I have a little cling-on tonight–Nella’s stuffy and wants me close, so a quick post it will be. I’ll type as long as she’ll stay happy stuffed in the sling and wedged up to a keyboard.
Quick Rain.
It rains almost every day now. It never lasts long, and I still marvel at how quickly sunny can shift to gray and cloudy and, after a quick downpour, right back to sunny again. I like the way the woods fill up with puddles in just half an hour and how the sun reflects so magically once it reemerges.
Thunderstorms are always great for house cleanings. And plugging in my Scentsy warmer. (this scent is my new favorite.) Her site is 10% off through Aug.
Cherry-Oh.
Lainey is highly entertained by her new obsession, Hi Ho Cherry-oh. As much as she loves it, I actually hesitate to get it out because I know even if we play it a hundred billion times, she’s still going to cry when I suggest we do something else. I’m so cherry-picked out, man.
Paper Dolls.
I’d much rather play paper dolls fifty billion times.
My mom taught us the joy of paper dolls. She still gets all excited about them, and I admit, long after Lainey walked away from Kit’s closet today, I was still debating over paper culottes or paper Peter Pan collar dress.
Bed Jumping.
It’s allowed in our house. I’m just sayin’.
Bookworm.
I love how much she loves them.
We had a bookstore camp-out today. Sprawled our belongings over half of the upstairs of Books-a-Million and laid around reading books like we were settling in for the night.
Dude, what happened to the children’s lit classics?! Poop Picnic? Really?
This One…
…is funny. She gets it–the kind of subtle things that make us laugh, and she does them all the time and shoots us glances to see if they worked.
She thinks it’s very funny when people say “ow.” Like if you hit your head or trip on a toy, and you jump around wincing and moaning. She whips her head around and laughs, heartily. My sweet, empathic child.
Him.
Taking pictures of him with the girls is an easy task. He usually pays no notice to the camera, and a moment of authentic love between them is captured in a second’s click. Bonus if his hair is combed and he’s not in his pajamas because he’ll let me post them…even if he’s wearing the same damn t-shirt he wears in every blog post.
Nella’s sweater tunic: Tea Collection. Brett’s overworn Dr. Pepper t-shirt: not sure.
Tea.
A proper tea during the rain. Proper in that we were well-heeled and hatted. And pinkies out. British accent, optional.
Hoping, Dreaming, Planning.
I wrote a piece a few weeks ago that felt really good to write. Obviously, the blog is a small representation of our lives, and many things don’t get shared. When What to Expect came to me about writing a post a little while back, I had just grieved the loss of a pregnancy–our second one since Nella’s birthday. Writing about it was good for me, and I hope sharing it helps other women understand both the pain of that loss and the peace of moving on.
Read Hoping, Dreaming, Planning at whattoexpect.com.
We are doing well. A humming vaporizor and eucalyptus oil calls us from the other room.
I’ve been enjoying the fact that a Vermont fall looks like it’s finally coming our way…love the pics, as always- you are an inspiration to so many of us!
Summer rain makes me so happy too. I love when the sun comes back so quickly. Rainbows thrill me : )
LOVE your book party in the store. Keep sprawling! : )
This blog is such a beautiful place. Always.
I LOVE the pictures of Lainey in to bookstore. Hope Nella feels better soon. 🙂
i read your piece about your miscarriages. i am so sorry to hear about this. i also experienced a miscarriage earlier this year and can relate to the heartache it brings. i also found writing about it therapeutic, and started blogging more because of it.
it is such a hard thing to go through. my heart goes out to you….
thank you for being such a strong, beautiful woman, even in the midst of your troubles. you’re blessing so many…
I LOVE Hi Ho Cherry-Oh! I played that for hours when I was a little girl!
I absolutely love all of your photos! They are amazing! Hope Miss Nella feels better soon… 🙂
I am so very sorry for your losses….
sharing this, along with your optimism and courage, is more helpful to other mommas than you may ever know.
Love how big and toddler-like Nella is looking!!
And I think Lainey looks more and more like you every picture…. 🙂
hi ho cherry-o was my FAVORITE game growing up. it was amazing. the classics never go out of style!
Ahh I so agree with the Naples rain… my husband and I just moved here in Apri. And I’ve never seen it rain like it does here. Sunny and beautiful one minute, then rainy and dark the next, then sunny again 🙂 Love it!
BTW I’ve been following your blog for a liitle while and I love it ! 🙂
I also think its so cool to find someone that lives in Naples!! 🙂 Your about the first person I ‘know’ that lives here. Haha
I truly admire your positive outlook on the world. When I feel more like sitting and allowing the whirlwind of life to take over, I know that I can come here and be reminded to take a step back and realize I am very blessed.
So sorry for your loss, Kelle :(. I didn’t know (not that I should) that you were wanting/planning more babies. I love that you want more! I have four and LOVE the business it brings. And I too can’t wait for the loud dinner table in years to come when the teenage kids come together sharing their happenings of the day. At the moment they are 8, 5, 4 and 1 and they make me laugh like no one else can. Hugs to you, and your gorgeous girls. xx
I am so very sorry for your losses – I have watched too many friends suffer through their losses, it is heartbreaking. Hopefully your story will help others, it is very brave and kind of you to share so much of yourself with everyone.
I never comment but wanted to reach out to you and tell you how I hurt for you with losing your babies….do you believe in spirit babies? they are there for you waiting for the right moment to grow and thrive. I pray for a healed heart for you 🙂
enjoy the rest of your week! that is too funny that nella laughs when someone hurts themself-silly girly! 🙂
On a lighter note, hi ho cherry-o is going on the Christmas list for my almost 4 year old – no doubt she’ll love it!
Great post. I miscarried prior to staying pregs with my now 15 month old awesome baby girl. I remember that maxi pad, too… ugh.
Here’s to all your hopes and dreams and packed Thanksgiving tables coming true!
I think you are classy lady and a wonderful role model. What a difference you are making in the world.
And “Paper Peter Pan collar dress” really made me cackle. Thanks for that. xx
wow. thanks for that.
we’ve been throwing around the idea of a third, even after our second has global developmental delays. i was wondering if i am crazy to want to “chance” it again.
but really, the only “chance” that i am taking is the possibility of having one more joy-filled child.
now if i could just get pregnant as easily as with the first two, i’d be good to go! 🙂
(me again) sorry I meant ‘busyness’ not business, and also Nella and my youngest were born only a few days apart (my girl on Jan 12 2010 :)) so I can relate when I see what things Nella is doing. I love that she’s standing on her own now – sooo clever! I also breastfed my 3rd child till he was 19 months, and the other 3 I breastfed till they were 12 months. Such a special time. Good on you for keeping it going with Nella, nothing but special moments in that :).
I have never commented before, but I feel like this is the time. I have been reading your blog for about a year now (I think?). I’m such a faithful reader, mostly because I’m drawn in by your beautiful family, your gorgeous photos (you are so TALENTED!) and your incredible gift with words. I know that I will leave your blog feeling so filled with gratitude and renewed patience for my three precious little girls. I am so very sorry to read about your losses. Having experienced two losses myself, my heart goes out to you. Sending big virtual hugs and big hopes for the future.
Thank you so much for sharing the post about your miscarriage. I too had a miscarriage this summer, and you so perfectly put into words so much of what I have been feeling + processing this past month or so. I am so sorry to hear that you have been experiencing the same pain + heartache, and I pray that you are able to have another little one. Thank you for encouraging me to continue to hope + dream for our little family, but to also be content + grateful for what I have already been blessed with.
xo
You are always a source of inspiration in so many ways. Thank you for sharing not only the beautiful parts of your life but the challenging as well. So sorry for your loss. Though I am sure you have the fortitude and strength to know the universe has a plan for you…I will still send hugs from a distant blog mama and a huge fan!
I will be reading your other post as I sit in my hotel room in Florida where we’re “house shopping” and missing my own littles tucked into Nana’s bed back in Michigan. This post is beautiful, it’s truly the little things that are so precious. And I’m so sorry for your losses. I know that joy and ache, that heart dropping moment of learning that the future will be different that the plans bouncing around about a new bundle arriving… I’m so sorry.
*hugs*
~Tabitha
Read your WTE piece. You’re a strong, great inspiration, lil lady. Bravissimo. (And culottes, by the way. Hands down.) xo
You are truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of us strangers.
Your paragraph that started with “I am grateful and content, and I believe that having dreams and wanting more of life can successfully marry contentment and gratitude as long as you — as with any good marriage — stay true to your vows of “for better or for worse.”” brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you. I’ll be praying for another tiny blessing for you and your sweet family.
Know all too well what you have gone through. Blood deficiency (sp?? who knows!) here! After all was figured out… I got pregnant again. Yes, I may have to take shots all through my pregnancies..but it is so worth it right?? Best to you all 🙂
Your library looks amazing and fun-ours is dusty and quiet, but it has some great reads! Hi ho cherry-o looks so different than I remember! I love how your write with your heart and let your vulnerability show. Hugs!
Hope Nella gets to feeling better.
Do you mother like your mother? She seems amazing.
I pray that i’m teaching my girls to mother like I mother. That it’s ok to be silly, dress up, jump on beds and make any ol’ day special.
I don’t mother like my mother. I love her to pieces but, we are complete opposites. I’ve always wondered what I’d be like had it been the other way around?
paper dolls…awesome! I need some. But, my littlest little might eat em. I just attached a note to my kindergarteners homework apologizing for the wet holes.
Hugs!
So very sorry for your losses – but truly enjoy seeing your treasures <3
Brooke
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com
I’m beginning to look forward to our rainy hour or so. It’s some well needed library, movie watching, cuddling on the couch napping time that otherwise would be spent playing at the park, on the beach or at the pool.
I love your willigness to share your family and your life, your lessons learned with us. You have an amazing gift, an eloquent way with words that manages to play with my heartstrings each and every post!
There definitely seems to be some cold spreading like wild fire in Naples right now!! Hope Nella feels better soon!
~Beth
kelle, much love and hugs to you ♥
you are a beautiful woman, writer, mother, and photographer….i completely enjoy every post you put up, and am inspired after each post to do more, be present, and take more pics! 🙂
i’m so sorry for your loss! i had a miscarraige at 13 weeks between my daughter and son – the doctor did a fetal tissue analysis, and found that the baby girl had down syndrome 🙁 i was so sad for that loss of the sister to my big girl…i was afraid, hopeful, anxious to do it all again – when i got pregnant with my son, for some reason, i just “knew” that all would be well and he was here to stay. i hope your heart is healed some, and that you continue to hope and plan for the children that will be part of your family! ♥
The same tshirt thing cracks me up. My husband has this shirt that I swear is in every home improvement picture we’ve taken over the last 9 years. In this years pictures the underarm area is so worn and has huge holes. He won’t toss the shirt to save his life. Lol
Heading over to read your post at the other site now
You make a difference in many lives. Mine is just one of them. I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you. The “Hoping, Dreaming, Planning” post was beautiful. I know you have many friends that have been giving you hugs & supporting you through this. I wish I could do the same. Here’s an online hug…{squeeze}
hugs Kelle…I love the way you wrote this article….the truth and the hope. will share with my sis who is struggling with infertility. It’s hard.
Wish you could make the rain come our way. We are in East Texas with horrible heat and NO rain. Breaking all kinds of heat records. Ugh!
As a previous commenter said, I too am a long-time ready and I’ve never commented before. But I feel compelled to this time. I check in often hoping for a new post, but often to simply re-read an old post too. Your beautiful family, your amazing photos and your incredible gift with words always make me pause and give thanks for the good in my life too. You always manage to remind me to keep it in perspective. I am so very sorry to read about your losses. I have experienced two losses myself and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for being willing to share the heartbreak, as well as the wonderful.
Oh Kelle. I’m so sorry to hear about your losses. I’m praying you are blessed with another bubba very soon. XO
Kelle, I’m sorry for your loss. You have such a way at looking at the positive and are a wonderful example to me. Thank you for writing that article. I have no doubt it will help many a woman who have experienced not only a loosed pregnancy, but loss in any way. Bless you.
Layers… we all have so many of them… we are multidimensional… there is not an easy simple definition of who we are or how we are… Thanks for sharing Kelle… I can not say I know what you are going through but I send you all my best wishes and good energy.
I honestly admire you, and the way you deal with all sorts of situations. It is so great to never give up our hopes, dreams and plans, thanks for inspiring me to keep doing those 3 things
I have read every post since Nella’s birth but have only commented a handful of times.
I am so sorry to hear of your losses.
The fact that you have been able to continue to do all the things you do among the grief that you were feeling makes you even more amazing that I already thought you were! I know you’ll get that baby, and it will be the one that will be perfect for your family.
I’m so sorry for your losses, Kelle. How heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing that story with us. I just know that your wonderful positivity helps so many people, even in the face of something like miscarriage. You are an inspiration for many people…thank you 🙂
I thought this video would be encouraging to you after reading your other post. I pray it is!
http://vimeo.com/11560198
I’m so very sorry about your losses. I had two losses in 2007, and now, still, sometimes they sneak up and punch me in the gut. I wish that there were something better to say other than I’m sorry, but I’ve never found what that could be.
We have a hope!
i read your guest post right before making dinner this eve so you were on my mind. many hugs to all of you and once again, thank you for sharing your life and being so brave. you have the support and prayers of many “strangers” including me.
Kelle~When I heard that Heidi was pregnant the first thing I thought of was that it’s your turn again.
You are an amazing mother &, c’mon,
you & Brett make beautiful babies.
I look forward to the day when you make that big announcement here.
In the meantime…sending much love & prayers. It will happen.
Take care,
Maria
I don’t know how to start this comment. I want to say I’m so sorry for the miscarriages, that it will be okay, that soon you will place your hand on a belly where your sweet one resides. I wish I could say that. I wish I could make it all better. But you know I can’t. I wish I could say more than “I’m praying for you” although I will…simply because I know you are going to get a million other comments saying the same thing and I don’t want it to be a reminder of what you don’t have. You are so right when you say you have so much. I love that you still focus on that in the midst of sadness, a true inspiration is what you are. Thank you for putting yourself out there. You make us, your followers of nearly 15,00 (!!!!), all the better for it. I’m sending major love your way.
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio
Our Hi-Ho Cherry-O game is in hiding. I just couldn’t take it anymore!
So sorry for your loss. I’ve never experienced the pain of miscarriage, but know it must be so hard.
The tea party looks like so much fun. I love that quilt. I just do. I’m going to have to make one with my scraps.
I think we need more Kelle Hampton attitudes in this world!
I am so sorry about your losses. I love your openness and believe that it will help us mums and mums-to-be. I look forward to those Thanksgiving stories! 🙂 xx
Oh! Kelle ~I am so sorry about the loss of your precious babies!
And congratulations on Nella standing!!! That is soo stinkin exciting! I just sat there and bawled looking at the picture. And then I called my 18 year old son (who has a ‘read Nella’s blog’ alarm on his phone that goes off Tues, Thurs, and Sat) and we cried together.
I let my girl jump on our bed, but I haven’t done it since I was little! Here I go…mommy’s turn to jump tonight! 🙂
When I had a miscarriage I felt this big embrace of women reaching out and sharing their story. It was so comforting to feel that love. I hope these comments warm your heart a little.
Your girls are amazing and your family will grow. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out. Big hugs.
Hey Kelle – love your blog and seeing all those beautiful pics of the girls. I too was pregnant just a couple weeks ago. I also had a miscarriage about 6 months ago so I was sure when we found out at the beginning of July that we were pregnant again that this was gonna stick. I had the morning sickness, exhaustion and we even got to see that amazing heartbeat at our 8 week ultrasound. Then I woke up a couple weeks ago with some issues and had to head to the ER where we discovered something had happened and we weren’t going to get our take home baby afterall. I’ve been devastated the last week or so. Thanks you for sharing your story. I too am grateful for my two beautiful children but I still hope from somewhere deep down (even after 3 miscarriages) that my body will cooperate someday soon and we’ll get to hold another sweet baby of our own. Cheers to you and your wonderful touching blog that always brightens my day.
~Kimberly
So sorry for your losses. Thanks for being so encouraging for others facing the same situation. xo
oh Kelle… Im off to read your guest post. Im so sorry for your losses 🙁
and on a totally different topic- the ever fabulous TARGET has a ton of soda themed tshirts right now in the mens dept. lol. if you feel like replacing (or adding to?) that rockin’ Dr. Pepper T of his.
Kelle, I’m so sorry for you that you’ve had to go through this three times. Once should be enough for anyone.
The pain of miscarriage is such a strange pain. I felt very lonely when it happened to me. Even though I had my husband and friends to support me, it was like I was the only one that REALLY knew what had been lost – the dream of that baby-to-be. Part of me wanted to shout “I was pregnant and now I’m not!!!” to everyone I passed, so that they’d KNOW. Somehow that would validate my sense of loss even more. Or maybe just spread around the pain a little bit…thin it out.
I hope you heal soon.
Kelle..I read your post on the other blog and am so sorry for your loss(es). How wonderful of you though to write about it and share your feelings – I know others who have been in your shoes will benefit from it. I used to hate when people would tell me “everything happens for a reason” – but ever since my Cate was born I am a believer. I’m glad you have your beautiful family to help you through the bad times.
I tell ya- life just keeps happening kelle. Hold on tight. Sorry to hear of your loss. I’ll spare you the details of my crazy life path…but know youre not alone. Nella & Lainey look awesome! Love the tea party hat on instragram! xo
Oh Kelle, I am sorry. Been there. Done that. Your piece at What to Expect was extraordinarily written. I wish you had written this 4 years ago when I experienced my miscarriage. You would have given me hope. And I wish I would have “known” you a few months after that, when I got prego again, and my AFP test was amiss and they gave me a 1/40 chance of having a baby with DS. And I sat there and stewed in sorrow for 5 months. Our second daughter was born without DS, but even if she did have it, we would love her no less. And your words during my time would have helped, I know it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for always sharing your life with all of us who read your blog. You are such an inspiration.
Love,
Meagan
“Just hold on, the light will come.”
….from a gospel song………
Thank you for sharing such a tender experience about losing your babies.
xoxo, Bree
I am so sorry for your losses. I myself have had 3. One before my 5 year old and 2 before my 2 year old. I also went through the whole “I should be grateful for what I have” but I wanted more too. I’m 36 and think I still might want another. I will keep you in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing your loss with us. We lost our only birth child at six weeks. It is always something I will treasure, as the little heartbeat looked like a twinkling star – a miracle.
God brought us a little boy through foster care, who “coincidentally” was born a month before our baby would have been born.
That is so wonderful that y’all just sprawled out on the floor and started reading at BAM like it was your house! I totally am going to do it with my son. Nella is starting to look alot like her big sis 🙂
Our Growing Garden
Oh Kelle, I am so sorry for your losses, your miscarriages. Of course I had no idea. NOt much more I can say, but what everyone else is saying. I am just so sorry. Love from the Blog Mama~
I am sorry for your losses.
I, too, have suffered miscarriages. I like to think that without those losses I would not have the beautiful children that I do today.
I shared one of my stories about miscarriage on my blog. It was cathartic. I plan on sharing my other one someday.
I am done having children, but my heart always goes out to mothers who wish to have more and are having trouble.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
I love that you share so much of your life with us. I am sorry to hear of your losses. I know that pain all too well. You’ve got a great circle of friends and I know they’ll keep you comforted. Thank you for sharing. xo
Kelle, I’m so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. I’m fortunate to have never experienced one myself, but almost all of my friends have. It is truly heartbreaking from the outside looking in, so I can only imagine how it feels from the inside looking out!
Praying that you are able to heal (physically, emotionally & spiritually)!
Kelle-
I am so very sorry for the pain you are experiencing. My heart goes out to you. I wish for you and your family much peace of mind – and as many kids as your heart desires (so, not much peace and quiet…).
I’m so sorry for your losses. I know the heartbreak; I’ve been there three times as well. It sucks. But I love your optimism and hope and your faith in the fact that it will all work out. And it will. And there will be an adorable baby at the end 🙂
Oh Kelle. Sending love and light again. Praying for a sticky bean for you guys. You have much love to give. You will be blessed again.
I am so sorry to hear about your miscarraiges. There really aren’t words to describe the loss of a child (even one at that stage) So I will just leave it at this: I loved your article. You keep on Dreaming and Hoping and Planning. 🙂
I love the tea party. And the jumping on beds. I pray someday that my house will be like that!
I’m so sorry about your miscarriages, Kelle. I, too, have had several and I greatly admire your positive outlook about being thankful for the kiddos you are lucky enough to have. What beautiful words you write. Thank you.
What I enjoyed most about your article was when you talked about how you can’t plan things. You have to be happy with what you already have. My husband has been unemployed for two years and we are no where near financially ready to have another child. I have been so focused on this that I can’t focus on my wonderful daughter right in front of me. Being content with the life in front of us is so important. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m so sorry for your losses. I love reading about your family and hope you’re able to expand it soon.
I hope you and your family stay safe with Irenes approach…we’re watching here in Nova Scotia to see if she’ll visit on Sun/Mon. But everytime I look at a weather radar I think of you guys first. Hope it swings by without a hitch and you lots of pretty waves…thats all we want here haha 🙂
Oh gosh Kelle, I am so sorry. Your guest post brought back some repressed memories, as I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks and then another two months after that was technically just a “chemical pregnancy” because I was only a few days pregnant. The first one was devastating; the second extremely disappointing. But I went on to have two more healthy boys after recovering, and now I can see that it was just the way it was supposed to be. Meditation helped me a lot, and the presence of my husband and oldest son. I will keep faith that your next blessing is right around the corner, because there is no doubt you have a lot more love to give!
You are freaking hilarious. Thank you once again for making me laugh out loud with your dry humor. Love it!
I love your outlook and perspective, Kelle. What an inspiration you are (in so many ways!) to all of us. Praying for you tonight, and may that sweet little one be added to your nest very, very soon. <3
Loved reading about Nella’s sense of humor. My little boy just turned one and he’s starting to figure out how to make us laugh, too. Deliciously funny, I tell ya!
xoxo
So sorry to hear of your miscarriages. I miscarried while I was pregnant with my first – sounds strange – it was a twin pregnancy. But, I had trouble conceiving so I felt that loss.
I pray for you and your husband that your family will continue to grow! You have a great attitude! Thank you for being so honest in your blogs and sharing so much.
BTW, I can not stand Hi-Ho Cherry-O. I think I’d rather sit through a marathon of the Upside Down Show than play that! We’ve moved on to Curious George Day At The Beach which is a lot of fun! Best wishes!!
Just wanted to thank you for putting into words what I’ve been feeling for the last 2 weeks since I found out I had miscarried also. My little boy is just a few weeks older than Nella, and I too was due with a little spring baby. There are no words to express the emptiness and loneliness when you find out that you’ve lost a baby. I’m so sorry you’ve been through this three times now. It was only my first experience with a loss and I can’t imagine the strength it takes to do it again. Praying for your next little one to set up camp for the whole 9 months!
Oh Kelle. I’m so sorry for your losses. Miscarriages are so devastating 🙁
Gosh- you are amazing- to remain so joyful and enjoy all that your life is despite set-backs such as the one you’ve written about. Thank you for sharing your miscarriage story, it makes a topic that is sometimes hidden away one that people can empathise with. You’ve got one big heart Kelle, and all your children are all the more blessed because of that!
Nella looks so grown up with her pony tails! I love how they love books too!! That is a wonderful love!! Thank you for sharing!
Kelle,
I am so sorry for the loss of your tiny babies; babies who were huge in your heart. Hugs.
So sorry for you loss. As someone who has also lost a baby in the past, it’s sooooo hard. I take peace in believing that someday I will meet him/her and that he/she is watching over us!
Hug those kids extra tight!
-Jenny in Iowa
I am so sorry for your loss! I hope Nella feels better soon!
I sent your guest blog to my sister…She had a miscarriage right before Christmas and i think hearing your words might help her heal:)
Here’s hoping you get your wish soon!
((HUG))
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Good vibes and baby dust coming your way! Ask your doc about progesterone… doesn’t hurt to ask.
*more hugs*
Thinking of you and Bret. May you both find peace during this difficult time.
I am so sorry about your losses. Thinking and praying for you!
I’m sorry for your loss, Kelle. I’ve been there as well.
On the paperdoll front, You have to check these out!
http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/betsy_mccall/1961.html
Kelle, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We lost 4 babies on our journey to have our sweet Ella. We now have two little girls and I count every one of those heartaches as a blessing because I will never once take for granted my blessings. ((hugs))
I’m so sorry for your losses. Thank you for being courageous enough to share that with us.
On a different note, the first time I heard “Good Life” was on your blog. Now I think of you every time I hear it- I hope that’s not weird. :0)
okay…holy s&*( I love you more and more everyday) you are so real and so funny and sooooooo remind me of my best friend. the nursing story was so sweet and then this…thank you for sharing and if you EVER get a hankering for western nebraska please call.
Your children are so beautiful!
I was just thinking the same thing yesterday – it is crazy how fast mother nature can change. One minute rain and thunder, the next sunshine and heat! The girls are gorgeous as always 🙂 And I loved “Hoping, Dreaming, Planning” – very touching! God Bless, Kelle =)
Kelle…so many things to say to you…First off, I am so very sorry for your multiple losses. I understand how it feels, I lost 2 times in my second trimester. It was hard. It *is* hard. ((HUGS))
Nella is looking so much more like a little girl…rather than a babe… Sweetheart.
Lainey is just beautiful. You just know she is learning and growing so much. I LOVE hi-ho cherry oh! Me and mine used to play this for hours. I admit, sometimes I did let her win. 🙂
I just can’t tell you how much I enjoy your blog. It speaks to me in so many ways…on so many levels. You write so beautifully. Have a great rest-of-the-week!
PS~Have you smelled the new Pumpkin Marshmallow for September?? It is heaven. Buttery crust, Pumpkins, sugar….Lordy, I put that in my living room warmer and had to make Pumpkin Bread that day. 🙂
You have an extraordinarily beautiful family. You are so brave to share your life with the world, and thank you for that. T & P your way.
Kelle, I have been a follower for a few months but have only commented one other time, although i love all of your posts. Why only one other comment then? Well, my son died last August. He was stillborn at 35 weeks due to a cord accident. I love your inspiring, happy posts but i don’t feel happy or inspiring much these days. I am blessed enough to have a living daughter who is almost three and is the light in my life. I started a blog in January bc i needed people to start talking about loss. I could not stand the silence. Thank you for sharing yours. It makes those of us living this feel a little more normal. Thinking of you.
Loved this…
… realizing that there are so many events and circumstances in our lives that are uncontrollable propels me not to worry and brew self-pity but rather to do something grand with the things I can control.
Such a good way to be.
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. Last year I had three miscarriages. (You actually wrote me a very sweet note after my second one… your words really helped, thank you.) I am now 22 weeks along & am still in awe that I have made it this far…. clearing hurdles I thought I would never again reach. This little guy has two big brothers who are very excited to meet him.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with all of us… the light & the dark, ebbing & flowing, with fabulous tea parties along the way.
xo
Kate
KELLE, this may seem a strange question but..I havent had time to read thru completely, your posts lately, so maybe i have missed it. Just out of curiosity,I wonder if Lainey is, or will be, going to preschool maybe a couple of morns a week? Or are you going to homeschool? We are thinking of looking for our little grandson, preschool, just two morns a week. Love you…
Thank you for sharing your story about miscarriage.
It is a hard road to travel and I think sharing with others definitely helped me.
I hope your arms are one day full of children, as mine are after having miscarried our first baby.
I find your blog inspiring, uplifting and real.
You are a fantastic Mum, so don’t give up on your dream of having one (or two!!) more babies.
kelle..i am also so sorry for yours and bretts losses..i have never experienced a miscarraige but am having infertility issues that have been goin on for about 2 1/2 yrs now since my first girl was born so i know that “wanting” that youve described. even when people say “be thankful for the 1 you got” which i am, i know the disappointment and heartbreak that goes along with it..your words always help me to stay positive especially now..bless you and your family and thank you for the words of inspiration
I am sad for you that you have had to experience these losses and disappointments. Your courage to keep trying is beautiful! Your girls, and future babies, are blessed to have you for their mama.
Kelle, I’ve been reading your blog since Nella was born but never commented.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU. You touch me with your words and pictures. You make me laugh and cry and squeeze my four little girls that much tighter.
You inspire me to be a better mother. A better friend. A better everything! I am more joyful because of you and I just needed you to know how much you brighten my day every time you share yourself with the world 🙂
Ohhh I am so sad & sorry to hear of your miscarriages! 🙁 I’ve experienced 2 miscarriages myself, then have had 2 full-term pregnancies. It’s so sad to lose a baby at any stage and I’m so sorry for your loss. May you have a healthy pregnancy very soon!
You already know I love you long time! 🙂 And am sending you lots of prayers and love from Utah!
I am loving the pics of you jumping on your bed. Totally thought you posted the picture upside down at first with your head in the canopy. You continue to inspire me and help me to be a better mom. My kids thank you!
xo
I love Lainey’s outfit! Did she pick it out herself?
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. While I’ve never had, or lost, a child of my own, my sister lost her baby boy this summer. She was 33 weeks along, and sweet Gideon left us to be with Jesus. It’s completely opened my eyes to the grief of losing a child. It hurts, even if we don’t know their name, gender, or personalities. No one can replace those precious little ones. My only consolation is that the Heavenly Father’s heart grieves with us. I’ll be praying for you!
sorry to hear that your little Nella is sniffling! Hope she feels better soon.
Also so sorry to hear of your loss. I have experienced multiple miscarriages myself. Your piece at What to Expect is amazing and provides peace and the reminder to keep on living…and live WELL!
sweet kelle, so sorry about your miscarriages. I read your post on the whattoexpect site and loved it. your heart is truly amazing and inspiring. press on sweet mama, your kiddos are so blessed to have you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hope evrything will work out with time… Just enjoy life in the meantime! Then one day…bam…
I loved your blog post for whattoexpect.com. I hope Nella feels better soon! 🙂
So sorry to hear about your losses :-/.. you keep on truckin momma..
So sorry to hear about your losses, Kelle. I have had a couple of miscarriages myself, along with a late loss at 27 weeks. The hurt never goes away, it just lessens with time. And it makes me want to hug my girls just a little bit tighter & a little bit longer. Thinking of you. (((hugs)))
And thanks for the Scentsy shout out! 🙂
“A parent’s love can not be measured in increments of time…….an entire lifetime can be squeezed into a few brief miraculous moments when necessary…….”
Sending heartfelt prayers from Seattle.
Sorry for such a long post, but my heart is pouring for you..
Oh my God.. that’s all I can really think. I can’t imagine the unjust and disappointment you feel, and I can’t help but think, that some how, some where, God has a bigger plan for you. You have to be the most inspiring, creative, whimsical, funny-as-hell person I follow. I truly enjoy reading all the success stories as well as the not so successful stories. It really shows that every person, is no bigger than the sky, and any/everything can happen to you, because you are just a human, who feels and lives with passion, love, trust, and happiness. I pray you get that precious baby, because I can imagine how blessed and loved that gorgeous baby will be. Thank you for sharing such touching, intimate stories, heart-breaking, encouraging stories of you and your families lives. You really are a true inspiration for any/every woman. I can’t wait to see where this crazy roller coaster of life takes you. I hope and pray that your pain is followed by another joyous surprise! Rock On, Mega-Mama!
I have been reading your blog for a long time but have never commented. I just wanted you to know your love for your children inspires me. I love that you treasure each moment with your girls and instill so much grace and confidence into them. You are a wonderful mother! Not to mention your girls are beautiful. 🙂
Dana Michelle
So sorry to hear of your losses. Makes every baby seem even more special. I hope your dreams come true soon!
Andrea x
I feel your pain so much…though I have never felt those pregnancy symptoms…I have longed for them with all my heart. Two and a half years of trying and nothing to show for it. Yet, I know that someday things will be different. Whether a baby from my blood, or a baby from another momma who can’t take care of him/her, I know I will have one. And, thankfully, that is what keeps me going. You’re right…the dreaming, the planning, the hoping…it keeps us alive. Thank God for that.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Hello Kelle
I was sorry to hear about your miscarriages,I really was xxx
Nella’s smiles are pure magical & Lainey seems to love books just as we do in this house!Loved the photos of the trees,don’t know why but I think there is something special about trees 🙂 Wishing you and your family a happy day xx
Kelle, you have made a difference. You live your life with purpose, kindness, and compassion.
So sad to hear this, Kelle. But you are again so inspiring and keep me pressing on to enjoy the small things.
I love how you capture everyday life in your pictures and help us to appreciate it. Thank you!
(I hope Nella feels better very soon!)
Oh Kelle beautiful post as always. I’m so sorry to hear about your losses. Your strength is such an inspiration. You face sadness of life’s unexpected turns, feel it, live it and then get right on to the business of seeing the good and living the best way you know how. I’m thinking of you. You make a difference xxx
Hugs and prayers for you, and thank you again for a beautiful post (both here and the other site) early in the morning of what promises to be a hard day. Hugs to you.
I love summer rain, especially the scent of it!
Great photos.
Yes, there sure are many good new books that keep coming out.
Wonderful, beautiful and thought-full books, for children, and it’s fab being able to choose from so very many!
Looks like you’re doing good! Good to see.
It’s nice when all is well 🙂
The same way here too!!
Dear Kelle,
I am so sorry for your losses. My heart goes out to you.
Beate
Kelle- I am so sorry about your miscarriage. I thank you for writing your article. I have also miscarried 3 times & I feel that it is such a hard subject to talk about because it makes people uncomfortable. What do you say to someone who never visibly had a baby? Your descriptions (esp. the maxi pad) were perfect. Sometimes it is refreshing to know that someone else understands what you have gone through. I now have 4 beautiful kids & am praying the same for you.
I need to tell you that every morning I hug my daughter just a little bit tighter after reading your posts.
I just wanted to thank you for your openness regarding your miscarriages. I have had a summer of one miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy that seems to be going on forever. It has been hard for me to remind myself to be grateful for my beautiful daughter at times, and not focus on what I have not been able to have.
Kelle,
Thank you for the link to the piece you wrote on your loss. I reiterate how sorry I am.
xo
I’m all over the HAPPY
Beautiful Kelle!
Proud of you for sharing such an intimate moment with us. That’s why you are so inspiring to so many.
Hope Nella feels better and hopefully you both got some sleep.
XOXO
You do so much good with your words. Truly talented. Thank you for sharing the highs and the lows. It is always inspirational.
so utterly adorable! I love that she laughs when someone gets hurt – that’s hilarious!
Thank you Kelle.
Your words help.
And inspire.
I have just spent the first few minutes of my morning reading your beautiful post and then reading your touching article. Sometimes I forget to breath when I read your words. I read your blog and had no idea about your losses. Hugs from the Adirondack Mountains and I hope your little one feels better soon!
Beautiful post!
I’m sorry for all your losses Kelle
Sending lots of love to you all!
I am so saddened to hear about your losses. Even after reading that piece, you still made me laugh. Who wouldn’t want to live “in a van down by the river??” Thanks for a beautiful blog, as always.
Just read your other post – I’m so sorry that you had to go through that at all, much less twice recently. You have such beautiful children and the world will be a better place when you are blessed with another.
You are so lucky to have a home and children. I live in a half-way house now – so much safer for me if you know what I mean. I’m cleaned up and long for the life you have. I had to give up my children when I was first arrested for crack and desperately want to be living with them, but unfortunately they are a little – justifiably- afraid that I will slip back into old habits. You’re so blessed to have parents that care about you, as well.
Big hugs… for the happy stuff, and your ever-inspiring gratitude… and for the losses, and your resilient spirit. I think that being aware of and grateful for what we have is the only real balm that can ease the pain of what we’ve lossed.
Oh, Kelle, I just read your piece at What To Expect and my heart aches for your losses. Thank you for writing such a beautiful optimistic piece about a heartbreaking subject. Four years ago- after three healthy pregnancies and three healthy babies- I found myself very unexpectedly pregnant. Even in the shock of the discovery-I began to plan, hope, dream. But as unexpected as the realization of pregnancy was- the miscarriage which followed shortly after was even more unexpected. I felt completely lost. And I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt in my grieving- because here I had three healthy children when there were so many women who were struggling to have just one. Sometimes mourning the loss of a hope, a plan, a dream can be more profound, more devastating than the feeling that my body betrayed me in some way. Time passed- I was ready to bring closure to the childbearing part of my life. And then Violet came along- a hope, a plan, a dream realized.
You are an amazing, wonderful, compassionate, passionate, insightful mother (and all around great chick). You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for opening your heart to all of us. Wishing you much peace and love.
thanks for being so honest about your loss. I have suffered a miscarriage and I lost one of a set of twins. It is very hard and many people expect you to just get over it. Thank you for grieving and allowing us to know about it.
Keep on hoping and dreaming Kelly, you have time on your side and you will be blessed with more. Sending a big hug and prayers up this morning for healing.
I can’t begin to imagine the loss you are feeling. I hope that you are healing and enjoying your little ones. Keep on hoping…hope is a strong thing.
Long time reader, first time commenter. Your family is truly an inspiration. When my world is rocked, I find myself repeating a Leonard Cohen line “There is a crack in everything…
That’s how the light gets in.” Much love.
Loved the article Kelle. I am just amazed by your motivation to make every day count and live life to the fullest with your kids, especially when you are going through such a tough time with losing the pregnancy. You do such a great job of highlighting the beautiful and still baring the scars that we all have. I am amazed by your strength as a woman and a mother!
I so admire your resilience and gratitude. Bless you and your family!
I’m sorry to hear about your losses 🙁
We love the bookstore, campout style, too 🙂
We are so blessed for so many reasons, and yet those agonizing losses pack such a punch. A strong foundation helps, but grief is necessary…and then planning and dreaming again…life, Baby. This Enjoying post is perfectly timed with the WTE article – for it is those little moments of joy and gratitude that help to get us through those extreme moments of hurt and loss. Miscarriage is always hard, whether you have no kids yet or 10 kids already. Hugs to you and your family. And prayers for all of your dreams coming true! (hoping for an invitation to your Thanksgiving dinner in about 10 years – it will be glorious!)
Great “little” post. The small things through your eyes are fabulous reminders to live it up – and play another round of that $%@#! game, for goodness sake – for too soon she will not ask me to play with her at all!
love,
e
Ooooh my goodness. The B&W of Lainey in the bookstore is stunning.
Possibly my favorite ever of yours!
Keep up the great work, both writing & photographing.
Thank you for sharing pieces of your heart. One of my favorite quotes I often come back to is from Winston Churchill, “When you’re going through hell, keep going…”
Sending healing hugs from NC,
Elizabeth
Kelle,
Wonderful words on pregnancy loss. Having just gone through this myself, I truly understand the pain and devastation of a pregnancy lost. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Kelle, I am so sorry for your loss. What an unbearable thing to go through. Hugs.
Oh Kelle you make my heart ache. I went through 9 years of infertility until we did IVF with our first. He was a twin, and we lost the second around 9 weeks.
In about 2 weeks I will be having another child, this one a complete surprise and conceived the old fashioned way.
I have a lot of joy in our growing family, but I also have a mental room filled with that lost child and the children that never happened. I visit it sometimes and mourn their loss. Little things will bring me there, like seeing a twin stroller in a store, or a pair of twins playing happily at a park..
I hope the upcoming months bring you another blessing of your own. You are a courageous and strong woman to share this journey.
I love how chic your little girls are. Ha!
Julie
ilikebeerandbabies.com
You are my role model! You always seem to see the positive in EVERYTHING and that is not always an easy thing to do. You have two adorable girls and a husband that seem to adore you and love you so much. I am so sorry to hear about your losses. You are a great mom to the children you have and you deserve a house full of littles. I am glad I came across your blog because it lifts me up every time I read your posts. You are an awesome woman! I have my hopes and dreams…one is to one day meet you and your girls.
So sorry to hear of your recent loss. Your article at WTE was really well done, of course. Sending big hugs to you & yours from MN.
(I get so sick of playing the same thing with my daughter that sometimes I think I will lose it!! Mmmm, I must get some paper dolls….)
I am so sorry to hear about your loss!
Your post on WTE was beautiful. I had a miscarriage last year and found comfort in talking to other women about their experiences. I pray that you are blessed with another little one soon. A month after my miscarriage I was pregnant again and my baby is 9 months old now.
I love Brett’s dr. pepper shirt btw. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your miscarriages-been there twice-my last one was after 12 healthy babies and it still hurt so much! I used progesterone cream with my last pregnancy-awesome stuff! Google it if you have time-
Kelle, I don’t normally write comments but today I feel I need to. I don’t even know what to say but your words bring me back… (funny a beam of sun came through the curtain to encourage me!) Last year I also lost a pregnancy, I know the sinking heartache it brings. I remember the incredible positive strength my husband used to pick me up with. I know Brett is a rock for you and you will come out the other side stronger and more ready for that precious little wonder.
Alice was born this March and I love her with the hopes and dreams of not one pregnancy but two.
Throughts and Prayers with you Kelle!
Amy
I also wanted to mention your first photo on the right, if you look at it quickly looks like snow!!!
Hi Kelle. Just read your article about miscarrying. I miscarried two babies before I had my third little girl. I was so heartbroken, much more than I ever thought I would be. I couldn’t understand how I could breeze through two pregnancies, have two perfectly beautiful girls and then all this trouble. It turned out that my body wasn’t producing the progesterone that it needed to support the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. So, long story longer, the doctor put me on progesterone while my husband and I were still trying and I continued it until about 16 weeks of pregnancy. Now, I have my beautiful Eva, who is singing “We did it, lo hicimos.” as I type. Best of wishes and prayers to you, who brings so much joy to so many mommies.
Hugs Kelle…..I am so sorry about the miscarriages. I also have experienced three losses and each one was devastating. I had two in a row while trying for my 6th child. I felt almost guilty, because I mean, really, I had been blessed with 5 beautiful children already. I had to come to the place of being happy with what I had, even if it meant I would never have another baby. Of course, I was soon pregnant again and the next baby made it. Actually, I had 3 more babies, for a total of 8 : ) I love my big family and am so thankful for my children, I know I am a very blessed woman. I will be praying that your next little one is a keeper!
I also wanted to tell you that I am also still nursing my almost 2 year old lol She does just like NElla, cries and whimpers when I say no to ninny, and of course I give in….she is so freakin cute! She will ask for ninny and when I say yes, she says “ok” in the sweetest little voice. I just love her and she is my last baby and I will probably drag this time out as long as I can lol
Oh Kelle, I’m so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. I have been lucky enough not to lose a pregnancy myself. But my best friend has lost three, and I grieve with her. Especially the last one, because she and I got pregnant at the same time. Nine days of dreaming of pictures of us with big bellies next to a Christmas tree, seeing our tiny ones swaddled next to each other, playdates. And then…no heartbeat on her ultrasound. When she holds my 15 month old, I still can’t help thinking about what almost was. As always, you have a great attitude. But I’m so sorry for your pain.
Can I just say that I love your posts? Particularly this one because the husband tshirt thing is like so universal. This might seem really creepy seeing as I don’t know you, but I had a dream the other night and you and I were fast friends.
All of life is rich. We tend to highlight and focus on the ecstatic moments of joy. Those dark threads are also part of life’s tapestry. They provide the contrast and help to trace the edges of the bright spots. I love these lines:
“I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow;
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her,
When Sorrow walked with me.”
— Robert Browning
Some of our greatest treasures of art and legendendary works of literature were born of heartache and pathos. It is not “if” we will endure suffering–we will, it is what we will do with and through it. Mother Teresa wrote, “The heart stretched out by sorrow, God later fills with joy!” Loving you through your loss to your joy!
–Poppa
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all of your stories. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for a little over a year now. We’re going to keep trying for as long as it takes. There’s something about reading your blogs that set my mind at ease. And I will continue to hope, dream and plan. Many prayers for you family to grow soon!
I am so very sorry for the many losses you have suffered through…that’s really sad. I have never had a miscarriage. I have 2 girls and wanted more, but in these past 10 years have not been able to get pregnant AT ALL! I am content now that I am 40 and I know these 2 girls are my life!
much love and hugs to you and I TRULY hope you have at least one more!
tara
We’re bed jumpers too…I love the way it makes my boys laugh and scream! 🙂
I am so very sorry for your losses. May your heart heal and your table soon be overflowing even more than it is now……you are truly blessed and have lots of love to give!
On a happier note, I love that your doggie matches Lainey’s rug! They blend beautifully! 🙂
I am so sorry to hear of your losses, Kelle. My heart and prayers go out to you.
I love your campout in the bookstore, I think we are due for one of those soon!
Those girls of yours are just too cute, we too, do the book store campout and could stay for hours. Thank you for always sharing, you are a gift to us all!
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I am sorry for your losses. Thank you for sharing in beautiful words your thoughts and feelings. I will be praying for your big, vivacious, table filled with your many future littles. It is a beautiful gift to have the love of family and you and Brett have so much love to share. Love and bigs hugs to you! Dreaming of the pregnancy posts that will someday fill your blog again:)
My Katelynn loves books too. We just had promotion day at Sunday School and she was a little hesitant about leaving her teachers whom she just adored. I tried to explain there would be the same friends just different teachers and a different room. Her eyes got huge and she asked “With different books!!?” I said yes, and after that, no problem. Hope her love of books sticks!!
I also hope Nella is feeling better. Summer colds equal No Fun!!
I just had to tell you how much of an inspiration you are. Although I know we only get a small peek at your world I admire that you pick up and carry on even in the midst of heartache as written in your “What to Expect” post. I needed that today.
I’m so sorry to hear of your losses, Kelle.
Hugs to you. The pregnancy thing, gaining and losing, and trying again… it’s its own world of emotions, and there’s a comfort in knowing other women, other moms, are right there in it, too.
I love when you share the rain with us and the way Florida is always so green. No measurable rain in what seems like nearly a year, at least since the winter, but we were in a drought even then. We’ve had 70 days of temps over 100 this summer, and they aren’t just hovering there. They’re hanging out around 105 with suffocating humidity. Texas is an unhappy place to be right now… if you like the outdoors. I’m still trying to make my house look like fall is just around the corner, and it makes us all feel better.
Your tea party reminded me…my girls and I have been working on our British accents a lot lately. You get creative when stuck inside. I guess this is what Northerners feel like when it snows all winter.
I loved your post on “What to expect.” I had a miscarriage in February and still have been unable to get pregnant after a year of trying. We are currently going through infertility treatments and recently underwent IUI. I can certainly understand the loss of a pregnancy and the void that it brings. I too, felt a sense of comfort in writing about it. We are trying to stay hopeful, but sometimes it seems like we will never become a family of “3.” Anyway, thank you for your optimism and perspective on all the many blessings. I love your blog. I wish your family to expand by one more very soon.
xo, Kalyn
http://www.keepinthelight.blogspot.com
Your writing is so eloquent and manages to always inspire me. Thanks for sharing your story. My sister is going through a similar struggle and I know reading your post has lifted her spirits. I am really sorry for your losses and I hope new babies are in your near future. You are a wonderful mama.
My heart goes out to you – so many of us have shared your sorrow. Thank you so much for sharing ALL the areas of your life – not just the fun adorable stuff!
Also, Poppa Rik – you are an amazing man! I know Kelle counts you among her many blessings!!
Kelle-as always your outlook on life is amazing. I am so sorry for your loss and know that you will be holding another little one in the future. Sending love form Maryland!
So sorry for your losses! My husband and I have had 4 miscarriages, each a little more heartbreaking than the last. We had two miscarriages, then finally got pregnant with our little miracle baby girl. When she was 5 months old we found out we were pregnant again (A VERY big shock!), but lost the baby just a few days later. Then last summer, we found out we were expecting again and were over the moon. We waited til 10 weeks to announce and everyone was so ecstatic, our daughter would be 2.5 when the baby came, a perfect age difference….and again, two weeks later, we cried our way through another loss 🙁 We decided there would be no more medical interventions, no more ovulation kits or charting…if we were meant to have another baby, we would have one. And miraculously, the first month I ovulated after the miscarriage, we conceived the little boy I’m carrying now, and he is due on big sister’s 3rd birthday.
Miracles do happen, usually most at the most unexpected times, or just when life seems the darkest! Keep your chin up and cuddle those two beautiful little girls and know that Life has a million mysteries left for us to explore…we just have to hang on for the ride!!
So true that blogs are a sliver of what someone’s life might really have going on. So sorry for the losses you have experienced. You wrote so eloquently and sound so hopeful and positive in the What to Expect article. Thank you for all that you share. You instill strength in so many people.
So sorry for your losses, but thank you for your experiences to help others!
I love your blog and your happy pictures 🙂
Ugh, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your two precious babies. I lost two in 2009 (one miscarriage, one ectopic pregnancy) before I got pregnant and had my sweet son in 2010. Pregnancy loss has been my toughest journey in life. I know that while having Lainey and Nella might help, it doesn’t take away from the feelings of sadness you have about the babies you lost.
As soon as you become pregnant, you start planning for that baby’s life – for your own life as well, and everything that will change. And when that’s taken away…well, it was almost too much for me to bear. I know every woman handles it differently but I was a WRECK.
Hugs to you – be kind to yourself, sweet Kelle!
I am quite smitten with Nella, so I do think of you all often even when I am not reading your blog. Just this morning, I was wondering if you and Brett were thinking of adding to your family. I am so sorry to hear of your losses. I too experienced the loss of a much wanted third child, and just a few months after my original due date, I welcomed my sweet baby girl last September. I know that she was the child I was meant to have, and when I feel sad about my miscarriage, I tell myself that Violet wanted to wait a little longer to become a part of our family – she wasn’t ready yet. Much love to you and your family.
Kelle, Do you write on WTE blog alot or just the one time?
You are in my thoughts, it has to be very hard to make this public knowledge although I am sure in a lot of ways it helps to talk and read what or how others have done to get through their pain. My daughter had a miscarriage and the went through 6 IUI’s then 3 IVF’s and finally got An amazing little boy that is so Precious in every way. (As Nella and Lainey are and every other child). I want to say Thank you so much for your HONESTY on your blog.Good Luck.
Kelle, I’m an avid reader of your blog and had no idea about what you’ve been through. I’m so sorry for your loss. I had two early miscarriages before the birth of our son – it’s impossible to convey how much those few short weeks marked my heart. Praying for you, and I hope you can feel all the love that’s coming your way.
You are such a brave and beautiful human being. There should be more Kelle Hampton’s. The world would be a more beautiful place. I’m not nearly brave enough to blog about some of my experiences I think blogging is great therapy and it’s truly amazing to experience the web as being a place that we can all find support and friends through (even if we’ve never met them).
Dear Kelle. I realize I am only one of 182 comments but I follow your blog enough, I thought it was about time I share a little appreciation. One year ago from tomorrow, my first baby girl was born. I felt the amazing emotions of a new mom and all of the added “bonus” emotions a new mom feels when they are told their baby has Down Syndrome. I think I physically went into shock. Since then, my baby girl has endured a month in the NICU and at six months, quickly recovered from open heart surgery. I cannot tell you how much I have learned in one small year! We love our baby girl and even though there are steeper mountains to climb with Down Syndrome, I would never take her any other way. I guess what I wanted to say is I appreciate and admire your love for life and the love you share with everyone. Many Thanks ~ Chayla
I loooove those tights!
And I see some Bryer Horses in the background of the book store!
i am so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. having been through it twice myself after infertility treatments (IUI for first pregnancy and IVF for second) i know the excitement and then the absolute devastation you have felt…hugs from a fellow michigander who is NOT ready for fall yet 😉 but yates cider mill certainly is sounding appealing lately!
Ha- bed jumping is also allowed in my home. I never wanted my kids to think that the mattress was more important than their free wild spirit which was calling them to jump and enjoy the fun and laughter that only a springy bed could provide.
Beautiful post, pictures, and phrases that made me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as well, and know that a good many people love you and are cheering you on. <3
Kelle, I am so sorry for these trials you’ve faced- and still, in your weekly blogs we would have no idea of the painful loss you experienced, because you faithfully stick to your motto of enjoying the small things. Be encouraged, because in my daily trials- I run to your blog religiously to remind myself of how thankful I am for the small things in my life.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
GOD Bless you Kelle, your blog makes me smile!
Kelle, I wanted to tell you a little story. I cried and sent love your way when I read about your miscarriages, and when my sweet boyfriend appeared at my side to ask what was wrong, I told him “My friend has been having a rough time, etc” and it didn’t even occur to me that I’d said “friend” without ever having met you. When you mentioned your friend going through chemo, of course I had to check her blog and send some love HER way. And maybe she’s your “blog” friend. And I’m thinking that love and support doesnt have to meet in person to matter.
Kelle…..I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. Thinking of you as you go through this.
Kelle, I think you are amazing. I have read your blog since before Nella came along. You are incredibly brave and an amazing, amazing, mother and woman. So sorry to hear about all your losses. As a woman who is on her NINTH pregnancy with seven losses behond me I know how hard it is.
Without you even knowing it you provided me with hope after the birth of Nella as I was losing a set of twins last year.
I pray you get the family you have dreamed of!
I’m sorry to hear about your loss 🙁
My hcg level’s dropped this week after a sweet positive sign appeared 5 days before. I had 5 days of bliss, knowing I was pregnant. And then suddenly I just wasn’t. Last year I had two losses, both at the 11 week mark. With this current loss, I’m only grateful that it happened so soon. The later it goes, the harder it is to lose, both physically and emotionally.
You are in my thoughts. And wow, I can’t wait for your book to come out. How neat and exciting is that?!!
Katrina
They All Call Me Mom
Thanks for the ‘hoping, dreaming, planning’…
xoxo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
My heart aches for you. My dream to have more children has come to an unexpected halt. I’ve never had a miscarriage but after trying to conceive last fall my husband told me he changed his mind. I already felt like there was suppose to be someone else here even though I never even carried them. I know this isn’t the pain you must be feeling but I wanted you to know that even though I don’t know you, I care about you. You’re in my thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss Kelle
🙁
Wow, I’m so sorry for your loss Kelle. I’ve done it once (with a burst tube and surgery to boot) and know the utter disappointment. I found myself reading and re-reading your words — they gave me comfort and hope when I didn’t really think I even needed that. I guess I did because your post had me in tears. You are a great mom and I can’t wait to hear that you’re pregnant again. God bless.
I’m so sorry for your losses Kelle.
I really hope so much you get your sticky baby very very soon. I am already eagerly awaiting those newborn pics and your birth story!!!
Your blog inspires me, daily.
Thank you. x
I had no idea you were trying for more children (why WOULD I have any idea…?) so exciting! It WILL happen =) I can’t wait to have a second someday.
Just wanted to send you a big hug and thank you for being the honest, brave, strong, inspiring person that you are. I have also been through some pretty rough times lately, and reading your blog has been part of my therapy. Thank you.
Oh how I love this post. Happy Florida summer rain, tea party with your beautiful girls, camp out at the book store and jumping on the bed.
My heart bleeds for you too Kelle. For the loss of 2 pregnancies just recently. I have been there myself on a few occasions and it is so hard to loose the dream before it really begins. I pray that your family keeps growing and that the next pregnancy makes for a chubby baby in your arms.
I am excited to hear that you are on your way to a third baby. I know you had written before having and even after having Nella that you wanted 3 and I am happy to hear you are going for it. I too am working on our 3rd so I will be thinking and praying that it happens for the both of us sooner rather than later, but also in due time.
Another GMC moment (God’s mighty coincidence)…. I was wondering yesterday whether you were considering having more children, and lo and behold, I read both your posts. I am so sorry for your losses. I have not experienced miscarriage personally but I lost my only child to adoption, so I can imagine your feelings. I’m going to bring up a wives tale here…this is completely none of my business and you can delete me if you wish! I always thought nursing was a natural form of birth control, so I’m wondering if that is having an impact on your keeping a pregnancy? Anyway, like I say, none of my business, but I thought I’d just throw that out there. Love your blog and your adorable girls.
It has to be so hard to loose a baby. So sorry you have had these losses.
Just love your pictures. Hpe their is a new face in them someday soon.
I hope Miss Nella is feeling better! Thank you for sharing you. It is so refreshing!!
Kelle-I came across your blog several months ago, merely just a chance crossing while blog surfing and in the last few months I feel that I come to know you and your beautiful family. Your beautiful writing style and photography captures me and sucks me in with each new post. I just read Nella’s birth story a couple days ago and I shed tear after tear as I read. It was so amazingly beautiful, painful, and real. I am so excited to hear about your book and plan to buy it as soon as it comes out. I grieve for you with the loss of your baby. I miscarried several times, and it took me 7 years before I was able to add a second child to our home. People always told me, “you should just be content you have 1 child.” But when your heart yearns, it yearns and each loss is HEAVILY felt regardless of how blessed you are in so many other areas. Thank you for your beautiful blog, and for sharing a part of your lives with us all!
You are adorable even while jumping on the bed…love how Nella is watching you 🙂
I’m with ya on “Poop Picnic”….I mean, I think the word is funny, but on a children’s book????? I would, however, like one of those Dr. Seuss hats in the back ground….and you should totally own one, too 🙂
I had 2 miscarriages (one at 6 weeks, the other at 12 weeks) before finally conceiving our sweet girl. I hadn’t been sure of wanting another baby until I experienced the devastation of losing 2 almost exactly a year apart…and still yet another year before finally getting pregnant with Nora. Our losses only confirmed deeper my longing, my hoping, my NEEDING for another baby. So, in a strange way, I am grateful for having gone through it all. She was so desired 🙂 (as is your next baby, too….we can tell 🙂
Sending you many blessings in preparation for another little gift! Oh my goodness…..another BABY!!!! A little blonde boy, perhaps???
Kelly
i love your sweeeeeet pics!!! greetings, angie
I’m very sorry for your losses, Kelle. I believe our babies choose us but sometimes they just aren’t ready to come into the world. I like to think that they are each watching over your girls as guardian angels and will be with them as they grow, keeping them safe. All the best to you and your family, and I hope that the next baby decides to join you on this side of the world.
I am so sorry to hear of your miscarriages, and truly appreciate your willingness to share your experiences is such a beautiful way. I felt like miscarriage was not spoken of, until I had mine, and then I was part of a club much bigger than I ever knew. Women should share these stories more; it might make some feel less alone.
So so sorry to hear of your losses. My chest aches just a little bit when I think that had I not lost my baby, I’d have been throwing a second birthday party this weekend. But I can find comfort in other things – I got married two weeks ago, and our life together is taking off. Hopefully, we will try again soon. Thank you so much for your blog, it has helped me so much. You are such a beautiful person, Kelle. Much love to you and your family.
I am so very sorry for the loss of 2 precious little ones…. We experienced that once and it was hard. so very hard.
I am also ecstatic that you mentioned how much you love Brett on your guest post…. I sometimes wish so much that special husband/wife relationship would get a little more attention- our lives are all about being mommas, yet once we’re done being hands-on mommas we will still be wives…. good for you publicly loving on your man! 🙂
Kelle, So sorry about your losses. We lost two babies last winter after having three easy pregnancies. We are now happily expecting our fourth baby (14 weeks) & so far everything looks good. It is so nerve racking though every time something just “feels” different. Will say a prayer for you 🙂 Thanks so much for your blog and the beauty you share.
~Jada
Beautiful post written for What to Expect. I passed it on to my daughter who recently lost a baby that would have been due early March. Her only child SO FAR is 16 months and as precious as can be! If you ever get a free moment (haha) she blogs at http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/
Kelle – you never cease to amaze me – you take something like a miscarriage and turn it into hope for the future…and I am in absolute awe of your never ending ability to find joy in the little things. I’m sorry for the loss of your pregnancies and my heart goes to you and your family. (HUGS)
Ah, Kelle, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. That’s so sad. I always wanted a big family, six children I saw, seated around the table, I’ve seen them since I was a little girl. And yet, here I am, with three living children, a baby girl who died over twenty years ago, and many, many miscarriages.
I still see those other three children. I still see the six around the table.
I am blessed. I know this. The children who fill my house are gifts beyond measure. Dreaming for something more or different doesn’t lessen how much we cherish what we have.
I am wishing you all the best as your family grows. I am praying that the family you dream of becomes a reality.
Peace & Blessings,
Ellie
One of the most beautiful things I have read about miscarriage. Thank you for your words, what a gift God has given you. Your perspective on life is so beautiful. I will pray that God will grant you a new life to cherish and protect. By the way we am amazing 3 1/2 year old has DS. Sam and Nella could would make a cute couple! Our blog is private but I will send you an invite if you want to set them up in 20 years:) http://www.thebaxternews.blogspot.com
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Kelle- I love the paperdolls and all of your outfits in this post! I feel as though there is not as much love for paperdolls as there should be anymore… I just read your article and let me say I’m so sorry for the loss and I so admire your attitude. It is hard to admit that there are good things in our lives when our hearts are breaking a little. Thank you for your vulnerability that you always share! Oh and congrats on the book!!! 🙂
I got pregnant the first month off birth control with my son, who is now 3. So a year ago when we went off birth control again, I assumed that by this time, I’d have another baby in my arms. But I don’t. Yet. I was pregnant in April – due on Christmas day. But I’m not pregnant anymore. I’m praying and trying to figure out the “next step,” but, like you, at the same time – I pretty much love this step. I couldn’t be happier with my little boy. He made me a mother, and it is the reason I’m on this Earth. Thanks for putting your story out there. (A lot of our family doesn’t even know.)
thank you, Kelle, for being willing to write about such a close and painful thing. In sharing, you bless others. It was just what I needed to hear – that it’s ok to dream of more, and that doesn’t mean that I’m not so incredibly grateful for my one wonderful little boy. I can enjoy him, and be grateful for him, and also long for another. two-handed.
Kelle, I want to add my voice to the chorus of sorrow at the loss of your precious ones. You are so kind and honest and brave to share something so personal with us. I too have lost babies and I know the grief and confusion only experienced by mamas who know this particular form of loss. But I also offer you the hand squeeze of hope. Praying for you and your family tonight. <3
I love what your Dad posted. So true.
I am truly sorry to hear about your two miscarriages. Sometimes I struggle with wanting more children and I have to remember that I am so blessed to have my daughter and my loving family. Moments of loss may shatter our images, but when you take a step back, it’s the circumstances of our life that transform us.
I always thought that I would have my second around 2 years and 2 months after I had Alex. And wouldn’t you know, that was the exact day we put our family dog to sleep. (insert dreams shattered). There are circumstances preventing us from having more, but I struggle with having selfish thoughts of what I want. And then I realize there are so many women that will never have the opportunity that I have; and I need to appreciate all that God has provided.
There will be lots of noise around our table, but it will be a melange of family and friends and of children of those I love.
Thanks for exposing your vulnerability.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
Your writing, on your blog and in your What to Expect post, shows that you have been given the gift of expression: your readers (me among them) so appreciate your honesty, your openness, your vulnerability in sharing so much, and your ability to process even grief in such a way that you bless others. I am so sorry to hear about your losses, and I pray that you will have reason to once again rejoice, not just initially but also 40 weeks later….
This morning I heard the song, “Glory Baby” by Watermark. A dear friend of mine had a miscarriage a couple of years ago and that song (written by the artist after her own miscarriage) was a huge encouragement to her in her grief. As I listened to the song this morning, my heart broke for her again. And then I read your blog (and the article you wrote) and my heart broke for you, too. I love your honesty and your perspective, your hope and your authenticity. If you haven’t heard the song, I’d definitely encourage you to listen to it, hopefully it will encourage you, too.
Kelle, I had no idea about the miscarriages and am so, so sorry. My prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear this. Sending good thoughts and baby waves your way
~skylar
Hope your heart is healing. Virtual hugs to you!
I have to be honest. I have been behind these past few posts. So I finally was catching up on your end of the world and read about your recent loss and I’m sorry. I’m sorry you have to go through this again. I know all those stupid, stinky, annoying, feelings you wrote about. I have had 5. Thankfully we have two miracles…
HUG your honey and your littles tight…:(
Michelle
Congratulations! When we miscarried between my twins and my new girl one of my biggest sources of sadness was that we had not told anyone we were pregnant. We waited to make sure it was ‘safe’ and then it wasn’t and we just had to tell everyone the sad news.
I am sorry for your loss and I am so impressed with your perspective and I know your Thanksgiving table will be rocking some crazy mismatched chairs in the future:)
So sorry to hear about your and Brett’s losses. You are an amazing Mother and Wife, and I look forward to reading your blog all the time! Thank you for being a message of hope and inspiration to us all… Sending lots of love and comfort your way… xxoo
Oh Kelle- I’m so sorry for your losses. I had 2 early losses before my girls- 1 at just over 4 weeks and one at just over 6. No matter how early it is, it’s still so hard. It’s like you said- the hoping, and willing. We have been so cautions since then with early celebrations and with you talking about it I could suddenly see what someone had told me- that worry is a waste of imagination (forget who’s quote it is). Why deprive yourself of joy in the days you have worrying for any end that may come. Thank you for making it ok for early joy- and knowing when to move on. Hugs to you with your losses-
Kelle, I’m so very sorry to hear of your losses. I understand that pain. Your piece was beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. You are an inspiring woman, thank you for sharing with us! And I can’t wait to hear your good news when the next baby sticks around 🙂
Hi Kelle… I am #3 of four girls…my mom had 3 miscarriages before me…have faith…don’t give up…I know there are more angels waiting to call you mommy.
Thank you for sharing…
My heart just tore up a bit to learn of your loss. Your grace in holding on to those two girls and your knowledge that there will be someday more little ones playing and reading and running around together is so lovely and so very you. Exactly why I read this blog because I believe we’d be friends in real life and I’d be describing you to my mom as “oh Kelle, you know, she’s a favorite one. She’s so joyful and she really knows how to live so well. I try to copy her.”
Hang in there. You have a big mama heart and there will be more babies who bask in it. I know the waiting and disappointments are gut wrenching and I just wish I could say something to make it lesson.
hi kelle,
i’ve been a longtime reader of your blog but i don’t think i’ve ever commented. i love how you tell your stories, and your photos always inspire me to capture my own daughter’s moments on camera. i just wanted to tell you i’m very sorry for your losses. i recently went through my second miscarriage as well, and those feelings of overwhelming gratefulness mingled with twinges of wanting more are so familiar to me. wishing you and your beautiful family all the best and looking forward to following you on many more adventures.
~reba
Just wanted to offer my condolances on your miscarriages.
God bless
xxx
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This “do something grand with the things I can control” I needed this today. Been making plans and buying pads here around these parts too.
thanks for sharing…we were “planning” to have another child too..and now wondering if it’s possible…and, yes, we are so very blessed already! and she is a “miracle” just because she “is”…and for that matter, so are we..
Very sorry for the miscarriages. I have friends who are going through their own pregnancy battles and I find it all just so very sad and asking God “why?”
On another note…my friend has a pinterest board just for her husband and there is a quote on there that says, “If I had a british accent, I would never shut up.” Enjoy your tea time.
Nella is so cute, love that laughing shot. She would probably love this show we have in the UK called Total Wipeout where people just basically fall off things and fall into water – my nieces find it fascinating. Liking the outfits here – esp Lainey’s skirt and the hints of autumn in yours. I am glad to see the paper dolls out, I still have my mum and my auntie’s paper dolls from the 1950s and used to play with them all the time when I was little.
I just cried reading your post and then your piece for What to Expect. I had wondered if you wanted to have other children since you had mentioned in previous posts that you wanted a large family. I had no idea you experienced two miscarriages recently and I am so sorry. I admire your positive spirit and your losses and defeats in life are inspiration to the rest of us so thank you for sharing. I’m praying for you and sending good vibes for the next pregnancy because there will be one. 🙂
Just come back to do a second comment as I just read What to Expect, thank you for sharing it with us. I am very sorry to hear of your losses. You know, you are right, you have a wonderful family, and it is great to know that is this is your total family, it is fabulous. But I understand your dream for more and I totally agree that you have to go forward hoping, and expecting, it to come true. And for what it is worth, I think it will.
I am so sorry to hear about your pregnancy losses. I had two miscarriages before I had my 6-month-old baby girl and they are so hard. When you see that “pregnant” word on the stick, you start dreaming…and then those dreams are crushed so quickly. We’d like to start trying for another baby soon and my past makes me so nervous that I’ll have to go through another miscarriage. Thank you for the reminder to be thankful for what we have…my Marley Kate was worth it!
Thank you for Hoping, Dreaming, Planning. I experienced a miscarraige myself two years ago and was shocked by how much I grieved. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, and I’m amazed at your perspective. You’re an inspiration.
Also, I LOVE paper dolls! I’m counting down the time until my daughter is old enough for them. My sisters and I used to have paper doll pageants – evening gowns, swim wear, park trips, business attire, dinner date – oh so many categories. Wonderful memories. 🙂
Kelle,
Thank you for sharing all your usual amazing pictures and stories this week, along with the piece you wrote for What To Expect. I had no idea you were trying for more “littles” (though I’ve always wanted to ask) and I’m so excited that you are!
I think it’s evident — not just to me, but to MANY — that you were born to be a mother. You do it with such ease…such grace…and with SO MUCH LOVE. And the “perfect time” will come…and it will be wonderful and beautiful, just as it was with Lainey and Nella. I think it’s wonderful that you write about it and express those emotions. Thank you for being so brave and sharing them with all of us!
Your sunshine-shower days take me back to my childhood when I lived in Florida (I know I always say this, but it’s true!), where I’d beg my mom to let me go outside in play in the rain, for that hour or so that it would appear. The warm rain for some reason was always so inviting…maybe because I knew it wouldn’t last long and it was hotter and more humid than HECK before it happened! 😉
Stay dry, hide the Hi Ho Cherry-Oh pronto (LOL j/k), and I hope Nella feels better soon! xoxo
Thank you for sharing about your miscarriages. I recently experienced a loss and I’m having a hard time with it. I am extremely grateful for my amazing daughter but at the same time, desperately want another baby. Your words were beautiful and I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Multiple miscarriages before nd after having healthy babies are so hard to go through. I walked that path, too, and while I have my three littles now, I have five angel babies who I will always remember. I wish you healing and peace.
You are amazing. You share your life with us and it is such a beautiful thing…the vulnerability and relationship you’ve created with your readers. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I see you have a new post in my blog roll. I am so grateful I found your blog, because thru the good and bad you allow us to be here for you just as you are here for us. Thank you.
i am so so sorry for your family’s loss, kelle. i can only say that and also that you have an amazing gift of words and am thankful you have chosen to share some of your story with us. sending positive love your way…
So, does this mean you are trying for a 3peat? I hope you don’t give up. I have lost 2 since my son (t21) too. 🙁 What is that about? I still want a third baby, or more. 🙂 PLEASE GOD, hear me. 🙂 Good luck!
Kelle, I think I may have posted one other time before when you were going through a rough patch and I was in the midst of making life decisions. I am so sorry for your loss and I can certainly empathize. Not a day goes by, at nearly a year later, do I wonder about what could have been. Take comfort in your girls and your family though. You at least have them to light up your world. I find comfort in my Yorkie pup, who I feel sometimes is a reincarnation of my little guy (he’s as smart as a whip but gets his other “eccentric” personalities from my partner. Light and love to you all!
p.s. Nella is just too comical. I bet even her blue moments are a breeze!
I considered deleting your blog from Google Reader today because after my 2nd miscarriage this year, seeing pictures of your beautiful children just tore at my heart. I’m so thankful I read 1 more post, THANK YOU for your openness and amazing outlook. I can relate to your world so much right now. I hope to soon to reading about your pregnancy while I am growing a little baby as well!
I read somewhere, once, that in Buddhism, lost pregnancies are souls that needed to be loved and wanted one more time before moving on to Nirvana. I hope this is true, and I hope it helps every mother whose lost a baby before it’s born to think that her love of it helped it to find eternal bliss.
You are amazing Kelle–an inspiration to all:)
Kelle, beautiful post, as always. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with the rest of us. I am so sorry to year of your losses.
Thank you writing about your miscarriage. I just had my 1st miscarriage a week ago.
I have a healthy 2 year old running around as I type this. And so for whatever reason, I was shocked when my miscarriage happened. I honestly thought, “I have this whole fertility thing in the bag!” What a rude awakening. I am surprised by how attached I got to this little being so quickly without ever seeing his or her face.
Reading your words is helping me sort through my owns thoughts. So thank you. I needed your words today.
Kelle I am so sorry to hear of your losses. Take care xxx
Louise from New Zealand
Here I am again. I was feeling a bit down on Friday night. Another month has gone by, and no baby news. This roller coaster ride is a little sad sometimes. But I thought I should go back and read this post. Still hoping, planning and dreaming to hold a baby of my own.