking….scary…and awe-inpspiring. It is truly the best, and the worst, and the best more….you know what I mean.
Can I just say? Your family is so sweetly delicious! Beautiful and blessed. Thanks for making my Sunday extra-special.
Kelle,
What a beautiful family you have and such touching photos.
You have inspired this mom with a 25 year old and a 20 year old to embrace each day as a blessing. You have helped me face some of the uphill struggles I face.
I will be cheering you and your entire family through your incredible journey.
I’m another stranger who has spent the last week or two reading through all your archives, crying and rejoicing with you all at the same time. Praying for you and your family as you continue to adjust to your newly even more beautiful life.
HI Kelle,
A friend of mine led me to your blog because we both with in elementary school in Special Education. I also have an older brother who has Down Syndrome and I have to tell you that he has shaped so much of my life. He has taought me things that no one else could and he has brought so much joy in to our lives. Thank you for sharing your story and I so look forward to watching your family grow….
Always love to read your stuff… and the photos… oh, the documentary you have for your children. They are so fortunate!!
Kelle, the picture of Nella in the chair is utterly beautiful…she is getting so big so fast. And the little pucker face in the two pics with you…wow, what a lovely little you have. And of course, Lainey is as lovely as ever. Thanks again for all of your posts.
Cassie
Your two girls is so beautiful! -and it`s fun to see you in the pic`s too! In my family – I`m the photografer, so there is just a few pic`s of me and my little boy, hehe.
Kelle,
I just had to comment on your feelings of nervousness and that anxious feeling you get inside when someone meets Nella for the first time. My daughter Michaela was born with a Hemangioma on her face. (It is a very large, red non-cancerous tumor). Well, I too had the EXACT same feelings when someone would approach us to get a peek at her sweetness. I immediately went into this horrid medical rant about her condition. I ended up finding it so much easier to just let them see her for who she is. Her beautiful deep brown eyes and long thick hair she was born with. I don’t know when, or why but it vanished. That terrible stomach churning feeling completely ended. I became proud of it and her. My son would call it her “beauty mark.” It was the open mindedness of children seeing her that woke me up I think. They never saw it.They just saw her. And by meeting more momma’s that are blessed with a down syndrome baby of their very own will also give you so much comfort and strength. I guess what I am saying is that down syndrome does not define who Nella is as a person. It’s that amazing smile and those piercing blue eyes…and the adorable little personality that is beginning to unfold. Love her. Love her unconditionally…not that it isn’t COMPLETELY obvious that you already do!!!! You are such an amazing mom. The perfect mom for Nella just as I believe I am for Michaela. I had instant tears flowing when I saw the photos of Nella smiling. My God is she breath taking. She radiates beauty.
Love,
Tara
Ok, I’m hooked, and I DON’T read blogs. Thank you for my semi-daily dose of inspiration, from one mom to another.
I am a new reader and just want to say ‘thank you’! you help me to realize what the important things are and to cherish each day with my beautiful family. It’s so easy to get side-tracked and take it all for granted. I love your posts, they bring tears to my eyes and make me feel warm inside. There is so much beauty in your words and I am so glad you are sharing that with us!
Thank you Kelle,
Rosa
Found your blog through another blog and absolutely love it. Feel so blessed to be able to be catch a glimpse of your thoughts and life. Saw this today and thought of you enjoying the small things –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0
This is Katrina Kenison – The Gift of an Ordinary Day.
Thanks for sharing all that you do!
A new lifelong fan,
Holly
I have to tell you after reading this blog again..I am sitting here giggling because in my home I am famous for putting empty bottles of cleaning supplies back under the sink!! My husband and I have a standard routine…he asks why I do it..I say to “remind to get more when I go to the store”..and he says “did you” and I say “no,so could you pick it up for me”. It is like our “who’s on first routine”. Oh those moments that we shamefully walk away from something and yet laugh about them later! I love that about life.
Your girls are so precious. Love your blog, and this post. Boring, normal days are the greatest!
Hi Kelle!
My name is Melanie and I recently started reading your blog with the announcement of Nella’s birth. Let me first say that I am in blog heaven with your blog. I LOVE it! And I am so thankful to have your words of inspiration in my life.
I also wanted to tell you that I have a 2 year old perfect little boy with Down syndrome and so many times, especially right at first, I would tell everyone who met Griffin that he had Down syndrome. Sometimes I felt stupid for doing it but most of the time I told people in this hold my head up high, look them in the eye, full of confidence type of way. I wanted them to know and see that I was not ashamed or scared of Down syndrome. Anyways, I just wanted to connect with you and tell you that I still stumble with talking about it with strangers, but now it is more like, when people are asking details, I wonder if I say the right things? I want people to know how wonderful he is and how wonderful I think Down syndrome is, and I want them to know that in spite of all the medical words that go along to describe the diagnosis of “Down syndrome” there is still a wonderful, beautifully created little boy. And I agree, to me Down syndrome is the same as my little brother having asthma or my little sister wearing glasses ๐
Thank you for sharing!
You and your family is absolutely beautiful!
love
Melanie
I am a fan of your writing and your photography. May God bless your little family (and what an adorable family it is!).
P.S. Where did you find the adorable knits for Nella? Too precious!
Just found your blog and really enjoyed reading. Congrats on your beautiful baby!
I love how it looks like Nella is puckering for a kiss, too! Could that be any cuter.
Someone linked to you and I was new to them and now new to you. I love the quote at the top of this. It pulled me right in. Thanks.
,,,because i too fell in like of the “quote” i wrote it down never to forget how beautiful the words resonate,,,and then i read what your daddy said “i don’t speak their language, but pretty sure she just told that girl,,,this woman’s a pig” and i laughed my ass off,,,its so much easier to let it all go,,,to just take care of what is on the very surface and shuffle all the rest in hiding places,,,i could be polishing furniture, cleaning floors and toilets (because they desperately beckon for much needed attention) but none of that would be much fun,,,its so much fun to go outdoors, water my plants with my very cool water can, dilly-dally all day long and ferociously read kelle’s blog (not because i’m a mother looking for suggestions) but because it brings me sunshine, makes me often laugh my ass off and reminds me that doing what makes me happy is the essence of being me,,,bring on the dust, the dust bunnies, the dirty floors and the toothpaste splattered mirrors,,,i’ll take the “yellow” any day,,,and when “he” comes home smile and in my coy way act as if i’ve been busy all day doing the stuff called “cleaning”,,,
Wow, Kelle – was reading your blog and just got directed back to this post. Last February! I remember, I had just started to follow you (and your girls!)…to look back and remember how TINY Nella was, oh my – and to look at what a beautiful pixie she’s grown to be – just reminds me of our blessings. And also, how fast littles grow up! Cherish every minute, girl…
So beautiful Kel, thanks for sharing your life with us. I just stumbled across your page and so happy I did. Beautiful family, amazing birth story!!! Gave me chills xxDani