I’ve been writing a lot lately…going back into those first weeks and digging as deep as I can get. I write late at night. Or early in the morning. And it’s a cathartic experience, one that often has me crying at my computer, taking breaks to relieve my emotions. But it’s so good…to get it out. And, for a moment, it’s like entering back into that person I used to be and reliving all of it. Still trying to figure out a way to leave it at the computer and make sense of it when I’m done but, in the meantime, there are weekends. Beautiful weekends that invite us across pinecone paths for a picnic in the woods and ice cream cones that drip their sticky puddles on the garage floor on a hot Saturday afternoon.
My grandma always, always had vanilla wafer cookies and fig newtons in her cookie jar when we visited her house. And so, I will have them too.
After Brett caught some fresh snapper last week out fishing with his buddy, he put every effort Friday night into preparing a fish fry for the family. His excitement was that of a little boy…studying recipes, taking his special trip to the grocery store for all the fixin’s, and how proud he was to deliver each plate to the kids. And he says things like “Get out of my kitchen” while he’s working. And I think that’s adorable. Dude, you can have it. Beats me havin’ to cook.
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Nella and her boyfriend, Rocco:
He loves her. Even kisses her hand to let her know.
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And Sunday was Brandyn’s birthday, and ain’t nothin’ like candles in your pancakes. So, the little sister saw to it…
And she proudly marched into his room carrying them, shy-smiling and singing, “Happy Buht-day to Bam-bam.”
And festivities followed later in the evening when Grandma & Grandpa and the boys’ mama and her fiance came over and Maria made the most amazing Mexican feast for all. And, once again, I was reminded how much I love a good meal around the table…even if the kids wolf down their food and beg to leave to go play. And even if we make them stay a bit and “enjoy” the boring adult conversation. I so remember what that was like. Rite of passage through childhood, if you ask me. And once you realize someday that you actually are enjoying that conversation, you know you’ve arrived. Kissing childhood goodbye.
I like when we secretly catch Austyn & Brandyn lovin’ on their sisters. It melts me.
And later, when all had left for home, we slipped into the pool again for a swim under the stars, under the colored camp lights…and then whispered our babies to sleep.
Digging back into the past may be a bit cathartic…maybe even uncomfortable at times…but woven together with this beautiful present–with weekends of candles in pancakes and root beers on a blanket in the woods–it tells of a great big beautiful story.
And we each have our own. Our stories. And, no matter what challenges I may be facing for the present moment, I’m always exhilerated at the idea that I make the choices for my story. And I’ve always liked adventurous stories. So, that it will be. An adventure. Where little girls bring happy days and tomorrow is always waiting.
Kelle – your story inspires me to live my story better. With more passion and joy and vanilla wafer cookies. Today I am most inspired by the way you and Brett and the boy’s mom have lived your story with cohesion and grace. What a beautiful way to display family for your beautiful lovelies.
Okay, the picture of one of the brothers (I’m sorry, I don’t know which one) and his tender touch holding Nella…MELT.MY.HEART!! It brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely beautiful!
I love this post…so beautiful. What happy weekend joys you have! Thanks again for writing…I love reading every single one of your posts. I love how the boys are loving on their sisters; precious. And Nella and Lainey are beautiful. I wish I could write a long meaningful comment, but the words get tangled in my fingers and the only thing that I can blurt out is that I love your blog and your writings and your pictures. So my comments again and again state the same thing…that you amaze me and inspire me and that I love you, your blog, and your family. So thanks for rocking. 🙂
Beautiful post! Exactly what I needed! I am in the middle of my own adventure! Leavung Germany behind in a couple of months to live in Texas.. It sure isnt always easy, but there is always a tomorrow and most tomorrows bring sun for me!!
Such a great weekend!
Love that your Grandma had fig newtons and sugar wafers : ). Grandmas are the best. I miss mine so much!
PS The boyfriend is GORGEOUS! : )
Lainey bringing in that pancake is A-dorable. Seriously.
Lovely post. You are always inspiring to read. I love the determination to squeeze joy out of life.
I love the pics of the candles in the pancakes. There is something so sweet about those bonds between kids. Love it.
Have a blessed Monday.
Rachel
Kelle you are my BIF….(best imaginary friend:)) I can’t even remember life before Kelle!
You rock Kelle!
I love going up to my favorites and clicking into this blog. takes me away. i don’t even have kids, but these stories make my ovaries sing. bah=rilliant.
PS Love that cone and that ice cream face. Chocolate and nuts on top. Beautiful. 🙂
I love waking up to a rainy morning with a snuggling babe and I load your blog to find a new entry! I can’t wait to read your book! The picture of Nella and one of the boys is so sweet!
This weekend I went to an event and I couldn’t decide if I should take my massive SLR or my point and shoot digital and I asked myself, Kelle always has incredible pictures of everything on her blog…I wonder what she would do. I decided you’d probably take the massive SLR. I was glad I made that choice. Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures and stories.
I love the bit about adult conversation at the table… we’ve recently started having our kids enjoy it as well, and it’s brought back some great memories!
You tell your life story so beautifully! You inspire. Keep writing girl! Keep digging deep.
Every time i come to your blog, i leave with a new inspiration to find awesomeness all around me.
Love the wafers in a jar–
Beautiful pictures and post as always…and my husband would love to know what plug in you used for that tricycle picture…it is gorgeous!
Kelle you inspire me. I’ve only been a mom to my own daughter for 6 short weeks, but in that time you have inspired me to be a better mom, to cherish every momement and make it special. Even the hard times. Your writing is beautiful and your pictures even more so. I look forward to your posts. I check your blog religiously and read them over the phone to my mom (who lives in MI) and we laugh and cry together while I read them. I’ve been wanting to leave a comment for awhile now, I just never have the right words. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with the world! I can’t wait to read your book 🙂
I needed this post today. It’s so easy to get lost in our struggles and our own individual challenges but you seem to always be able to point out what we have to be thankful for. And today, I am thankful for you, for that.
The Pigg Family said…
“Okay, the picture of one of the brothers (I’m sorry, I don’t know which one) and his tender touch holding Nella…MELT.MY.HEART!!”
My feelings exactly!
Great post today as always!
Yay! I checked your blog all weekend for a new post, you know, like all of us who love your blog and think you don’t do anything but… 🙂 What a way to start my Monday!! You make Mondays bearable! 🙂 Love the pictures of the girls! I almost want to use the last one of Nella bean as a screensaver…she is *THAT* beautiful! What a sweet family you have, and thank you again for sharing with us!
Paula 🙂
you’re right, catching brothers loving sisters is like seeing the face of God. There is magic in that especially when it’s with a magical baby. I am so jealous of your writing talent.
Great post, love the grandma cookies (mine always had hers on a tray in the oven…..I cannot imagine doing that, I just KNOW I’d burn them up 439285039 times because I’d forget they were in there….she never did, she was AWESOME!!) I also LOVE LOVE LOVE blended families and the effort to just GET ALONG. We have that here as well and at times it can be tough, but hey, what are you gonna do, fight, or GET ALONG and love life. We do the latter!!! I love the pictures of the boys lovin on their sisters too, and even though they are older, Nella will still change them, they will be her best advocates. I have chills!
Alone or nestled in the arms of another, Nella is just beautifully precious. Yes, there is nothing so beautiful as one’s story. I am always so deeply touched to realize that we get to enter others’ stories–to be cast in a role in the theatre of their lives. Isn’t it amazing to think, when others tell their story that you are in it? Even a cameo appearance is a gift…being an “extra” in another’s story is a blessing. So I am heading upstairs now, here in the hospital where I serve, and hopefully, prayerfully…I might get to gently enter another’s story. Thank you for sharing your story. I am so blessed to know so many of the incredible cast of your life..your “Net,” your “Neighbors,” your “Nella-lovers.”
Just want to say once again what an inspiration you are. Can’t wait to read that book you are writing! LOVE the picture of Rocco kissing Nella’s hand, so sweet : D
Weekend joys is right. My post today was entitled is it Friday yet?? It’s amazing how different two days of the week can be from the other five.
xo
Writing a book is a long, lonely journey, particularly throughout the initial stages when the audience is limited to one person…you. I would give you the advice to write as though no one’s ever going to read it because that’s the best way to stay true to yourself and not worry about what other people will think. But from being a stalker on your blog for the past few years, I know you’ve already got that part nailed because I’ve yet to read anything as pure, honest and real as your writing. What a lovely journey you are on – writing will be an outlet to get reacquainted with the childhood Kelle, the teenager imagining what her future would hold, the hip rockstar in her twenties carving out her place in the world, to now, the Kelle who is a sister, daughter, wife and Mommy and yes, still a rockstar. You are a ray of light and I can’t wait to get my hands on copies of your book – what a wonderful gift it will be for my family and friends. Keep shining, keep digging, keep writing…behold, a masterpiece awaits.
How funny is it that my grandma always always had fig newtons and vanilla wafers at her house? Every time I take a bite of one, it reminds me of Sunday faspas (a mennonite early supper type of meal) at her house. I loved my Grandma.
I should go buy vanilla wafers today. They’re one of my favs!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. I hope your Monday is wonderful and it builds a crescendo to another perfect weekend!
What a great weekend! I totally love the photo of Nella and Rocco. Absolutely beautiful! And Nella with her big bro…heart-melting. <3
Juanita…what kind beautiful words. Thank you.
I remember that age when staying at the table to talk became the thing to do. It was a rite of passage. Thanks for the reminder…
The pictures of your picnic make me want to pack up my little ones right this moment and head out into the woods. I love that you bring such gorgeous pieces of dishware with you. Just makes everything even more lovely
Do you know why I come here? It’s to see pictures of that most beautiful baby. She is the most scrumptious thing I have ever seen. I just want to pluck her off my computer screen and eat her up.
I was able to attend the special olympics in Orono this weekend and couldn’t stop thinking about little Nella and how blessed you are to have her. People with DS just bring so much light to this world. I couldn’t help smiling when I thought about you and your blog. I wonder how many people you have inspired, how many lives you have changed. We need more people like Nella in this world. They are precious treasures and God has sent you one special little girl. Thank you so much for expressing your delight in being her mother.
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Thank you for allowing me to take a peek into your life; what a beautiul and inspiring one it is.
I love your blog so much. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Yours is the blog I look forward to most after a weekend sans computer. I love seeing all of your happy family memories~ such an inspiration!
I look forward to one day going to the book store and getting your book and reading your inspiring words. I look forward to your blog every morning. I feel like my day has not fully started until I read your magic. Thank you Kelle, you are a beautiful mama and you help me be a beautiful mama.
Aww been looking forward to a post today!! I kept checking back in! It’s my therapy, I swear! Thank you a million times for putting such warmth in my heart. Your family is amazing. Absolutely beatiful Kelle. Keep writing girl!
Love,
Tara
Every time I read one of your entires I get more and more excited for my little one to come along. I can’t wait to share summer days with my baby the way you do with your girls.
It is easy to look at the pictures and see one big happy family. I’m sure there has been pain and trials in blending your family. I admire you all so much for being able to come together. Please know that you are truly blessed as the step mother to have that. I have lived 10 years as the step mother in the complete opposite. But God’s goodness is still very real. I’m thankful for that.
Vanilla wafers and fig newtons! Childhood revisited…I might have to stop at the store and pick some up on the way home from work.
We had a to family house and grandma lived downstairs. She would teach us how to sew, speak German and have a tea party for us after school everyday with a homemade goodie fresh from the oven. We were so blessed to be that close to her.
This post had so many things I loved, too many to comment on individually, but I really loved the picture of Nella and Rocco, they make an adorable couple!
Kelle,
You seem like such a fun, loving mama. It almost makes me wish I could be two and have you adopt me.
BTW, Rocco’s eyes are breat-taking!!
Sugar wafers and berries become so much more magical when put in mason jars and beautiful bowls. Perfect for a summery picnic in the woods.
Kelle,
You and your family are so beautiful. It’s so good to be reminded to hold on to those simple precious moments as they come that we get to share with the people we love who are right next to us.
~Lanette
When I die, I want to come back as one of your kids!!!
I think that’s really need that the boys’ Mom and her fiance come over to “share” a party with you! That speaks volumes to the woman you are!! A gem!
Beautiful pictures .. I would LOVE to swim under those lights! hehe
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yet another beautiful post.
how stinkin’ cute are Nella and Rocco?! Especially with those beautiful, blue eyes!!
Just from looking at photos of Lainey I can tell she has such a wonderful, little personality. So beautiful, so sweet!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the last photo in the post of Nella…as well as the photo of Nella with her big brother. Just beautiful!
,,,love, love, love the photo of nella with grandpa,,,i’m just sure as she gazed in his eyes she was thinking about the strong hands that safely held her and as grandpa looked down at his lil bundle of joy he was thinking “i love nella to the moon and back.”,,,
I have been following your blog since the birth of wee Nella. I join many fans of your blog in praying for you in this journey called grief. I love it that you have a good handle on grief and joy. Blessings on you in these highs and lows of life’s emotions.
Your new header picture is simply stunning! I love it.
Hi, Your pictures are beautiful. I gave birth to our second son on January 1st, 2010 and he was diagnosed with DS at birth. I was told about Nella’s birth story by a NICU nurse who was working with my son. Your story was beautiful. I read your blog often and find it very helpful, comforting, uplifting and fun to read as I navigate through this new adventure. I read the following quote some place-“always remember it is simply not an adventure worth telling if there are not any dragons. But, as in the best old tales at the end of your exploring-you will live happily ever after!” I love your writing. Oh, my son’s name is Alexander, he is a New Years Day baby and he has very wise, almond shaped eyes! He definitely knows things that I don’t.
I bought the book 14,000 things to be happy about, can’t wait for it to arrive!
Enjoy your day,
Kimmy
Again another beautiful post! I agree with Janita. You are already there- your words are pure, honest and true to yourself. You take the everyday and turn it into grand moments of love and beauty-a gift that your girls will hold true to themselves as they grow and find their place in this big world of ours. I can’t wait to read your book(s!)…you ARE a ROCKSTAR in the concert of life!!
Monique
From Canada
Thank You! Amidst the crazy, chaotic, mess that surrounds me. The stress that is getting to me right now, I decide to stop and take a “breather”. Thank god I did. I read your blog and now… I can breath again. I have a huge smile on my face. I am going to get up and face what has been dealt to me. And it seems a little less stressful now!
I often find myself crying and smiling reading your blog. Everything you write tuch me deep inside, and I hope one day I will have a life like you. With beatiful kids, a husband, picnics and alone-dates with my oldest kids. Rigth now im “just” a 15 year old girl living in cold Norway, but I have plans for my life. And you inspires me in so many ways. (Im sorry for bad english, but I hope you understand)
So true! We always have that power. The power to choose how we want to live our own story (including it all), finding out what works best for us and what makes us happy…
Picnics in the woods and ice cream cones are the best! My grandpa loved birds, he would tell me they were just happy to be alive and he would teach me about their beautiful world. Whenever I see any kind of bird, I feel is my grandpa saying to me ~hi, I love you~. C:
“The time is ripe for looking back over the day, the week, the year, and trying to figure out where we have come from and where we are going to, for sifting through the things we have done and the things we have left undone for a clue to who we are and who, for better or worse, we are becoming. But again and again we avoid the long thoughts….We cling to the present out of wariness of the past. And why not, after all? We get confused. We need such escape as we can find. But there is a deeper need yet, I think, and that is the need—not all the time, surely, but from time to time—to enter that still room within us all where the past lives on as a part of the present, where the dead are alive again, where we are most alive ourselves to turnings and to where our journeys have brought us. The name of the room is Remember—the room where with patience, with charity, with quietness of heart, we remember consciously to remember the lives we have lived.” -Frederick Buechner
Beautiful pictures of the boys loving on the girls. They must have a wonderful male role-model in their father. So nice to see boys at their age value family and not act “too cool.” You, Brett, and their mom are raising them to be real men…and doesn’t our world need more of those!
I love the picture of Nella’s older brother holding her. It looks like he is breathing her in, taking a little bit with him for the road lol. And Rocco is such a gentlemen aww 🙂
What you said about listening to adult conversations, really reminded me of how I was when I was a kid. I grew up fast and loved listening to every word of adult conversation. That always was very fascinating to me. My two aunts on every major family get together would sit down and catch up on things and I would sit there and not move until they were done. I was a very shy kid and did what I was told.
The adult stories they would tell, of buying clothes at a certain store I have never heard of, going to restaurants I have never been to, talking about adult tv shows I have never heard of, it was all so riveting. I vowed as a kid to be like that. The food they liked wasn’t kid food, and the outfits were classier then anything I would wear. It was like Carrie from Sex in the City but less provocative. I remember one time they told me to not listen to one little story I did anyway lol. I am so grateful they didn’t push me away and let me sit there and listen.
Also when teachers talked about how their weekend went oh I loved that too. I think I loved the sound of independence in adulthood. And the illusion people were treated equally. I was always told to be quiet or I had to do something anyway whether I liked it or not. I vowed also to not treat kids like how I was treated. Children have opinions and they should be valued in the room just as much.
Anyway just thought I would share my story 🙂
The wisp of a curl on Nella in her blue-striped PJs is too cute.
What a fun weekend!
I am SO glad I found your blog. It has inspired me to enjoy the small things 🙂
asIfrolicThroughLife.blogspot.com
ohhhh Can’t wait to read your book! I had an appt with my journal this weekend… just sat and wrote and wrote – felt SO good after… it’s so relieving and theraputic…
love love love that picture of nella and rocco.. how did you get such a good shot of them staring at the camera like that!
amazing!
oxoxoxo
So happy to hear you are writing a lot… means that someday (hopefully soon!) I will get to read more of your stories. Love love love the pics of older brothers lovin’ sisters. Makes me think of how my two nephews (13 & 17) love up my boys (4 & 2)… just magic to see those relationships blossom. And oh how I loved vanilla wafers at Grandma’s house!!! Had not thought about that for years… thank you for the reminder.
Cheers,
Kate
Ahhh another gereat post. Girl you have such a gift with words!
Hi, I am LindaMG in Calif and like many, i seem to live vicariously thru you, ha. And I cant add much but what i have written before. I just love your writing and photos and your family. What an inspiration. I agree with Janita about your writing. A book? cant wait- keep us posted thru your blog. I agree with one of today’s comments, too, in that I also feel that you are my “BIF”- best Imaginary friend! love to you..
So funny that you pointed out the blue jay in the picture. after work yesterday i fould a baby bird in the mall parking lot. and just couldn’t leave it by it’s self so i took it home and fed it cat food the entire night, i swear it was harder than taking care of a puppy. Anyways today i took it to a local humane society and they said they would take it until a wildlife shelter could take it. Point of the story was that they identified it as a baby blue bird 🙂
yes, best imaginary friend for sure. My friend and I speak about you like we know you. LOL. Keep it up, it’s working!
So important to keep the grandma’s memories alive by continuing the little rituals like cookies! We live on in those small things that we have shared.
So wonderful that you have found a beautiful way to exist with ALL the parts of your family.
I love your fabulous outlook on life. Can’t get enough of it.
Kacey
Something about today’s post brought a tear to my eye. I don’t know if it was the wonder of blended families coming together to celebrate a child, the proud but shy look on Lainey’s face as she presented the birthday pancakes, the sweetness of Nella in her striped pj’s or my own pregnancies hormones getting the better of me. Either way they were good tears and I love starting a week with another glimpse into your life.
I know you must be tired of hearing this but I can’t get enough of your writing! I love your story and how you convey the love you have for life. Thank you for sharing with us, I feel blessed everytime I read something writen by you. Thank you for reminding me to be thankful and enjoy my story.
picked up the 14000 things book today. can’t wait to add more of our own things. might just have to get one for each child o’ mine and add their favorites throughout their childhoods.
the photo of Nella with one of her brothers…..beautiful
Happy birthday to Brandyn, and I have to commend you all for having such a wonderful blended family, where there is love and support. Well done, Kelle!
I just wanted you to know that I LOVE your blog. I anticipate logging onto my Google Reader and hoping that you’ve written another post about your sweet girls. Your pictures almost always bring happy tears to my eyes because I can see how much you love them and the rest of your family. I have a three month old and can’t wait for the day when she and I can have our mommy daughter dates like you have with Lainey. 🙂 So sweet! Keep writing from your soul, it’s beautiful.
um, loved it, all of it! the boys are getting so big. and the pic of lainey’s lower half with the trike, that’s summer squeezed into one photo!!
and the little blurb about choices, just hit me. i am always sharing that w/my littles ‘we make our own choices …
I love your blog. I love the photos, the writing, the feel, everything. I am a professional writer, and I wish I could write from the heart the way you do.
It sounds like a wonderful weekend, and I think it’s wonderful how well you all work together in regards to the boys. Such a wonderful support system.
The last photo of Nella in this post: she looks so wise, like she has an old soul.
Kelle, you inspire me to be the best mother I can possibly be everyday.
Thank you for making me be more aware and to live in the moment.
I remember my Great Grandmother Mabel and my Grandmother Gladys always had sugar wafers at their house when we went over. I also remember sitting at the tabel with my mom and grandmother eating those cookies and dying to get away and play in my Grandmom’s parfume!!
I love reading your blog. It helps me remember wonderful times like those. I will pick up some sugar wafers tomorrow!!
I love your attitude, Kelle! Thank you so much for so generously sharing!
Between your words and your photos, you make things that seem mundane to the rest of us absolutely beautiful…joyous…inspirational. Thanks for being you.
You are an amazing person, I love reading your stories ….
I like reading your posts so much. It really brightens my day! Thank you! 🙂
I am not sure what it was about this post but it really touched me. Maybe it was just the ordinary events celebrated with a conflicting undercurrent of joy & grief but the overall feeling was of victory, another small battle won in this war of acceptance. My money is on you Kelle, I know you’re going to kick it’s butt in the end.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy lives to document your amazing experiences…Your words always bring a little tear to my as they are written with such love and grace. Bravo to you!
what a delight! i love the photo of the little girl with the candle-pancake! your blog brings me joy.
and nella looks very cute with her boyfriend. he’s adorable, too!
p.s. still in love with little nella-girl. she gets more adorable every day.
what a delight! i love the photo of the little girl with the candle-pancake! your blog brings me joy.
and nella looks very cute with her boyfriend. he’s adorable, too!
p.s. still in love with little nella-girl. she gets more adorable every day.
LOVE Lainey’s ice cream face – and her dedication to her older brothers. Too cute!
And brother lovin’ on Nella – took my breath away.
Kelle,
I just wanted to share this video with you – I found it so wonderful and even though I don’t know you at all, it reminded me of you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0iGb0kQlOw&feature=related
I just recently read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. I’ve been a Donald Miller fan for awhile, but what a great book! I think you mentioned a while ago that you read it too. Your posts seem to pull me back to the heart of his book, to remember that we all have the power to write a better story. I haven’t read your posts before Nella, did this book change your outlook as much as it did mine? Thanks for sharing your story.
great family times…they will always remember the moments you made happen
absolutely LOVE the picture of nella and rocco!! so fricken adorable!!
Long-time lurker here!! I look forward to your posts every day and when I open my google reader, my breath catches in my throat when I see that you have a new entry. 🙂
I was in a mom and baby yoga class today and we were introducing ourselves. I heard “Hi, I’m Kelly (sp?) and this is my daughter Nella.” My heart jumped! But obviously, it wasn’t you. Disappointment city. 🙂
You are an inspiration and I so enjoy reading this blog. You and your girls (and your life) are so, so, so beautiful!!!
Rootbeer in the woods! Alright! Sounds like my childhood!
xoxo
Melina
* love baby nella’s boyfriend!
* love the pancake candle birthday
* love lainey and the rootbeer picnic blanket afternoon
* i love nellas story over and over again
* and this time time pic that brought tears to my eyes is the secret picture of big brother holding nella so close. took my breath away!
I have said for years we all have a story. It is this story that makes us who we are and who we are not.
The story of our childhood.
The story of our adulthood.
The story of our mommyhood.
And we keep living life. 🙂
Hi Kelle,thank you for brightening my day with your beautiful photos, especially of your beautiful sprite frolicking in clear blue water…over here on the other side of the world we have crunchy frost and lotsa mud and rain; so your photos ‘warmed’ me up a bit! I have two beautiful girls and we are trying for #3. As an ‘older’ mum(34 when I had our 1st)I seriously used to worry about the ‘what ifs?’ of giving birth to a child with DS, I am a firm believer that your children choose you to be their mum…and at that stage I used to honestly think that a child with DS would be the worst thing that could happen. To be lying on that hard cold table while the scan technician measured the fold of skin for the nuchal fold…deep down I know we must all have that wee fear of ‘what if she/he is not perfect?’
Now in no way am I saying your life is easy, for us ‘outsiders’ viewing the beautiful photos and reading your poetic writings we are lulled into a false sense of security; that you have is really sweet with your beautiful Nella. Thankyou for writing so honestly about your massive ups and downs, your happy ‘rockstar’ days and your sad days…..I used to think if a baby with an extra chromosome was to choose me for their mum that I would NEVER be strong enough to cope……and that there would only ever be one option for that pregnancy.
You have given me hope, that if it were ever to happen, that I might…yes damn it all I think I might just be able to cope.
You have NO idea what a profound effect you have on people through your fantabulous blog….right over the other side of the world to a small cold wee town, you have seriously touched my heart.
this brought me to tears, your blog and family are so beautiful, thanks for sharing your life. a good friend linked me to your blog.
lynxymama@blogspot.com
I love that Lainey wished Brandyn a happy “buht-day”!! there’s nothing like the love of siblings!
when my Lainey was in kindergarten she came home with a letter on thanksgiving saying she was very thankful for her “buttroles”… after my initial reaction of “huh?!” I realized she was sounding out “patrols”… I laughed so hard I had tears!! and that thanksgiving I realized how thankful I was for all the laughs (and tears) my girls give me!!
xo
-s
PS happy belated b-day to brandyn!!
Nella and Rocco’s babies would have gorgeous eyes – hehe. Kissing her hand, priceless.
Love the “melt me” pictures – I’m a sap for that kind of thing.
I’m trying not to have sugar or refined products, so how am I supposed to replace root beer, vanilla wafers, and fig newtons? The berries will have to do.
Thanks for the reminder to live in the moment and suck the marrow out of life.
The part about the fig Newtons brought back memories of my grandma’s house too, a place that I loved and still do in my memories. I can just close my eyes and remember just how every room was arranged, even if it’s almost 50 years since Grandma lived. There were no toys at Grandma’s, but a box of buttons, a can of oversize pennies and old envelopes to write on at the oak writing desk kept us amused and content. I hope I can also leave such fond memories with my seven wonderful grandchildren. Thanks for sharing yours with us.
rootbeer is the nectar of the gods
These pictures are beautiful! Lovely!
Mama Hen
I feel as though I am already reading a book…one that I can’t put down or that I want to read “just one more chapter” even though its 1 am.
Looking forward to reading the paper version.
As always, loving taking a glimpse into your world.
I want to HOLD Nella!!!! And rock her to sleep too….she is soooo perfect. So perfect.
I can’t get enough of your blog. The pictures are so good and the girls are so adorable with the cutest outfits ever. I aspire to be this sort of mom. Nella is so beautiful and every day she grows more so! I can’t wait to have a couple of my own. 🙂
Gorgeous as always. I can’t get enough!
I can’t wait to read your book Kelle! Your blog always brightens my day and it was just what I needed today to put a smile on my face after a stressful Monday!
And the pics of your boys cuddling Lainey and Nella…. too cute!!!
Leah
http://www.lovelifeandmommyhood.blogspot.com
Your words and images are so moving and I’m glad to be a part of it. I love the new banner, by the way.
The last photo of Nella went right to my heart. Man! Those eyes!!! Kiss her up.
The last photo of Nella went right to my heart. Man! Those eyes!!! Kiss her up.
The last photo of Nella went right to my heart. Man! Those eyes!!! Kiss her up.
The picture of Big Brother hugging on little Nella made me cry. So beautiful. Save that one forever and show her someday how they love her.
i just plucked tears away looking at that sweet photo of that sweet boy lovin’ on his super sweet little sis…ahhhhh
omg…kell, that root beer is beckham’s favorite one! he drinks it from the bottle and thinks he’s so cool AND my grandpa keeps his vanilla wafers in a mason jar and we ravage them we visit!!
too cool! kinda weird too!
lainey’s shy smile while delivering brandyn’s pancakes…love it!
I think it’s so awesome that you live life to the fullest, even through uncomfortable or difficult things. Thanks for being an inspiration!
In the words of Poppa since he always says it so well: Kelle, you are the recurring “extra” in my story! How many times I’ve caught myself getting ready to say “My friend Kelle…” only to have to stop and say “There is this cool chick Kelle whose has a blog….”. I am LOVING that you are my BIF! 🙂
Rocking pictures, as always.
-Jenny
I’ve been reading since Nella’s birth story, but this is my first time commenting.
Look at your sweet Lainey waiting for you in the woods! I can just imagine her saying, “come on mama!”
Your pictures of Bret’s fish fry just brought back such wonderful summer childhood memories. My Uncle Steve would always have huge fish frys and invite the whole family and tons of friends. I mean around 30 people, whoa! All of us kids would gather around the fire and sneak more sodas than any of us were allowed, hehehe!
Thank you for helping me appreciate the little, well big if you ask me, things every day.
LOVE this post (as always, lol). I can’t agree with you more with writing being a sense of therapy. I just started something on my blog called “Mind Sweep”. It’s where you just open the page and write – whatever is on your mind in no order whatsoever until you feel you have gotten all the immediate thoughts off your mind so you can rest. I hope to make it a tradition other bloggers can join in on.
Thank-you for sharing your life so beautifully!
Oh, how cute is Nella?!?! She brightens my morning. And i’ll certainly be one of the many who’ll purchase your book! it had BETTER be full of pictures!
The concentration of Lainey’s face with that plate of pancakes is simply adorable.
Thanks for sharing as always.
The concentration of Lainey’s face with that plate of pancakes is simply adorable.
Thanks for sharing as always.
I am so impressed that you hang out with the boys mom (and that Brett does too). You are doing a great thing for the boys. My parents are divorced and it would be great if they would suck it up every once in a a while and be in the same room together!
I like reading your blog while my little one is stirring from his morning snooze and I can hear his little growls on the monitor. He was 3 months old when Nella was born. I have been reading since that day. My 12yo loves his brother more than anything, and those pics of the boys loving the sisters reminds me very much of our beautiful life here.
I wish we were friends….then our kids could be bff’s. Your words make my day brighter (the pictures too)
Thanks for being awesome!
Gorgeous family!!! Love the dress and the tryke pic. So fabulous. I am your newest follower.
i came here after someone pointed me in the direction of Nella’s birth story and completely fell in love. i have read every beautifully love soaked word of your blog (going all the way back to it’s debut) and i am smitten with your family. i may not know you and your family, but i love the way you love and as my own family starts to grow (baby will be here in less than three weeks!) i want to love like you all love.
I love the weekends as well! It’s when my entire family (now a family of 4! :)) is all together! I just had my second little girl on June 3… she was 5 weeks early so we’re getting through those first couple of weeks with constant feedings and taking care of a preemie… but I’m savoring every moment of it… even at 3 am! 🙂 Reading your stories about your two girls makes me look forward to all the things I’ll do with my two girls.. who are about the same age difference as your two girls! Thank you for taking the time to write all your wonderful thoughts and adventures for us! 🙂
Isn’t it wonderful being a part of a very special group. And I think Poppa would agree that as a grandparent we can’t get enough of our Angel Eyes. I highly recommend I-chat so we can see the everyday lives of our sweeties. Traveling to Chicago yesterday, sitting in an airport and seeing our Granddaughter Maddie playing. PRICELESS. I am never away too far from the ones I love. Our daughter lives as she would say 4 cornfield states from us. Our Maddielicious is 5 mos. old. She also is a blogger and has been doing this since she was in 4th. grade. If you get a moment check out her website; http://www.mcclinticfamily.com. Pure and inspiring. :))))
as always I am loving this entry…
I was away for a few days, my oldest son graduated high school, treasure all these small things as you do..don’t get bogged down when life comes at you hard and fast. Yesterday, I was tucking him in and saying “all you need is faith and trust and a little bit of pixie dust” it really does seem like yesterday…18 years in the blink of an eye…it seems you’ve figured that out though and I love that about you!
Those birthday party photos really tugged at the ol’ heartstrings! Yet again, your engaging style of writing has me tearing up and drawing connections between your stories and mine. I love how you make me take a closer look at my own life, and appreciate what I have just that little bit more.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
happy weekends and happy summer. love nella’s big beautiful eyes in the last picture….makes me want to hold her!! something about ice cream cones and toddlers right? happy writing to you….there’s no one else i know more creative. keep up the good work. we’re all rooting you on!! xoxo
ps. summer playdate sometime soon, yeah?
I really admire how you all come todgether for the sake of the boys with their Mom too. Speaks great volumes! Love that picture with Brandyn having his mom and dad there. Just beautiful.
Love Nella with her BF. Too cute. :o)
I was just thinking about you and your writing today….and here you are posting about it! Awesome. I know it’s gonna be good if its got you crying over the keyboard!! Rocco is quite handsome!!
I can never get enough of your wonderful pictures – Kelle- thank you for sharing your family’s joyful moments! I absolutely LOVE the one of your son holding Nella- brings tears to my eyes!!!
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now (and just found out how to post a comment, haha!)
Your kids are so beautiful! Lainey, cute blondie with brown eyes (I got a blondie, well 2 of them, with blue eyes (Catherine is 4 1/2y and Maxime’s 10y). Always loved brown eyes on blondies.
And Nella, wow. So amazing, so beautiful, so incredible!
Anytime I feel down, I just come read your blog, and wow! I feel better!
Your way of writing, talking about your days, your life, your family, your kids, it’s incredible!
I even posted on my mommy’s support group about your blog, other mommies read about it, one bought some hats like you showed a few weeks ago! haha you get people to shop!!
I got a “different” kid, in a way, too – she’s got Gardner’s Syndrome, just like I do, and I know sometimes her life wont be easy between medical tests & school and even surgeries. It’s not a big difference, but since I went through all of what she’ll live, I know she’ll feel different, sometimes… I hope by them you still have your blog and I can make her read it 🙂
THANKS 🙂
(btw, what’s the name of the first song on the loop?? TY!)
Our family is celebrating small things tonite as my youngest brother just welcomed their first baby into our family this afternoon. It is the first baby to be born since our daughter was born two years ago and surprised all of us with a little magic of her own!! I am so proud of my brother and so glad that today was a wonderful day for our whole family…We’ve all come a long way these past two years since the birth of our daughter. But honestly, I still held my breath a little until I heard from him first hand that everything went beautifully and just as it should… only a few twinges of pain still left over from “that darn bus” made their way back into my heart today. But it only took a few moments for me to shake it off and return to “enjoying the moment.” Because there’s something so precious in your youngest brother having his first baby and knowing that this is the day he became a Daddy. He gets to feel that overwhelming, unconditional love that pours from your heart the moment that you see your baby for the first time. I am so happy for him… and know that deep inside me a little more healing took place today as I chose to send “that darn bus” on its way and cherish the miracle of family today!
It certainly is a big beautiful story and you are telling it so well. I feel honoured to be able to “peek” into your life every few days. I love Nella and her boyfriend, so utterly adorable!
Keep smiling 😀
Allison in Australia xx
P.S Your photography is just getting better and better lately! Did you get a new camera or something??
I see I am just one of many, many commenters (for good reason) so I completely understand if I’m ignored here 🙂 However, I would love for you to check out my blog post from tonight because you inspired me to learn more about photography (particularly of my little subject, Max). I would love some feedback (if you can find time, you know, amongst mothering, blogging, photographering, and being amazing).
http://thelincolnslife.blogspot.com/
Thanks for inspiring me and (clearly) so many others!
Ohiogirls…
Congratulations on that new niece. I haven’t been to the hospital yet to welcome a baby since Nella and I’ve wondered when I finally go, will I feel the bus or will I, hopefully, feel the magic of the maternity ward…of new life and celebration.
I’m so getting there where I KNOW I will feel the happiness.
Thank you, Kelle! I know exactly what you mean. For me, the twinges started when I received the first picture of my brother’s baby right after the birth and thought back to our daughter and how precious those first few pictures are of her. The first few pictures are the ones where we are enjoying every little moment of newness and joy of life because we had no idea at that time that our little one would be diagnosed with DS. We were just loving on her and taking it all in when WHAM! that darn bus arrived and from that point on we were wiping tire marks off of our backs!! It’s funny how I can go back and look at those pictures and know that for the first 1/2 hour of her life, I got to enjoy things just as I had with my first two babies.And I am so glad that I have those first few pictures to remind me that the joy of it all was there all the time and that I did go to Italy… I think I’ll choose to just stay in Italy because even Italy can use a little extra magic!! 🙂
I heard a quote today and thought of you, well i thought of me too but wanted to share it with you. and i mostly thought of you b/c it was from a project where individuals who suffered from mental illness did a project where they took pictures that represented their recovery, the project is called “photovoices of recovery.” and one women took a picture of what looked like a glass mosaic that was shattered and her caption read “Healing involve honoring the broken pieces” not just acknowledge them or mourn over them, but honor them.
I Love how you make everything so special…the mason jar for the wafers and the pretty dish for the berries. I wish I could live inside you head for awhile and make everything special too!
Can I just tell you how beautiful your little girl is? Seriously. My own little brother has Down Syndrome and I miss his being a little baby! Don’t get me wrong, he’s darling now, but there’s something so special about their sweet little baby faces!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your writing style and the way you capture life through pictures. It’s breathtaking!!!
I just LOVE your playlists! And Pretty much every second song is one that I also have! <3 You have a GREAT taste in music and are such a talented woman, mother, writer and photographer 🙂
Great pics as always. I thought you’d get a kick out of this. I belong to this great Ds group on Baby Center. I guess they love you too! =)
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a23156561/kelle_hampton_are_you_lurking_lol
I wanted to pop in and say hello! I’ve been reading for awhile now, and have fallen in love with your style of writing and gorgeous pictures. You have a beautiful family! : )
I absolutely adore visiting your blog, reading your words and sharing in your wonderful stories. Your photographs express such joy & love. You writings truly capture the laughter and beauty of your life.
Thank you for bringing such brightness to my life.
So, I have to tell you, the other night my family and I were watching old family videos and there you were with brother and sister! It was pretty awesome, seeing kid-kelle hanging out with us and knowing the path God had planned for you, trying to imagine your awesome talent inside that little girl–you are so amazing and inspire me all the time! Blessing & love, Summer
Oh, Summer. Tears. I love that. We shall meet again. xoxo Kisses to Heidi and Elsa tonight.
ps I will be honest and admit that if my eyes weren’t already green, they would be now at the sight of those trees from your pool. I may go to the mirror now to see if they’ve gone greener. I kind of feel like they must have having coveted and reflected those shades!
Your pictures often evoke an emotional response. It’s nothing new and doesn’t come as a surprise to me anymore when I’m reading along, but today I was struck by the picture of Brandyn snuggling Nella. What a perfect moment to have captured. You know you’re doing a fantastic job as a parent when you’re bringing up another generation that appreciates the beauty of a quiet snuggle with a sweet baby.
I love Boyland sodas! 🙂