…because it’s been a very long week.
When my sister and I were younger, we shared a purple room with purple shag carpet that never saw the light of day. It was hidden under a mass of clothes. Clothes that got picked up once every three months when my mom or dad would banish us to the room until we had it clean.
And we would lie on the bed and procrastinate, fully knowing we weren’t allowed out until it was clean but, for some reason, we just fed into each other’s lack of motivation choosing sometimes rather to face the consequences than to actually face the horror of a very messy room.
That is until we invented this very cool game. We pretended the president was on his way to our house in an hour and our room had to be clean, going so far as to actually accept fake phone calls from him saying he was a half hour away…fifteen minutes away…five minutes away. And we’d frantically clean. Frantic like I would actually get butterflies in my stomach as I threw things in drawers, shoved clothes in the closet, wiped down surfaces with white knuckles…even though I was completely old enough to realize that this was, oh I don’t know — a FAKE GAME.
So, when my procrastinatory nature gets the better of me today, what do I do? I resort to fake games once again. With a ton on our plates and not trusting ourselves to follow through, Heidi and I vowed to each other last night for a full day of work and on-the-hour accountability checks. We would call each other every hour reporting what we finished and making a goal for the next hour.
It began at 10:00.
And followed through each hour until it started fizzling only two accountability checks into it.
Perhaps we’re not so good for each other in this area.
By 2:30, I realized neither of us were calling for reports because, as I assumed, neither of us were performing. My 2:30 call lagged until 2:50 when Heidi finally called and, after five rings, I answered nervously, as if reporting to my boss: “Heidi, I swear, I’m almost where I said I’d be. Swear.”
And she said, “That’s not why I’m calling. And I have to admit, I’m a little behind too.”
To which I replied, “You are? Thank God because I almost called you ten minutes ago and said To hell with it all. Let’s lay on the couch and watch a movie.'”
And she laughed and reminded me that we were indeed Conquerers of Greatness thus far just for making it to 3 because any other day, by this time, we’d have chucked it all and gone to Target to wander the dollar aisles with our kids.
Can I get an amen?
Needless to say, I got so much done with my day. My list shrunk significantly.
And my reward…
These fish lips are my fave.
…and so are black-bottomed feet.
She’s becoming a master at head-lifting. Yay.
And this girl? I miss my time with her and have been feeling completely yuck lately on how to balance it all and yet become okay with the fact it will never be like it used to be–that huge dedication to her and her alone…and that’s okay…good for both of us. But, my first born will always have this special place and these amazing memories of first-time mama stuff. I love her so.
Fake games…hahah! Have to admit, I’ve never played any quite like yours 😉
It’s true, the firstborn will always have that special place in our hearts. I am also feeling the drag of having THREE kids, and not being able to invest in them all like I used too…it’s hard, but it’s so good, really it is. Because life changes, and that’s how we grow !
xox,
Lori
Just found your blog through MckMama’s. Wow what an amazing story. Pictures are spectacular and even the music speaks. I think I will follow a while. Like I need another blog to be checking on. LOL God Bless you and yours.
I love the fake game!! I have done things like that too 🙂
When I need to get my house clean now, I schedule a dinner party … then I have a good reason to get moving, and no excuses!
sounds like a fun game… hey if it worked and got you motivated – awesome!!! awesome pics! ESP the last one of your nellabean lifting her head – i could EAT THOSE CHEEKS!
the last one of you and miss laniey – precious…
xo
Your list can always wait! Those girls will only be little once. Remember the quote about normal days you posted, It is my mantra and is on my fb page. You had better things to do!! LOVE THE PICS!!
That fake game description made me laugh out loud. I should do that with myself so I get things done, instead of calling my husband at work while putting on makeup and my little one is in her exersaucer watching me, and I’m telling him I’m sweating because I’m so stressed about the literal company that is coming over in 10 minutes!
Oh well, it all works out. You know, we peruse the aisles at Super Target in those late afternoon hours many a day…probably just a hundred or so miles north of you in Tampa!! 😀 Love reading your blog; just now watched your CNNI interview. Great job! I can hear your northern accent which this native Minnesotan tooootally appreciates!
I’m able to capture that feeling again when we have our “special mornings”. The twins go to a mother’s day out program for a couple of hours one morning a week and Nate and I have our special morning. I love that we can go to restaurants and enjoy ourselves now. There was a time when I wouldn’t dare go to a restaurant with him! Having more than one child has made the sweetness of that one-on-one time stronger and more vibrant.
sounds like a fun game!! hey, it if got you motivated – awesome!!!
love all the pics.. ESP the last one of your nellabean lifting head.. can i EAT THOSE CHEEKS??
and the last one of you and miss laniey – precious…
xo
I wish I had played such games… but I was the only girl, and my brother’s hated having me around… so I just usually sat in my in my room and embrassed the mess. haha. I was grounded a lot because of that room.
I can’t even imagine what its like to have more than one right now. I’m still in the firstborn stage… but I’m sure I will feel the same once I have number 2 down the road.
Enjoy every minute!
<3
it’s that sister thing … see what you have to look forward to?
my sister came over tonight and completely emptied and refilled my dishwasher.
i love her. bunches.
it’s just kinda what we do for our sisters … so little … yet …
I’m so happy to know I’m not the only Mommy with getting those to do list things not done. I love the picture of Nella lifting her head and the last one of you Lainey.
Ah yes the first does get all those “first moments” but let’s be honest, the baby of the family gets the perfected moments 🙂 Either way, they both get it all!
Oh….the fake game….the sun rises and after my husband kisses me goodbye, he asks me “whatcha got planned for the day”. I give him the big speech of this and that…oh and this and that….big plans babe…big plans…he leaves…2 older girls are out the door for school and me and baby Tess goof off and procrastinate. 1 hour before husband returns from work, I manage to create a vision of mass accomplishments. I love that game.
love the fake game! I should try it….but I would talk myself into beieving that the president would be late and I would sit and read your blog just an hour longer…while my house falls apart!!! You are to blame for mounds of unfolded laundry!!!!
Beautiful!
Great game! I’m gonna play it tomorrow – and see how well it works!!
Loved the interview…rocking and all! 🙂
Having had my second in Oct. I’m still trying to find balance. Some days seem okay, others seems like I’m failing miserably. But I get up again and it gets better and I see my daughter and son smile at each other and the world is alright again. It is the little joys that carry us through and your blog has been added to my list of things I love. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
go Nella!
hey it was great to hear your voice…your interview rocked! Go Mamma!
Kelle, I’ve been following your blog for about a week. Nella’s birth story was what first drew me to the blog, but I’ve stuck around and peeked into all the other beautiful parts of your life. Each post has inspired me in different ways. I’ve picked up my camera again and started to write more after a long dry spell. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
~ m i s t y ~
p.s.–Lainey and Nella are absolutely gorgeous and such a beautiful reflection of the love their momma and daddy have for them.
AMEN!!!
To black bottomed feet, fish lips and sister’s fake games. Sounded like you were talking about me and my sister until the president thing. He wasn’t ever coming to my house. Just Santa Clause. 🙂
I’m giving you the “amen”… target dollar aisles are WAY more fun than “to-do” lists…
know what I did today… and I think you’ll appreciate this… did a little work in the morning while the baby was napping & then put it all aside to go buy a fabulous pair of shoes! point being that you not only inspire me to be a better mommy & take more pictures of my kids, but that it’s also ok to take an hour & buy MYSELF a fab pair of shoes!! next on my list… new lipgloss 🙂
xo
-s
PS LOVE the fishy lips!! the girls are beautiful as always!
I think days “wasted” are splendid and The Best Of The Best! And I am madly in love with Nella in her floral outfit on the floral sheets!
PS
You were great on CNN… The baby bounce always wins over stoic poise any day!
Im bad. Im supposed to be studying in bed at 11, on a school night, and I ventured to your blog as always (:
I really need to try that game! That’s awesome! You need to write a book on just simple, fun things to do.
I agree on those fish lips 100%. The Pics are elegant and priceless as always. Capturing beauty through the Lens of Life. That should be your book name instead of like the saying “looking through the hour glass”, it can be Looking through the Lens of Life. Well you might have to have more than one book in this case! But think about it, if you weren’t a photographer you would obviously still find beauty, that’s just Kelle Hampton for you, but how would you express it? Hasn’t photography helped you see Nella’s pure and beautiful aspects too? Like you said on CNN.
Check it out. Lol. On the back of one of the books….This book isn’t about photography. I have a passion for it, but its much more to it then that. Life is beautiful and precious. It can be simple in some ways, and delicate in others. This book will take you on an unexpected journey; one of many, that everyone faces. Seeing Life through the Lens lets you spot little details of beauty and then zoom in. You can zoom for other things too, but when life takes an unexpected turn you have to zoom back out, see what you’re looking at..and then discover. Maybe zoom in a little more too, whether you like what you see at first sight or not..because once you capture that photo, its yours, you can delete it from your memory, but it made a mark. And you may chose to love that photo like no other, or just as much as others, because its unique and not the same. That’s just it! (:
I like it. Your pics capture whole beauty(running out of words) but then again zoom in on precious aspects of a whole. I changed my mind..I love it.
You ARE rocking this out! You called it girl!
XOXO
-Mads
Oh no, the senator look and fish lips all in one picture – I can’t take it!
Jenny L.
the fake game is on the same level as setting your clock ahead just a tad so that you will never again be late for stuff..only works for a day or so and then I give everyone what they expect from me…total lateness! My sister and I use to draw an imaginary line down the middle of the room (right through a queen size bed that we had to share) and neither of us would clean past our line…mine was the side with half the bed made..I can still picture making it and refusing to even consider making her side. We were so evil to each other, she hit me over the head with a baton and I gave away her favorite pair of jeans to a friend because she made me mad(just hope she does not read your blog..the jeans thing has been a family mystery for years!). But now we adore each other and I have been known to on occasion clean her house and I don’t who I would be without her!
On a side night Gracee wants to know what Lainey named her bunny and just how exactly did she get that bunny to stay in her stroller…we tried with our bunny but it was to say the least..a total disaster..I have the marks on my arms to prove it! What we don’t do for our babies.
Hello Kelle,
I found your blog through a message board just after you posted Nelle’s birth story and have continued to follow your story ever since. I really appreciate how you celebrate the beauty in the little things and the never ending joy that comes with raising children and seeing the world through their eyes. I feel the same way however, you articulate this so well and your photo’s are amazing, you truly have a gift! They are like a little mini vacation right now from cold, wet Oregon. You’re at least a full season ahead of us.
You’re a wonderful mother to those two sweet girls, keep it up!
P.S. I recommended your blog and Nella’s birth story and subsequent posts to a class of Graduate level Early childhood special educators who are getting ready to go out and work with families in your same situation. You provide profound insight on the parents perspective. Something they’ll never learn in class. THank you for sharing your story!
Love the shots of Nella on the rose blanket/duvet/whatever … so is adorable. 🙂
oh good im glad im nbot the only one who played the fake games as a child, im the middle child of 7, 3 older brothers and 3 younger brothers, i had no choice but to use my immagination once in awhile… i used to pretend my brothers were sisters lol…. oh how badly i wanted a sister. (((hugs)))) keep writing kelle im loving your blog more and more with each post you write….
You are such a wonderful Mama!
LOL! Love the game! And I love, love, love the picture of their little tootsies! 🙂
dude…i’ve lost all momentum! it’s 5 till midnight and i am STILL editing, battling tech issues,…trying not to snack…
you won today!!! FO SHO!!! but love how we rocked out this morning…we did a good job!
love ya, g’night!
you are such a good mom…the list will wait another day love on your kiddos!!
ps I LOVE YOUR MUSIC on here…would you do a post of your favorite music?
your girls are stunning!
My fiance is lucky if I can get up enough motivation to cook dinner, much less clean with a newborn (my son was also born in January). Hmm… wonder if when he’s 5 I can still say I was far too busy caring for him to get things done… probably not huh?
I play these games too! It’s amazing what you can convince yourself of. The power of the mind can be a blessing or a curse if you let it. Glad you’re using it for good 🙂
Thank you sweet Lord that you gave sweet Nella to the Hamptons, she is perfect and complete!!! I pray Lord that you will provide this precious family all of the strength and grace that they need. Love your sweet blog and Nella bean is breathtaking!! Big sis is not so bad herself. Keep on Keepin on!!
Oh I am sooooo impressde with your ability to plan this wonderful day of getting things done- and that you actually did get things done!!! There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get chores done AND feel like you spent quality time with your kids- at least not for procrastinators like us. Yes – a child’s smile and dirty little feet are a sign of a job well done! May your tomorrow be just as productive as today!!!
Your photos are amazing.
Your family beautiful.
Your attitude a blessing.
I read your birth story awhile back and bawled my eyes out. That is not an exaggeration. The raw honesty in which you shared. The gorgeous love that was so evident, moved my spirt, my heart and my mind. God truly could not have chosen a more perfect mother for Nellie. When she claimed you with her gaze, I thought I would faint.
I will try to remember to be praying for you and your “bike ride”. I don’t want to lie and say I’ll pray for you all the time. I have the memory of a gnat. 😉 Six kids will do that to a girl. BUT I will pray for you when I think of your beautiful birth story. The most poignant birth of mother ever (I believe we become a new mom every time we have a child. It’s never the same. Each child brings something beautifully new to the table.)
in Christ,
Grateful for Grace
ok can you please call me and set up a day like that! haha i need all the motivation i can get. thank you as always for the beautiful pictures and sweet words. your girls are beautiful! i cant believe nella is already holding her head up like that! she is going to surprise you more every day i have a feeling. love it all. thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Mother guilt. Yep, it’s no fun. I felt that way both times I added a new sibling to the mix. Even tonight, I was sighing to my husband about my eldest (5.5) getting lost in the shuffle, with Littles needing me more urgently than he did. I promised to make a recipe with him, and completely forgot until he was asleep. Guilt! I will make it up to him tomorrow, but still. That’s not the mom I want to be.
At times it might seem like it’s about Nella’s special needs, as it’s likely hard to tease out what’s a “normal” transition. You’ve had quite the new motherhood! CNN, us blog groupies, and more. 🙂 But that really is a normal path to the New Family, that adjustment to how to manage the logistics – even if there’s ample love to go around.
Wait until you see that sibling relationship unfold…it will blow you away. Yes, I can’t always focus on each of my children, but they have each other too. It’s another thread in their lives. And Nella and Lainey will have that too – my 2 brothers (mental and physical handicaps) were the highlight of my childhood, and brought so much color and joy to it. Living room picnics while mom and dad slept in on Saturdays, watching movies in a tent, and so much more Those memories our children make with each other will cancel out the multi-tasking mama. At least, I keep assuring myself of that. 🙂
It will work itself out, but the transition can feel rocky.
haha, I love it. And my fake game is to write stuff down as I do it and immediately cross it off…because after I actually make my list it’s as if I suddenly am repelled from doing anything on it – I have to then make up new stuff that wasn’t on the list in the first place. When I realize how lamely I am avoiding the needed task I rebelliously write down stuff like, “Lay on couch” and then I cross it off.
I love lists. 🙂
I found your blog a couple weeks ago and I’m hooked! I just spent the last half hour downloading music on Itunes that I got from your player at the bottom. I love your taste in music! Looking at your beautiful pictures and reading your story, inspires me to be a better mom. Thank you for sharing it!
You have such an amazing story. i love reading your blog and love seeing pictures of your beautiful children. they are so lucky to have such a loving mama!! i am not a mom myself but am a teacher to 17 1st graders and you inspire me to be a better “mama” to my kids at school and to stop and enjoy the time i have with them. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing uplifting story.
I love the check in with someone and be accountable to them idea even if it didn’t last all day. What a good idea. I think I might give it a try. We all can use that motivation at times.
HA HA, I remember my grandmother telling me that I needed to get my chores done and to do it well because Jesus was coming to our house. It worked, until I was like 10. Maybe I should try the president theory now that I’m older. LOVE fake games, whatever works…. THANKS for your blog, seriously….
justtiffanysthoughts.blogspot.com
Ohhhhh! Taking those beautiful photos of your girls would be way more fun than working around the house!
Sometimes, I can get just a little more done than I really feel like doing if I set a time to finish work and start doing the things I really want to do (like a reward).
Anyway, thank you for taking the time out of your very busy day to share your beautiful photos with us all!
That last photo is my favorite photo ever of you and Lainey. You look different in it, not as polished perhaps and it suits you.
I often think of you and wonder how you keep it all under control. You always look so together and do so much and the girls always look so well dressed (and CLEAN) and you always have your hair and makeup done…I know I struggled with all that when I had newborns…so I wonder how you do it…and I am glad that you can! Oh…is your camera an older model of that particular type or one of the newer models? I looked it up and there are a whole bunch of the type you said you had…
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SGardner
And I meant to share this link with you of a lady in Naples who makes knit beanies and booties etc. So cute! Enjoy 🙂
fish lips + senator hair + outfit that matches the sheets = PRICELESS!
As for the guilt over your first-born, and trying to learn how to balance it… I’m SO there! My little ladybug is 3 months old, and my son is 4… I cry sometimes because I feel he is being neglected. He was so used to it just being us… but he seems to be adjusting well… and he loves his sister, so that’s all that really matters, right?
Holy smokes! I am brand new to your blog and I am so in love. With you. With your babies. With your sister and your husband (platonic I swear) and just all of this.
I wish I had met you years ago in my blog journey. But I’ll settle for peaking in on you every now and again. Your babies are gorgeous!! Just like their Mama!
I’m crazy jealous of those black bottomed feet! I’m an IL girl, so we’re not quite to that weather yet. I’ve been reading your blogs for a few weeks now, and I just love everything about it–the pictures, the humor, your beautiful girls, the brutal honesty about life with children.
When my second child was born I *really* struggled with how different life with two was and dividing my attentions. My mom is a state licensed daycare provider and seeing her juggling six children made me feel better about keeping up with my two!
my favorite cleaning game is to get a laundry basket and put everything hanging out on the counters into it and hide it in the garage. I’ve now got 3 baskets in there, and haven’t missed a thing. Guess all that clutter isn’t all that important. I’d rather play with my kids, or hang out with my girlfriends over anything (except maybe a snuggle with hubby). They are always on the top of my to-do list. Love in past post your girlfriend came over and helped you clean. that is another one of my favorite games.
forgot to mention that I love you without makeup…not just because you are pretty without it, but because it makes me feel better about myself. Keils tinted lip balm is about the best I can manage these days.
ha…just remembered, my empty mac containers are out in one of those laundry baskets…maybe one day I will turn them in for new lipstick.
Absolutely hysterical…right now, as my triplets sleep at 10:30 at night, I just set my “pretend timer” (that no one but me is watching) and told myself to clean as much of the kitchen as I could in my time limit! Aahh…mom’s we’re all the same! I love it! {And do you see that I’m reading your blog instead??)
They are both so beautiful, Kelle! I have been following your blog ever since your little bunny was born, and I just have to ask…. What kind of camera do you use?
I love the game!!! My mom and her sister used to do something just like that. They would put on a record (yes as in vinyl album, lol) and see if they could get the WHOLE house clean before it was over!! And now I do it, unfortunately it’s not as fun alone. But it works, sometimes! 😉
Don’t feel guilty about balancing it all. I started out with twins and struggled to get their needs met then guilted myself if I spent more time with one or the other. That lasted about 2 months until I said ENOUGH. So don’t feel guilty, you are awesome!
And be still my heart, Miss Nella in Carter’s Garden party! One of my FAVORITE patterns! Love it! And Miss Lainey is too cute for words as always!
xoxo
My sister and I totally played games like that! Only ours usually involved being chased by cannibals or my sister impersonating Gollum. Which is why, out of shear panic I nearly drowned her. Yes, she was that good at the Gollum impression. All that to say, I can totally relate to the game part not to the getting things done part. Since I have had kids. I can’t get anything done!
dearest kelle,
gasp! wheres poppa??? i never comment before him:)first..amen to the target thing:) and my fave pic is the one where Nella has her sweet little head raised, and her little brow is furrowed how stinkin cute! and the best is babies with dirty feet, good luck catching up on everything:)
dearest kelle,
gasp! wheres poppa??? i never comment before him:)first..amen to the target thing:) and my fave pic is the one where Nella has her sweet little head raised, and her little brow is furrowed how stinkin cute! and the best is babies with dirty feet, good luck catching up on everything:)
Hahaha, you and Carin crack me up! And I remember your awesome purple room!
Yeah I’d go head-to-head in a procrastination battle any day. I’m going out of town tomorrow and you wouldn’t believe how many have-to-do-before-I-leave things I didn’t do today, hahaha! But hey, the basketball tournament was on AND it was super nice out today – two big distractors!
Oh yeah and I meant to email you but I watched your interview the other day and you were great!!! I was so proud to know you! 🙂
My husband and I enjoyed a lazy weekend playing Wii Mario Kart (after we had spent the week repairing a friend’s roof). We weren’t getting much housework done, but knew the upcoming week would be busy. So we would set a timer for 15 min and get done what we could. Then we would play 30 min. Set the timer, play, etc… Sometimes by myself, I do stuff during commercials, then relax and enjoy whatever show I am watching. The system works well, when I remember to use it!!!
I really can’t believe you haven’t taken photography classes! lol They blow me away!
I also use a planner and I would be LOST without it. Although things are constantly scribbled out and added to the next day… haha!
Your childhood fake game cracked me up… reminded me of how my brother & I would have “practice Christmas” in the weeks leading up to the big day. We would have actual drills of how fast we could wake each other up & get upstairs.
Love the fish lips!
OMG! You and Heidi are a riot!!! Love you two.
I had my second child about 2 weeks after Nella was born and I could have written what you said about Lainey, only you say it much more eloquently than I ever could. I just
keep telling myself that one day things will balance out and that as long as I continue showing Evie that I love her she won’t be damaged.
Love the picture of Nella in the floral outfit on the floral blanket! They are both just beautiful!
Thanks for reporting that everyone is THRIVING as you have become a mother of two. I make that transition on Monday (eek!) and have been so worried that my heart just won’t fit two, and that my poor son will lie by the proverbial roadside or something equally bad.
As he climbed on my giant belly yesterday, I decided – it was going to be ok. You confirmed that. Thanks. 🙂
I found your blog today and am feeling great to be here…..love the way you write and love the way you put all these pictures that makes it so much more interesting. You have a new follower all the way from India 🙂
Ok I am stalking you, in a nice way (as are probably thousands of others), but I realised how much so when my 3 year old started talking about Lainey like she was a long lost friend. He sits with me when I read your blog and loves to look at the photos, especially of Lainey and he wants to come play with her, I did explain she was half a world away but he’s still keen 🙂 So tell her Ollie says hi.
I am loving seeing Nella grow, she is ever so strong and those eyes, oh those eyes, are ever so wise. Thankyou for sharing with us, keep doing an awesome job. xxx
I am feeling the same way with my second child…I just cried to my husband last night while doing dishes, how I want to steal away all this one on one time with my second…yet then I feel guilty about ignoring my first…and when I steal away time with my first child – the second gets left out…it is certainly a difficult balancing act. I already miss the days of having my second sleep on me on the couch in the evenings and all that cuddle time newborns need…
Don’t be too hard on yourself, Kelle. I am one of EIGHT, yes 8, kids – #5 in the line-up, and obviously after the first baby, one-on-one time with each baby started to dwindle as the siblings came for my mom. But ya know what, we had a wonderful childhood and have such great memories, and it was filled with so much love and happy times and memorable daily family dinner at our big round table – and unfortunately, while mom has lots of pictures of the oldest, the number of photos, too, dwindled as the siblings came. But we have memories of her making Kool-Aid in a big pitcher for our stand at the end of the driveway and of her packing up our lunchboxes so we could carry them and go sit in the middle of the backyard and have lunch. My mom used to sing a lot as she cleaned and did laundry and cooked, and we’d learn those songs, too – and I STILL sing them today with a smile on my face! It was just a happy environment to grow up in. So while you may feel a bit guilty about dividing your time with the girls and getting things done, they’ll do fine and be fine – because of all of the love and happiness that you, Brett and the big brothers surround them with and show them daily! Just be at peace and know that you are doing a wonderful job of taking life a day at a time, and living and loving in the moment. Keep hugging and kissing on Brett, because that, too, will bring the girls happiness & security. I can still remember my parents hugging, little pats, pecks on the cheek – and that brought such a sense of security to us seeing our parents show love & affection towards each other! Lainey & Nella can feel that hey are loved! How could they not??!!
You rock, Mama Kelle!
XOXO
Well…I have to do it; finally leave a comment on the most wonderful blog of all…yours! I initially was struck by your photography (a huge hobby for me) and then of course smitten beyond words of your story on sweet baby Nella. We have a Down Syndrome baby in the family (nephew) and understand all of your posts. The beauty and innocense of your photos take me back to “Life” magazine; always one of my favorites. Your words resonate with me on so many levels and bring such joy to my day. I must tell you though that today’s post brought me to me knees…why?…because I lost my very special brother in a tragic bicycle accident (no helmet!) 2 years ago. He was a doctor who did amazing things for his cancer patients. He had your outlook on life and many of your thoughts and words remind me of his. We called each other, shared stories and memories. I would give anything to have him back for just a day to share such quirky stories as your beautiful ones you have with your sister. Hold on to what you have with her…it is a most special relationship and one I miss every single day. I must carry on for my 2 boys and his 3 children but life will never be quite the same. Thank you for bringing back some wonderful memories through my tears this morning as I ready your post.
What a wonderful mom you are. The pics, once again, are wonderful. Go Nella!! That is awesome head holding.
Amy
I’ve been following for a while now. Time to out myself. While I was pregnant with my second son (who is 11 months now – time flies) I remember being scared to tears that I wouldn’t have enough love for the new baby because I loved our other son so much. My fears proved to be unfounded, but it is so hard to give them each the individual time that they need. Ben lets me know when he needs my time by doing things like dumping out flour on the carpet and the dog.
Your writing is beautiful, as are your photos. I have to read while everyone else is in bed, just in case I start to cry.
I love the photo of the two little feet. Precious 🙂
PS – Get a cleaning lady!! You deserve one!
AMEN for the Target dollar aisle! Well… for Target in general. I can always go in there and buy something w/o meaning to!
Ah… I totally feel you on dividing your attention between your first- and second-born. Now we know [one of the reasons] why moms feel guilty all the time! This has been one of my biggest adjustments to having two kiddos. And dividing my time between Them and all the Stuff I have to do. Arrrrgh.
HA – Nella matches the sheets! Might make it hard not to roll over on her. 😛
Sisters who share a room growing up have the best memories! I shared a magenta room with my sister from age 4 to 10, and we made up fake games too. The space between our beds was the “valley of death,” and if anything landed in there, it “died.” so we had to jump from bed to bed. we also took about 3 hours to fold laundry, as we spent it talking and goofing off. sometimes, i wish i could regain that ability to truly enjoy the moment and not worry about any timetable.
Dude – after the rush of CNN, I’m surprised you didn’t just crash and not wake up ’til now. I know sleeping whenever we want is a fantasy we’d all love to have come true, but sometimes even the positive can bring you stress you need to step away from.
I’m going to suggest your game to my girls (9 & 13). When I see the piles spreading the floor and creeping the walls, I swear they have enough clothing to clothe a 3rd world country. (Thanks to me, of course!)
You are awesome – your posts make me smile! Keep the coming – but it’s ok to take a break too! We’ll still be here.
Kelle, Nella’s face is the perfect rose in her rose outfit and sheets, she is so beautiful, all pink and blue eyes, and gething so strong on her belly, keep that up Momma…offering her all and much opportunities to grow stronger and stronger, her eyes such a pretty blue, I wonder when and if they will change…usually at a month or so I believe, but my Baby girl’s eyes changed from blue to green/brown @ 1-1/2 yrs so, we never know do we !
Oh Kelle, I love you- You’re my sister from another mother, and father. lol! 😉 My sister and I used to do the same thing. Not president game obviously…but we had a very messy room with clothes all over… and same scenario, my parents would say every few months, go pick it all up and you’re not coming out till it’s done. We’d putz around and do who knows what…and hours later realize that we had to get something going or we’d never get out. We’d start to sing a song called Little Red Caboose. It’s totally a song for preschoolers, but we’d sing it because it would make us crack up, being tweens at about this time. We start off real slow, and just keeping singing it over and over but going faster with each verse…and we’d clean faster and faster as we sang faster. By the end we were running around shrieking it like total maniacs but we’d be shoving the clothes away like maniacs too. And then voila, our room was clean. Hahaha. Thanks for your post, because with it I’d have forgotten our little red caboose shenanigans for who knows how long! Also, I feel ya on the time for #1 thing. My older daughter is 2 yrs 8 mo and my baby is almost 8 mo. As the time from when the baby was born gets farther though, it becomes easier to balance (naps get on a schedule, etc) and also harder to remember the time when it was “just us”. It’s like you can’t believe that you used to be able to devote EVERYthing to one child. That time was so special!!
LOL! Glad to see there is another procrastinating momma out there!
Oh and I had to point out that I noticed Nella’s precious little knit hat is starting to fit differently! Girlfriend is getting big! 🙂 I remember seeing pics of it covering her ears…she has changed so much already. So amazing that we get to watch her grow with you.
Have a wonderful weekend Kelle!
Love,
Tara
You look gorgeous in that last pic!
I’ll admit that my kids do the best cleaning when we use “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” methods. I love those books!
I, too, have been struggling with the guilt that comes with not spending as much with your first born. Glad to hear I’m in good company. And I was loving the pic of Nella with her head up. My little one makes the same face when she’s trying so hard to lift her head up…then comes the exhaustion.
Your entry todady reminds me of one of my favorite quotes…
“So quiet down, cobwebs; dust, go to sleep. I’m rocking these babies, and babies won’t keep.”
Go do something fantastic with your littles…I know I am 🙂
Tiffany: Hilarious. What a let-down when Jesus never came to your house.
Kelle – I have been reading your blog since Nella’s birth story was posted and I am just totally inspired by you and your ability to see the beauty in every situation. The strength and grace with which you conduct yoursself leaves me in awe every time I read.
My daughter was born a few weeks before Nella, and she has a birth defect for which she will be undergoing surgery in one week. Every time I think that I don’t have the strength to get through what is happening, I think of you and your preciuos Nellabean. Thank you for showing me the strength that us mama’s have.
God bless you and your family
-Andrea
I have to make a list and give myself 30 minutes on each project. When the kids are not home, it works. But…when they are home, with the 1000’s of “HEY MOMs” or “HE’S BOTHERING MEs”, I may get one thing done!! And 5 minutes later, it’s messy again! Back in the good ole days of my “stay at home mom” times, I would work so hard during noon-thirty naps to clean my house. Then, by the time my husband came home with the look of “did you do anything today?”, I would say,”I did, I promise!!!”. After a while, I just gave up and let them have fun!
By the way, LOVE LOVE LOVE baby fishlips and 3 year old big brown eyes!! Those pictures always brings sunshine to my day!!!!
Finally got to watch your interview Wednesday after we got home from our first OB appt. (got to see our beloved Dot!). I had an overwhelming feeling of pride! I sat here like a proud mama and watched you tell the world your beautiful insight! And I swear, I was rocking and bouncing along with you. I find myself doing it even when I’m not holding a baby….so funny!
You and Nella are going to take on the world and I’m so lucky I get to watch! Great, great job Kelle!
Heather
I love little Nella’s face as she is lifting her head. That is a determined face!!!
Love your blog!
Kelle-it’s always a pleasure to read your blog. I would love to see your hubby sub in for a post- to hear his version of life at your house.
Thanks for sharing your story and photographs of your beautiful life.
I keep navigating back to your page listening to your music player!
Totally made me smile =) my sister and I would make games up just like that. How is it possible that children become more and more beautiful each day?!
Oh the fish face. Oh that look on her face has my heart.
Speaking of Target…Have you seen those cute little girl shoes they have for summer? They are They are canvas mary jane’s, strap across top, pink flowers, and 3 jewels on the toe. S00000000
tacky but tacky adorable. I think your Lainey would love them. I bought a pair for my 3 year old grandaughter last night. Just look at them…Would love to see Lainey wearing a pair in a pic on your blog..A follower
Kelle,
Just so you know… That feeling of loss with the first after the second is born, I have come to realize, is SO normal. I thought something was wrong with me when I kept thinking, “I miss my old life.” after entering the world of “mommy-to-two”. However, after talking with MANY moms of multiples, I’ve discovered that it’s normal. I’m normal. And once I realized that, I could embrace the challenge of being in the mommy-of-two club! And yano what, it’s kind of a fun place to be, isn’t it?!
And just you wait… the best is yet to come. Once sweet Nella begins to laugh, or sit up on her own, the bond between your two littles will blow your mind. Yesterday we had a doctor appt for Cecilia, and the girls were being silly and making each other crack up SO HARD, the serious, all-business doctor couldn’t help himself… he started laughing too. He couldn’t take his eyes off of them, because the bond between sisters; watching them discover each other… It’s magical. 🙂
Good to see you again! I have come to check your blog daily in hopes of updates on your beautiful life!
Ah Kelle, you had me rolling in laughter over the cleaning the room story! BTDT with my sister!! I’ve even done it as a grown up, pretend I only had 30 minutes to clean up before an important guest showed up!LOL I find if I break up chores into small increments I am much more successful! I now realize it is an atmosphere of love and peace that I am trying to create in our home and not one of perfection! Love the pics, Oh I can just hear “Nella grunts” as she does tummy time I bet it is precious!! You are doing a good job being mama, all of your feelings are normal! You have given Lainey the best gift in life you could ever give her, a sister!! All will be well! Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy your visit with your Poppa!
Kelle, OMGosh! When my daughters were little (they are now 25 and 21) I used to tell them that President and Mrs. Bush (George and Barbara) were coming to visit, and we needed to get the house ship-shape! I thought I was the only one who thought up such a game. My girls still talk about it. Now they motivate themselves with the thought that Michelle and Barack might be on their way! BTW your daughters are beautiful and so blessed to have you as a mothers.
Just watched your CNN interview and wanted to thank you for sharing your experience with all us strangers. I am one of the thousands who has found inspiration in your experience. As a working mom, it’s easy to get bogged down in the to-dos in the three short hours I get every weekday with my kiddos before their bedtime. Your perspective has helped me slow things down, and I am happy to report that though my kitchen floor is a little grubbier than usual and laundry is stacked on my bed, my kids (4 & 1) and I have enjoyed more walks around the block, more dancing in the living room, and more laughs and snuggles in the past few weeks (since I found you blog) than we have in a while. Your example has really helped me shift my perspective, and I can’t thank you enough!
I am in love and addicted to your beautiful blog! I have been reading it for the past day and a half! Your girls are so precious and I can tell they are your world. I have a 3 year old little girl who reminds me a lot of Lainey. I am 19 weeks pregnant, and we find out what we’re having next week! I also live in Naples, FL! I found your blog from Naples Daily News. I recently started a blog “Young Mommy”, and I am so inspired by you. Thank you for everything you do and I can’t wait to read more!
Just watched your interview and you did great. You have managed to make your life and situation enviable and that’s admirable.
If you’re having trouble cleaning, take a look at FlyLady.com. Her whole method revolves on having a clean house by spending a mere 15 minutes a day. When you do this, it actually stays clean. Amazing.
Kelle, I read Nella’s birth story when I received a link from a friend and have been hooked to your blog ever since. Your photos are gorgeous and your words inspiring. Here’s a blog I thought you may be interested in… http://lovethatmax.blogspot.com/
Their story a bit different from yours, but beautiful none the less. Enjoy your weekend with your gorgeous girls!
Kelle, I read Nella’s birth story when I received a link from a friend and have been hooked to your blog ever since. Your photos are gorgeous and your words inspiring. Here’s a blog I thought you may be interested in… http://lovethatmax.blogspot.com/
Their story a bit different from yours, but beautiful none the less. Enjoy your weekend with your gorgeous girls!
That purple room was the BEST! I seem to recall also you guys also had some kind of novelty phone – a shoe or perhaps a lips phone? Am I right about that? And AMEN to Target dollar aisle as being a serious enabler to procrastination!!
Hello again from across the Alley…I am laughing out loud, remembering lazy days with my sisters while we strategized over how to get the room clean, or, even better,how to get away with not getting it done. 🙂 The chores will wait, mama..but as I have learned, growing will not. I am so grateful to know that this time around, making memories that are oh-so-much better than a spotless house. I salute you today!
I have to admit I’ve played the “fake games” too, with my older girls, cause they have a sense of humor just like their mama, and so the fake games work, and so does “MONEY” to get things done, ha ha. I actually paid Sophie $5.00 last night to just SIT with Noah while he was in the tub, because, although he is 10, I still can’t let him in the tub alone. It’s a mama thing.
I love Nella’s little fish mouth too, of course I love her little mouth no matter what and I can’t tell you how many times my mouth has been here WATERING because I want to kiss it so bad. I’m a little jealous of you. She is just scrumptious, and that Lainey, well she is a doll and will be the best gift Nella ever had – and vice versa!!!
I love black-bottomed feet too, they are so precious. And that picture of Nella’s little fish mouth is divine. Truly beautiful.
Whenever I’m overwhelmed with my to do list(S) or stressed out about anything, I close my eyes, smile and take as many deep, grounding breaths as I need…
Giving ourselves space and time is also giving ourselves kindness; no pressure, no speed. It’s important to remember to take it easy, to be kind to ourselves :0)
Sending lots smiles your way~
“I must learn to love the fool in me -the one who feels to much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and get hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool.” Theodore Rubin
KC, your quotes are often exactly what I need to hear. Keep ’em comin.
KC, your quotes are often exactly what I need to hear. Keep ’em comin.
I will 🙂 🙂 🙂
Youve got one up on me, I procrastinate making a to do list.
Nothing ever gets done around here 🙂
You’re gonna laugh, as I was reading your post (the first lines) I actually thought. “No freaking way, Obama saw her blog and he’s coming to meet Kelle!) Then I realized how ridiculous that sounded. Not because you’re not worth visiting (believe me he’d be lucky to meet you and your family) but it’s just that presidents tend to be very busy and practically unreachable. So go ahead and laugh at me I’m sometimes (okay more than I care to admit) gullible.
On another note, love the photos. And love, love, love your fake game idea. I’m gonna have to persuade my friend Brooke to play it with me, maybe (notice I said maybe) I will get my humongous, Everest lookalike mountain of laundry done.
Your blog, your words, your photos, your emotions, and your children – they are all beautiful! I love reading your blog and admiring your photos. Keep up the good work, there’s no harder job than being a great mom!
I love that you have “team” work to get the job done of cleaning. I love Nella’s fish lips.
Amen. Dang it’s hard balancing two, isn’t it? That second to last pic makes me miss my Kira’s little pigeon chest and poochy belly.
Oh goodness…if Laura Ashley isn’t calling you within the week to pay you mad sums of cash for the rights of that delicious Nella pic…well…then their PR chick should be fired!!
And Kells, you look sweetly like your Mama in that last pic. I find I like it more and more the older I get when people tell me that….funny how that changes 🙂
Hope you’ve got a relaxing weekend ahead, heavy on the little girly hugs.
~nicole
Oh yeah to hell with Martha Stewart and her insanely organised home-have you ever met a more uptight person in your life??!!
I too am ditching the laundry and letting the dishes pile up in the sink. It’ll all wait because right now my babies just want to be snuggled, loved up and really with their Mama. They don’t care about clean clothes or perfectly organised drawers!
Thanks for reminding me of what’s really important in this life. Thank you Kelle!
Allison in Australia 🙂
Nella is getting so big! Plump. And it looks like she is getting more hair!
I have been meaning to post that all week, but this last round of photos proves it even more.
You know, my oldest is about to be 11 and when I had my twins, who just turned 4, I remember all the feelings you are feeling.
He was 6 and still my baby.
There is no way he can poor his own chocolate milk.
But he did. In the kitchen floor. And he did it pretty well.
There is no way he can sleep without me next to him.
But he did. And he slept well.
There is no way I can not be THE ONE to drop him off at school each morning, he is my baby.
But someone else picked up that task for me… and you know what… he was a big boy about it.
Yet no matter what, it breaks your heart.
You second guess. You’re just not so sure.
You’re doing a great job. And Lainey, she is doing great, too. Despite Momma Bears fears.
But just know I get it and your not alone!
kelle, i look at the lives of your family & as i hear my children practice a Bible verse that I want them to hold so close to their hearts forever & ever…i think of you…..”for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a good future”……oh the words I don’t understand so fully….but I watch your lives & I see such purpose….much more than i have ever seen so evident in my life. Your sister was right…what a blessing you have. And what a blessing you are. your authenticity has done my soul good. Much much needed good. thank you for living out loud. God took a megaphone to your lives….and is screaming goodness to the world…..it’s just so amazing to witness.
I don’t know about you, but when I was pregnant with Allison, I was truly afraid that I couldn’t possibly love her as much as I loved my first, Katelyn. How could there be any love equal to that? Did I have it in me? It was something that kept me awake at night. And now I can’t believe I even questioned myself. And I love that I can make that confession here, in this safe place. My sister is the only one I have EVER told that to. Kelle, thank you for this place.
I just love the way you capture your daughters on film – they are beautiful, you are beautiful, and thank you for your thoughtful blog posts! You inspire me.
I just found your blog yesterday and I keep coming back to read more. Your baby daughter is beautiful. Your family is beautiful. You are an inspiration. But I just have to say again how amazingly beautiful Nella is. You are so blessed.
Love the new pics 🙂
My first born daughter turned 5 today, and with a one year old brother I know how those one on one gold old days use to be. Seems like even on her birthday she still had a ton of sharing to do. But these together days will bring on special memories for both of us too!
Lovely photos as always…they always make me smile.
Love the adorable toe pictures. And the fake game! When I lack motivation I set up a reward system for myself. I set the timer for 30 minutes and force myself to be productive during that time. Then I set the timer for 15 minutes to do whatever I want. Lame, I know, but it works when I just simply don’t feel like doing anything.
Feeling a bit like one who arrived just after the parade had passed, I jumped on my laptop here and caught up on the blog…you see, I am near now and saw these littles for real…and actually picked up a local paper and cried when I saw our Nella looking out amid the local and national news stories…but she was the only story I needed! Believe me, if the President had come to Kelle and her sister’s room, he might have summoned the national guard. I am surprised she knew what color that carpeting was…it was buried! But these was something more precious than order and neatness in that room…and the two emerged from the clutter to become beautiful ladies their dad is proud of. Their imagination never ended…they are still little girls capable of wonder and awe…and I look and say “Awwwwwww…” myself. I think I love the pink patterns on pink patterns picture the best…those eyes, those eyes. Looking forward to our weekend together here! Love ya oodles of poodles!
Beautiful pictures of your girls as usual. With homeschooling our five children and my hubby in the military and deployed fairly often, Target is often our get-out-of-the-house field trip as well. My newest was born a couple of weeks before Nella and it’s fun to experience myself all of the sweetness you are writing about. Thank you for the reminder to get back to doing those fun little things with all of my children, and to document it as well with photos and words. The busyness of life tries to take those precious moments away, but I try to remember that most of that can wait until my littles are grown. May God continue to bless your family.
That game is brilliant.
And so are black bottomed feet.
Love it!
your girls are 100% precious 🙂
sister, you know I had fake games! And a fake sister to play them with! My favorite involved me on a boat stranded in the ocean with only my strawberry shortcake dolls. And there were alligators.
Yay for your productive day. Now you can sincerely enjoy and be present with days that are productive in a whole other way.
i love your baby’s eyes! it’s so expressive, she’s such an angel!
Awww, I love the fish lips!!
Maybe I should try playing a fake game.. Procrastination is my middle name 🙂
Hi there,
I read a blog about a little girl with DS, Called Nebraksa, she is an amazing little thing, and I think it may help if you dropped by to see how well she’s doing and you may get some more info on what to expect health wise etc as Nella grows up.
http://braskabear.blogspot.com/
you probably know loads of people who can help, I just thought I’d pass it on.
I’m so glad that you are doing well, sometimes it must be difficult to look past a diagnosis and of DS BECAUSE IT IS SCARY, Im sure you don’t know what to expect health wise and development wisE. But you have looked past that scary diagnosis and seen the beautiful child that you have been blessed with. I wish you well and god bless You and your family are an inspiration to others just like Nebraksa!I thought I’d share a piece I read (ON ANOTHER BLOG)
A baby asked God, “They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?” God said, “Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”
The child further inquired, “But tell me, here in heaven I don’t have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.” God said, “Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel’s love and be very happy.”
Again the small child asked, “And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don’t know the language?” God said, “Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.”
“And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?” God said, “Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.” “
Who will protect me?” God said, “Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.”
“But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.” God said, “Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.”
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, “God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name.” God said, You will simply call her, “Mom
Love Louise xx
Nella’s “fish lips” photo is my all-time FAVORITE!!! She needs to be a baby model . . . just simply beautiful:):)
Your blogs are inspiring and your daughters are beautiful. Where’s part four of your birth articles in the Naples Daily News though? I’ve been eagerly awaiting it. Did I miss it?
little feet photo=so cute.
I love:
fish lips
dirty feet
baby feet
Daddy hands layered with baby hands
Hi,
You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you well after the 4 part newspaper article in the Naples News Press. I am old enough to be your father. Just an old guy touched by your words. You made me smile and tear up all at the same time. Your story is truly an insperation to all that take the time to read it. Its amazing, you and Nella both have such a gift. Thanks for sharing. Don’t ever wish away a day….
If you are still doing a photo q&a, I have a few questions.
1. How do you resize your images to put on your blog?
2. How do you do the images that have the block of color on half the picture?
3. This one might be kinda weird to answer. But I want to know how you engage, especially with kids when you do a photo shoot. Do you just follow them around and capture candid moments? I have the hardest time when I have a shoot with kids. Any advice would be great on that!
NICE PICTURES
Dear Kelle,
I have been waiting and waiting to find the right moment to post a comment. I guess the “fake” moment will have to do. Your story touches me, my heart, my life and hopefully all those that I come in contact with because you make my heart open more to really be in the moment with them!
One of my many jobs is as a licensed clinical social worker. I have my own private practice in counseling, but I also work on Mondays at the local hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My plan is to keep your blog and use it as a resource for any mom or dad needing inspiration with a newly born Down’s baby. I think what touches me the most about you is how you share your pain and process and not the finished product (is there ever one anyway?)
People need to know what goes on in our minds, how we get from point A to point B. You do this with such grace and I thank you!
Lisa Pedersen, LCSW
Hi! I just want to say that I love your blog! 😀 I look at your blog evry day! You inspirer a lot of people <3 (I`m not good in english) You have adorable kids by the way 🙂
*girl from Norway*
I don’t know any mother that hasn’t felt that pressure and guilt when becoming the mother of two. I have some good news, though: I recently became the mother of three, and the transition was a lot easier this time (plus the sibling interactions are wonderful to behold!). You and L will have your up days and down days but she’ll always be your special first. And our children don’t expect us to be perfect; being a “good enough mom” really is good enough.
I also had purple shag carpet (as well as plastic hats and white gloves at Easter!) but never a sister to share it with, more’s the pity. My big girls at ages 7 and 10 are sisters like you describe yourself and your sis – and they just chose purple for their shared room. I guess we purple people rock. 🙂
Take care of yourself and don’t let some sense of obligation to your blog followers weigh on you. We can all wait while you enjoy your family, your privacy, your bubbly bathtub, and your photography. Besides, we’re all spending more time cuddling and taking pics of our own beautiful littles these days, anyway, or at least I am.
Dawn in Slovenia
P.S. You already know this, but Nella is just so pretty — what a lovely round belly she’s getting!
DEAR KELLE. YOU HIT MY HEART WITH YOUR EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL HISTORY. I CRIED A LOT DURING YOUR BIRTH STORY OF NELLA, SHE IS THE PRETTIEST LITTLE THING. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING. YOU HAVE THE TWO MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRLS IN THE WORLD, AND YOU ARE A GORGEOUS WOMAN YOURSELF. TAKE CARE.
LOTS OF LOVE FROM NORWAY.
Kelle, I remember you mentioning that you are planning a fairy-themed party for precious Lainey. My Olivia wants a fairy party for her 4th (can it be??) birthday next month. You are certainly on the ball because I am just starting planning. And I’m loving extra second of it. I came across this idea for edible fairy wands and thought I’d share. Such a cute idea!
http://www.thebloomgirls.com/2009/04/fairy-party.html
LOVE following your blog. Your photos are beautiful. What lens do you use in most of your photos?
Hi,
I stumbled along your blog a few weeks ago, and can’t stop coming back! I’m a young mother to my amazing 6 month old son, I like to take a lot of photos as well. So I love the photography of your beautiful girls.
I had to comment when I saw sweet Nella’s “Fishy” lips….they remind me so much of my little mans “Birdy” face. Thanks for making me smile and remember those precious new born days of my first born.
You girls are gorgeous <3
So when is Poppa going to start his blog? I’d subscribe. 🙂
i didn’t think about commenting before because it seems like you get so many comments, but when you said you read them all, i thought i might as well make a comment to let you know that i’m reading!
i’m in canada, and i’m also a photographer…. and i have 4 children ages 2-8 yrs old. i am loving reading your blog and seeing your photos every day!! your girls are beautiful!
my 4 yr old goes to playschool with a little girl who has down syndrome and she is such a sweet, adorable little girl. she is a blondie too, with long hair… and such a passion for life! she is very expressive, it’s neat to see how she sees the world through her eyes with what she says. she is quite the little character with an awesome sense of humor!
take care!
p.s. please do share, how on earth do you have time to edit photos or do any work with 2 little ones?!?! i struggle with it daily! i find that i can’t get into a good block of solid, uninterupted work without being needed every 2 minutes, so i just don’t even bother until after the kiddos’ bedtime… oh how i wish!!
Had a lovely day with Gracee at our pond today watching her conquer every cat-o-nine tail with her mighty stick sword…just a nother beautiful memory for me..I am so blessed. But it reminded me that you will be on a beach with your family tomorrow celebrating and honoring Nella..♥ to you and yours as you do so, and as I know Poppa will be there tell him that we LOVE when he posts..makes our day!
I came across your blog today…and I love it. What a story you will tell. What a beautiful family. The world is better off because you are willing to be raw and real and share true life. Bless you.
Just started reading your blog. What a beautiful story and your so lucky to have 2 wonderful little girls! I have 4 boys and always wanted a daughter but have found out over the years that you are given what you are given for a reason and for that…I am very thankful!
Thanks for taking the time to blog, even on those crazy days where it feels like we cannot possibly get to the bottom of the list, AND give our kiddos the time and love they deserve… But somehow… we do it. And you will continue to do it, inspiring the masses of exhausted mothers out there at the same time. You rock Kelle! I recently bought a camera, a Canon EOS 30D. I have always wanted to, but reading your blog gave me that final push that I needed. I’m expecting #2 in August and I know that if I didn’t buy it before s/he is born so that I can get all those precious newborn shots, I would regret it. So thanks for the nudge. :0) Keep up the great work as a mom, blogger, wife… all of it.
P.S.
I love the pics of Nella on the floral print blankie wearing a floral outfit- it’s like “chick camo” hehe
When I was expecting my second, I was worried sick that I would never love him as much as my first. I didn’t think I had it in me to love another child so much.
But of course, my heart just grew, and I loved him as much as the first. And the same for the third…and the fourth. Funny how a mom’s heart works that way. 🙂
Nella’s eyes are such an amazing blue color!!! I look at your blog and pictures often and am always amazed at their bright blue shade, GORGEOUS!!! My son was born Jan 8th and I am still unable to tell if his eyes will be blue or brown… but Nella’s definitely look like they will stay blue!!! Both your girls are soo beautiful and I know you are a happy and proud momma!!
so cute!!!! They are adorable and I love your story about you and your sis.. lol..
Fish lips and black feet are the best.. 🙂 Great Blog!
I read your 4 part story last week – every morning, crying into my coffee and justifying it was ok to be late to work:) Wow, amazing and a beautiful story. Appreciated your raw honesty. You are beautiful inside and out, and so are your girls. Your world has forever changed, but for the good and by God. I am 48 years old – could never have my own biological child, and through never giving up,knowing it was in God’s time, 23.5 years later, I was blessed to adopt a son who is 3. No greater joy, no greater accomplishment than being a Mom. I did not know that you were a child photographer and now I know that God has bigger plan using you and Nella together to show the world the many beautiful children in the world. I look forward to meeting you and your family someday as I am local. Love to you and your family and thank you for the inspiration you have been through your story.
My Dad travelled a LOT when I was growing up- he’d leave Monday morning and come back Friday night- On Friday afternoons when Dad was gone especially long or went further than usual we’d clean the house especially…Mom would set a timer and we’d race frantically (so much as you’d described!) and pretend the president was coming and race to beat the clock. Sadly I can’t seem to get that trick to work for me today…At least not for long. Maybe having two littles does that to you, I swear I get interupted 11,490,327 times a project… Love the blog. Great interview last week- I would do the same thing with the rocking! I almost feel at a loss with out a baby in my arms when talking to people- I find myself swaying and then stopping myself- wondering how long I was doing that? :0)
beautiful photos as always, ust found your blog last week and love it! I love the little feet photo, it’s FAB:)
ciao from Irelandxx
I just thought of this. I was looking through the mail and wanted to let you know to keep your eye out for Toys R Us flyers and Target flyers because they always use children with Down syndrome as their models!!! The flyer that came in the paper today from Target has a yummy little girl in it this time!
I love your blog. Your girls are beautiful! Looks like you and your family have a wonderful time together.
The fake game is hilarious. Love it. Maybe I should try that with myself haha. 🙂 Great pictures – such adorable babies! Go Nella in lifting your head!
Melissa H.
Dear Kelle,
Your everyday stories and photos are heartwarming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing them and helping so many people realize that there is lots of beauty all around us…
I have a question which I hope you will find the time to answer at some point… With all that is on your plate (two little kids, husband that travels a lot, a house to take care of, pets…), how do you find the energy and the time to make sure you look so good every day? In all your pictures, your hair and makeup and everything else is simply flawless.
In comparison, I have much less going on in my life (only one kid to start with!), but so many days I barely find a minute to brush my hair, forget about putting on some makeup or finding something to wear worthy of a compliment!
Would love to get your perspective on how to justify the time / energy to do this, when there are just never ending to do lists all around!
Thanks again,
Kay
My cousin recommended your blog to me, and I’m SO glad she did! Your girls are absolutely beautiful! Nella is amazing and I cannot wait to see what the girls will do daily! God bless you and your wonderful family!
Oh the black bottom feet comment…so true…a day well spent, right?
We are expecting (through adoption) our first little girl after our three biological boys. Seeing your pictures of the girls gets me SO excited! I LOVE my boys and all their boy stuff but there is just something about your pinks, and flowers, and knits that just get me going :)!!!
By the way, our sweet Sofia will also share that very special extra chromosome with Nella 🙂
Thank thank you for sharing your story…I just read for the first time. Im a mom to a beautiful perfect unique little boy. We have our challenges but he is my gift from God.
My best friend Laurie and I used to do something similar, except it was Prince Charming or our imagined husbands who were to arrive at any moment….And because we were both pretty neat and clean by nature, we would actually mess everything up, just so that we could play the game and pick it all up!
What fun, to know that someone else had a similar idea.
I’ll have to figure out a way to make it work 30-something years later…..except no need to intentionally mess things up these days!
My best friend Laurie and I used to do something similar, except it was Prince Charming or our imagined husbands who were to arrive at any moment….And because we were both pretty neat and clean by nature, we would actually mess everything up, just so that we could play the game and pick it all up!
What fun, to know that someone else had a similar idea.
I’ll have to figure out a way to make it work 30-something years later…..except no need to intentionally mess things up these days!
I hope the weather cleared up or you all got to do the celebrations earlier today! I saw the weather was bad over Napels and was hoping for a beautiful post tonight of the festivities!
Waiting patiently….
:o)
“For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I just heard about your story and read some of your blog. You are a huge inspiration. I love your attitude towards life and your pictures are amazing. Thanks for being such a positive influence and for sharing your beautiful story.
Love that you guys made up a fake way of conquering the procrastination! 🙂 Made me smile.
Your girls are precious. I found your blog through a couple others and have been so blessed and encouraged through your story and am excited to see where God will continually lead you and your family. Thanks for your openness and willingness to share the journey with others.
Nice fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you on your information.
Please check your facebook messages. I sent you a long message about my son. I looked for your email address on here but didn’t have any luck. I need prayers.
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Hey I am all about fake games….I have a few out there! However, DO NOT tell me my fish in facebook’s Happy Aquarium are not real! I KNOW they are….gotta go feed them, they are starving! 😉
just read your story over at Don Miller and wanted to say,
“I think you are beautiful. Know. I know you are beautiful. Thank you.”
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I found your blog through Donald’s Miller’s blog site. Wow. You are an amazing writer. I have a son who just turned one and I am encouraged to be a better mom. Mostly I am excited about finding the beauty in today. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
Ali from DC
I just made my way over here from Don Miller’s blog, and your story (and Nella’s) is beautiful. 🙂
you and heidi are hilarious.
i have been obsessively checking the blog for a dedication update….
love the last pic of you and your big girlie!
kelle,
read your Nella’s Beautiful Story on Donald Miller’s blog…and, I’m speechless. You truly have a BEAUTIFUL STORY 😉 Nella is gorgeous. What a blessed little girl to have such love in her life. I just had a baby at 35 y.o. My husband & I didn’t opt for tests because we knew we’d love our baby no matter what. Jacob was not born with D.S., but that fear was keeping me from contemplating having another baby…Your story lifted that fear! Thank you for your raw realism and courage! 😉
Kara
I love your “fake games” post! Makes me long for my childhood – growing up with LOTS (8 to be exact) of sisters. 3 of us shared a room for a lot of years and spent many hours procrastinating finding the carpet! What wonderful memories.
My sister sent me your blog when you posted your birth story and dared me to read it without crying. I couldn’t. Thank you for sharing your wonderful family… and your beautiful photography!
So my best friend from Florida (actually she is from up-north but moved to Florida a few years back) told me about Heidi’s blog..the creativity gene must be running rampant in your family line! My friend and I spent two hours talking about your blog and talking about your photos..our favorites..mine is from the birth story..Lainey proudly holding her baby-sister and the look on your face was just like she had saved you and all would be good..just love that photo. My friend’s is “Fish Lips”..which is fabulous as well. One day Lainey and Nella are going to have a hard time deciding which of their momma’s photos are their favorite..what a gift to give to them. So what is normally a 10 minute call turned into a 2 hour gab session on my yellow couch with my laptop, cappuccino and the best conversation I have had with my friend in a long time.
p.s this was the friend that broke my heart on that couch, so we did a little more healing in those two hours.. It was a good thing..thanks ♥
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Just finished reading your post about Nella’s birth, and I feel like I could have written it myself. On January 16th of this year, I too was experiencing the joy, the love, the pain, the bliss, the grief, the blessing- of giving birth to our little Lily. We didn’t know until her birth that she had Down syndrome. We also didn’t know how much one little girl weighing a little more than 5 pounds could completely wrap us around her little finger and transform our world for GOOD. Congratulations on your beautiful daughter. I look forward to watching her blossom through your blog. -Lily’s Mama
I just found your blog and have been reading it for the last 2 hours of work! You are so beautiful and have such a sweet family! you gave me goosebumps reading about your new little addition and the fear/love/scariness of all of it. I don’t even know you, but I think you are amazing. and I think it’s so sweet that you find joy in little things (just like your blog title) and even just spending time with your daughters, I think that is so sweet! this is my new favorite blog! you seem like an amazing person! I can’t wait to keep reading!
Wow Kelle, I am so moved by your honesty and “realness”. I could feel all that you shared and then at the end when I was looking at your beautiful photography of your treasures I could sense your new stage of utter joy and happiness with Nella. She makes me smile and feel all gushy inside. I just want to eat her up. You are a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of your blog and your journey. I am a mother of 3 and am inspired by you!
Blessings my new friend!
I have spent my afternoon pouring over your blog and your story. It is beautiful, as are both of your girls. Thank you so much for sharing.
Oh, and if you haven’t already, listen to the song “Everybody” by Ingrid Michaelson. It’s a happy-love song and made me think of you and yours. 🙂
Just read your story on Donald Miller’s blog. The beauty of your vulnerability was absolutely stunning.
Thank you…
I too had a purple room with purple shag carpet. It was my favorite bedroom ever. My father even fashioned a purple cushion for my window seat, which was a lattice work to cover the radiator. Oh the memories.
What a beautiful heart you have… What a beautiful family… a beautiful story. You reveal His heart.
Thank you!
Wow, thanks for the fun stories.
Just read somewhere (on Charie Gilkey’s “Productive Flourishing” blog a guest post how change and accomplishment doesn’t mean much if it isn’t fun!
My sisters and I had a game like yours. We would dump a bucket of water on the floor of our (tile floor) bedroom and get mops and slosh around. Our story was that we were the maids and the queen was going to come and yell at us if we didn’t get it all cleaned up.
Unfortunately for my mom, we would usually abandon our game, leaving the soaking floor for her to mop up.
love,
Erika
Hi Kelle,
Dru sent me your story on CNN and I read a little of your blog tonight. (the fine art of procrastination because I should be reading for class). Incredible! I am quite certain I could spend hours reading it and looking at your spectacular pictures. But, I’ll save that for another time.
It appears that Nella and her big sister have a great venue for all the they have to teach the world. Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents years ago at Camp Catch a Rainbow. You have inspired me. Blessings to you and your crew.
Jodi Bauers
Grand Rapids, MI
I just came across you blog and I am in love! In love with your precious baby, your pictures, and your story! God bless you and your adorable family!
A friend sent me your birth story and after wiping the tears and sending it to all my friends… I CAN NOT STOP READING YOUR BLOG! You are such an inspiration… you truly see the blessings in your life and help me see them in mine! I am trying to take photos of my children now so I can remember everything.. big and small! I am trying to be more patient and not rush to do everything! My daughter is only three and my son is 6 months and every day I look at them and smile and say “THANK YOU”! I am so lucky! Many times we just listen to the music from your blog and practice our ballet! Thank you for helping me to open my eyes to see how lucky I am to have the family I do! May beautiful things continue to come your way!
The birth of a baby is a blessed event regardless of whether the infant has a disability or not. You take your situation in stride and I applaud your outlook. Might I be so bold as to suggest that what was bothering you was normal? I know that many people look upon the Downs situation as scary but you never know how much your child will achieve. Give her plenty of space to grow and she will suprise you. I’m sure
Be at peace with yourself and know that G-d is here for you
Ms. Freedman
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your blog. With three of my children grown and out of the house and only one left at home, I enjoyed reliving those days while perusing your photos and journals. Thank you.
Love the chair! It’s always fun to rediscover things that you already love!!
I have seen your photos, found your blog and now I love your little peanuts! Have fun-I just signed my oldest up for the SAT **SOB** and her brother is next. It all goes to fast…the glory is in the litle moments
I can only say that when I read your story it was looking at me all over again. I to gave birth to a baby boy named Jeffrey June 13,2006. Every emotion every thought that you had was me. I to had many ultra sounds and nothing was detected. My daughter was a bit older than yours she was 12 at the time and I thought how was i going to tell her? When I finally did and said do you know what this means? And she said yes mama I do we were blessed with a special Angel, and I said your right we are. The next ten days were the most dark, and wanting to know what was going to happen. Until the day on the phone when I cried and cried and my mom said to me you have to snap out of this feeling sorry or wondering what’s going to happen. There is a reason why you have him, now let him show you the reasons. I have truley been blessed. He is the most wonderful son anyone could ask for. When I get up in the morning and he say’s good morning mommy i wuv you he melts my heart with his hugs and kisses. Since having Jeffrey we also had another son Dylan who does not have downs. And at that moment of having another child I new Jeffrey was my angel and will always be. You may not think at least I thought that there was no one in this world that could know what Ive felt. Until I read your story it was like I was writing it. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story with the world.
ok kelly, just ran across this blog on aol.
wow, where to start?! I was you, only 26, with a 21 month old, and my sweet kathryn, who will be 25! tomorrow was born. Surprise, surprise! You know the story, there is no feeling I can describe that you didn’t experience.
But this is what I want to tell you: Your Lainey will be so empathetic, so sweet, so caring, so much more in touch than her peers, when she comes upon anyone with a difference of any kind. I’ve seen it in my two boys (26, 21) and my 18 yr old daughter. My heart bursts with pride and love as I see the way they treat kathryn, just like an old shoe, like any sibling would treat another, but the way they treat others is something they certainly did not get from my husband and I. If not for kathryn, we would have missed so much. It would have all been there, the special olympics, etc. And we would have volunteered occasionaly, but it wouldn’t have touched us so deeply. So much so that my boys, both football players at division 1 schools, have volunteered every year in the towns of their colleges. (no prompting by mom!) My other daughter founded a Special Olympics Volunteer Club at her high school (she’s not a nerd, she was homecoming queen!) Kathryn IS the belle of the ball wherever she goes. She knows everyone in town, but more importantly, EVERYONE in norman, OKlahoma knows kathryn. In fact, I know our phone will start ringing early tomorrow from people, friends of her brothers and sister calling from all over the country, to wish her a happy birthday. This is the greatest blessing your family will ever unwantingly (am I right?) receive. And sweet girl, I have not forgotten by any means, the feelings of fear that were so overwhelming at times. But that is purely fear of the unknown. And that is really true of any of our children, right? We never know what the future holds for any of our kids, but you do know that Nelle will ALWAYS be secure, safe, and, as Gene Stallings (former alabama head coach) told me “she has a one-way ticket to heaven”. She is truly pure in heart. I want to encourage you, and encourage your family. People will take their cue from you all. How you treat her is how they will treat this. If you include her in all you do, they will come to expect her to always be included too! It will be wonderful!
I don’t think any of this is new to you, you seem to have a wonderful handle on things, but just know, there are tons of us who know what you’re feeling, and I just wish I could fast forward you a bit to the day where I know you will stay.
Wow, I certainly can ramble, but I could go on and on and I don’t know if you’ll even read this. You have a precious, precious family. You are so blessed and if I can ever be of any help, I know I’m a weird stranger/stalker creeper, but
I’m just going to say it. NORWAY?!?! You have readers from EVERYWHERE and it is so awesome!
Look at what you did little Nella! You and your family are blessing and teaching the whole world.
That is awesome!
oh my! my sister and i used to do a very similar clean up game…, nothing to do with the President…, but we called it “Speedy Delivery!” From the Mr. Roger’s show!
We would rush around crazily too until things were picked up and put away! I am trying the Speedy clean up with my 2 kids… doesn’t seem to be as successful!
all my best!
-kelley
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