New York delivered, as can be expected. And by that I mean I found the word unicorn carved into the cement somewhere along 5th Ave. If you’re going to deface the public’s walking foundation of a great city, I suggest you choose a word like “unicorn” to do so. I don’t think it’s a misdemeanor if its intent is positivity–which explains the presence of so many spray-painted “God Loves Yous” and “Jesus Saves” under overpasses.
And if New York didn’t bring it with its mystical creature sidewalk vandalism, it surely did with its offering of cleverly titled shops. Case in Point:
It’s the lactation kingdom of the Upper West Side, its walls covered with an impressive display of pump parts and nursing bras that hang like expensive art in a gallery. I didn’t think I’d have any issues with missing a couple days of nursing Nella as it’s winding to a close anyway, and I wasn’t sure she was even getting anything (this milk/boob discussion’s getting slightly uncomfortable). Needless to say, I had to stop by this breast kept secret for some equipment, shall we say. I asked to get hooked up with the cheapest, easiest solution which turned out to be something that resembled a cross between a PVC pipe, a giant syringe and a victrola. If you’ve ever seen a breast pump (okay, I officially don’t love the word “breast”), you know exactly what I mean by victrola. And then try using it in a public bathroom stall. What did I learn from all this? Well, I learned never to admit you’re going to throw your rhymes-with-quest milk away when you’re standing in the middle of a shop dedicated to holy mother’s milk. You might as well just light a hundred dollar bill on fire. When you are asked what you plan to do with your “expressed milk” (still uncomfortable) and if you need a bottle/ice bags/insulated iron safe in which to keep it, just smile and say “yes” and “yes” and “of course.”
Oh, but I’m getting utterly sidetracked now.
Back to New York.
I was going to write this post with the whole angle of leaving my kids and what that was like and this dual life we have of mothering, nurturing, loving and yet fostering our own passions and dreams as well. How it kind of melds together, pushes and pulls and generally works out in the end.
I loved every minute of New York and yet my true statement of “I let go, I enjoyed me time, I knew the kids were just fine without me” can be contradicted by the same truth of “I missed them and thought about them all the time.” If that makes any sense.
For me though, the more interesting angle on this trip is the realization of just how alike we all are. Moms, not moms, New Yorkers, Midwesterners, Cab Drivers, what have you. My favorite thing about traveling a little more the last two years has been meeting people. People who live completely different lives, enjoy different pastimes, like different music, jobs, food, etc.
I’ve always had a tendency to be very conscious of what made me different in social settings. Not necessarily to be intimidated by it but at least to be aware that standing in the middle of a busy street, unfolding a giant NY map or hailing a cab the “wrong” way made me stand out. To be sitting at a table with beautiful, successful New York single women and have that moment of “I’m the crafty dork mom who keeps checking her phone for pictures of her kids.” The more I really spend time with people though–open myself up to different atmospheres, allow myself to relax and really listen to people, be moved by the rhythms of different cities and landscapes, backgrounds and life stories–the less I notice what makes us different. And the more I become aware of what makes us the same.
Surrounded by the colorful culture of New York City these past few days and weaving together the several encounters I had with different people, I’m inspired by the ever present truth of…we are all the same. Despite how many bright yellow taxis pepper our streets or what passions we pursue, how we dress, where we work, what we eat–we all want the same thing. To seek adventure, find comfort, connect with others. To relate, to feel good, to be recognized for our efforts. To be good at something. To love and be loved. To feel happy.
St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
It felt really good this week to explore the city, meet new people and reconnect with old friends. While the past 48 hours were efficiently filled with a lot of work (a couple meetings and some very last tie-up work for the book), my friend Meg saw to it we had some fun as well.
Other Desert Cities at Lincoln Center Theater; a captivating well-written show
Holy Cow, was it a fast trip.
Sweet Mother of Buttercream Frosting
It rained 2 out of 2 1/2 days there.
But completely inspiring and invigorating. Even in the rain.
That medley of wet reflections and steam that seeps out from manhole covers and sort of dances along the dark, slick streets? It’s poetic. Lovely.
Street Corner Hot Pretzels and Roasted Chestnuts
And yes, I missed them.
I did so well at being present and really enjoying the opportunity to be alone, sleep (for the first time in three years!), move from one location to another without taking a head check, buckling seat belts or making sure to grab a to-go snack; but I missed them, truly. You get to a certain point in motherhood where, no matter how much fun you’re having, you just subconsciously breathe your children. You can smell them even when you’re not purposely thinking about them. You can feel their arms around your neck, their breath on your shoulder. You hear them whisper good night even when, by the time you climb in bed, they’ve long been asleep several hundred miles away. Brett’s mom said yesterday Nella walked all day. Just took off for good and didn’t look back. Because she’s two now and Sister knows it.
I almost cried when we got home and realized Grandma was right. Walking is now Nella’s transportation mode of choice, and she’s good at it. Quick, smooth and agile.
Just another thing that makes us very much the same.
*****
Friday Photo Dump:
Friday Phone Dump photos are taken on the Instagram iPhone app (free) and dropped into a 12×12 collage using a photo editing software (Photoshop Elements works). I am @etst (enjoying the small things) on Instagram if you want to follow the feed.
*****
Introducing new sponsor, Crystal & Co. Crystal is a Texas mom of five boys with a mommy resource site where she shares easy recipes (most can be made in a crock pot), crafty tutorials, meal planning ideas and solutions for every mom. Crystal & Co. features D.I.Y. crafts including a great current Valentine’s Day crayon making craft with a free printable.
*****
One Week and $10,000 to go. Look how far we’ve come! 2 for 2 just needs a little more pushin’.
*****
Have the breast weekend evah.
Happiness is... says
Welcome home. Only you could find a chunk of cement in NYC that says “Unicorn.” How amazingly fitting. And the boob story is a stitch. I’ve been there facing both the manual and the mechanical version of a pump and I do declare that I SO don’t miss that part of feeding.
It’s also very exciting to hear that Nella is walking, yes sir-ee.
Sweet dreams,
Jennifer
annelise says
“Udderly sidetracked”? Just to add to the grossness.
Your girls are absolutely gorgeous.
Love the picture of the NYC street with the rain and the steam.
Sherri says
Yay for a walking Nella!! I totally hear ya, with the smelling them when they aren’t there, it’s cray cray isn’t it?! Lol! Talking young makes feel young! Thankyou for including me in your NY trip, I have ALWAYS wanted to go there:)XO
Raven says
love love love love love. There really isn’t anything more for me to say about this post and your blog than LOVE.
just. LOVE.
shellycoulter says
Unicorn! How perfect for you to find probably the only place in the USA with the word Unicorn etched into the cement. Awesome! ๐
DMK says
That pic of Nella with the powdered donuts is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.
Denise
Cheryl @ a pretty cool life. says
Dude, you missed out on “udderly sidetracked.” Ha!
Sarah says
I never wanted to go to NYC until you started writing about it. And you hit the nail on the head about breathing your chilfren even when they aren’t with you. Beautiful paragraph
Hazel says
You certainly didn’t miss a moment to soak up the locality!
The breast story did make me laugh, although I shouldn’t laugh too soon.
How amazing it must be to see Nella running around- imagine what fun she and Lainey will get up to now!
Elizabeth says
Beautiful trip! Alone time is rare, with a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old, I understand that 100%! But it’s always worth it to want to share experiences with the kids. I would love to see New York! My grandparents live a (albeit big) hop, skip, and a jump away in Baltimore, and every year I’ve wanted to detour through New York on the way home.
I now know that every time I nurse my 4-month-old this weekend, I’ll be reminded to have the “breast” weekend I can have.
Have a splendid weekend!
Tonia says
That picture of Nella and the DD cup, cheeks all pooched out like a little chipmunk? Made me snort because I can’t laugh loudly for fear of waking my munchkin. I needed that after getting frustrated with a crochet bunny project.
Nicky says
Isn’t it fascinating that the things you are most self conscious about (being a dorky, crafty mum) is one of the things a lot of us envy about you. We strive to be more present and creative with our kids, yet you feel you need to be more than that again.
We’re mums, we love our kids…you can’t really beat that.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
Nicky (Australia – hence the mum/mom spelling)
sassystone says
Your trip sounds like so much fun! I look forward to reading your blogs every day. Your writing is such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Katy Walker says
YAY! GO NELLA! I’m glad you had a wonderful trip! ๐
Love is all you need says
Uh-mazing! Welcome back!
Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock says
Oh…how I adore NYC! Was there last August for only 4 days & already craving to go back…planning & dreaming….if only it wasn’t a 24hr plane trip away ๐ I’d LOVE to go there this August for the BlogHer conference…..but living in Australia with 2 children {1 a newborn} and no big blog sponsor as of yet…..I doubt I’ll be there this year! But it’s nice to dream!!!
And Kelle….I’m a dorky crafty Mum who talks way way too much about my babies…….it’s who we are these days & thats cool! But we can also have our space, have our work, have our dreams & have an ‘adult’ life outside of the full-time-Mum gig. As always, your blog rocks Kelle. Awesome post! x
Nicole says
Oh, thank heavens! I was just muddling around thinking I needed a Kelle fill after not having any of your beautiful words since Monday, and there you are!! My post thoughts:
1) Whoa…Lainey is a super tall, super beautiful, amazing “big kid!” She is supposed to be the little 2 year-old that I just made a little black and red bonnet for.
2) Must see more recent video footage of Nella usin’ them gorgeous little gams of hers please.
3) Jealous of your sans children sleep…but can’t wait to grab my girl from her crib ar 5 am and toss her (and her brand new tooth!) in bed next to me in a few hours.
Much love!!
~n
Britnie says
I LOVE the Dunkin Donuts picture of Nella!
LeiShell says
I laughed so hard at the “breast” pumping ordeal. I have yet to leave my little man at 18mos because I’m afraid of this! Nice you got some time away…makes the time with them even more special:)
DeAnn says
Sounds like you had the breast time on your quick trip. ๐
Yay Nella! Those feet will take you far! Oh the places you will go ๐ And your instagram pic of Nalla with the doughnuts? Beyond cute! Priceless!
Laura @ SpottyOwlDesign says
Hi Kelle, glad you enjoyed your trip. I pre-ordered your book yesterday and thought other international readers might like to know that out of the four links in your sidebar BAM and Amazon ship overseas but only BAM takes PayPal.
My Secret Rooms says
Yes, that’s what I also notice and still is in awe over: we’re so much alike and we dream and want the same things!
It’s fascinating and reassuring and comforting and interesting ๐
Wonderful photos of the world’s capitol!
Wonderful photos of Nella walking ๐
How we miss the kids when were not with them?!! When it’s been about ten minutes after saying good bye in the morning, I miss my boy. Horribly. I kinda thought there was something wrong with me but, no, we’re the same all around the world.
Have a fab weekend with the family now!
Claire says
Upper Breast Side…Bwahahahahahahaha!
So glad you had a good trip!
Team Lando says
Cracking up at your breast post. I’m not a huge fan of that word either. And SO happy Nella is walking around like it’s her job.
And crap, Kelle, if you’re a “dorky crafty mom,” I have NO idea what I am, but it ain’t good.
Bethany says
Bahaha I’m cracking up at the breastfeeding convo. Yes, liquid gold … you cannot dispose of the liquid gold. I so thought you were going to say that you told them you had to throw it away and that they offered to take it off your hands for some sort of non-profit share-the-milk organization. That could have been awkward.
Glad you took time for you … much needed!
Nf1andprek-whisper says
rhymes with….you are so funny…..that scene is etched in my mind now… very funny.
Jennifer says
I love visiting NYC too! Looks like you had a great trip. I started following you on instagram and love the app. The Friday phone dump is lovely, my fav is Nella at DD.
CSB says
Do you know about the weaning blues? Especially for those of us who breastfeed for awhile, weaning TOTALLY knocks the socks off your hormones. Just wanted to warn you. I didn’t know and it was awful – I was so emotional for several weeks and couldn’t figure out why.
The end of this post cracked me up – so funny! Glad you had a great trip.
Hanna says
Good for Nella! she was ready to walk in her own terms.
I totally love NY, your pics say so much about what the city is all about. Congrats on your book and on the 2 for 2 goal almost accomplished.
Sarah says
Looks like an amazing trip. And I agree it is comforting to realize that no matter how different we are on the outside fundamentally we all want the exact same things! So happy for Nella and her walking! Have a great weekend!!!
teal915 says
My husband and I took a day trip to NYC a couple of days after Christmas. They were getting ready for New Years, and we even saw the ball drop during a practice run. But it was crazy busy. I have never seen so many people in one place. My draw dropped when I saw your pic of the church, because I took the same picture, except mine had a thousand poeple in it. We couldn’t even really go in. We just walked in the one door and then squeezed our way out the other door.
http://teal915.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-york-new-york.html
teal915 says
oops that should have been jaw not draw.
Micaela says
I missed your posts this week :-). Your pump and dump story had me in stitches!!!! Welcome home! Enjoy your baby snuggles.
Songbook says
I’m so glad you’re back! I missed your posts! ๐
Annie says
Ok, so not to make you more uncomfortable, but I seriously need some help. My baby-toddler is 14 months and only nurses twice a day. I’m going to be gone for 3 days next month. Do I need to bring a pump? Can you equate this to your scenario and make a judgment call? Long time reader – love the blog, first time commenter. My first comment on your blog? On nursing. Perfectly apropos.
Sherri Mitchell says
I can’t believe you found a piece of sidewalk marked Unicorn. It’s so cool and rather hilarious all in one. What are the odds? I mean, Unicorn? Seriously?
Glad your back, glad Nella girl is moving and shaking with the best of them, and so glad for this post! Can I just say, serious withdrawal? Geez, I was counting the minutes. Just kidding. Not really. You know what I mean.
I LOVE New York!
Ellie says
Breast week, I do declare weeks now start with Saturday…or Friday night!
Janita says
Welcome home, darling! Looks like you had an amazing time…how exciting for you! YOUR BOOK YOUR BOOK YOUR BOOK!! Woooooohoooo! And to come home to Nella walking like a super hero? That’s gotta be cool. It’s funny how they always seem to grow up when you turn your head for a moment. Incidentally on “the girls” issue…I had to pump exclusively for my first and that’s when I used to return phone calls. Double-pump attached, I wasn’t going anywhere for a while so I used those 15 minutes wisely. You know how loud those things are…after a while you start singing songs to the sound of that motor chugging away at your nipp…I digress. I had a few people on the other end of the phone ask if I was in a dairy barn…I said close. I don’t think I smell as bad, but close. xo
Little For A Little While says
Love your breast expereince. Haven’t we all been there at some point or another?! And yes, smile and nod, then do dump your milk down the sink….they’ll never know. And you being the “crafty dork mom who keeps checking her phone for pictures of her kids”…isn’t that what we all come here for? We love you for who you are, we all have our place in this world, and yours is a pretty good one. Hope you get lots of snuggle time with your girls this weekend!
J, T and Theo B. says
ah, the breast pump stories. ๐ i’ve hauled mine across the country, to two OTHER countries and on girls’ weekends galore. i’ve pumped in a car, riding down the road (front seat passenger, no less). it’s all a bit crazy but so worth it. enjoy every last snuggly nursing moment with nella. you will miss it so, so unbelievably badly once it’s gone. sniff sniff. (my last baby nursed until he was 28 months old…and i cried when he finally weaned himself). best of luck!
laura
http://www.jtandtheob.com
chele says
I’ve been lurking here for a long, long time! But had to come out of the shadows to say:
YAY Nella! Walk on with your bad self, Sistah!
The Gambrel Family says
I just got back from a girls weekend in NYC and it was the best! It was so wonderful (even though I missed the kiddos) to spend time with friends and explore the city!
TheeFireWife says
Uncomfortable, maybe. Hilarious? 100%. Rhymes with quest. Ha!
DeborahJoy says
I put my hands up to being a breast-milk dumper (we ran out of the dinky bags and clippitz). And the tell-tale whirr of the electric pump – unmistakable!
We got engaged in NY, lots of happy memories, thank you for sharing your images
E @ Oh! Apostrophe says
How awesome you’ve nursed Nella so long! I’d love to get that far with my now 10-month old. Would be great if you talked more about it…bummer that typing breast is awkward for you! Embrace it momma ๐
MG Atwood says
Smiling big smiles at Nella walking. Next thing you know she’ll be wearing numbers and doing a race! Hooray for safe travels.
But I Do Have a Law Degree says
Can I just say how much I love EVERY SINGLE ONE of your posts? So inspiring, so beautiful – I rarely make it through one without tearing up. ๐ Thank you!
zosia says
i have my first child and am just getting the nursing thing down, at 6 months, and appreciate the supportive community you found and shared..it ishard for me and worth it. I would love to go till 2 years and your pictures and story will continue to put fuel to that fire. Thanks
Amy says
I SO get the missing them, but enjoying this. Even though my trips aren’t nearly so glamorous!
Summit of Glory says
More alike than different……hmmmm….seems like a social message that relates to so many situations! so true! see what little Nella is teaching you! Welcome home. Found some awesome vintage tea party inspiration…..let me know if you are still planning and I’ll send you the link! xoxo
Victoria says
glad you had a funand enjoyable NYC trip ๐
hooray for nella!!! truly no stopping her now!!
happy weekend!
KaleeSorey says
New York looks like it was so much fun!! I love the positive defacing part too! :p Kalee @ soreyfitness.com
Jannice says
you just made me miss my home even more!!
On your phone dump…that little Nella chipmunk face with the munchkins…how adorable! Enjoy catching up with your babies!!
Lisa says
I love you description of being away from the kids…so true. I used to think that I needed time away to “refind” myself, and quickly realized that “myself” had just been redefined and was there all along. That being said, it’s refreshing to get that time to yourself, and personally, it makes me a better mom.
Way to go, Nella…so exciting. ๐
Beverly says
I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip. I’m glad you’re home with your precious babies. Heck, I just have to tell you how glad I am that you are back blogging! I missed you!
Mamarazzioftwoboys says
I will never ever ever get tired of looking @ your pictures and reading your blogs EVER!!!!! :o)
Molly says
I’m so glad you had a good trip, Kelle! One step closer to me getting that hot little book in my hands ๐
I’ve never been to NYC even though I always said I would live there. Now I want to go even more.
Sherri says
I can NOT stop laughing. . .dumping liquid gold? GASP! After nursing three into toddlerhood and being an LC, I can say you would certainly not be the first to underestimate the value of a pump when away. Once my co-worker dug a demo pump out of my bag to ‘relieve herself’ in the middle of a trip having convinced herself that her toddler wasn’t nursing enough for her to need a pump. ๐ So glad that you were able to find what you needed – and proud that you actually typed the word “breast” several times in your post. LOL!
Aidan says
Hahaha….loved the sign off! Funny how the sound of some words make us react. Made me want to visit NYC – been too long ๐ Thanks as always for inspiring me to go out and live my life despite being mega busy.
John & Misty Schluchter says
I just have to say i LOVE the picture of Nella and the donut holes. SOOOO cute!
Lindsay says
Thanks for bringing NYC to Ohio for me. I love it there and I forget. LOVE your blog and this post inspires me to travel (just a little) before adding a 3rd to our clan. <3 the “friday phone dump”! You are an amazing woman, mother, and photographer! Enjoy your weekend!
idiosyncraticeye says
Ah, I love New York. And isn’t it true, that with all our differences, we are all still the same. ๐
Carol M says
I am hoping to be able to go to NYC soon, we wanted to go last year but went to DC instead! I live so close and yet its so far away, maybe this year. I love Nella, and I’m so jelious that she lets you but things in her hair. My daughter is close to her age and its a fight, only daddy can do things and even then she pulls the stuff out! I need to know how you do it. I love love love the Dunkin Donuts picture and Laney’s crocheted top dress.
Gareen says
Isn’t it so nice to get away? So glad you got to experience the city on your own! On another note, your words about being a mother always touch me to my core, not only because my mom has been the most incredible human being in my life, but also because I can’t wait for the day when I will smell my own babies in my hair, on my clothes, and in my dreams. You are such an inspiration and your babies are so lucky to have you!
Life with Kaishon says
I am glad you had a littl break : )
KatharineLilley says
I think it is so cool you are still breastfeeding Nella. I nursed my older two untill 1 and 18 months but we are expecting number 3 now and I cannot wait to nurse as long as possible this time. ๐
Rose says
Can’t believe you found the word Unicorn carved in the sidewalk … you were meant to chance upon it. Time away for the nest is odd I guess … not experienced it yet myself, perhaps I should put that on the list of things to do for 2012. I miss my littlies when they’re not here though – school or sleep over at their cousins, the house seems so soulless and quiet, for all the peace and quite I’d rather have them chirruping away tugging at my apron strings I think.
Much love X
Jennoelle says
aw, NYC looks incredible! I’m hoping to take a trip there in the spring with a couple friends–to see a Broadway show of course. (:
Rebekah says
So true. I love traveling SOOO much, and it’s for the same reason as you said- connecting with different people, learning from them, and walk away enlivened into a different culture.
Sarah says
How ironic…I just walked in the house from a babyshower where the word breast (along with other not so easy on the ears and mind) words were thrown around WAY TOO MUCH for this stepmama.
Glad you had some “me” time! It’s always nice, but I too worry about my husband and son. It’s just what mamas do and it’s beautiful!
Go Nella, Go!
Louise says
Breast, breast, breast! Totally NOT awkward!
The unicorn word on the sidewalk is super awesome. That is your word after all!
I am very lucky to live so close to the big city, I can’t wait to take the kids in the spring. Next time come and visit long island, I can just see you in the Hamptons, nothing to do with your name! We have a great wine region too!
Well done nella!
Maggie says
Go NELLA!!!! NY looks really fun!! I am going in April!! For 2 days can’t wait!!!
Katrina says
My first experience visiting New York was for my fall break. Five days of inspiration. It rained all but one day, and I still think it was one of the best trips I have taken out there.
Glad you snuck in some time to see a show! I would argue that it isn’t a real trip to the city without seeing at least one!
Rachel says
Sam started walking every where right after is 2nd birthday too. Upper breast side was the best part of this post by the way!
Katherines Corner says
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your trip and happy memory making. Welcome home! Hugs
jmatteso says
Loved your nursing story! Hilarious. Pumps are the worst. Just the thought of it makes the girls ache.
Karen says
I am not yet finished reading this post but had to stop midway to comment on the first photo of Nella in her green romper. Her expression is fetching. She most definitely is giving the photographer a very verbose sidelong glance! Two year old individuality and personality just blooming along ๐
Johnsonsยฒ says
I happend to come across your blog a few weeks ago and I have loved following the stories of you and your beautiful family! Thank you for the smiles and laughs.
Angela says
im totally laughing out loud. awesome post. utterly fascinating. ๐ nella is such a big girl…that made me a little misty eyed. cannot wait to see how special her birthday is. and lainey love is such a little lady. how lucky you are!
cconyn01 says
I am a long time follower of your blog, and a huge fan. Just want to say that your story is inspirational, and your family wonderful. Keep on rocking, girl!
Sarah Nora says
That pic of Nella with the donuts may be my favourite of her yet. hahaha. Just perfect
Allison's Daily Drama says
The Upper breast side?! What doesn’t NYC have? I visited New york a little over a year ago for the first time, and I left my 13 month old with his gramma. I decided it would be the week that I would wean him from breastfeeding since I was going to be gone for so long – big mistake! Now every time I think of NYC all I remember is being in pain! I think it’s time for another trip ๐ Fabulous photos and it sounds like a wonderful trip.
dig this chick says
Awesome and so my mantra: more similarities than differences. It creates beauty and opportunity for growth everywhere. I believe this concept is what united us all those years ago…
That photo of Lainey and Latte: Margot said, “Wait! Oh, mama! I want a little bear like that!”
x
Elissa says
The Upper Breast Side! When my babies were babies I used to make cloth diapers and washcloths and the owner of that shop used to sell my stuff. So cool that you were there. ๐
yeagerfamily says
Haha…loved your “rhymes with quest” milk pumping story. That was too funny! And the picture of Nella with her Dunkin’ Donuts is great! I know what you mean about enjoying the “me” time but still thinking about your kiddos at the same time. I love reading your blog…it always makes me smile.
Amber
April Vernon says
I am in love with the picture of Nella at Dunkin’ Donuts!!!!
Chelsea says
Welcome back Kelle! Missed reading your posts so much! Love that you still nurse Nella…….I nursed my oldest until he was almost 2 1/2 and still nursing my 16-month-old……..they eventually wean themselves when they are ready. Have a great week! Blessings! : )
Chelsea
Lo Mc says
Ah, Kelle, you are too funny!! Love the utterly sidetracked comment. I totally could see you laughing at yourself as you wrote that.
You remind me so much of my husband. He is always saying the funniest things but the best part is how funny he knows he is.
Like Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fay on Weekend update when they would laugh so hard at themselves that they could hardly go on with their bit. I imagine that you are exactly like that! ๐
Love the post!
genderist says
I’ve not had a full night away from my baby since before she was born…. she’ll be three in March.
I am so proud of your ability to claim some me-time. What a good mommy role model.
beth says
just wait until who you leave behind are teenagers….you still smell them and feel them and miss them…all while wondering what kind of trouble they’re getting into…..and then your mind starts wondering and no matter what you’re away for {business or pleasure} you can’t concentrate and walk around in an almost moronic state…..oh kids. they truly are your heart walking around outside your body !!
Baby By The Sea says
Love the NY pictures – it sure looks like you packed it all in. Please promise me you’ll eat a bagel next time, write about the smell of a NY bagel shop and describe the experience. Every time I long for the east coast and NY it’s with bagels on my mind.
Lisa says
OMG- You did it! $200,000!
Love it as always… sometimes I think we are the same person. Breathing them even when you don’t mean to… I know exactly what you are talking about!
Hahn's says
Oh man am I laughing so hard right now reading the section about breast feeding… I am breast feeding my 8 month old still and I am too the point of ‘is she getting anything or am just doing this for me?’. Too funny!! Thanks for the laugh!
karyl says
yay!!!! go NELLA!!!!!!! …. and how do you still have “rhymes with quest” milk???? what is your secret?!!!! i am drying up at 7 months!!!!
Amber Young says
Hi Kelle!! I nominated you for the Versatile blogger award! ๐ I enjoy reading your posts, viewing your incredible photos and being swept away by your sweet angels!
http://eternally-red.blogspot.com/2012/01/sweet-blog-award.html
bobbiebrownphotography.com says
Oh my goodness….the pix of Nella walking melts.my.heart! I LOVE IT!
Kelly Cach says
*You are a good fit no matter where you are…..you belong everywhere ๐
*Okay, not just saying this, but sometimes Nella looks like my Nora! The pic of her standing with arms out stretched on the tennis court….I gasped and then smiled real big ๐
*And I think my favorite phone dump picture to date has got to be Nella with the Dunkin’ Donuts….Aaahhh! Her expression is PRICELESS! I want to eat her UP!!! (along with the donuts & coffee).
heather says
Seriously, who sees “unicorn” carved in the cement sidewalk when on vacation??? I love NYC even in the rain.
And just checked out Nella’s “2 for 2” fundraiser . . . wahoo! Over $200,00 with a few days to spare!
Welcome home!
xo
Marriage from Scratch says
Sounds like a GREAT trip even if it was quick. SO jealous..I wanna take hubby there so bad (I’ve been..in hs..but he hasn’t). Happy Monday!!
~Christina
http://www.marriagefromscratch.blogspot.com
Cindy says
Just wanted to say the photo of Miss Nella and the doughnuts and the Dunkin Doughnuts cup on the photo dump made me smile. Such the expression from her.
melissa says
LOVE that YOU found the word ‘unicorn’ etched in a random sidewalk in NYC!!!
http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com says
Great post–I always enjoy them! Alta is amazing and Magnolia Bakery is the BEST–we had these at our wedding and I try to eat them as much as possible. ๐
Abernathy says
nellas powdered sugar face and small doughnut holes on the table ledge. Good. times.
Olivia : I am still learning says
Such a sweet post, thanks for sharing.
Not to mention that photo of Nella at Dunkin Donuts is freaking adorable! ๐
Katia says
I wish I had read that you were in new york earlier. the beginning of your post about positive graffiti is so fitting, because my 7 year old son (who has Down syndrome) is featured in an NYC art exhibit by photographer Elisabeth Jordan on prayer and positive graffiti from Haiti. It’s called Written Offereings, and there are 4 children featured who are in need of extra prayers, in addition to the Haitian graffiti, and each photograph is covered in plexiglass so people can write their own positive thoughts directly on the photographs. Best part is, the last “photo” in the exhibit is a mirror. I wish you could have gone to see it.http://kkallaur.blogspot.com/2012/01/short-and-sweet.html
Michele says
Kelle, Your writing is inspiring, real and reaches deep into my heart. Thank you for taking the time to share your life and soul with us blog readers. I am a grandmother and your posts are beautifully written and often bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for being a ‘light’ in my day as I travel to your blog on my computer for a reminder of what really matters in life. Much love to you!
madmama says
I just love your writing. I stumbled upon your first post a year or two ago and blubbered…completely blubbered. And have not forgotten it.
Was just looking through this post after a time away, and my 3.5 and 5.5 yr old sons came in. My older one said, “Who is that?” with a picture of Nella. I said “That is a beautiful little girl named Nella.”
My little son said, “Does she have a mama?” And I said yes, she has a wonderful mama.” And then he said, “She happy.”
Good job, Mama.
Cutis Medical says
The post is talking about different strokes and same folks. Good post’
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