So I’ve started this post a few times but just keep pecking at the backspace key because it all sounds so cliche’ in that December venting kind of way. Like there’s so much to do and I can’t keep up and oh how I’d love to shut the phones off, watch a movie and knock off a batch of snickerdoodles. But that doesn’t distinguish me from any other woman on the earth right now. Hence the backspace.
I tried writing about something else but accidentally hit Caps Lock and, by the time I realized it, it was a nice long paragraph. A paragraph that looked like I was shouting. Like “We had an interesting day” comes off as really in-your-face when you write it WE HAD AN INTERESTING DAY! So I deleted that too.
And now, it’s just me and Bob Dylan on Pandora…and leftover Thai food which, after three days, has all the good stuff picked out of it so it’s really just a soupy mess of spicy coconut milk. And somehow, that all leaves me at the decision of complete randomness.
She dresses her dolls in Nella’s clothes.
Cute, right? Until a shirt doesn’t fit right or a shoe isn’t staying put. And then she loses it. Completely. Like a bomb. To that point where I’m wondering how the mom-I-want-to-be would handle it. And I try to explain that the doll’s foot is just a cotton stub filled with batting and that cotton stubs filled with batting don’t exactly form well to shoes four times their size, but flipped-out three-year-olds don’t really get this.
To the Lake.
When I’m feeling most overwhelmed–like when the kitchen is shot and the laundry is heaping and Lainey is crying about the shoe that won’t go on the cotton stub–I fold. In the good way. Like an all-call to the bathtub where the three of us will sink into sudsy foam…or maybe we’ll pile up the wagon and walk a block to the lake where I’ll remember for a moment what really matters.
And maybe this sounds all unicorns-and-rainbows, and yes it sucks that I even have to preface this with that statement…but, really, does stopping to realize just how much you love wet mud squished between tiny toes that don’t line up right have to be cliche’? Because I love her freaky toes and I love repositioning the hat that Nella tries to swipe off and I love screaming like a nut for Latte because she’s run off again and I’m pretty sure this time she really did get hit by a car (okay, I don’t love that part). I love that sometimes the red ants find me and that I hop on one leg bitching and scratching and Lainey laughs. I love all the work it takes to go there and all the good feelings that come when we arrive back home.
I love that going to the lake and heading to the beach and making Christmas meaningful is a lot of freaking work.
But somewhere between staying up to stuff a stocking and slopping frosting over a Christmas cookie that doesn’t look anything like the bell it’s supposed to be…somewhere between brushing sand off your pants and rinsing out rancid watermelon juice from the picnic basket…somewhere between all of it, you feel this rush of “this feels good.” And it’s worth it. It’s worth it because your kids are laughing and you’re trying to hide your own smile and it’s so not glossy or magazine worthy but because of that very fact…it is.
New Babies.
My friend Lindsey just birthed this breath of heaven, and I had the privilege of holding her and kissing that silky tuft of hair the other day. And I am reminded just how amazing babies are. This is Kinsley Jane.
…and her mama loves her, and I love her mama.
Lots of you have commented that you are awaiting new life…and I smile every time I read them. It’s amazing–that whole growing-a-baby-and-birthing-perfection thing. And I find myself remembering pretty heavily these days last year and how Utopian that experience of feeling kicks on Christmas morning was. And how it gave us our girl who’s made me so happy.
Uuuughh. Lots of emotions floating around with the end of the year and Christmas and her birthday coming. So much love. I held her today, so close to my chest…walking around Costco while Brett pushed Lainey in the cart past food samples. And I watched all the old people smile and send love with their eyes. And I felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world. Love hurts so good.
It’s her first Christmas, and it’s going to be special.
Love Hurts. And so does watching your girl in a Ballet Recital.
I tried to hold back. I did. But the tears rolled when I saw her emerge from stage left, holding her friends’ hands, hiding her smile as she took her spot to perform her Christmas recital. She was stoic for all of two seconds, and I braced for a bail-out…watched her scan the audience…and then. And then. Oh, you should have seen when she spotted her daddy. It hurt so good.
This is the smile.
And it didn’t go away. The other girls started dancing, but she just stood there smiling. Locking eyes. And I saw my dad laughing, whispering “she’s not dancing.” But then I saw her daddy. And he was beaming.
And I did this cry-laugh for the whole dance, snapping pictures, cheeks aching, so proud, so entertained. And I just wanted to tap the guy next to me and point her out and say, “I love her. No, seriously…you have no idea. I LOVE her. That girl right there. The shy one, all hunched over, hidin’ her smile. She’s mine. And I love her.”
And the cheesiness of feeling all that’s-my-girl is nicely balanced because ballet recitals are really funny too. Because, at three, they really don’t know what the hell they’re supposed to be doing. They’re all lookin’ at each other, following suit, tryin’ to remember the few moves required. And Lainey remembers one thing…the angel pose. She might have forgotten the twirls and the hops, but Girlfriend knows she’s an angel and, if all else fails, put your hands in prayer and you’re golden.
We applauded. We praised her. And my heart throbbed a little for my grown-up girl when I saw Poppa hand her some well-earned flowers. Her first flowers ever.
Be still my Unicorn-leaping heart. I freaking loved this moment.
So did Sister Bear.
And that look on her face says one thing: “I see you and I want you.”
Tamale Night.
The boys’ mama, Maria, makes tamales every year this time. Homemade ones just like her mom used to make. And Lainey got to help this year.
Lainey and Dot
Nella and Charlotte
And I’m happy this little triangle of relationships works out. ‘Cuz she loves my girls, and I love her. And somewhere beneath the mess of things that may not have worked out in life, we are two mamas who love our kids who are bonded in pretty cool ways. (his name is Brett…ha)
And here we are…the end of today’s randomness.
Guess what?
This week, I’m pretty sure I’m going to see snow. Real snow. Like pull-hats-over-your-ears-nipping-cold kind of snow.
Stay tuned.
My heart is happy. Busy and overwhelmed at times. Frustrated and a bit sad once in a great while. But, most of the time…it clocks out content. And for that, I am grateful.
Last year, I dreamed of this.
And this year…I have this. I have this. And I’m pretty sure, if you look for it, you do too.
Michal…I hope your day is better.
That’s exactly what I’m learning – although what I have doesn’t look exactly like what I imagined it would look like in my dreams, it’s still beautiful and fills my heart!
As always….loved the post! Life is good!
I’m so grateful for the happy tears I inevitably have streaming down my face at the end of your beautifully poetic posts.
This one is especially touching as I mourn the loss of what was to be, but twirl and leap out of love and gratitude for what I am blessed to have. Thank you for your gentle reminders.
Happy Holidays! xxo
Thank you for this post; it brought tears to my eyes. I sometimes need help remembering that it’s okay for the dishes to pile up or the laundry to go unwashed. Those aren’t the things that will be counted anyway. Wishing you all the very merriest of Christmases and happy birthday to one special little girl.
Beautiful! Love this post:)
wow, kelley, this post was just perfect! i LOVED it! thank you for sharing 🙂
those two photos of your sweet angels on the quilt are too precious! and that shy smile of lainey’s when she spotted her daddy-there just are no words!! 🙂
God is great!
Loving Lainey spotting her dad in the crowd. As a true daddy’s girl myself, i totally get it!!!
Kelle, I have followed your blog silently for a while, I love photography blogs, I am amazed by the talent out there! I don’t even remember how I found yours, but am so glad I did. I just have to tell you that your girls are so precious, and something about that baby just draws me in. Don’t get me wrong, they are both gorgeous, wouldn’t say so if I didn’t mean it. BUT, there is just somethin’ about your baby. Maybe she reminds me a tiny bit of my baby (who is not such a baby any more, *tear*)? Not sure, but seriously, I could just eat her up! Keep the photos coming!
what? snow in Naples? no way! you must be taking a trip somewhere. the image of Lainey smiling at Brett is an all time fave Kelle Hampton photo. priceless!
Being in the first ten to comment on a post here….also priceless.
off to text with libby about whether or not we think you yelled at Lainey for getting mud on her mj leggings….
ha!
You had me crying and laughing too as I read this post! I know that proud, want to jump up and scream “that’s my kid!” kind of moment. 🙂
LOVE your writing and your photos, Kelle, and LOVE your outlook on life! Beautiful post, inspiring as usual. I help teach ballet (otherwise known as “creative moment”) to 3-5 year olds and they are just precious kiddos! Some of the things they say when they have the sharing wand at the beginning of class just make you laugh. And smile. And then my little brothers and my little (well, not so little anymore) sisters make me smile. My family makes me smile. Love, love, love. I feel so blessed. Praising my Savior because of his love and sacrifice — the biggest and best blessing ever.
Have a beautiful, blessed week! Enjoy the snow — we’ve got tons of it here. 🙂
–Hannah
My comment was a bit of randomness too. But lots of “yeah, life is sweet. life is good. life is a GIFT.” 🙂
Absolutely amazing!! I love the shy smile at the dance recital, and her first flowers ever and the picture of you and her after the recital! The pictures of the girls lying on the quilt by the lake are simply amazing!!
And one quick question – you used to have a song on your playlist … I don’t know any of the lyrics – part of it talked about driving to the hospital, smoking the cigarette you thought would be your last – something like that. I can’t find it on your playlist anymroe and was wondering if you could tell me the name of the song and who it’s by — if you can figure out what song I’m talking about!! LOL Thanks =)
~Beth
Don’t know if it’s my overly hormonal self or just having two babies and knowing the complete overwhelming joy motherhood can bring, but I couldn’t stop crying throughout your beautiful post.
okayyy, i loved this post, you are so funny! i can tell even though i don’t know you. love the matching orange so cute!
Oh, that look. That look where Lainey spots her daddy in the audience? It’s strange, but it made my not-a-mama-yet heart swell.
I think Christmastime, PMS, and 2.5 weeks of longterm subbing high school world history has a monopoly on my tear ducts.
My wee one is just about the same age as Nella and I remember last Christmas and feeling the wiggling too. This will be a great one for both of us. Lots of firsts!
Life is grand! what a great post. This was exactly what I needed before I crawled into bed this evening. Thank you. Thank you. You have opened my eyes.
Your post today was just what I needed to read. My husband and I have a super cute 1 year old son that we just can’t get enough of and this past summer we were expecting baby #2, we had a miscarriage early on (9 weeks) and though I thought I had grieved and was ok for some reason at xmas this year I keep finding myself thinking of the baby that would almsot be here in 2 months. So your post today made me remember to be thankful for what we have RIGHT NOW and not to get caught up in the “what could have been” or “what things should be like”. Life is so precious and at xmas this year I need to stop and take it all in……..
Oh, Kelle. You surely know how to make a girl cry (happy tears of course!) That picture of your girls looking into each others eyes- oh em gee! And Lainey’s face looking at her Daddy- precious! Why am I telling you, you already know! Thanks for sharing such sweet moments!
I had one of those moments as well….if you don’t mind…I’ll share 😉
Sunday was my 4 year old daughter’s church program. It was a HORRIBLE day as far as weather is concerned. We’re in Illinois and we were facing an all out, blizzard. We live in a very small town, only about a little over 1000 people…so to get from one side of town to the other takes merely a minute…but I still hesitated going. One look at her little frown and we loaded up and went. And I’m so happy we did!!
As she went up to sing the 3 songs her class was to sing….I got my camera out and was ready (she’s been practicing her songs over and over…there was no way I was going to miss this!) She stands up, shy, quiet…then she looks out and finds us and her Nana and Papa! All of a sudden you see this HUGE grin and this little wave! I could hear all the old women behind me just saying how cute she was. So what else does a mother do….I start crying!! So proud of her…then they start singing a version of “If you’re happy and you know it” but set to Christmas. Well, my 13 month old son recognized the tune so well…and just starts squealing and laughing and clapping. So I had to turn the camera on him and blubber some more!!
Children are truly the loves of our lives!!
It’s funny how two people who have very little in common other than be mama’s we have soooo much in common. This week has been hell at my house. My 4 yr old son has decided to push every limit I’ve ever set for him. Pretty sure we had 8 time-outs today. You’d think I’d get the point they aren’t working..but I keep trying. He’s sarcastic and somewhat unremorseful at times and I’m certain I didn’t raise him that way..sigh. Then my 10 month old still freaks out everytime I try to put him to bed. He hasn’t napped for more than an hour for weeks and I’m going nuts. I told my husband the other day I just want to sit somewhere, by myself, NO screaming kids. I have to. Or someone’s going to get hurt..not literally, but you know what I mean. I sooo wish we had the warm weather to go outside like you. The fresh air does wonders! It was like 8 below zero today here in MI with the windchill. I couldn’t even get my quiet walk to the mailbox in today..anyhoo – great post. I love that you keep it real. And you’re right, last year we were praying for this and just like I put in my post last week. I have KIDS as in plural this Christmas. My family is now complete and there is no greater feeling.
Lainey is so adorable in her tutu. Your blog post is lighting up my dark finals week :P, thank you so much Kellie. I aspire to be you!!!
Ahhh, love. I feel ya. I tell my husband all the time that this is what I dreamed of my whole life. I just wanted to be a mama. And here we are with an almost six year old, three and a half year old and a precious one year wonder. I thought I would be good having three, content. But now I wonder if I’m really okay with not feeling another life inside this belly. Can I really be okay not having another held tightly to my chest as they suck, suck swallow while drifting off to sleep? But I’m in love with Life and loving and being the mama I want to be. Watching my biggest boy read his very first book all by himself. Love. Helping my big boy find his words. So proud. And baby girl gives the best hugs. Yep, Life…it’s so good. Thanks for reminding me to think on these things. Because it really is worth dwelling on.
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio
Another fabulous post! I have been refreshing your page all day to catch the new 🙂
I always look forward to reading your posts because I admire women who love their life even when it’s not perfect. Scratch that: I admire women who love their life BECAUSE it’s not perfect. Thanks for sharing that piece of you and your family.
I have to ask, though: why the joking self-depriciating ‘unicorns and rainbows’ stuff? Is that in response to negativity toward your blog? I have been known to be full of a bit of stardust and puppy love myself, and I say: ignore the negativity if people are criticizing who you are and how you live. You’re an amazing inspiration and should never feel apologetic for that, nor do I think the grumps out there who would bring positive people down are worth the time.
Your Lainey at the recital MELTS me…so incredibly adorable. I so appreciate this post…for so many reasons. Mostly your humanity and vulnerability that is so evident in your words 🙂 xo Jen
OMG~Lainey’s shy smile & Nella’s orange sweater~heavenly. I know exactly how you’re feeling..I’m wavering between bliss & gratitude & crabby & overwhelmed. In fact, today, I had a nasty headache & a stiff neck & despite everything I wanted to accomplish I just crawled under the covers & slept for two hours in the middle of the afternoon. Ahh…felt great!
Tomorrow we begin again. It’ll all get done & we’ll all have a magical Christmas, God willing.
Hugs to all,
Maria
I have a little triangle too and while some days aren’t what I hope they will be, there are plenty of times that I see sneak peeks of our triangle’s potential and my heart leaps. Our triangle is still fresh and I am the new wife, the new stepmama, so I am making sure to tread lightly. Love surely is our bond, a deep love for a sweet little boy who in turn loves us all dearly! I am so blessed and I pray for my triangle to be at peace and filled with love always.
(Thank you for sharing that!)
I’ve been following your blog about a year now, and I must say, seeing your girls grow, and your attitude & perception towards life makes my heart explode 🙂
You seem to find the unicorn faster than I do…maybe mine is due to the lack of estrogen streaming through my body since the plumbing was removed two years ago this month. At 43.
No chance at that 2nd baby, but definitely pain free and happy with a sweet, happy, funny faced almost 10 year old girl who has NEVER woke up in a bad mood.
I swear I need to see that damn horse with a twirly stick in it’s head more often and quicker!
Lainey is a mini you! Beautiful girls …all 3 of you!
I love reading about your randomness! Its real and it’s beautiful and I laugh and cry all at the same time. Not to mention your girls melt my heart again and again!
http://www.diaryofmamadrama.com/todays-blog-entry.html
Kelle,
LOVE. That’s the only word to describe you, your life, and your words. It pours out of everything you do and say and flows into the lives of your readers. Readers who are inspired by you and who aren’t afraid to laugh and cry along with you. I am one of those. I’m a soon to be 18 year old high school graduate with a passion for everything. I just wanted to thank you for the continual love you share with us, young and old. In this time of searching and trying to figure out who I am and what I’m supposed to do with my life, I need people like you to inspire me and forge a path before me. I can only hope to be as good a wife and mama as you are someday. You’ve opened my eyes to the beauty of photography, of capturing the precious moments, of living in the here and now and soaking it all in. I have forever had a soft spot in my heart for those with Down Syndrome and seeing Nella grow and learn to live is amazing. Because of you, I want to adopt a child with Down Syndrome of my own someday. All I can say is thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!
Much love,
Morgan
P.S. If you have any encouraging thoughts or words of wisdom for me to take on this crazy journey called life, I would love it if you would stop by my blog! 🙂
Ok Kelle…you have me in tears! That ballet moment…I could so relate…I’m bawling my eyes out now with a feeling of relating-to & enjoying that proud, overwhelmed-with-love sensation that you felt {and will always feel} as a Mumma! My little girl is 3 next month & she brims my heart with so much joy! As I sat here reading your post…her my by side…she ‘ooohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at your photos, asking who they were! I explained it was Lainey & Nella…her reply was “They are beautiful Mummy, can I go to them & ask them to my rainbow party?” I tried to explain that you live on the other side of the world from us…and we don’t actually in fact know you 🙂 She didn’t get it! Haaaa….so on that note….if you feel like ‘nipping’ into Australia next month…a Rainbow Themed 3rd Birthday Party awaits you 🙂
xo
I have it too… thanks for reminding me 🙂
Right now number 4 is kicking away at me and I love this beautiful messy busy life…
Its not ever what you think its gonna be is it? Usually its better!
Oh, Ballet Recital. An instant flow of tears down my face. I spent 16 years of recitals finding my dad in the crowd. And he was there. every. one. And I could ALWAYS find him, even when the crowds were a sea of faces. I could always count on him, find his sweet smile, and hear him cheer me on amidst the loud music and other doting parents. He sat for hours on end just to see me dance a measly 4 minutes, even after his leg was amputated and he brought his own pillows with him. It has been 8 years since he passed and I miss him every day. But those are the best memories I have of him. Thank you for reminding me once more!
Merry Christmas!!!
Kelle, How do you do it?! I feel like constantly referring to you in everyday conversation. I LOVE the year books you do for your girls and vowed to do the same for my sweet baby (she was born in October). I bought my Canon Rebel xs, I lug it everywhere we go, but it rarely makes it out of the bag. sigh. I really wish I could just watch someone walk around and take photos of everyday life so I could see how it’s done and not feel so shy about doing it myself. lol
Every time I read your posts my heart beats harder and more often than not I have tears in my eyes. Your love is so strong and you are so real. Your girls are just devine and they are so blessed to have such a courageous, caring and delightful Mama. Merry Christmas Kelle & family xxx
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who yells like a crazy woman after a runaway dog!!! And, after reading that post, glad to know that my life is completely normal with all its chaos and at times, stress. I’m so fortunate to have children in my life who can take all that crap away just by being here, loving me and loving one another.
Saw Bob Dylan in concert this fall in Madison, WI. I went with my momma and it was fabulous! He’s always an A-list on my pandora. As a college student I read your blog as a way to get away from studying, and I love it. Thank you for your inspirational posts! You are an amazing writer and momma and what I would like for Christmas is for you to publish a book 🙂 please and thank you!!!
You are beautiful.
Another beautiful post. You have a way with words…I literally feel the emotions you’re describing. You had me crying right along with you at Lainey’s ballet recital {like I’m her proud mama!}. Oh your sweet girls. I have two boys spaced apart about the same as your girls and it’s just so fun to watch their unique bond and watch them play together. Best.Thing.Ever. Your little Lainey reminds me SO much of my Jack (he’s 3 too). Those pictures of Lainey at the lake doing a little happy dance with her tongue hanging out could have totally been my Jack – except nix the pink tights, skirt and blond hair. 🙂 I hope you have a WONDERFUL Christmas with your family!
XXX
this was one of my favorite posts. i am crying a mixture of happy and sad tears. the picture of the girls laying next to each other sharing secrets (words not needed) is a picture i am sure both of them will treasure for a lifetime.
you have the best family ever! Love the recital pics (they made me cry), and love your Dad for bringing Laney flowers. : ) Abi
you have the best family ever! Love the recital pics (they made me cry), and love your Dad for bringing Laney flowers. : ) Abi
You are awesome. 🙂 I love what you had to say about your relationship with Maria. It doesn’t always make sense to the rest of the world, but those of us who try to make blended families as full of love and unity as a traditional family – it’s about being intentional and having integrity. Love is always the best choice and the best band-aid. You’re a cool chick.
Seeing the pictures of your girls lying arm in arm on their picnic blanket, literally made my heart swell with excitement… We’re due in April with our second baby girl (they’ll be JUST 18 months apart) and I can’t wait to watch their relationship grow!! Thank you for those pictures!!
I’ve mentioned this before but I have an almost 5yr old and a 16 month old. So I truly feel what you’re saying about sooo many things in your posts. Madison had her first ballet recital last year and I swear to you the same thing happened when she saw Daddy. I was bawling happy tears reading this. Last Christmas I wasn’t pregnant but I had a new little and this year she’s running all over the house. Ahh…bitter sweet.
Great post! And can I just say how awesome I think it is that you have such a great relationship with the mother of your step-boys. That is just amazing, hats off to both of you! What a great family to be a part of 🙂
To MORGAN – Wow, you sound like a wonderful young woman and wise beyond your years! TO BETH- hey! I think that is “home” and darn, i thought it was still on the playlist. I have liked that song ever since I first heard it here! KELLE!! Is there anything cuter than little ones in recitals, plays, etc?! Lainey and that smile, her dad – oh, i was in tears. SO CUTE, she is. I love that you and the boys’ mom are good friends. tamales – oh YES, we must have them every Christmas, too! Keep having fun..
TO BETH** OH, i just checked playlist and it IS still there, at # 39. I do believe that is the song you are asking about!
Ooooh! I love the pictures of Lainey at her dance recital! My 3 year old just started ballet and today was measured for her recital costume. I can’t wait.
I have to tell you- we took our girls to Disneyland this past week and I totally thought of you and your sweet family. We had lunch at Ariel’s Grotto one of the days we were there and as we were walking to our table I saw a teenage girl with DS. She was all decked out in beautiful princess attire, complete with a tiara and she was dancing around with a big grin on her face. I totally teared up as I saw her and thought of you and of Nella. That will be Nella one day- dancing around, bringing smiles to a stranger’s face and tears of happiness to their eyes. Actually, scratch that. Nella already does that!
well. there you go again. breaking my heart in the very best way, but every which way from Sunday with your remarkable ability to call it for almost every mama moment–big and small–i’ve ever had.
happy unicorn heart-skipping dreams.
Oh how I love your random posts… this time of year is such a roller-coaster of preparations & celebrations. When I find myself in a swirl I think of you & remember to enjoy the ride.
That pic of Lainey at the recital beaming at her Daddy… love love love it!
xo
Kate
Your beautiful girls make my heart happy- and so do your photos and words!
Super lovely post as always. Life is messy and it’s so good to be reminded to slow down and drink in the wonders of the day to day. Yay!
Merry Christmas!!
Oh gosh, you have to stop (please don’t), because every post makes me want another little miracle. 🙂 LOVE Lainey’s smile. Definitely was holding back some tears. I hope you get snow!! We’re in the South too, so if you get snow, maybe we’ll get snow! 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
Hey Kelle, tears come to my eyes. I know how you feel about your girls and you feel like you are going to burst. My girl is in Toronto and due early Jan to have her 1st baby. My 1st grandchild. I am over the moon. Life is great and I am so excited to have a new life about to enter mine. Woo Hoo!! xxxxxxxx
Okay, Lainey in those tights and with that jaw-dropping smile and then you saying it was after she had spotted her daddy in the audience! I die, I die!! Too much. That had the tears going and the holding up of the computer to show her off to my husband – “look how cute she is! And she was smiling like that because she spotted her daddy in the audience! Oh, isn’t that sweet!” To which he replied, “Who’s kid is that?” (sorry, Kelle, he’s not a follower – haha!)
We just found out we’re expecting another little miracle this August. And while I may not be feeling a baby move within this Christmas, this little one is already moving my heart. As do you every time with your posts. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Lainey is adorablel in her recital, but the photo that got me is the one of Nella in her orange sweater (tummy time pose) on the quilt…she is BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks Linda!! I searched through the whole playlist and couldn’t find it! I can’t believe I didn’t remember the title / lyrics! Seems every other lyric is the title of the song! Opps!!
And I agree with you that MORGAN-you seem wise beyond your years… I know you asked Kelle for her words of advice but here are mine –
Your concern for your future means you’re already heading down the right path. Follow your heart. Do what works for you, what makes you happy – not saying leave others on the sideline but each and every day you have to wake up and look at yourself in the mirror so make sure each decision you make is something that you’re sure about. That and (if you can afford it or get scholarships) don’t take time off between high school and college. I regret that more than anything because now I’m 26 and still working where I did in high school waiting for the moment that I’m brave enough to jump out of the plane without a parachute and try starting over somewhere new.
Do you ever get tired of hearing people say how much they love your blog? Because I feel like I could just hit the “repeat” key and type it over and over and over again. It makes my day. It makes my night. The words, the photos. You are touching lives in ways I am sure you can’t even imagine. Love your posts!!! Thank you for sharing a slice of your life with us.
To Poppa, impressive ballet isn’t about perfectly pointed toes or arching graceful arms…it is about a coyly smiling pinked up princess paralyzed with a smile that flowed from every vessel of her heart. My little “Baby Goops” in that recital hall made my heart melt. I remember saying to Brett, “She’s not moving…we might have a problem…” and he calmly said, “She will…” and she did…like pulled from marionette strings that connected to his adoring eyes. And then, to hold Nella and feel her form into my arms and shoulder and hear the little voice she has discovered. And life be any better. Oh yeah…seeing Brandyn’s sheer fear when I told him, “We signed you up for ballet. Your classes are Tuesdays and I hope you can fit into small tights–that’s all they had left.” Loving life through your lens!
Whoa and whoa. This post made me cry, tears are coming and I’m so glad they are. Thanks for sharing these unicorn words. They are golden. I found your blog when Nella was just born and I’m so glad I did.
I literally bawled. through the whole thing. cried like a baby. it was so beautiful kelle.
Have a great week.
Melissa
Oh kelle, I cried. I was reading and feeling sleepy and thinking “what am I doing reading this so late at night when I should be sleeping so I can get up early tomorrow (or rather, today) for finals” and then I read about your girl seeing her daddy and smiling that…gorgeous, breathtaking smile and I lost it.
Tears fell slowly and memories of my own childhood as a dancer, because I danced for a long time, and still do in my free time, came back to me and the pride you feel being up there is amazing. Knowing lainey felt that and was so proud to see her DADDY proud, made me all weepy. But that could just be because Im running on low sleep these days, haha.
Okay, suck it up! I’m wiping the tears away as I type (: But really, this post was the right kind of random. I love that you want to stand out and the regular wanting-to-bake-cookies mama is so cliche, but even so it is the right kind of cliche because even I had the impulse to back something today! It’s like once the holidays roll around your inner cook just springs forth. or at least mine does.
ugh, a random comment for a random post, i suppose. I just don’t know when to stop!
I just wanted to say that I waited all day for this, because it’s nice to read your words and be inspired and I’ve needed a bit of that this week. (:
Have a great week, I really hope you get your snow!
I read you words and feel the pressure building in my face..my eyes fill with tears….your writing is beautiful and when Poppa gave your girl those roses I lost it with ya!
just a gorgeous post!
Happy Holidays to you and your gorgeous family!
You have such an amazing way with words. You have again left me with tears (happy tears) in my eyes. This time of year is busy, but tomorrow I am going to make sure I slow down, and take in the beauty of my two babies and what is really important. Thank you for that reminder.
I needed this from you! I needed to be reminded that you TOO have the leaning tower of laundry, a kitchen sink that, if public, might warrant a visit from the health board. That you too are buried under a pile of “to-do’s” so deep you only want “to-don’t”. Because you’re right. I DO have the beautiful babes wrapped in love in each others arms. I need to savor those moments you capture in your photographs, instead of being so often blinded by all that I haven’t done.
Thanks again for the inspiration, the reality check and the refocus on what’s truly important- the small things 😀
Praying for snow for you, we had our turn today!!!
I seriously love the picture where little sister is holding onto big sisters face and they are laying on the blanket…it is perfect.
random is fun 🙂
once again i feel like you are speaking directly to my personal heart. i see that i’m not the only one who feels that way! kelle- you are a very special person- to be able to speak to so many other women with an honesty and openness that most of us are afraid of…or at least don’t know how to express.
i have been feeling so lost and empty as the holidays are closing in. we were hoping to be pregnant by now- we were trying- but i had to have a serious surgery that has delayed what i have wanted and dreamed about for so very long. i feel disappointed and so sad. it is a great relief to read your words and see your family and know that life may not ever be what we expect but if we just wait a minute we will see that it can be better than we ever expected. the waiting is hard, but i know i will say “it was so worth it” one day.
thank you kelle- again!
~jessica…trying so hard to see some damn unicorns!
I’ve been waiting for a new post… I knew I stayed up late for a reason 🙂 Beautiful, as always.
So unique your blog! It is unique because no matter what you write, I walk away feeling more. I was going to say feeling better…but I think what I really feel when I read your words is `more`. More of life. Thank you so much for that – for hitting the backspace and rewriting. It means a lot to so many of us!
I LOVED this post…I can relate. I especially loved the “mom you want to be” part. Your photos are always so beautiful. You are inspiring, thank you for sharing your life with us:)
I’ve been checking your blog all day hoping for a new post and as always, so worth the wait. I can’t get over all of the beautiful photos from the lake. Amazing! Your girls are gonna love having all of those beautiful memories captured. They scream love! And the ballet recital pictures are so sweet. Your little ballerina with her beautiful pink roses and bashful smile. And baby’s first Christmas! So much goodness in this post. Love you!
I can’t wait to see you make some snow angels this week!
xoxo
Heather
Lord, did I ever need your lake today. But all I had was snow and temps that would like to crack my fingers right off.
I should totally be in bed, but I had mac and cheese to make and then I blogged and right before I shut’er down, I saw this pop up, so I had to read.
And now I’m smiling in my ugly robe because we sort of posted the same thing. Again. And now I’m feeling like a weirdo again, “We are twins! We’re soul mates!”
Tomorrow’s looking bright to me. Bright white, but bright, all the same.
LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Your words are so right on- my heart and mind are filled with these same thoughts for my boys all the time and you have such a way to write it perfectly.
beautiful post! Lainey’s ballet photos had me laughing so hard and crying so hard! Seriously adorable!
You are so blessed! I just wanted to say that knowing you know how fully blessed you are!
:o)
Well said. So much going on, yet so very much more to be thankful for…and allow the sad and the happy…the fits and those pride-bursting moments…because it’s life, and it’s real. Love your girls’ pictures, and love to see them loving each other. I never dreamed of how good that would actually feel until my oldest (4) met his baby brother for the first time and all he could do was cuddle him and tell him he loved him…and now seeing that reciprocated. It’s beautiful, so beautiful. I’m so excited for Nella’s first Christmas!!!!!
I also enjoyed getting to “meet” Maria and am not at all surprised by the love and warmth that is extended and felt in your home. You are a gift.
Thank you again and again for the constant inspiration and REALness. 🙂 Merry Christmas.
When you need a little holiday pick me up, check out :
http://www.target.com/b?node=2492229011
Scroll down to: Mrs. Claus Ain’t Got Nothin’ On Me by Little Jackie and hit the play icon.
Put on your super mama cape, turn up the volume and get ready to dance – you’re awesome and you can do it you fabulous mama you!!!
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a real yummy authentic tamale recipe. The girls are so cute together. I love seeing my babies loving on each other. Love this post.
This is my miracle daughter’s first Christmas as well.
xo.
I love this post. I love Nella’s hair. I Love Lainey at her dance recital (and it’s so very special to me because it reminds me of my daughter Vanessa’s first recital this past June). I love your relationship with Maria. So much love! Makes me happy to read about it. Merry Christmas Kelle!
Yep, it never fails. I always end up with tears running down my face every time I read one of your posts – either for inspiration or happiness or my heart aching or smiling for what you’re writing/feeling about. And I absolutely LOVED the pic of Lainey smiling at her dad during the recital – is there anything better? The pic of you two together is absolutely gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing!! Happy Tuesday tomorrow!
You ROCK!!! I feel like i know you, and i wish that i really did! You’re stinkin’ talented. An amazing writer and a beautiful photographer! Thank you so much for doin’ your thing! Your girls put a smile on my face all the time!
P.s. When I showed my 6 year old son the pics of Nella his response was, ” Oh man….she’s just as cute as sister, I want to squeeze her too!”
Hi Kelle – that ballet recital, now that made fat tears run down my cheeks as I know exactly what you mean!! Happy tears though as there is something about little girls and ballet that just melts the heart. I am going to try, as I get Christmas ready this year, to think to myself ‘this hard work is what makes it meaningful’ as that is the truest thing. The harder you work, the more magical it is for them. And that’s what childhood is all about; the effortlessness with which life happens (even if there is a Mummy in the background peddling like crazy!). Lou x
Ha! I love you! My day is totally better…
(how crazy is that? you totally have the power to improve people’s days! thats nuts)!
Thank you Kelle.
And thank you for making a reader feel read.
Standby for deeper comment via email. (tomorrow)- Got a sick baby to tend to and all…
G’night.
-Michal
Awesome post.
Kelle, loving the recital – here is a glimpse of what you have to look forward to:
http://itsme-elizabeth.blogspot.com/
I also love that you and the boy’s mom are on good terms and that everyone does things together – what an inspiration to anyone who deals with putting families together. Yeah for all of you! xoxo
I’m trying to learn not to care about the dishes piling up and the laundry heap getting bigger & bigger.. I’m trying to take a leaf out of your book and just live in the moment. I haven’t quite gotten there yet but I keep trying!
Lovely post and how cute is Lainey in the Ballet Recital! x
Congratulations to the little prima ballerina Lainey!
What a sweet gesture to present her with a bouquet!
“And this year…I have this. I have this. And I’m pretty sure, if you look for it, you do too.”
Thank you for these words. I’ll write them down and post them on my bathroom mirror as I do when I know I need reminding. And when I go to bed drained and exhausted from adjusting to our newly adopted toddler and “fitting it all” into our family of 5 – I will read these words and know that “I have this”. Thanks!
Stacy
So…I held it together until I saw Miss Thang beaming at her Daddy, and my hormonal, pregnant, goof bawled like a baby through the rest of the recital pics. How ridiculously sweet–I can hardly wait for these kind of amazing “firsts.”
fabulous post mama, and guess what?? My christmas lights outside are buried under about 4 inches of the white stuff right now…I so hope you get yours!!!
xo~n
I had a question for you. I notice the way Nella sits a lot, with her legs straight out. I don’t think I’ve seen any other baby do this, is this a DS trait? It’s completely adorable and gives her the cutest posture, but I am wondering…
Thanks!
-Katy
The part in your post where Poppa gave Lainey her well-earned flowers made me cry, for real. What a sweet Poppa he is! <3
I love the lake photos with Lainey poking her tongue and pointing her fingers, haha 🙂 And the sisterly love photos are so sweet, you really know how to capture the moment.
Good grief the ballet bit had me a bleary mush. Your randomness is awesome. Maybe, when you are seeing that snow, you could swing up to Montana real quick? Great.
i knew i loved you at the whole crying while laughing ballet moment.
i’ve done that exact thing too.
The picture of Nella holding Lainey’s face in her hands as the sisters snuggled on the blanket… brings tears of pure love.
Oh my, I cannot stop crying. Tears are streaming!
Beautiful!
I love that you and the boy’s mama get along so great! I grew up with parents who divorced and could never get along, and I have to tell you what a gift it is to those boys for you and their dad and mom to handle things so beautifully. Happy holidays Kelle! Thanks for another great post!
LOVE!!! What a wonderful thing!
That shy smiling girl- priceless!!
but please tell the snow to go away…I am packing for FLA and I am only bringing sundress and flip flops!
No snow please! Thanks 🙂
I wanna move in with you guys, seriously! To come with you just to see the beauty of life 🙂
For a year now I have been reading the blog, and this is my first comment. I felt something more than emotion when I read,”her first flowers ever,” and then saw the photo. My heart skipped a beat, a welling deep within me erupted, and a huge smile came to my face. Along with tears, I see this as such a pivotal moment in a little gir’s life. It makes me appreciate my young little girl, and to cherish each day, because sooner than I know it, she will be gone.
I love every single post of yours.
tears.
love.
smile.
grateful…..
thank you!
i love how happy lainey looks in the pictures at the end of the recital. warms my heart.
I have a fortune cookie paper on my fridge that says, “Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.” Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I read it and am thankful I have these two kiddos I dreamed of and waited so long for. I am so grateful.
Ahhh…perspective. Life is good. Thank you for a beautiful post. We too just experienced my daughter’s winter dance recital and it was beyond wonderful. I was one proud mama.
Beautiful post. Lainey’s smile for her Daddy…what a sweet moment. And your bathtub escapes and trips to the lake sound like a perfect idea to me, and looking at those pictures it doesn’t necessarily seem rainbows and unicorns to be overjoyed by those little girls, it just seems right. Although, you know, I’m pro unicorns!
Got to say again, the outfits – at the lake, superlative cute dressing! I love the way you put things together. Visuals really cheer me!
I love you pictures – as always! Lainey and Nella are getting so big! And if I do say so Lainey has the cutest little smile in the recital and Nella is absolutly gorgeous. Everytime I see more pics I fall more in love!
Oh my, the ballet recital comments and shots still have my eyes welling with tears….still. Oh, the look she gives Brett. Ugh. Daddies and their little girls. I could see how your heart swelled as it attempted to beat. Amazing.
Good luck to all of you out there trying to get it all done this time of the year. We can do it. We will do it. And we will do it again and again. Just keep breathing. It’s worth every ounce of effort to make memories for those who are 2 or 42.
Have a great day.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
Oh my the usual…beautiful pics, beautiful words and it all brought tears to my eyes. You really never disappoint! I was also pregnant this time last year, very newly so, and I remember all the dreams and wishes I had for this year’s Christmas and all of them are coming true. Here’s to little miracles making the holidays that much more wondrous!
I have *this* too! (Although, in this instance, ALL CAPS would be appropriate – I HAVE THIS!!!!!) I LOVE having it even more than I loved dreaming of it. IT is SO good!
Fabulous post, Kelle. In case you haven’t heard lately – YOU ROCK.
The pics of the girls loving each other…perfection.
I am up super early this morning (well, early for a graduate student) and I have a long day ahead, so I decided to read your new post before I dove into my studie. And boy oh boy and I’m I glad I did. Perhaps it was the early hour or the Christmas spirit, but you had me crying happy tears for a solid ten minutes. I just love your family.
Really…you don’t have to do a thought provoking post every time. Just pictures of your kids and a few words about your life will work for your readers. Your pictures are beautiful and your life, like ours, ebbs and flows. It’s enough. susan
You got me with this one. I’m crying. You happy now? 🙂
Not sure what my favorite part was…
I can so relate to exploding Lainey. That’s how I get what a craft project doesn’t work.
I couldn’t have come up with this, and it is genius: “I love that going to the lake and heading to the beach and making Christmas meaningful is a lot of freaking work.”
And the whole ballet section killed me dead. That picture of L smiling at her Daddy is priceless. Nice catch, Momma.
Great post. Can you tell I liked it??
YAY Life!
The photos of Lainey on top of Nella, them looking at each other with lit-up eyes… incredible!
Your Christmas will be magical. I just know it!
Totally crying tears of “I remember when my baby was in her first dance recital and she’s growing up so fast” Thanks for your pictures…and for the memories. It’s all good…sometimes, we just need to remember that! Thanks Kellie
Totally crying tears of “I remember when my baby was in her first dance recital and she’s growing up so fast” Thanks for your pictures…and for the memories. It’s all good…sometimes, we just need to remember that! Thanks Kellie
your posts are amazing just amazing…. the WORLD is lucky to have you
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I sooo loved this post! The pictures are always so beautiful and cute, but today the one of Nella and Lainey wrapped in each other’s arms on the ground – so beautiful. And the shy smile of your little ballerina – too much! The way you describe it, I can totally imagine your swell of pride. Maybe I’m just a little emotional right now cause my little one has his first cold and his little stuffy nose just breaks my heart, but this post had tears in my eyes, but the good kind!!
The cuddly park photo’s made my heart leap. I love how you capture what is important, including that we are all searching for what the mum we would like to be would say.
Kellie I wish you could come and do an Oprah like Australian tour (I went to the show this morning :D).
This was beautiful isn’t amazing how normal life can be. Down syndrome and balet, physical therapy and cookies, sometimes it’s so normal I want to eat up the normalcy. I wondered if I would ever have this again and I do and it it tear jerking good.
Oh the days of first recitals. The innocence you can just eat it up can’t you….
Lovin the lake squishy muddy toes photo and the girls wrapped in one anothers arms.
You are very blessed with love, laughter, family, craziness abounds to hold it all together.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Thanks for your blog.
The picture of Nella smiling in front of the Christmas tree made ME smile. Real big. 😀 <– like that.
Didn’t expect to get all teary with reading this, but you seem to have that effect on me quite often. I get it. I so do.
I love that you share so freely…the funny parts, the frustrating parts, and the heavier moments that life inevitably brings. It’s all so very beautiful when all is said and done.
Much Love.
i am in love with every single post i read on your blog. you are such a wonderful mother — your love for your girls oozes in every single post. i admire you for that 🙂
Kelle, I am so thankful for you! Every single post that you write touches my heart in ways that I cannot describe. I remember being pregnant at Christmas and feeling that baby kick, and knowing that the next year’s Christmas would be even more magical.
I remember watching my dear daughter in her first ballet recital last Christmas. She was 5 and they performed the Nutcracker. I cried through the whole performance, because I was so proud and my heart was filled with so much love for that creature up there, who is all mine!
Thank you for helping me cherish those little moments that I might otherwise forget over time!
Merry Christmas to your sweet family!
I do have it and I cried as you reminded me. The hustle and bustle certainly get in the way as I angrily tried to get my uncooperative 4 year old ready for her angel role in her school play today. She is so ready but I know she will look like your shy little Lainey when the time comes. And I too will shed tears! I love my babies!!!
So, my littles dress their babies in ‘real’ clothes, too. And Myah, who is 4, completely FrEaKs out when they don’t fit right!? And why the crap she can’t understand that her American Girl baby shoes won’t fit on her Target baby…ugh! So, we’ve gotten smarter…it’s cut the melt-downs almost in half or maybe even more… We head to Target and hit the clearance sections… For preemie clothes. Baby doll clothes can be somewhat expensive and let’s be honest…some aren’t so cute… But if you hit the cleanance preemie section, well, you’ll have a closet FULL of Carter’s clothes, that’ll freakin’ rock Lainey’s (and Myah and Macy’s) socks! 🙂 Happy shopping!
kelle,
you leave me a mess of tears with those beautiful ballet recital pictures of lainey love look like an angel.
and your family sitting together so proud watching her, thats what really made me tear up. poppa holding nella with garry close by. ahhh, so much love.and i know that laugh-cry you speak of, i did it at my grandaughter emilys ballet recital, its pretty funny actually. as always, your little angels get more beutiful everyday.
God bless ya!
It warms my heart every time I see your blog in my Google Reader! I find myself laughing and crying and remembering to pare down life to the basics of what makes it all worth it! Thank you for your posts…random or organized…they make me a better Mom and overall better person!
Unicorns and rainbows make me smile and make me happy! What a great way to start my day!
love love love the last few lines of the post!!! yes your dreams come true , you just have to open your eyes to live it! enjoy every moment of this christmas.
Yesterday, as I washed the bedsheets that had vomit everywhere, as I bathed a 20 month old covered in vomit and poop and as I tried to hold back my own morning sickness while cleaning up, I looked for a blog from you, and thought it wasn’t there…it was here this morning. And I am happy. Thanks for your loving words that remind us what is important…and I too am one of those momma’s waiting. At this amazingly special time to wait. As Mary waited for Jesus, I wait for our last family member to arrive in June. Thanks for keeping the good notes ever present in the forefront of my mind.
Great way to start my day! Thanks!
Hi Kelle,
I.Love.Your.Blog!
You write: “It’s amazing–that whole growing-a-baby-and-birthing-perfection thing”.
…and I agree. Even if I am not able to carry a baby in my womb.
But you know what is just as amazing, and makes you love só much that it hurts?
Adoption.
We are currently waiting to travel to our precious beautiful 2,5 year old daughter in China. She will be our second daughter, and she’ll be a little sister to our 5-year old Chinese beauty.
And it is just wonderful.
Just wanted to share 🙂
Love,
Didi
Love this randomness…..unicorns-and-rainbows are right up there with frogs and dogs.
xo, Bug $ Ruby’s Gram
I read your blog all the time, but I don’t know if I have ever commented. I just have to say I think it is amazing and beautiful that you can have relationship with your stepsons’ mom! That is so rare, and such a great example for your girls. Also this post made me cry too! But maybe it’s because I’m watching my two year old pretend to paint my nails while we talk about the little life swimming around inside me.
The picture of your girls hugging on the blanket is priceless. My heart lit up inside. Thank you for sharing your moments with all of us. It makes my heart dance each morning you have a new posting.
Lara
I loved the recital pics!! I laughed aloud at the angel hands. And the smile she gave her daddy, omg! I have a 3 year old who just finished “soccer” a few months ago so I can imagine the recital. A bunch of 3 year olds doing anything in a group is like the cutest and funniest thing ever, all at once.
This post is the perfect mixture of “we work hard to make life oh so good”. I’m glad going to the beach is a lot of work for you too, sometimes it can see like you are able to transport yourself and the babes and they somehow find themselves in their swimsuits with sunscreen applied. 🙂
Anyway, this post is so special. We are a little over three weeks from meeting our second little guy, and your last picture…that’s what we are waiting for! This is a fun flash forward to Christmas next year for us. Thanks for that.
First, I hope that Latte wasn’t in fact hit by a car. I was looking for your “No animals were harmed in the making of this blog post” comment.
Second, Beautiful post. My son was born with freaky toes too. I LOVED them. They were without a doubt one unique bit of his delicious boyness that I fell in love with instantly. He’s 24 now and so they are not so cute anymore, but my memory is. 🙂
I find myself looking forward to your post at new years. Reflections on birth, growth and the loves of a lifetime all scrunched into a year make me a little misty. Thanks for reminding me that normal everyday things don’t have to be mundane.
Deana
Love hurts so good.
Perfectly said.
I have a 3 year old and a 7 month old. My boys are my world. And my heart soars. Love hurts so good!
I have a little one on the way (in about 4 weeks). My emotions are insane right now and i cry every time i read your blog posts. I love your outlook on life! Keep up the great work. You have 2 beautiful little girls.
I had tears seeing Lainey smiling at her daddy at the recital. Although this post may seem random to you it is just another example of how you look for the good in life. I hope you get to have some snow in Naples…we currently have 18 inches in Ohio!
This is the first time I’ve commented on your blog. Yep, I’m a ‘comment virgin’ 🙂 I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now and I’ve been trying to come up with the perfect comment because I want to match the perfectness that is your blog. Your words and pictures speak volumes. Every day is like Christmas morning when I open my own blog and click on those I follow to see if there is something new to read! Everything you write about, I find something I can relate to. I am a mother to 2 beautiful kids, a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old daughter.
After reading this entry, I so feel what you are feeling! My 3 year old freaks out about the most ridiculous things too. I then realize that only I think whatever it is he’s freaking out about is ridiculous, to him it’s like his little world is falling apart! And this year marks my daughters first ‘real’ Christmas, last year she was a mere month old and I was so exhausted from tending to the needs of a newborn and a 2 year old that I couldn’t really enjoy all the things that make Christmas, Christmas. This year though, oh what a Christmas it will be! Santa truly exists this year for my son, even though when asked what he’ll be asking Santa for this year, he proudly states “Mommy has all my presents for me in a box in her closet” and when asked where Santa lives, says “At the Mall of America!” We still have a few things to work on 🙂 Living in Minnesota, although we have over 10,000 lakes to escape to, we just got 20″ of snow and the temps are bitterly, bitterly cold. This winter is leaving us with a feeling of being trapped. After my husband finishes his MBA we will hopefully be off to warmer temps and little or no snow! I can’t wait to have somewhere other than the Mall of America to escape to when moods get crabby!
Sorry for the long comment, even though I’m sure you enjoy reading all the little snippets of other peoples lives just as much as we enjoy reading yours. I really, truly LOVE reading your blog and oh so happy that I stumbled upon it on a friends facebook page as a ‘must read!!!’ I am in awe of your talents as a writer and a wonderful photographer. You really are a blessed and lovely lady 🙂 I look forward to more amazing entries in the future. Don’t ever stop! If you want to check out my blog, feel free! http://www.ataleoftwokiddies.com Clever, no?
Thank you for your words, stories and pics. I can feel the love emanating from my computer screen. Your girls are adorable and I think that if in 20 years our 3 year olds aren’t spoken for, we should play match maker 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh my goodness, that ballet recital and that coy smile. I pretty much melted right there. Those pictures are worth a thousand, million words.
P.S. Those orange sweaters are pretty stinkin’ cute, too.
I just love reading your blog. It brings such emotions to the surface. I anxiously click on my bookmark every morning, hoping that there is a new post to read. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Oh this post says it all. I’m SO glad you wrote it. Thank you! It’s how so many of us mamas feel right now. Trying to make it all work this time of year. And this helped me remember why we do it. So THANK YOU
Love you, Lainey and Nella … and I love everything about your blog. Last year, I was also feeling the joy of baby kicks in my belly on Christmas morning. And this year I have a giant 10 month old who enjoys teething on baby Jesus from the nativity and running off with big sister’s angel halo for the Christmas play. It may not be what I imangined, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Kelle,
Thanks for the randomness! 🙂 Love,love the doll/shoe story. My 5year old girl twin (Kelly!) attempts this, still. Thanks for the laugh, and reminding me that us moms are all in this together.
Krissy
Batavia, Il
Yesterday, my two-year-old decided that she wanted to push her doll around in the laundry basket. Cute. Until she started flipping out whenever the doll fell over because she wanted her to sit up straight. So I tote-tied the doll into the laundry basket. I had to cut her out with scissors when she was done, but whatever.
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and I’ve been meaning to say THANK YOU for so long. Thank you for making me realize I have everything I need and could ever want right in front of me. Thank you for reminding me that it really is the small things that make the world (my world) go ’round. Wishing you and your family the happiest holiday wishes.
I had a dream last night that I took my Noah to the mall and saw you and Lainey and Nella there and I RAN full force to you, telling you that I post on your blog all the time, and we hugged and cried and you kissed my Noah and I loved on your Lainey and Nella and JUST as I had buried my entire face in Nella’s sweet neck…..I woke up….realized it was a dream, and now……I AM SO PISSED OFF! 🙁
Kelle, I just loved this post. Lainey’s smile for her dad made me tear up, and the last picture of your girls melted my heart. It reminded me of my 1 yr old daughter’s face pat…that gentle little pat she gives us on our faces with such a look of awe and love on her face. I can feel her saying ‘I love you’ before she can say it. If only I could bottle that look. Heaven.
Kelli,
I’m sure you can’t possibly have the time to read all the comments posted on your blog, so I’m going to YELL to be heard.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR HEART THROUGH THIS BLOG! I STARTED READING SHORTLY AFTER NELLA’S BIRTH, AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, HAD READ RIGHT BACK TO THE BEGINNING.
THERE ARE MANY DAYS YOUR ABILITY TO FIND BEAUTY AND HUMOUR IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OF LIFE
IS JUST EXACTLY THE KICK IN THE PANTS I NEED TO CARRY ON, AND SEEK OUT THE BEAUTY AND HUMOUR IN MY OWN DAY-TO-DAY.
That’s all. Just ‘thanks’.
Your account of the ballet recital made me cry. SO SWEET. I am one of three girls and there’s something so dear and one-of-a-kind about a girl’s love for her daddy. That smile is priceless!
Just what I needed to read this morning to start my day. After a rather beautifully stressful day yesterday. Thank you!
good golly girl…how in the world do you always make me teary. i just love your writing. it speaks to me…how you look at life and can take the random everyday and make me want to squeeze every drop from it. quite the gift you have…hope you realize that.
I was obsessed with Unicorns when I was little and I was a ballerina for a very long time….so you know this made me smile. 🙂
Seriously, reading about how Lainey and her Daddy were in a locked gaze during her recital brought me to tears. And that picture of Lainey and Nella holding each other on the blanket in the grass…there aren’t words! Beautiful randomness.
Oh my, you haven’t made me cry in a while Kelle…but this was a doozie! It started with the picture of Nella holding Lainey’s face on the blanket. So precious. I am so excited for Nella and her very first Christmas. It really is going to be magical. My eyes welled up again with the ballet recital. Every word. My son has a Christmas concert at his preschool next week and I’m sure I’ll be a hot mess of tears. lol
Yay for real snow. Enjoy!!!
xo
Kris
I have been followinig your blog for almost a year now and love when I go to log in and see a new post! You inspire, you teach and you can make a sad day turn into a really great day just by what you write! Your family is beautiful! I love all of the pictures you take of your girls…they are just the sweetest! We celebrated our daughter’s first birthday on Sunday and the tears were streaming down my face as we sang happy birthday to her – they grow up so fast and I haven’t figured out how to slow down time!
OH the tears your post brought on as I sit here at work reading. I cried at the part of lainey’s recital…especially the part of her seeing her daddy. I hope my girls are like that for their daddy. We are expecting our 2nd girl in April and admit we were a bit dissapointed that we didnt get a boy. But I ache so badly for my girls to adore their daddy like lainey does hers.
Your randomness speaks volumes. Love it! Merry Christmas!
Oh your girls are so sweet 🙂 I love that last photo, they are so precious!
I danced for 22 years of my life – the photos of your little ballerina brought tears to my eyes. Please frame them in your home!
Hot glue velcro dots in the shoes and on the feet of the doll! It’s the only way those suckers will ever stay on! :0)
I know what you are feeling. It is really hard to put words to it. It can all be very heavy, Christmas, the end of a year (what a year), a first birthday ect….you recognize this, hit pause and just enjoy the small things. That’s all we can really do.
Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas.
Hey I didn’t get my Christmas card yet. Just kidding.
Yeah for Lainey!!! So gorgeous that little one is! I have tears of happiness after reading that post! You put it perfectly, Christmas and the way it is. I have Gracies birthday the 30th and it will be a celebration of what we have, and the new world we have been given. Merry Christmas!!!! Love from Chicago! Katie
You keep those unicorns leaping, okay…no matter what be true to YOU cause that is what we love you for!
I really got your statement “and thi year, I have this”…me too only for different reasons. I dreamed of a life back home where my kids would soak up the love of Grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts…and this year our Christmas prayer came true. God is good~
ok, you have done it again, you made me cry. thank you for being the patron saint of enjoying motherhood. for those of us who didn’t know how, didn’t think we were cut out for it, didn’t think we could ever measure up – you have shined a light, paved the way, made it seem real, like … if she can, then i can too …
thank you and keep letting your light shine!
love from nashville!
ps love the gorgeous shot of my sis!
You are freakin killin me!!! So the tears started rolling when I saw that picture of Nella holding Lainey’s face…then when you showed the picture of Lainey smiling for her Daddy…..lord woman, you know how to make someone look at the small things and appreciate them. I have an almost one year old and a four year old and seeing my girl love her brother oh so much brings joy to my heart like I never thought possible. Bravo Kelly, your post about not much at all was pretty special.
Loved the post. Last year I had a little bump that was making it hard to close my ski pants. I never imagined how much this little person would change my life (people tell you but you never really know until it happens). Even though I want to pull my hair out from the stress of the holidays I am thankful for all I have.
Isn’t having a great relationship with your spouse’s exes the BEST?! I come from ‘one of those’ Southern California families with a ridiculous number of divorces and separations and step children and half children, but when we all get together to celebrate life it is absolute heaven. I think it’s because the love capacity gets bigger when you have a little pain and hurt mixed in with the bad feelings. Because we could all be bitter and angry and fighting, but we choose to let our love become bigger than the past, which makes our collective love SO big and huge. Done rambling now. I’m so glad your girls can make tamales with your boys’ mom.
Loved this post, so real, so much emotion! Love the dance recital photos!
*Sniff-sniff* You got me again girl…my heart longs to capture HOW I feel and you always manage to put into words what my heart longs to type out…and of course put it with some scrumptious pictures too!
I’m so pulling out the camera and going to get those cheesy shots and them I’m dusting off the ole blog. Thanks for the inspiration!
By the way, Michigan is under such a beautiful white blanket right now! If I can kick this pneumonia I’ll be out taking some pics!
WOW! The smile on Lainey’s face holding the flowers… she knows she did good! Nothing better then watching your children perform, learn and grow. Angels from heaven they are… and Lainey has that pose down.
Beautiful post Kelly!
This post was beautiful. I hope you save it and share it with your girls some day. To me it gushed motherly love and all its perfectness.
Such a beautiful post (as always)! The photo of Lainey looking at Brett brought tears to my eyes – what a great moment 🙂 Wishing you a happy holiday season!!
Love, love how this post made me laugh and cry at the same time! Truly amazing!
I love the little triangle you have. In this day and age…that’s so wonderful to see. Shows what great people you all are.
I so needed to hear all of these words today. Between a sick baby and husband and the 5 unexpected people that just announced that they are descending upon my quiet Christmas this year to 40 degree back and forth temperature changes that are killing my sinuses, I am a bundle of stress. But reading your words brought me back to basics. You have inspired me. Today I will trade laundry, gift-hunting, and grocery shopping for an afternoon of making Playdoh pancakes with my girl.
Thanks!
Beautiful as always! After I am done reading your posts wiping the tears from my face I realize I must really enjoy the small things! So much so that I am overflowing with emotion. Thanks for showing me!
Oh man, do I know the feeling of watching your “baby” do something so big like a ballet recitel. And I am right there with you Kelle, trying to hold it together but then the damn breaks. For me it was my son’s first swim meet. And man oh man it does hurt so good! Just reading your post made me choke up…I’m at work and this girl’s gotta hold it together! Thanks for sharing!!
I am a ball of mush after reading about Lainey’s dance recital! I am a former ballet dancer and swore I’d never put my toddler in ballet! Well, now I have a 14 month old and can’t wait! Watching Lainey look at her Daddy made me cry and resorting to the angel pose made me laugh! I needed that! Thanks for sharing!
Bawling!!!! Such a beautiful post Kelle!!! Marry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am so blessed to be going through being a mamma with you!!! Thanks for bringing me back to what matters.
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I’m at work. Taking my break in the library and I laughed so loud at the shoe won’t fit the doll and you screaming for the dog. I have a 3-yr-old-boy and 15-month-old girl. I want to tell people that they make my heart feel like it doesn’t fit in my chest all the time. Like the lady in front of me in the check out line. Love, love your blog. 😀
You are such an inspiration (how cheesy does that sound??) I fold a lot too with the baby crawling after me crying mamamamamamama ALL. THE. TIME. and the 5 year old with the attitude of a 16 year old with PMS. Oy. But more often than not I fold in the not good way. After some getting snippy with kids that totally dont deserve it I feel SO bad wondering if this is how they will remember me when theyre big. I need to find my half full cup a bit more.
I love the pics of the girls embracing — especially the one where Nella has her hands on Lainey’s face. It really is all that matters, isn’t it?
Baby K has double ear infections and a rampaging 12 hour stomach bug is making its way through the rest of us. But you reminded me to look for the good, even in buckets, tons of laundry, and hand sanitizing. Getting to sit on the couch all day in PJs. Ok, I’ll take it. I felt a litte guilty last night when I felt, well like crap, I lost my temper and bit, and couldn’t wait to put my kids in bed, so that I could be sick in peace. But the good thing is that I can make up for it today.
I am one of the ones who just birthed another “breath of heaven.” He came on the 1st, his name is Jude and I can’t believe how much I love him already. Though his older brother is not so sure about the new addition. 🙂
I love it doll…the beauties of being a mother!It was very nice experience to see your blog and nice way to capture precious moments images and views through blog. Thanks for sharing your precious moments images corresponds to mother love and affection towards her children.
I really needed this little bit of randomness this morning, a few days with a sick baby and a bored toddler has pushed me to the edge but a few tears and some smiles while reading this has made me feel abit better about everything. Thank you for what you write!
So much randomness and loveliness happening in your world. Isn’t it fun?
I loved so much about this post. Little snippets of what’s been going on with your sweet family. The girls are precious! Lainey in her ballet get-up. And sweet Nella. I fall in love with her a little more each time you post more pictures.
And the pictures of the two of them at the end of the post. Be still my beating heart! They are kindred souls.
I love Lainey’s goofy pictures 🙂 I love her recital photos, I love that Brett’s boys Mama loves her. That makes a family complete, when there is no animosity, and instead,there is love.
Speaking of love…Kinsley is gorgeous. Congrats to her Mama.
Merry Christmas Season, Kelle, Nella, Brett, Brandyn, Austyn, Lainey, Papa Rick, Gary, and anyone else whose name has slipped my memory. (Mommy brains tend to go squishy after awhile)
Kelle,
You don’t know me, but…
I love you. Not in the creep me out weirdo kinda way, but in the deep in the mother’s soul kinda way. I struggle daily with dealing with my 3 year old and my 18 month old little boys. They have so much spirit and umph that it normally sends me over the edge. I get so caught up in the daily grind of screaming and yelling (that would be me)and fighting and hitting and jumping on the kitchen table and all that both of my little boys do that they know that their mother hates that I forget to stand back and look at the real picture. Those things are exactly what little boys are supposed to do. I read your blog daily to ground myself and teach myself to follow your advice to “enjoy the small things.” I keep telling myself that this will all go away someday (soon) and I will surely miss it. Thank you so much Kelle for you wonderful words and photos. They truly are an inspiration to a lot of people whom you will probably never know. Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family!
Kelle…Your amazing spirit just warms my heart. Your beautiful girls are so blessed to have such a wonderful Mom! Thanks for sharing.
Another amazing blog post. Thank you!!!
To BETH-You’re welcome! And YOU had great words for Morgan and anyone else. To Poppa RIK-love your comments, as always and I laughed so hard when I read what you said to Brandyn!!
Such a Beautiful blog!! You have an amazing ability to put into words that are in your heart. You remind me to Enjoy the small things. Thank you. <3
Beauty, beauty, beauty. I’m one of those awaiting new life and will enjoy the extra special kicks on Christmas morning.
Your pictures and stories are so inspiring and they make your beautiful moments seem so effortless. Thank you, thank you, thank you for pointing out that the fun stuff is often a lot of work as well. I think we all need to hear “it’s okay” and “it’s worth it” every once in awhile… because it SO IS.
I could spend the day just reading and re-reading your posts. Going back to the beginning, choosing a random one from the “You might also like:” and generally wasting the day away with the delicious words and the gorgeous photos. My boss doesn’t thank you. But I do. And after a 2 hour commute in the aftermath of 20″ of snow, I like to think I deserve just a little more downtime.
Love your tree, BTW. Wow. It’s lovely.
Happy Tuesday!
Seriously, what is it about kids’ recitals and plays that just tug your heart into that exact emotion! Last night was my baby’s (who is 8) 2nd Grade Holiday Musical. It was absolutely priceless. I wanted to hug each and everyone of them. Those little voices singing and eyes smiling as big as the grins on their faces, PRICELESS!
Love your post – as usual. I especially loved the part about Lainey’s dance recital. I was a “rina” back in my day. And I too, would scan the audience for my fathers face when I went on stage. His handsome eyes and bright smile always got me through the stage fright. I would do my dance – just for him. Sadly, he passed away about 5 years ago. But this post brought back those special memories. And I could always use something like that this time of year…. Now that I have a little of my own – I have HUGE hopes that she will want to lace up her own pair of point shoes and perform for her daddy. 🙂 Thank you!!
This entire post has me crying for some reason. It could be that I am still half high from the Thera Flu I took last night lol I just adore your Unicorn and Rainbows view of life. Your life is as real as anyone’s, bad days and all, but it is how you view it that makes it special. Nici mentioned on her blog that you may have left some Unicorn poop in her toothpaste? I would like some, please ; D
Oh, there is NOTHING better than 3 year old dance recitals! I have big girls who dance and the little ones are still my favorites : D
You are so right, Kelle. Last year I dreamed of this, this year I have it.
http://www.simplysmosna.blogspot.com
You make me see how beautiful the small things really are!
Happy Holidays to you and your precious family!
The moment that struck me was when you wrote about walking through Costco with Nella snuggled up and the old people sending her love with their eyes and you feeling lucky…I love that you felt that emotion because I wonder if just about a year ago you might have wondered if they were looking at her and wondering, rather than sending her love. I love that transformation that has taken place in your heart.
Thanks for sharing your randomness, it made my day a little bit brighter!
Isn’t it so very heartwarming when our children get along? When they have that moment of “oh how I love my sister” and we actually get to witness it. Because those moments are sometimes so few and far between some days that when we do get to see it, it makes up for all the fighting and bickering they do the rest of the time. 🙂 Enjoy your girls this Christmas as I will do with mine.
I am one of those mamas expecting a baby over the holidays and when I read of your line about feeling kicks on Christmas morning, I about lost every tear I was trying to hold in 🙂
This is my second (they will be 18 months apart) and I have had such fear about having enough love for two. However, looking at the pics of your girls I feel like my heart finally believes it can stretch!
Thank you for that.
You got me crying with you about the ballet recital. How sweet. You have such a beautiful family…so blessed.
Merry Christmas.
I love Nellas orange sweater. I love the repeated use of ‘freaking’. I love that your dad was so thoughtful with the flowers. I love that you laugh-cried. I did too when I was reading it.
Love the randomness.
thank you so much for sharing of yourself, the girls, Brett, the boys, Papa, the whole gang.
you are like an old friend I love having a coffee with at the end (or sometimes start) of my day!
thanks for your honesty… all us Mom’s can relate, I think you earned another “Mom badge” – awesome way to handle yourself… get out and get muddy!!
love to you my friend!
Man, your blog is just awesome in how inspiring and connecting it is. I just had a bad mom day and like many other commenters had tears just on the rims of my lids as a read your beautiful post. I feel re-fueled by your words. Thank-you Kelle – Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for posting like you do. Every day I read your blog, and every day it makes me smile. Today I smiled so hard, I laughed and I cried. Thank you for reminding me to be happy each day. Thank you for making me smile.
The dishes are piled in the sink…Christmas cards waiting to be made…heck, my baby shower thank-yous aren’t even finished…but I’m holding my baby and reading this and being reminded that being a mama is the sweetest thing I’ve ever done and will ever do. Thank you for this wonderful post. The picture of your girls where both of Nella’s hands are holding Lainey’s face about melted my heart. And for the record, I love unicorns! 😉
So sweet I love this. She looks so adorable in her ballet… how cute. You are a wonderful mother.
Oh my word – you brought tears to my eyes with this one. I love the pictures of Lainey at her recital, she looks so darn proud of herself! Wishing you and your family an amazingly beautiful first Christmas with Lainey – we’re excited for our first with Izzy!
The post today, like others, had me in tears. I’m an emotional person lol. I have 4 boys and as crazy as they make me, I love them so much. I am so glad that they are MINE. This Christmas is hard for us because daddy is deployed and we aren’t going home for Christmas, but it’ll be ok, because i have all i need right here. Thank you for your beautiful posts and for sharing your life with us 🙂
i have a 3-year-old bomb as well. it’s quite the daily drama!
pure loveliness!! kelle, i love your randomness posts…we get a little piece of all your moments (big & small). smiling at Lainey’s goofy dance at the lake & her muddy toes, smiling even bigger at her oh so precious smile at her daddy (looks like she is holding his heart close to hers as she clasps her chest)…she is a golden angel!
Nella, well she just makes me feel so happy. That smile of hers is so contagious…she is squeezable i say!!
And I get the “love hurts so good” feeling when old people send their love with their eyes-it is a happy place we live in…you just need to look for it and be open to receive it!
Love your “unicorn-leaping heart” comment-you are the BEST writer of the everyday moments and so insightful at the bigger picture…you are my favourite book!!!
So happy your dream came true…sister love is magical…keep enjoying!!
Monique
I can’t wait to have “that”! I’m so in love with Little Bunny already and can only imagine what the day of arrival will be like….pure magic!
As always, you did it once again, flood gates open, but heart full. I needed that!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. And the triangle thingy, its wonderful 🙂 SO many wish they could have that, but you have to want it, work for it maybe and embrace it. And cheers to tamales!
xxx
the picture of nella and lainey laying together at the lake…looking deeply in each others eyes and nella is embracing lainey’s sweet face…that pic made my unicorn heart beat a lil sweeter 🙂
my 3 1/2 year old son just walked past my computer and saw Lainey ballerina and asked, “Who dat? Him pwitty.” (we’re still working on correct gender phrases) Pretty sure an arranged marriage is in the works though 🙂
This post left me with tears rolling down my cheeks. The good kind. A month from today, two families will again come together to be one big family when my son gets married. And my little angel will be a flower fairy with his dad’s little angels. I love it that we all work together for the sake of the kids. Not everyone is able to do that, and it makes my heart happy that we do. It makes my heart happy that you do too. Enjoy the craziness of the season, and find peace in it as well. Hugs!
okay, girl.. just one question~ WHEN are they gonna give you that TV show?? i would so totally watch!
maybe all us moms should put together a huge petition to abc or something. seriously!
i love that you cause us all to find our inner unicorns!
xo.
This time of year is a mixture of absolute beautiful, bountiful awesomeness, and the frustration that comes with trying to get everything right – because in your mind, when you were a kid, Christmas was perfect. But we adults know better. The balance. It’s hard.
And Goodness if there isn’t something about a little fairy in a tutu that melts my heart. I bought my 6 month old best girl one at Target the other day just because I can hardly wait. Counting down the days to her first Christmas recital — T minus 600 or so days and counting…
Warm wishes and Merry white (and frigid) Christmases to you from Chicago. Ho ho ho.
I love how your posts can always make me laugh and cry at the same time! In my book, it’s not a good day unless you’ve done both =)
Randomness is apparently awesome! This post brought tears to my eyes. Is it sad that I anticipate a new post from you everyday just to give me motivation and inspiration?
Love, love, LOVE the photos of Lainey and Nella laying cuddling on the quilt. Priceless. Your love of motherhood resonates with me. Last Christmas I had a newly adopted 3 month old daughter and was 8 months pregnant with my son. What precious memories and what a sweet Christmas this will be as we celebrate with both our children. And reading about Lainey’s recital has me really excited about the seasons ahead. And now I have to go because my daughter just found some chocolate and she’s diggin’ in! Yikes!
I have this too. I cried reading your post because I love my girls like you love yours. I am 41 years old and didn’t know if I would have kids. This Christmas will be my oldest’s 4th and my youngest’s first. I am amazed to be where I am in life. Thank you for putting this feeling into words…along with gorgeous photos of your beautiful family.
Oh you tease. Your randomness was not randomness at all, quite poignant actually. and exactly what i try to remember as i take all that energy to plan something special, an outting or event, especially this time of year. It’s easy to get focused on the fantasy of how it will all play out that i watch in my head leading up to the actual event and get disappointed if the reality of my almost 3 year old having a potty accident, or refusing to ride the indoor carousel at the mall (all part of my pre-planned image, her riding it with it’s lights and glory and laughing away with her daddy) or daddy being crabby or crabby people around you or who knows what, maybe a blizzard in MN that ruins all your plans that involved leaving home and forces you to muster even more energy and creativity to find new moments to create as your stuck in doors and weren’t prepared for it. In the end it’s still an amazing thing, this time we spend together.
you are an amazing writer! thanks for this. keep enjoying that family 🙂
Oye….the ballet bit made me a mess. You so accurately described the emotions.
True fact: I once teared up at a parent teacher conference. What can I say? Sometimes your heart is so full.
Loved this post. It was just what I needed. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I’ve been cooped up in this house since last Thursday (MN snowstorm) or all the pressures of Christmas, but I’ve been so anxious the last few days and constantly reminding myself just how lucky I am. Thanks for reminding me to see the beauty…even beyond the mile long “to do” list. You have managed to make me cry (yet again), but more importantly helped me “let my heart be light”. Have yourself a Merry little Christmas and thank you for your amazing blog.
Your post made me sniffly…because up until July of this year, we had a pretty good relationship with my husband’s ex-wife. It was hard to get to that place, and it was even harder to watch it slip away as she lost control of her life, and chose us, and our new baby, to blame for it. I am jealous that you’re able to celebrate your relationship with the boys’ mom, because the decline in relationship with my kids’ mom is KILLING me, and sucking some of the happiness out of my baby’s first Christmas, despite my desperate attempt each and every morning to celebrate the good stuff. I am going to go back and read some of your other posts, and stop to reset my mood. 🙂 You’re blessed, and you’re a blessing.
So here is the beauty of the mundane. I LOVE it. Love reading about other mama’s on the brink of loosing their cool, how they deal with it. It makes me feel better. Thanks Kelle for making me feel normal. Love it!
http://www.theopinionatedmama.com
Tears … This is a BEAUTIFUL post … The pictures of ~Lainey and Nella~ embracing warm my HEART… LOVE them! 😀
XOXOXO
“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.” ~Khalil Gibran
Ahhh, I put my girls down for naps, and instead of getting started on my editing I came over to your blog for a little inspiration. I have to tell you girl, I LOVED this post! It made me laugh, smile, cry AND inspired me! So for that, Thank YOU! Merry Christmas to you and yours…
Whenever I’m down and out-I know I can come read your blog and remember what life is all about! Thank you!!
As a mom of a 14 month old, I went through the hardest thing last night, she got sick- REALLY SICK- on the car ride home. There was nothing I could do to help her, but I took her and cleaned her and loved her and I CRIED. So after last night and having to leave her today to come to work- i had to read and I am refreshed and ready to finish my day so I can go home and cuddle!
I love your post, I had to steal your last line and make it my status on facebook. It sums up exactly how I feel this holiday season. I too dreamed of that last year and now I have it and oh how I love it.
You always have a way of bringing me back to the simple things and the appreciation to be found in them. Those ballet pictures are beyond precious!!!!! 🙂
I so relate, I will be up to my eyeballs and about to rip my hair out and start drinking, then I look at my kids, they are having fun, singing Christmas songs together and loving on one another. I never thought it would be so unperfectly perfect when my Emme was born with her “extra” but it is and I love it. So then I grab the wine (hey the hair is still there!) and watch and join in!
Ahhh, there is nothing like sisterly love. Or the first dance recital. Or carrying on family traditions. Brought tears to my eyes today, Kelle. In a good way. XO
Exactly what i needed this afternoon to get me through the rest of the work day. I am exhausted and my tank of happiness is on empty but you have once again filled it up. Thank you! LOVE the pictures!! 🙂
I love reading everything you have to say. It always puts such a huge smile on my face and makes my day so much better. Your girls are beautiful, and you are beautiful, and I’m so glad you share the little things in life. Sometimes we don’t get enough of them.
OH my goodness. You went and made me bawl. I haven’t bawled in a while when reading your blogs. They’ve been all calm and not tugging on the heart strings. but this post definitely made me bawl.
I love this. I love reading and seeing your girls growing together. Every little girl deserves to have a sister, and I’m SO glad Nella has Lainey and vice versa.
Lainey looked so cute in the angel post. I definitely have been the momma that wants to tell everyone and THEIR mom “that’s MY child & Nobody loves him more than I do!” haha.
Thanks for pulling my heart strings.
<3
Mandsa
Sounds like you are managing to have a lovely moment. Enjoy it!
I love the way you love life!
the good and the bad!
You make me see things in a good way, the things I already do have!
xoxo
tara
=)
That about covers how much I love this post.
Oh, please be headed to Michigan. And please email and say you want to meet for hot drinks with our littles. I could use a friend this week!
wow. these words feel like they came right from my heart. love hurts so, so good. and i love my babies more than words. such a beautiful, honest heart you have. merry christmas to you and your precious family.
I too have struggled in frustration with the busy-ness of the season. I want so badly to have meaningful traditions for my daughter to grow up with and enjoy. And it can be hard work deciding the dividing line between meaningful and the hyped-up pressure of just doing what everyone else is doing. We’re slowly finding our balance. And it sounds like you are too.
Tons of people have already said this, but the picture of Lainey staring at her daddy… priceless. A teary-eyed moment for sure!
Isn’t it great that we are given exactly what we want…even it takes a little while to realize it. Merry Christmas!
Ahh…CRAP…Kelle, crying again at work! Not good, not good! Seriously though, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your posts! Your family is so beautiful!
Love this, LOVE the picture of the girls on the blanket. I have a Hadley Jane who is no longer with us and love seeing the new life in Kinsley Jane. Beautiful.
Can I just confirm this randomness!!! My name is Kinsley and only once in my life have I ever met a baby Kinsley (and she was named after me).
Thanks you so much for this wonderful blog – my husband and I dont have any babies yet, but will one day. I used to be so afraid to have children, that I would fail, get over frustrated and somehow would love out of love when the going gets tough. You have taught me that all of this is all just a bad dream. I am so excited for the day when we decide to start our family and can’t wait for the heavenly adventures to begin!
Thank you!
I love the way you described your “triangle” relationship with the boy’s mama.It made me cry…beautiful words!Thak you for this 🙂
Beautiful! Tears! I saw my girls in this post and it really hit home. Thank you!!
The picture of Lainey and Nella in each others arms is ADORABLE! The way Nella is reaching out and touching Lainey’s face is precious. That lil’ angel was a sweet soul in her…
Your friend’s daughter is so cute! She even has lil’ girl fingernails:)
Are you coming to Michigan? Plenty of snow for you along with temperatures right around 15 degrees! Cold enough to make your nose hairs freeze with one breath…haha!
I have never commented before but I love your blog and your life and you really do make me want to be a better mother. days like today where even the Fl weather is freezing and we are stuck inside and my toddler is beyond whiny and my 4 month old wont let me put him down and im texting my husand that I want to go back to work — ur post reminds me to try to embrace today – and remember all those days spent in the NICU this summer when i prayed to have this baby sleeping on my chest at home and now it is here and some days im wishing it away. thank you for reminding me that the laundry can wait and the kitchen – well we can always eat chickfila for dinner but these kids are going to grow and one day I will miss this mess.
[sigh] “But then I saw her daddy. And he was beaming,” left me staring at a blurry computer screen. That part grabbed right at my heart.
Again, I loved so much about this post. (Lainey’s recital, mud between toes, and how you, Brett, and Maria do it the way it should be done…and how you three are so “cool like that.” I love that part the most.)
Tiff
Your pictures of your girls outside makes me jealous….we would love to be outside in barefeet…but living in northern PA the high temp today being 15 I’ll just live vicarously through your photos enjoy your weather! I feel the same way every year at my daugher’s dance recital my heart just bursts w/ pride!!!
Your pictures of your girls outside makes me jealous….we would love to be outside in barefeet…but living in northern PA the high temp today being 15 I’ll just live vicarously through your photos enjoy your weather! I feel the same way every year at my daugher’s dance recital my heart just bursts w/ pride!!!
You are an inspiration to many. I appreciate and enjoy your blog as much as I enjoy my morning coffee. Like I told my dearest friends, “She is like us! She is beautiful. She is kind. She is motivated to improve the lives of her family. She makes me smile. She makes me feel good as a woman, wife, mom and friend.” Thank you for sharing your gifts. And if you are ever in the Twin Cities area, I would enjoy to share my morning coffee with you.
Blessed holidays to you and your family,
Tanya
http://thehusbyfive.blogspot.com/
I totally get the whole triangle/get along thing. Once, when the kids were little I sat down at dinner to this combination: Ex-husband, his girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, her wife, her wife’s parents, me and my parents…everyone got along and we made it through years of raising the children. When people as, “who is this?” the answers tend to get a little complicated so we just tell them to get a pencil and make a chart – it’s easier! Merry Christmas from mine to yours.
Beautiful post, Kelle! I’m one of those mamas who is expecting — watching that life grow (so so big!) in my belly. My older child’s birthday is 1/25/08 and this one is due 1/18/11… so, both are near Nella’s big 1st birthday!
One of the things I love most about your blog is that your family – immediate or extended, blood or not – is the center. I LOVE THAT. I really love how much you show love for your step-sons. I think it shows what special people you, your husband, and the boys’ mama are. Love that too.
I freaking love you. Even your dog is adorable. lol, I need a dog like that. Laineys recital pics made me teary eyed too- bc I know THAT feeling! My son does a spring program for daycare every year, and they sing songs & do little motions with them. The first one he got to do, he was 2, and he stood there like a stonewall the entire time- until the very last line, he sang the line & did the motions, and by then he was the last one, the other kids had lost interest. I choked back those proud mama tears the whole time. And again the next year. lol Last year, he just sat down and played with his shoes. lol
Loved it! Loved this post! Smiled so much during the ballet recital photos, I have been there, that proud Momma and it’s THE BEST!! And your relationship with the Boy’s Mom, wonderful! You are inspiring, Kelle Hampton…Thankful for this whole internet Blog world, so that I can read and share a journey with a love filled Momma! Blessings!!
i just wanted to say hello – i just found your blog last night through ‘dig this chick’ and stayed up way too late reading your thoughtful posts and the story of your sweet nella’s birth. and today, something about your pictures and words about your daughter’s ballet recital just made the tears flow. i have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and a 6 month son and constantly feel a pull of emotions between perfectly happy and tearfully nostalgic for this precious time. what a journey! your blog is very inpiring, thank you.
I have tears of joy holding in the corner of my eyes for Lainey’s recital. I don’t think I could have snapped a single, worthy photo. I hope I have a picture like your last one…one day. Blessings, Kelle
Thanks! I am pretty sure you are an angel too.
You always know how to tug at the ol’ heart strings. I too was expecting at this time last year. I dreamed of this Christmas and I too, have it now. Even though I have had an incredibly challanging year but I still have a happy heart. Thank you for your blog.
My eyes filled with tears as I read your blog today. I loved…LOVED the picture of your little girl ballet dancing with her great big smile for daddy. So precious x
You are so right. Life is so good.
The Daddy look….priceless. That totally got me. My girls are 25 and 23 now and I still melt when I see them with their Daddy:-)
Yes I do have it to and thanks for reminding me b/c it can be too easy to forget some days. Your last line made me cry and I don’t cry easily, thanks a lot – now I have to go cook dinner with tears in my eyes! LOL!
I just love to check for updates and beautiful pictures and uplifting words, and I just had to comment today to say how wonderful it is that you and the boys mom get along so well. What a truly amazing thing that is! My parents have both been married (and divorced again) twice after they were married to each other. So that makes 2 stepmoms and 2 stepdads that I’ve had…and none of them have ever liked the other. Usually those stepparents have been jealous and hateful and try to make my parents choose between them and us (i have 3 siblings). So it truly does make me smile to see someone out there who has found a way to make it work.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with the world. You truly are inspirational 🙂
I always read and never comment, but thank you Kelle – your posts always get me through and remind me of what is important…give me the extra fuel to trojan on when things are tough.
Much love and admiration for you, lady.
Aaaww! Another one wiping away the tears!! 🙂 I really needed the lift your post has given me!
Lainey’s big daddy smiles are just gorgeous!!!! And the photos of the girls on the quilt just melt my heart!!! I love those beautiful moments in life, moments where your heart is overflowing with love!
Great post! I had some of my own tears of joy reading about Lainy’s recital! I could picture it all. You have such a way with words. Thank you
I have so many days where I tear up just watching and loving!!!it is who I am and I am PROUD of her, Proud That I do not care who sees me cry, fact is I am so Proud, MY MOM never cried, never really showed any emotion, me I LOVE emotion, all of them!!!!
hugs,
mimi–jamie
GOSH….how do you make me laugh and cry at the same time ALL the time?!?!? Reading about Lainey’s recital had me in tears…I know that pride….what Mom doesn’t….but I absolutely loved the little diddy about seeing her Daddy in the audience, it melted me….such a sweet sweet relationship. and the angel pose! HA! GO LAINEY!!!
I’m such an emotional person… your posts reach right into my heart quite often, ever since a friend first shared your blog with me and I bawled through Nella’s birth story!
Just want you to know that your snow and cold is from us here in Colorado. We’ve now had two 65 degree days in a row…in mid-December!!! It’s kind of scary to me…but I’m glad you’ll get to enjoy the cool and crisp winter air! 🙂
This post was so beautiful that it inspired me to write a related one. (www.xanga.com/chasethesunrise) I also quoted you and borrowed a picture, but I gave you credit. Hope that’s okay. : )
love randomness.. because in a sense it makes you more real.. if that makes any sense. 🙂 i heart it all.. i just wish i can take sweet images that you take… I see the smiles and tears and all emotions on my kids and I just want to keep it… I have a camera just in my kitchen to grab just incase… but I wish they were as sweet as yours 🙂
I love tamales! I used to make them with my pre-k students , it was so much fun but the best part was eating them.
I loved the pictures of the ballet recital – I can’t wait for my daughter to be 3 ( which will be next month!) so she can take ballet or another kind of dance class she wants to.
This time of year is always busy for me too- I try way to hard to make Christmas special for my daughter but they are only young once and I want her to have great memories to look back on. I think part of it is the this past year has been hard with my husband having hip surgery, me working on my master and starting a new job – This year has been better than last with I am so grateful that my husband is finally getting better 12 months later and I am almost done with my masters. I feel blessed and have learn so much over the past year and the best thing is the little kicks that seem to mimic my typing when I work on papers or e-mails fills my heart.
Thanks for sharing your randomness – we all have those days when we just need to stop and remember what really matters and spend time with those we love.
That picture of just you and Lainey after her recital…you two are BEAMING of love and happiness…and THAT makes my heart happy. Remember that moment on your bad days, because that seems like a once-in-a-lifetime kinda thing : )
You totally get it!
This is a beautiful post–one of my faves of yours. Life is messy and hard and imperfect, but oh, so good.
oh random post….how i love you. i love love love the ballet recital pictures and i know how much you were looking forward to that. got a lump in my throat and can just picture brett beaming and lainey SO proud of herself. im glad you came over to meet baby Kinsley…as samantha always says “i so lucky” and you know what….we all are for so many reasons!! have a great trip. xo
Kelle,
My heart melted a bit when you talked about old people sending love with their eyes! I love that feeling and I hope that they see the pride that beams from my eyes when they adore my little girl!
Your Lainey story TOTALLY made me tear up! Love! 🙂
I love the pictures of your girls together. Brought tears to my eyes.
By the way, what kind of dog is Latte? He’s (she’s?) beautiful!
Thank you for putting my day in perspective and the season for that matter:) Merry CHritsmas, beautiful post!
I’m reading your blog today with tears streaming down my face remembering days like you’ve just described so beautifully. My daughter who blogs now – kechats.blogspot.com – turned me on to your blog and today’s has a special meaning because my wonderful children no longer live at home but I am thankful I had many days like the one you just wrote about – wonderful, sweet memories. They pass so quickly. Embrace the chaos – the calm is almost unbearable at times. Many blessings to you for sharing.
i secretly love the meltdowns about the clothes not fitting even though i know it is tough when you are the mama, we have that issue with dressing a stuffed puppy dog that bradley is obsessed with. i definitely need to get a picture now:) love the girls hugging, sweetest thing!
Every post you write is my favorite. Just wait until you see your Nella up there for Her first ballet recital. Then, the tears will come.
So many emotions come over me while reading your blog! I love that i’m smiling and tearing up at the same time, that isnt easy to do, it kinda makes my cheeks hurt. Thank you for happy random postings and for sharing your adorable girls!
I cried right with you as I saw Lainey in her recital. I can’t wait for my baby girls to have their first…anything… I will be a blubbering fool.
Oh, this was one of those posts that found me laughing and crying at the same time. I love how you love your littles!
I love your little Nella. SHE IS ADORABLE!
Oh, I know those proud tears well-they come on so suddenly, yet I love how they almost hurt with how much love you feel. I had tears in my eyes just reading your post, remembering my own little ones in their Christmas program at school this morning- some of those tears sprung up there!
One of the sweetest posts I’ve ever read. I felt my heart grow, I can’t even imagine your pride 🙂 I hope to have that one day.
Oh my word! You are so adorable! Love the picture of the family with Lainey and her flowers! How cute that Poppa brought her the flowers! 🙂 Loved this post! You continue to inspire me! Thank you.
Everytime I read your words, I have a feeling that you are a kindred spirit. You can put into writing everything I wish I could!
Thanks for a randomly lovely read!
You made me cry. And that’s hard to do. 🙂 I love your girls too.
Oh Kelle, reading your posts is such a mirror of my life, and you put it beautifully into words. I have two little girls almost exactly the same age as yours, and the pictures of them bonding are the same pictures I have of my two girls. Isn’t it amazing? I love to watch them. It’s funny, you wonder how you will love another as much as your first, but then you realize that your love has a new dimension added; you get to see them individually and also see the love growing between the two of them. It’s a beautiful thing to watch grow!
Today, my son had his Christmas play and concert. He was Angel Gabriel. ♥
When you speak of that cry-laugh, I can relate so well. I’m so proud of him…so PROUD!
Your posts always relate in some way to our life. I enjoy it very much.
I remember Gabe’s first Christmas so well. It was magical. I hope that it is as magical for you as Nella is!♥
Lainey totally cracks me up with her facial expressions. So happy for her and her first dance!!! Beautiful flowers!!
My almost 4 year old baby boy is about to start t-ball, and I can’t wait for his first “recital” moment. I’m already preparing for the tears. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for putting my exact thoughts into perfect words! I have a 3 year old daughter and an almost one-year-old son (in 2 weeks!), so I have that feeling of frustration and bliss all at once too…lovin’ every minute of it!
You’re such a good mom.
I love the family picture of Lainey with her first flowers. She looks so proud, and well she should.
Merry Christmas Enjoying the Small Things.
My son was born shortly before Nella and I have enjoyed watching Nella grow with him. Late this summer my Mom’s cancer returned and she passed away last month. Words cannot describe the enormous void in losing my mom, my kids grandma, my neighbour and my best friend. Even with this devastating grief you have inspired me to face each day and enjoy the precious moments I have with my 3 beautiful kids. Your words and pictures have made a difference. Thank you Kelle.
Wow, that picture of Lainey smiling when she spots her daddy just melts me 🙂
I cannot get over the picture of Lainey looking at her daddy. I have my daughters Christmas program next week and I’m already feeling weepy picturing her dancing with her homemade reindeer ears.
Thank you AGAIN for the kicks-in-the-butt to savor all the sweet things the holidays have to offer and to let the more challenging moments just slide…..
I’ve not missed one of your posts since discovering it either in March or April of this year. I’ve thought to comment a zillion times, but for whatever reason I am EXTRA moved tonight w/ this post…Poppa’s flowers, the angel pose, Lainey’s fixation and adoration of her Daddy, the sister face-touching pics on the blanket…I literally was moved to happy tears, but then your blog does that to me all the time! As a mama of a 19-month old, who took many years to get here with my high school sweetheart (can we say 18 yrs.), I am grateful for many things in 2010, and one of my absolute top items of gratefulness for 2010 is discovering you/your blog/your family…it’s a highlight TRULY when a new post is up…in awe woman is all I can say and an inspiration!!!
you inspire me everyday to put on my “rainbows and unicorns” hat and enjoy the quiet moments of reading a book or the precious babble of a one and a half year old.
before you ever have a child, every other mom on the planet loves to tell you, “enjoy your time with them…they grow up so fast.” and as cliche as it may sounds, it is so stinkin’ true.
i love the shots of Lainey’s shy smile at her daddy. i have a feeling that will be my sweet girl someday, doing the same thing:)
thank you, thank you, for your words:)
One of my favorite posts yet. I love it… It’s real and honest about this beautiful imperfect life. Your girls are perfect.
Your post gave me goosebumps today and i cant even pinpoint why. I think after a long week with my toddler and knowing that you too are going through these same trials and tribulaions have made me feel somewhat better. Thanks for your posts they really brighten my day!
This made me cry. So beautiful.
You always make me cry though : )
Ohhhhhhh … I nearly missed this post, piled up in a reader that was ignored by lack of sleep, but I’m so glad I came back to it. At first I was struck by the photos of Lainey holding Nella – so, so sweet. And then you made me cry as you described your love, watching Lainey dance – I can already imagine doing that with my own 4.5-month-old daughter some day, and it makes me cry AND takes my breath away.
Thank you for a(nother) wonderful post.
So lovely…and the triangle relationship thing is lovely too. Usually doesn’t work out that way. I have an interesting relationship with my step daughter’s momma. We disagree…on so many things. But, now that Liz is grown, those things don’t matter so much. So, when she finds something I could use on sale, she picks it up for me. When her younger daughter needs a ride, a place to crash while momma goes out for some fun, she knows she can stay here…anytime, she is my kids’ honorary other big sister. It’s nice, it’s good.
Your girls are luscious. That little Nella, ah, I just want to squooooosh her! and the laugh-cry at the recital! I thought I was the only nutter who did that – glad to know I am not alone. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you, Kelle! Your blog brightens my little world.
Dearest Kelle, I’ve been reading this beautiful blog of yours quite religiously for a while now, but this one simple, little post finally moved me to comment. The recital brought me to tears , and not in a depressing way, but in an I-can’t-wait-for-me-to-have-these-moments kind of way. I’m the daughter of a single mother (we’re two peas in a pod), and while I wouldn’t change anything about my life, I always feel a tug at my heart when I come across cherished father-daughter moments. You’re two little girls are quite lucky.
I’m not a mama yet, like most of the other readers, but one day I am confident I will be blessed with special babes, and I thank you for shining a light on how everyday simple moments are magical. I want my babes of the future to have nothing but magical moments. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and enjoy your snow play time. If you ever feel the need for a little extra snow, I’m sure I have the motivation to send it all from Chicago.
p.s. I LOVE the tamale tradition, my Grandmother, Mama, Aunts, all the Girly cousins and I, always make them the weekend before Christmas. The men spend the day out doing manly things, while us women gossip with mimosas, and enjoy the comfort that can only be found in family.
Kelle ~ As a preschool gymnastics coach and mother of a 3 year old gymnast I had serious tears of pride for your little ballerina (sp?). She looks absolutely adorable and the precious smile when she saw her daddy, that is priceless. That little Lainey will accomplish everything she ever desires because of the amazing family she has to raise her up and help her discover all she’s capable of. Oh yeah, great randomness 🙂
LOVED this random stuff post! So much of what you write resonates with me and today a lot of what you said was exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded about. After a very busy weekend that included my daughter’s 3rd birthday (can’t believe she’s 3 already!!!), 2 Christmas parties and a night out to a hockey game with my BFF I was exhausted today and just wanted to chill. That however just isn’t possible when you have a 3-year old, a 10-month old, a ton of housework and Christmas stuff to do. Today had its overwhelming moments but after reading this post and reflecting on life, today was just another day in my imperfect, crazy, beautiful life.
I absolutely love the pictures of Lainey and Nella together. Maybe it’s because I have two little girls about the same age, but when I see them together my heart swells and I can’t help but smile.
My boy is 4 months older then Lainey and my baby girl is 4 months older then Nella. I have read this post twice and cried twice. I know exactly how these random moments feel and have going through them all lately. Love it. Beautiful post!
i don’t know why, but this was the most touching post I’ve ever read on your blog, and I’ve been touched so many times in here. I just love that you love life so much, that you love your girls and all they do. You see prettiness in all things, and I love you for inspiring others to see the daily life the same way. Thank you!
Have a blessed Christmas, I’d send you some snow if I could. (:
Just reread your post and have another comment. My daughter did the same thing at her first recital but instead of the Lainey angel pose she had her hands over her head, looking at the audience as everyone danced around her. Twenty-eight years later and I can still see her on that stage. Great memories. susan
At the end of my year, I realize things were not the way I thought they would unfold- I thought maybe a few circumstances would have enfolded “the other way.” But you are right that moment I dreamed of with my little “bug” Matthew- is is far better than I even expected. As I watch my son sleep in his crib my heart beams with happiness. And this just must have been the way God wanted it to be!
Randomness can be poetic. Lovely post.Be of good cheer, the best is yet to come.
Wow! That really tugged at my heart strings this morning! Thank you so much for sharing! Even though it was “randomness” it was so true to the heart!I totally know what you mean when you say “I love her. No, seriously…you have no idea. I LOVE her. That girl right there.” I think about my almost 8 month old that way and the love gets stronger everyday and I feel sooo lucky to have this angel in my life! There are days that i have to hold back from shouting out to the world. Thank you again!
I’m not even close to being a Momma, but you describe it so beautifully, so perfectly, it’s like I KNOW what that love is going to feel like one day.
Oh, and I want Lainey’s wardrobe. So badly. She is so stinkin’ cool.
You description of Lainey dressing her doll brought such a smile to my face!
Kelle,
I have started reading your comments section almost as often as I read thru your blog. The sense of “community” here is almost palpable!
What you have created with this beautiful blog of yours seems to have morphed beautifully into a life of its own. Sheer beauty.
I love how each of your blogs seems to touch me in some way. I also love your sense of style. My closet is soooo boring. Where do you get your fun spirited clothes? Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to your little angel.
This made me smile. Thanks for brightening my day with beauty!
You made me cry…again…I LOVE this blog!
I follow your blog but have never left a comment. mostly because I never felt I could say anything more than what you’ve said in your posts because you say it so darn well! I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated this post–i could totally relate to your words and could almost feel myself tear up when you talked of your little girl growing up so fast. Thank you for your blog; on days when it feels so hard to be a full-time mom, I realize I’m not alone and that other mamas are in the same boat.
Hey Kelle– Been keeping up with your blog for almost a year now and realized today I’ve never even commented (or told you thanks). We now have our own little. I think we moms can have nothing in common and still have everything in common.
This entry was particularly perfect (in that life’s-not-perfect-and-that’s-what’s-perfect-about-it kind of way–thanks for reminding me to feel… I need that sometimes!
Hope you get that snow! Maybe Lainey’s fairy dust should be sugarplum fairy snow dust tonight 🙂
LOVED this post!!! So fun to read, thanks! 🙂
This post had me in a pool of tears. I’ve always blubbed at various posts of yours but add pregnancy hormones into the mix and, boy, things are soggy over here! I just so got this post. C starred in her first nativity this year – she was an angel but said she wanted to be a pirate. Then when I showed her the costume I stayed up until past midnight sewing, she said she didn’t like it and wanted to be a soldier… But she did wear it, and it was a chaotic, funny nativity but I loved it, laughed and cried too. Love to you and your girls from me and mine (we just found out we have another girl on the way!) Sx
I have to ask where you got Nella’s knit hat. I’ve been looking for ones that that for my twins (:
Beautiful Perfection! The pics of the girls brought tears to my eyes. The pics of the two of them snuggling on the blanket should be your christmas card!
Thank you Kelle! thank you!! HUGS.
Hi Kelle!
How does your garden grow? Wondering if there’s been progress on the little garden patch that Lainey and Gary planted in October? Thanks! Susan
Your girls are so darling…what precious smiles they have! And that is some lovely photography on your part.:)
Beautiful post. What a nice reminder to focus on all the beauty we have in our life! Thanks, Kelle!
Happy Holidays to you and your dear family!
I know exactly what you felt watching your girl in the recital.This was the 1st yr my 5 yo was old enough audition for her companies production of the Nutcracker.We’ve waited for this moment since she started ballet ( 3 years ago) and this past weekend was the production.My heart had a lump in it the size of Texas! In case u wanted to see the photos of the most precious thing I’ve ever witnessed!http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com/2010/12/lump-in-my-heart-runneth-over.html Happy Mothering, my friend!
How freaking amazing is it that you have blended your ‘new’ family with the boys’ Mom? So very cool.
So lovely! Thank-you for reminding us that the “real” Christmas is found, not in the wrapping paper, the gifts, the craziness and stress that lead to it…….but rather, in trips to the lake, bubble-baths, dance recitals, – a 3 year-old receiving her first flowers ever from her beloved Poppa…in short – in the Love that is the meaning of the Season!
Ya had me in tears, but I “got it”! :)………Rosemary
Kelle, I have 5 kids. Leo was born one month after nella and my friends refferred me to your blog.
Youhave helped me tremendously. It is funny, because even though Leo won’t even care about all his presents,every time I go shopping or on Amazon.com I fill the cart with stuff for him, and the other kids are gonna notice that he hit the jackpot. cute comment from my 10 year old. Leo was huggin on him and lickin his face, and my oldest said, “I wanna do this ALL Christmaas break!”
I read your blog almost every day but this entry specifically got me all teared up and made me wanna go pick my up sleeping baby girl for snuggles. Its her first christmas this year too, and while shes too young to enjoy it, I can’t wait.
You’ve got some beautiful babies, hugs to them.
kelle, you are such an amazing photographer, writer, and mom. i love catching up on your life, and always find myself laughing and crying at your posts because i think you portray the woman so many of us wish or attempt to be. i like how you said about how the-mom-you-want-to-be might react… i have those moments daily, where i catch myself – reminding myself to cherish the accidents and silliness of my two year old. thank you for being who you are and for sharing your life with the world. 🙂
The picture of Nella and Lainey on the blanket where Nella has her hands on Lainey’s cheeks is just breathtaking!
I was grinning from ear to ear over the ballet recital! I can just picture our first event like that and how proud I will be, too!
::sigh:: just beautiful words! we’re celebrating a first christmas followed by a birthday too- and i am just over the moon about it!
the ballet pics- to die for!
Cried reading this entry. Love, love, love!
Love this post! It’s got to be one of my favorites!!!
-Muddy toes! So cute!!
-Congrats to Lindsey, Kinsley Jane has got to be the CUTEST name ever!!
-Ballerina… Reminds me of the pictures my mother took when I was a Ballerina. Your Girls are such GEMS!!! It really shows how much you love them!! <3
I love your proud mamma words. Thanks for sharing a special moment in your life. Your girls are precious.
okay, so I was teary-eyed on the last one… but I’m a tearful mess on this one… and I have to say, you have the best freaking taste of music…your playlist knows what I love way better than any pandora station I’ve every heard 🙂
I came across your blog just after Nella was born and you pulled me in and I feel in love with your words and your family. I am a 42 year old mom of 7 and wife to an amazing man. I have 4 grandsons and 2 daughter in laws and I LOVE my life. You are able to put into words what my heart feels on most day. Your talents are abundant and I feel blessed that you share them with all of us.
I don’t know how you do it but you always manage to yank a tear from my eyes. Even your randomness of posts remind me to smile and breathe it all in…yeah, all that LOVE floating around. Thank you Kelle, you my friend, are AMAZING. How lucky are Lainey and Nella to have you for their momma? VERY!
This comment is so late, I have gotten a little behind on your posts! I just wanted to say that my little love also has toes that don’t line up right. I remember many posts ago thinking that Lainey’s toes reminded me of Adah James’ and how cute that was. Hooray for freaky toes!!!
I LOVE this post….made tears roll down my face. I DO have it….& sometimes, in this crazy world we live in….I forget. Thanks for the reminder…….now off I go to hug my kiddos 🙂
Beautiful. Just beautiful! Your words have brought me to tears yet again. The way you described Lainey looking at her daddy during the recital just made my heart melt. My 7.5 month old daughter looks at her daddy like this everyday when he comes home from work. You can see the love in her eyes, it’s magical. Thank you for sharing!
I adore your blog. I have shared it with everyone I know. Everytime I log on, I can’t wait to get over here and see a new post from you. When there isn’t a new one, I even feel a little sad. 🙂 I was reading some of your old posts and thought to myself, I cannot wait to read Nella’s one year old post.I had to go back to her birth story to see how much longer I had to wait! Not too much longer and your baby will be one!
I wanted to let you know when I am down or having a bad day, your blog puts me in a better mood. It makes me appreciate my girls more, try and let the messes slide and let them be little.
So anyhow, please don’t ever stop blogging, ok? If you do I might need personal emails from you to get me through my hard days. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Jamie
I cried reading about the ballet recital. We just found out that the little one growing in my belly is a little girl. And it rocked my world. I can’t even imagine what life will be like with a little girl. One of the many things I imagined is a future of ballet recitals and then I read this post and let my mind wander to how my husband will be with our daughter. And it gets me every time, the tears come and so does a huge smile. I can’t help but hope your showing me a sneak peak of our life a few years down the line. Oh and I have to say the photos of Kinsley are amazing! I think she looks a lot like big sis and even more like her beautiful Mama. Of course you captured her beautifully!!
you guys are doing so good by all 4 of the sweeties in your home by working out that ‘triangle of relationships’… good for you guys making a point to work it out and make sure all your littles have each other and a daddy and a momma and know that everyone can sit around a table and get along!
i would have loved that- even if only at my wedding 10 years ago if my parents/ step parents could have been at the very least non-hateful with each other!! (let alone all the other times in life where it would be nice….)
keep it up! 🙂
Kelle? This is the first EVER blog post that has literally made me gasp and cry actual tears. Happy, happy tears for your little, lady Lainey at her ballet recital. Caught me completely off guard but her little ballet journey is one I hold close to my heart and I am so. Proud. xx
I love the pictures of your girls hugging. I have always said that I am ‘one and done’ but seeing pictures like this really pull at my baby making strings! Thanks for sharing.
Kelle, oh my goodness…way to make a girl cry! The part about Lainey’s dance recital touched my heart in such a profound way because I can feel exactly what you must have felt, emotion for emotion. My daughter is 21 months, but I know I will be feeling those exact same emotions when she’s a bit more grown. As it is, my heart swells & tears sting my eyes when I see her doing something decidedly too grown up (*smile*). And seeing her & Nella’s bond is just…. yowza. I just found out that we’re expecting & I’ve thought back on your posts..when it was just you & Lainey & you wanting to spend all of that extra one on one time that you could, what you were feeling following Nella’s birth, & how those feelings have evolved over the last year. Maybe it weighs heavily on my mind because I’m now going to have 2, but to say I haven’t thought over & over about all of your experiences in this last year would be an understatement. As always your pictures & words paint a beautiful, eloquent story that touches so, so many. Thank you! Know that your stories stay with others long after they’ve become a memory.
Hope you never get tired of the love because here’s another “I love your blog”!!!! The way you articulate just another “regular” day makes us relate to you and feel “normal”. I felt that when you described Nella’s meltdown about dressing the baby doll. Laughed out loud when I read that and understand even in your awesomeness, you have those kind of days too. I have two almost two years olds and just starting on the melt downs and I have to often remind myself of the “mama I want to be”. I want to be awesome, thinking of always the right thing to say or the right distraction to give that erases the 100th time I want to say “we don’t touch that”.
and I LOVE how you captured Lainey’s sooooo sweet smile watching her daddy. that is so precious.
oh and I ALSO love that you share a kitchen with the boys mama. I love, love, love that. Just another example of your awesome family–all of them!!!!
I’m sure I’m just repeating others but I LOVE that you and your husband’s ex (wow that is such a negative word!) are friends and you love each others children. If only all of our families could be that way…
Nella looks so wise in that pic where she’s lying on the blanket. And I love her orange jumper!
I cant remember the last time I felt touch by a story and a family as lovely as yours. I feel so blessed just to have seen your pictures and the joy I see in every picture that i look at. I am so inspired by you not oly as a mom but also as a Photographer. I also love the bows and its so funny cause I saw those very same type of bows at the road house cafe in Gladstone. seems like a small world. Thanks for sharring your family with us Lord Bless you and your sweet fmaily.