Today, I stood by my friend as she welcomed new life into the world.
In the midst of tearful elation and celebratory welcoming, there is such a moment of clarity, a “this here’s what it’s all about” reminder. I feel grateful for friendship, inspired by new life and excited for growth in coming months. More to come.
I missed my girls today as I slipped out of bed before the sun rose to be at the hospital and didn’t see them until an hour ago. If felt good to reunite with two blondies who missed their mama, and it will feel good heading back up to the hospital again tonight to smell sweet newborn skin and celebrate my proud mama friend. Life is rich.
Spring unfolded its glory this weekend, sharing sunlight and breezes on Saturday and an encore of replenishing rain early Sunday morning. It felt very Spring indeed.
Our bike ride Sunday afternoon.
Roxie (my bike) still has some proving to do.
*****
It is a good time to celebrate newness. New buds, new breezes, new goals, new babies, new sunny days, new adventures.
Apologies for my lack of words tonight. It was a long and beautiful day.
This weekend in a few words and many photos:
We spent hours at Naples Botanical Gardens this weekend. They eventually had to kick us out at closing time.
Childcare duties were about as minimal as they could be. We watched with smiles as little girls independently wandered and roamed, watered flowers, danced in fountains, and enjoyed ice cream cones next to the lake.
Nella kicked and squirmed every time I picked I her up. She is proud of her new independence. She is hell bent on showing it off.
I felt content, completely slayed by the goodness of March. It always rolls in like a lamb down here.
Tired but inspired to be beginning a week in such a welcoming celebratory way.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some baby-loving to attend to.
It’s a good day, it’s a good week.
What’s new in your life that makes you excited? New goals, new jobs, new hobbies? Do tell.
Am I first?
OK, now that I’ve got THAT taken care of…. New stuff for Miss Ellie. Off all the “baby” stuff, onto real milk, real food, and even big enough for peanut butter. My little one is growing up! 🙂 And crawling around like a maniac. We had a one year old blowout this weekend. So lots of new toys, too!
Congratulations to your friend!!
Love the photos from your weekend!!! I’m so excited to be planning a couple parties. One for my girl’s 2nd Birthday! Ahhh! And one for my book loving friends. I’m uber excited for both. I love parties!
Aww she had her baby!! Can’t wait to share photos and find out all the beautiful details. Congratulations to all of you and btw that long beige dress is HOT!
but was it a girl or a boy !?!?!?! AGHHH going to her FB wall to check!
great post.
gorgeous photos.
congrats on a new baby into your beautiful circle of friends. what a blessing.
Congrats to your bestie! Cleaned the bed room out and rearranged, praying I don’t fall in the dark tonight.:) Welcomed spring with a game of badminton, a wagon-walk, and Frisbee, yesterday with the fam.
Some “newness” I am enjoying: my 6-month preggo belly! It’s roundness is simply divine and I’m lovin’ every minute of it. My husband paints and photographs it; I habitually rub and rest my hands on it; I am constantly in awe of how my body has morphed into a a baby-house of awesomeness! Additionally, we *finally* got some snow up here on Boston’s north shore, so it’s nice to see a light blanket of white stuff coating the ground and naked tree branches. Ultimately, I love the newness the start of another month brings—a fresh calendar page full of plans and goals, as well as days where nothing’s planned!
Oh my goodness! I am so happy for your friend. Babies are the bestest.
OH YAY!!! Congrats to her!!! 🙂 Love on that baby!!!
Okay, maybe I’m reading TOO far between the lines, but I swear you’re trying to hint at a pregnancy!!! Yes?
Congrats to all of the newness, whatever it may be! 🙂
We are celebrating our “new” 3 year old this weekend and all of the new feelings that come with spring! It’s almost here! Booyah!
p.s. my new pregnancy !! but you already knew 🙂
That new baby was the most precious thing to wake up to and see on IG this morning.
You must be tired I bet.
Yay! So happy for Heidi! My best friend had her first baby today too but she’s too far away for me to go be with her 🙁 So glad for you to be able to share that with her!
Oooh a big congrats to Heidi & her family! I can’t wait to see more pics of the bubba & hear about her/his name & birth story 🙂 You’re a good friend Kelle!
Love every single photo in this post! They are smothered in SPRING goodness & beauty! Nella is growing into such a beautiful girl….and by girl, I mean; not so much a baby/toddler anymore!!
New here? A new house YAY…which is inspiring me in so many ways. Inspring me to keep it clean, to decorate with things that I love, to make wonderful new family memories, and to do more & be more 🙂 Wow….never thought a new home could inspire so much 🙂
Enjoy those magical new baby cuddles & smell. My 4 month old still has that smell….I sniff him all day LOL.
x
congrats to you and your BFF.
new babies are fun.
i have a group of friends that i have been getting together with since our first babies were 6 weeks old (we met through a mom’s group at the hospital).
we get together every friday and have for 4-1/2 years.
we celebrate all the new babies, have MNO, will have our first weekend getaway together next month, and have a huge family celebration for all of our oldest kiddos (who brought us together) every summer!
this summer we will celebrate 5 years!
anyway, new things…our garden. we planted spinach, kale, lettuce, asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries this past weekend…we’ll have to see what sprouts!
happy day!!!
Love the pictures, as usual. My boys inspire my sweet moments every day. There certainly is beauty and joy in our journeys. Congrats to your friend on the birth of her baby!
Congrats to your bestie and her family on their new addition!!
Nella’s bathing suite and that dress Lainey was wearing in the last couple of photos…LOVE! Want them for my brownies 🙂
Loved following the news on IG today. So exciting. I suppose someone sometime will tell us the important details like sex & name! I know, I know – you gotta keep some things private for a little while. Thanks for sharing. Botanical pictures are fab. xoxo
so excited for heidi!! love the garden pics too. new over here is ava’s ears. she’ll be getting tubes tomorrow. (lil bit scared mommy here) thanks for sharing your life with us
A new adventure: my husband and I are moving to Germany in June!
Congrats to Heidi on her new babe! Can’t wait to see pictures. Lovin Nella’s super saggy diaper in that photo at the garden place — why did I notice that? Haha!
New — um, *hopefully* something big, but can’t say yet. 😉 Stupid — I know — but, ya know. Ha!
Congratulations to your friend!
I’m totally into canning! It’s a fairly new hobby and I can’t wait to get started this year.
Congrats to Heidi! Hope mama & baby are resting well. Love the pix from the botanical gardens… and little miss thing with all her walking & independence. Our newness is getting plans ready for building a new bedroom for the two big boys. Am loving scouring the interwebs for inspiration. Fresh rooms, blank canvases… so exciting.
But fresh babies are the best… enjoy holding that new little one!
xo
Kate
A new student teaching placement…I started with high school ELL after being with 3rd graders for 8 weeks! It’s fun, it’s different, and I like it.
Congratulations on a new precious life to love.
I’m celebrating new paint on my livingroom walls. Change is good, baby!
Also, a new camera, a photography course in a month, and a new resolve to take on new challenges.
Spring is in the air, and it feels so good!
Hmm. Your pose in that shot of just you and all this talk of newness? It’s making me wonder if you’re trying to tell us something…..? I certainly don’t SEE anything in that picture ….. but I’m feeling something here. True? False? Fingers crossed, if that’s what your heart desires!
New round of snow, new phlegmy cough for my bigger little? (Not quite the kind of newness you were looking for?)
New house for us! I’m also reading between the lines a bit…big announcement coming?
I am excited for the unexpected new life we found out would be coming our way 9 months ago! Now with less than a week till this new life is antisipated I can hardly wait! I am so very ready to experience life as a mother of 2 and all that it brings!! (read: done being pregnant and want to hold my baby and find out what pronoun they are!)
LOVE your blog, just found it last week when my Nook book club update was promoting your book. Can’t wait to read it. I have really become inspired by so much that you write about, all the fun activities you do with your girls, your photography(I’ve been trying to learn!, and just your overall passion for life. I have found myself really becoming more “present” with my 2.5 year old girl in the last week. We were getting into a little rut, (we’re in VA so it’s cold and not much to do indoors). but yesterday I went out and got a bunch of new stuff to “create” – I think I owe that to reading your blogs! And it’s so funny, I just saw the bathing suits on your girls in today’s post, I just bought my daughter BOTH of those yesterday.
Anyway, keep up all the fabulous things you do. Enjoy the baby!
new RECIPES! thanks to pintrest. 😉
love the bike helmet, so cute!! nella will be driving soon. why do kids grow up so fast. funny how time flies. such great pics (:
Beautiful photos of the girls and you! Are you trying to tell us something???
Congrats to your lovely friend!! Squishy wrinkly baby cuddles, yay!
Love the pic of you and Nella in the garden, so prettyful!
Yay for Heidi! We welcomed babies into two families this weekend. Excited to get my new-baby sniff fix this week…and to capture the beginning for two new lives. Also – wow! Lainey looks so grown up all of a sudden!! She must be getting ready for a big birthday… 😉
Congratulations Heidi! Welcome to the world, little one.
Newness here…a waiting news of a new job! It would make my heart so very happy – but for now waiting is what I am being asked to do.
Anticipating the arrival of spring in Southern Ontario has me very much wanting windows open wide – and thinking that later this week will be the first opportunity to do that!
Happy Spring!
New camera lens coming within the next few weeks. Whoo hoo!
This mama is finally taking some time with her girls. Girls night out. Day away shopping for spring goodies. This never happens so I’m anxious and excited all at once.
New…ahhh.
I’ve had to renew aka change my perspective and approach to homeschooling my son. I seem to have to do this more often that I’d like! You can read about it here, if you’re interested: http://forsheedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/homeschool-change-in-plans.html
New here.. A job interview tomorrow. Hoping all goes wekk! Also waiting for next week. Spring break and traveling to the big apple! I am looking forward to all the new experiences i will have while i am there. Love your blog and all the pictures on this post. Congrats to your friend heidi!
So excited for your sweet friend. She looked SO ready. What a beautiful day! I’m excited for the new season of spring. The warmth of the sun. The buds on the trees. It’s coming:)
congratulations to your friend on her sweet baby! can’t wait to find out the details and see pictures!
a new season has me excited. i’m ready to rid farewell to winter and hop into spring.
Congratulations to your friend! Newborns are so yummy…I’m enjoying mine sleeping peacefully in her swing beside me right now…le sigh 🙂
Newness for us…Well..we’re trying for baby #2..We should know if all of our 8mos+ of waiting have paid off at the end of the month. And our little girl? Newly learning how to walk & stand by herself..13mos old, amazing!!!
And I’m w/the other ladies..I’ve been getting a PG vibe each time I read here from you..So w/the pose & the talk of newness…Big news coming?! Can’t wait to see. You guys make such GORGEOUS, amazing babies!!!
Congrats to her! I am sure it was a beautiful moment!
We are excited for a new location (relocating overseas), and a new place in Orlando at the same time.
I’m even more excited though to unearth a new me through this move … to take advantage of a clean slate and to recreate myself again!!
Congrats 🙂 It will be fun to see the new baby and your sweet friend lovin on that precious babe!
New over here, little man tried rice cereal for the first time this week! He loves it!
Yayyyyy for Heidi!! Boy or girl???!!!
Bet you’re next for some baby news!!
Just enjoying the beautiful weather here!!
Congrats, Heidi!!!
We are just soaking in “what is” around here. We prepped a nursery for the babe that we will be welcoming in fifteen weeks. It was fun to be looking at all the stuff that brought back new mommy memories.
I have just been appreciating my family… The sweet joys that they bring me day after day. Looks like you ahve been doing the same! 🙂
Yep, yep, I’m getting that same vibe! All this talk of newness- and that one pose of you. I don’t see anything there, but you kind of have *that stance* going on! I thought maybe I was reading between the lines, but then I saw so many other readers thought the same thing! Congrats to Heidi, can’t wait to hear the details!
oh Kelle, love your words as usual, it calms my mind. To share with you, I am having a new duty at work this month. I am a 999 calls (you call 911 there in US) operator, but this month I am assigned to be an orderly, a huge difference of my daily duty, tons of things to learn and remember, a bigger responsibility i have to bear, really a challenge to me. I am afraid and nervous. There was a moment I want to avoid the new duty, I just want to escape, I am afraid of new things and changing. But now, especially after reading your words, I’ve made up my mind I will take the job, I will do my best. Just taste it, bad or good at least I experience. Like you said: Life is rich. xo
We’re moving to New York in June and expecting baby #2 in July. Oh my!!
I know how you feel about NYC so I’m sad to report that after a scouting trip in December, we’re abandoning Manhattan for the suburbs of Westchester. Still, I’m very, very excited.
Congratulations to Heidi!
Am I 52nd?
Congratulations Heidi! I am excited to hear the new, but at the same time so happy you are allowing her to share first, and too for the family and close friends to enjoy in the baby bliss before all us readers/supporters.
I must say new babies are the best and so exciting but sadly I still need to wait before my day comes. Someday I hope. For now I am celebrating the end of University that is slowly creeping up in April, and the newness of being a graduate. Unsure of what the future holds, but excited for a fresh beginning. Also enjoying the new job I was offered a couple weeks ago and the opportunities that will come from it.
Enjoy your week, your family, friends, and this new little bundle
YAY Congrats to Heidi! I can’t wait to see the little sweet pea. Hope momma and baby are doing amazing. I am buying my first DSLC camera this week, that will be new and so exciting for me. As I approach motherhood I am so inspired by you to be the memory keeper of my household. I already scrapbook alot and am starting to blog so this will be a great NEW thing for me:) Thanks for sharing your life with all of us Kelle!
Oh, congrats to Heidi!! My bestie and I didn’t meet until after our kids were born! I so wish we could have been there for each other at the births of our babies! You are both so lucky to have each other!
And hehehe! I’m jumping on the “I wonder if Kelle is pregnant, too” bandwagon!! Especially after the “new growth to come” sentence, and that one pose of you in the garden!! 🙂 Yay! I hope we’re right!!
Enjoy the independence of the girls!! 🙂 It’s a wonderful thing!
Enjoy the baby snuggles tonight!
So slow. I’m excited about spring. Get to get out and take super crappy pictures of my adorable kids.
Congrats to Heidi on her new baby love!! Right now I’m excited to graduate college in 7 weeks, I’m excited for four weddings (including my own) in the next seven months, and two new nieces on their way! Busy bee 🙂
yup, agree with other readers- i believe you’re hinting at something…
love the photo of nella walking through that green door- the color is fabulous. and that one of you and lainey with your glasses and the sun- perfection. love seeing that on IG.
Congrats to Heidi! And you, woman, are glowing, more than usual? I thinks so. Beauty, beauty everywhere.
New things!
well oh goodness first I have to say that you inspire me to just fall in love with my creativity all over again! Your girls wear such cute clothes and are so precious with each of their personalities shining so bright that I always catch myself thinking “I can’t wait to have littles so I can make their clothes” and then a few days ago I decided to just do it, and sell the clothes on etsy!
So now I spend my nights lying in bed trying to go to sleep and just wanting to stay up and sew!
I just worked out my new thing- I’m going to write a short story for a competition in a magazine over here. The theme is cooking from the heart. Sounds pretty perfect to me.
Now to find some time to sit and write. The ideas are up there.
New puppy! We are welcoming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into our lives and can’t wait to meet him!
I enjoy your photos and words so much, Kelle. Can’t wait to read, “Bloom”! Got mine coming!
My honey may be getting a new job that will jump him miles in his career. I have hit a new level of adoration and love with his daughters and my heart could burst with their love. I feel like I’m in a job that is going to allow me and want me to climb it’s lovely, unique ladder. And I jumped in a cold MN lake this past weekend for a great cause and am still reeling from the adrenaline! It was so freaking awesome! My life is surely in the up swing and I’m drinking in every drop. Love it!
I have no idea how I ended in your blog, but I did it. I read your story and I couldn’t believe it. You are such a strong a and excellent person! I really admire you, saying the things you said and loving your kids the way you do.
Really, I have no words to express how you made me feel with your story! Congratulations and the best for you and your beautiful family!
And, of course, congrats for your friend! 🙂
Hugs! )
so wonderful to read this joyful news. i feel bittersweet right now — someone so near and dear to me had a miscarriage this weekend and i’m just sick with grief. i kept thinking about your scare with nella and i hoped this particular person would have the same kind of miracle. i’m trying to focus on the newness of spring and babies and such but my heart hurts today.
Hooray for a new baby! We’re finally getting the heck out of Alabama and moving to Atlanta on Sunday! I’m so stoked because there’s so much more to do there. Now… if only I lived on the coast in California or Florida… how fun 🙂
I love Nella’s ice-creamy chin & the photo of you sitting with her at the botanical garden. Big Sister’s legs are looking so long! What a big girl!
We are celebrating the newness of being at home again after having Levi in the hospital for a few days.
Enjoy that baby lovin’!
I started teaching a new Sunday School class for parents at my church and I really love it! I’m not really “teaching” (because I am not a parent yet).. but facilitating conversation between parents while they laugh, cry, and learn from each other about what it means to be involved in their children’s spiritual lives. I love hearing them share about their successes and encourage one another in their journeys of parenthood. It’s such a beautiful thing and I’ll say it again… I love it!!
Newness in our world…hubby just started a new job for which we will very soon be reaping the rewards of. AKA…regular days off! New fabulous giggles from my 4 month old. Life is good.
beautiful pictures!!!
Yay! Congratulations to Heidi and the family on the arrival of their beautiful girl. Can’t wait to hear the name 😉 And congratulations to you for becoming ‘Aunty Kelle’ again and being such a wonderful friend helping her welcome their new baby into the world.
We’re excited about the new life about to arrive in our home in the next few weeks. Post DS diagnosis, it’s been quite a loooong pregnancy in some respects, but I’m looking forward to finally meeting the little one we’ve been talking about for so long x
here’s to growth in the coming months! 🙂
I love new. And Kelle, I think it’s wonderful that you are loving and living life to the fullest. I can only imagine what a beautiful day it was for you and those so near and dear to your heart. May the memory of it linger in your hearts forever. The friendship you share with Heidi is amazing. You two are incredible BFFs. What you do for each other is priceless.
What is new in my life? Currently, my home is getting a new coat of paint. A new color scheme. New masonry. New plants. New lanterns. A whole new look. I’m beyond excited to see it completed and feel like it’s a “new” home. In a couple weeks, we start tearing apart our master bathroom and building a brand new one. A spa of sorts. A place we can retreat to after a long day and relax. I’m grateful for my interior designer friend who has created amazingly beautiful plans for our master bath remodel. I’m so looking forward to seeing my new bathroom finished. This is the year we’ve decided to redecorate, remodel, and renew rooms. To make our home feel fresh. It’s a journey and adventure. One I’m enjoying as the creative process is a fun one. Who doesn’t love new? I’m looking forward to all the newness in my life this spring…and throughout the year. I so appreciate you sharing all that you do with your readers here on your blog, on IG and through your photos. Your pictures are always gorgeous and these spring ones are lovely. Congratulations on welcoming a new life and congrats to Heidi and family. Looking forward to hearing what she had!
I LOVE that your bike’s name is Roxie…that is my little baby girl’s name. <3
Enjoy those new baby snuggles.
New fabric, today! New crafts, new spring, new days to come!
I also love March. My newness: I too just had a baby girl exactly 4 weeks ago. It will be fun “sharing” these newborn days with Heidi. She is so very lucky to have friends like you. I can only imagine that it makes it all so much better.
Love Nella’s swimsuit (and her saggy diaper bottom:))!
We’ve got a great “new” snow here in MN… it’s been a fairly dry winter, so it makes everything look so crisp and clean:).
Congratulations to Heidi and her new baby. Love is everywhere!
I just became a first time grandma March 2nd. It is amazing how fast my heart was stolen by little Maeve. She was 5 hours old and she wrapped her little fingers around my finger with a vise grip for such a tiny thing. I was a goner! She had me at her first cry and now my heart aches with love at the sight of her. I get all teary.
Blessings to you and your beautiful girls! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
xoxo
I don’t post frequently, but I avidly read your blog. This year is difficult already, and promising to continue. But reading your blog I am constantly reminded that I can deal with anything, push through anything, and find the answers I need because it’s for my children.
Thank you for your inspiration, and for helping me find the fierce mama I need to be sometimes.
I’ve been following the pics on Instagram, so I just read this – BUT, I think only one other commenter caught a hint that you might be prego?!? Are we crazy or just overthinkers? Lol. I know you said you guys were trying so maybe it’s not too far-fetched.
Anyhoo – Heidi’s baby is an absolute doll! Looks like good size-too! Mine were both 9lb’ers.
As for new here, I officially launched my own photography business. It’s a dream and I’m scared *hitless, but I’m going all in. I won’t leave my link here because I’m not trying to advertise, just sharing that I’m super, uber excited about it 🙂
Enjoy that fresh baby smell. I know when I do it only reminds me how fast my own have grown and I hold them closer – I know you will too 🙂
Whats new!? I will be welcoming my 4th grandon in June! So I am busy gathering cute fabrics for a diaper bag & teeny little onesies that call for little teeny tie appliques! Bootie patterns galore have gathered and sweet swatches of soft soft flannel are awaiting the placement of patterns on them. On to of all that I am busting my grammie buttons with pride of my other sweet grandbabies! Life is full love and craftiness around here. Just how I like it! And as always your blog has made me smile, and think about the good things in my life! Thank You!
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New fear … but such a good fear.
I took a leap of faith in myself. In my abilities. In my passion.
I began a freelance career that is moving in all the right directions, but it comes amid other jobs, family duties, master studies and more. But I feel so comforted by this new unbalance.
There is fear in not knowing whether I’m truly up for the challenge – whether what this dream holds for me is within my being to create.
But oh does it hurt so good trying.
Beautiful post, as always. Thank you for sharing.
Kate
http://stylenovel.blogspot.com/
Massive congratulations to Heidi and her beautiful newling she’s now cradling. I like to think there’s no place closer to heaven than being in the presence of a new little life.
Excitement in my life right now is a new job I start tomorrow. My baby boy turned 1 last week and he’s going into childcare for the first time tomorrow… I’m going to miss all the amazing discoveries, all the squeals and new friends, sleepy nap cuddles… oh how I live for his sleepy cuddles.
Thank you for writing my favourite blog. If you lived in Australia I’d have you over for dinner and scones. My Dad’s secret scone recipe is coveted among my thieving friends. I think I’ve printed it a dozen times now.
Yay for your friend!!! Oh those pictures of your day in the sun with your girls looks so wonderful.
– Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com
New is the senior pictures I got taken today. First time infront of the camera (I am normally behind it) New is the adventures life will take me down next year as I grow up. New is that I am leaving Hawaii tomorrow after having been here a month, and boy how I am going to miss the family I stayed with!
My husband and I just returned home from our Vacation to visit his grandparents in naples. We were blessed with the most beautiful weather! The pier was great, the sun warm, and north – near Wiggin’s beach we had the BEST ice cream! Back home in MN and looking forward to spring 🙂
What’s new? I don’t really know, but that’s the exciting part! I have lots of GREAT ideas going on in my head right now… ideas for my future, for my family, for my life… it’s just a matter of taking action and seeing where it leads me. So, that is exciting!
Congrats to Heidi! Can’t wait to see pics!
Goodness gracious Kelle you’re killing this Alaska woman up here with all your spring-y pictures. We have at least 5 feet of snow on the ground, it snowed and was gray all day, and the high was 20. I’m DYING. My only taste of spring right now is your blog. Loved the newness theme. Can’t wait to see pics of your friend’s baby (Heidi, right?)and hear all the “more to come” 🙂
My new goal is to wake up each morning and read something inspiring with some coffee in hand before my two year old wakes up. Relishing the next four months before baby #2 comes along. Now’s the time for a little me time if it’s going to happen anytime soon, right? Right now I’m reading Ann Voskamp at aholyexperience.com. It’s a great blog. Hope you enjoyed your night!
Congratulations to Heidi! How exciting!
What’s new? Hmmm-I ran for the first time in forever the other night. My son and I are coming up on a new birthday (he’ll be 3, I’ll be 28). PLUS, my brother and sister in law are welcoming their first baby in the next two weeks. March is shaping up to be a fantastic month!
My friend had her baby less than a week ago. It was amazing to see her little blessing after she and her husband had struggled with getting pregnant for so many years. I can totally relate to your comment about “this here’s what it’s all about.”
celebrating a new life and enjoying a sunny day like that with two cutie blondies — does it get better? i just love how energizing and awakening it is to attend a birth. xoxo
new life is always a beautiful cause for celebration.
I am starting a new workout routine later this month. There is a group of moms across the country who are all going to do the same exercise routine and keep each other accountable.
I am desperately waiting for summer weather so I can get my little one out in the beautiful weather and let her run around like you let yours.
The biggest new in my life, which is huge for us, is that my almost 2 year old daughter FINALLY spoke a word other than mom/dad and knew what the meaning is. This is huge exciting dance in the street news for us.
Beautiful…. What a magical week you’ve had x
I love the goodness of march! A new baby will be arriving with your spring!
I don’t know Heidi but I like Heidi! 🙂 Congratulations!!!!!
Still getting a few snow storms here but also some really sunny & mild days mixed in too…it feels great!
A new goal…..between your blog and all the amazing-ness that is on pinterest, I’ve decided that my previous approach of “less-is-more” style birthday celebrations is OVER. I’m going big this year and I can’t wait!!! Already in the planning stage for three big & awesome boy birthdays!
Congratulations for the new baby!
I found your blog since a few day, I read it all and I fell in love with it! I love your words, your photos and your wonderful daughters who are both so beautiful!
greetings from Italy!
New ideas, new books, new ways to relax 🙂
my youngest son is attending a waldorf school since last week anda we are VERY excited ’bout it.
That one has becomed my “new thing” these days, and so is my “new goal”: for him to be more happy, sensitive and smart every day.
Have a lovely Tuesday.
Loli
TO Chai – good luck with new duties and i hope all goes well! To LauraH-so sorry to hear of your friend’s miscarriage. and a “HEY” to KWQR-how exciting, a new bedroom for the boys..KELLE!! Love all the pics and yay! for spring being here soon! Love from your Blog Mama~
Yay! I don’t even know your friend, but every time you posted picture of that belly, I couldn’t help but wonder when she would have her baby! It’s so exciting to live near friends when they have babies…my prego friends are all so far away.
My house sold this week! We are moving to the beach for the summer while we look for our “forever house”. Leaving behind our first home will be hard. I cried during the home inspection and people looked at me funny, but this is very exciting and change is good too!
I’ve been avoiding actually writing down my goals, feeling that somehow the listing-out would limit me. But I’ve been in a rut for a while, so this weekend I did it — bought a new journal and did some dreaming. I sketched out some general goals for the next ten months — call my (pregnant for the first time!) sister more often, write, drink more smoothies, learn a new craft. The whole exercise was surprisingly invigorating. 😀
New baby on the way due this June. Thrilled to be welcoming our third.
Congratulations to Heidi! I have been watching and waiting from across the pond! 🙂
New eating habits. Now that my 11 month old son has refused all of my homemade organic purees. I am now having to venture into toddler food- which is an adventure in cooking since I LIVED off of cereal in my 20’s.
I am celebrating new life too – my first child, my daughter who has become the center of my world – was born January 26th. And as I leave my daughter (albeit with a heavy heart) in a few weeks I’ll be starting a new job too. For all this to happen with spring upon us (and a 60-degree day to look forward to Thursday, a miracle in Boston in March!), it does seem like there is new life everywhere. I’m celebrating by buying my copy of Bloom today!
I’m excited about a 5k/10k race and 1/2 mile kids’ fun run that I’m the race director of this June. We’re raising money for Compassion International’s Child Survival Program — I dig it! This program helps pregnant women and babies all over the globe, and I’m so excited for this race! It feels overwhelming (I’m a SAHM, not a pro race director!), but I’m psyched! http://www.runforcompassionsalem.com
Wonderful news of your dear friend#s safe delivery.
My new gig is being part of a Therapy Dog team with my four-footed hairy child, Milo. He is a delight for everyone – staff and residents alike, and I feel so good knowing I#m doing something worthwhile that will make someone#s day a little brighter.
New goals:
*Rock lipstick. You do it flawlessly. I’m done being scared of it, dangit!
*Up my yoga practice to 2-3 times a week. Although it can be expensive, there are many “community class” options out there! $5 a class? I can swing that, and for me, nothing compares to the post-yoga high.
*Look further into yoga instructor certification.
*Attend more concerts. I have tickets to at least one a month until August and I feel excellent about it. Shows include: Foster the People, MUTEMATH, Youth Lagoon, Beirut, and M83.
So fun. Love it all.
Just got hired for a new job yesterday! And my boyfriend and I move into our new (own!) house ont he 23rd 🙂 Life is good!
enjoying being a mom of three girls – new to me is the overwhelming feeling on content I have this time around instead of the anxiety I’ve had before. Breathe, smile and enjoy the ride.
Ahhh- cannot wait for Spring to reach us up here in Ohio 🙂 I could just feel the warmth and sunshine through your pictures.
This year is a new opportunity for my husband and I to achieve our goals. We are going after fitness goals, personal goals and relationship goals all at once.
What a fantastic way to start off a week! We’re creating a new hot air balloon mural for our new baby boy due in May… it is a lot of work, but it’ll totally be worth the effort. Also, I’m SO excited because my BFF ordered me a suprise copy of your new book! Can’t wait to read it! I hope the rest of your week is as beautiful as the start.
Excuse me??? That self portrait of you and Lainey.IS.AWESOME!!! Can you give some tips and tricks on that pls? Pretty please. The flare, wow!
Excuse me??? That self portrait of you and Lainey.IS.AWESOME!!! Can you give some tips and tricks on that pls? Pretty please. The flare, wow!
I love the photo of Nella looking directly at the camera, she looks beautiful.
A week ago today, I purchased a new house…my first house. No more apartments and room mates. Life is full of new things, new beginnings, new journeys…loving every moment!
How lovely 🙂
My newness comes in the form of anticipation-I am in the final throes of a PhD and then my husband and I are taking off traveling and throwing away the birth control 🙂 So lots of excitement over here!
P.S. Beautiful pictures as always, your children always seem so happy, you are such an inspiration to me. Things were brewing for a while but when I stumbled across your blog I realised what I really want for my future is to be present for my family. Thank you
Congratulations Heidi!! I am looking forward to some new plans for the summer… can’t wait to see those green leaves! New books to read, new genealogy questions to answer, new bread recipes to try… my plate is full. 🙂
You girls look extra beautiful in this post!!!
Your bike ride looked dreamy….wow!
New hear is PAINT! I’m looking at everything and thinkig, ‘I could paint that.’ So far I have a canary yellow dresser in mind, 3 bright white trunks to antique, and a grassy green hutch in the works! Oh, and I painted one of our old doors with chalkboard paint…..I can’t stop! My kids better be careful. If they sit still long enough, I might paint their sweet faces a citrus orange, a sapphire blue, and a pretty purple!
Happy for Heidi….can’t wait to see pics, but so honoring of you to give her the much needed private moments 🙂 And March is a good month for a baby. My sweetie Gabe is a March babe….sigh….reminiscing.
Happy Spring!
Congratulations Heidi!! I am looking forward to new plans for the summer… can’t wait to see those beautiful green leaves and get outside! New books to read, new genealogy research to do, new bread recipes to try… lots to look forward to.
Congrats to your beautiful friend and her new baby!
What could I say? You girls are adorable and so so pretty!
My Maria enjoys her independence, too.Wow our girls are growing up!
We love u, Kelle!
Big congrats on the baby. My new goal is gonna be my baby in May. I’m almost there 🙂
Beautiful pictures!!
Yeah for new babies! One of my best friends welcomed her first and much anticipated child on the 23rd in fresno, ca. A true biological son to her and her husband that could not grow under her heart but under the heart of a surogate who grew him and brought him into the loving and waiting arms of his mom and dad safe and sound!!! Seven years in the making so very excited indeed! Piano lessons for my son to start tonight for the fist time in his 7 years of life! So excited to see where this takes him. And new health and energy for me with my recent lifestyle change: eating vegan, unprocessed, no sugar and 75% raw. Happy to have more energy, glowing skin free of eczema and acne and to be down 2 sizes in my clothes in just 3 weeks! Loving my beautiful colorful fruits and veggies and learning the many different ways to prepare them…Feeling great and life is perfect!
You’ re so cute.
Your shots…great as usual!
Maria
New marriage!! Yay! I hope that I can enjoy my life, marriage and kids (when they come) as much as you do!
What’s new in my life that makes me excited? We bought a house! Moving in two months. Starting our adoption process to bring home a little one with DS–for that I am OVER THE MOON! I can’t wait. Excited to be painting, tiling, laying floors, arranging furniture, making kids’ bedrooms homey–all to pass the time we draw closer and closer to our next child. OVER THE MOON, I tell ya. Over the freakin’ moon.
Congrats on the new baby. I cannot wait to see the pictures. Right now I am excited for both my husband and I as we are working hard in our careers to move up. Hard work but so worth it I hope. We also have a surprise vacation planned to a warm location with our kids this summer. Very excited about that one. Hope you and your family have a wonderful rest of the week.
Congratulations to Heidi and her brand new baby. Makes me miss that brand newness of my 6 month old but appreciate her even more 🙂
New to us, we’re in the midst of buying a new home in my home town! So very exciting and freaking me out at the same time! I’m so excited for my girls to grow up in the same town that I spent my life in since I was 10. We will live just down the street from the elementary school and only a 5 minute drive from Grandma and Granddad 🙂 Makes us all very excited! It’s also my husband’s birthday next week so another exciting part of March!
This post brought tears to my eyes, thank you Kelle for sharing your beautiful life 🙂
As “New” as it gets, yep a brand new baby in our family yesterday too. How cool, they arrived on the same day! My 1st Niece! Bailey Hannah. Welcome & Happy Birthday to all the newbies out there…
Congratulations to your friend. That baby is beautiful. It almost seems like you are sisters. I have a few friends like that. They are always there when you need them the most and are more like sisters than friends. I am looking forward to so much right now… I am throwing a “North Pole” themed birthday party this weekend for my two boys (my son’s idea, but thanks to Pinterst…it is actually turing out to be really awesome and not really Christmasy as all)and also helping my baby sister plan her wedding. She is getting married this September. I am so excited for her to start this next chapter. Life is good!
love nella’s face after she eats ice cream, and oh my goodness, where did u get such an adorable bike helmet for lainey?
My family’s ‘newness’ is coming this summer. We will be leaving our comfortable home that we built ourselves to seek adventure and God’s will for our lives. We are being called to new things, and after allowing myself to be anxious and fearful for a little bit, I am finally at peace with it. Bring on the newness!
Yay for newness!! Especially babies… the spice of life! So glad you have a renewing weekend!
It’s finally cold here in Maryland, but my lilies are deciding to make an appearance anyway. That always makes me feel refreshed… they keep chugging along each year despite whatever life throws at them! I also started crosstitching again after a 19 month hiatus (aka, when my son was born!)
Love you blog, truly!
SPRING – with its budding new beginnings makes me giddy. 🙂 I simply love love love the picture of you and Nella in the gardens…the way your dress hangs…and the utter delight in your faces in replenishing!!!! Thank you for your….everything!!!! Including that awesome bunny helmet. 🙂
I’m student teaching, so every day is something new. Every day is a challenge. And every day it’s totally worth it! Thanks for the beautiful post & Happy Tuesday Kelle!!!
-Simply Shelley
http://simply-shelley.blogspot.com/
ok –
1) Longtime reader since Nella was born. WOW!! Love you, and your family.
2) I don’t have time to comment much…I am today!
3) Your girls are delicious and a blessing!!! Thanks for sharing them!
4) Love the new blog look! I’m usually on Google Reader, so I’m not sure when you made the new look!
5) The other reason I wanted the combox – was to pass on this article to you. I feel for this family, as going this route must come from pain and feelings, not a decision. I pray acceptance and love come to them, and just wanted you aware, in case you can help them.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/02/couple-sues-over-down-syndrome-misdiagnosis/?fb_ref=.T1Z2wed6JBk.like&fb_source=home_multiline
Bless you always!!!!! Happy Day!! Soak life in!!
Also – CONGRATS to your dear friend and her baby!!!!!
Congrats to your friend – so sweet you were there for her
Congrats to Heidi and her new bundle of love 🙂
New for me, My first pregnancy! i’m 23w3d and the little tummy monster has just started waking up to her daddy’s alarm in the morning (he has the volume on super loud) and putting on such gorgeous tummy kicking shows that I sit at work with my top over my tummy to watch her try and push her way out 🙂
I’m loving it 🙂
LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY pics, and beautiful girls. You look happy, congrats!
Rocio from http://blogmodainfantil.es/
Lovely pictures!
What’s new here is that I’m learning how to stand on my own 2 feet after losing my mom 6 months ago. And honestly, your blog has helped me through that time. Your calm words and cheery perspective even in the face of not-so-great situations…they have really spoken to my heart. Thanks a bunch for that.
That said, I’m ready for the new. My whole family is. We need some change, some good, some life-affirming. We’re actually thinking of just picking up and moving to a whole new place to start fresh and couldn’t be more excited about it 🙂
Something new for us is no more pull-ups, no more bottles!!! Our 2 year old is finally out of both!!! YAY!!! And, though we are excited about that, we’re also getting the ‘itch’ for a new baby in our arms:)
Another new is all the fun crafting, blogging, and cooking we have been doing. Taking inspiration from you, Kelle, and reminding ourselves of the beauty in the small things. Thank you!
just beautiful…thanks for the reminder of what’s important 🙂
You guys are just too cute! 🙂
How about new job, new goals, and a new country to live in? You bet!! I’m in my last hours of internet access before heading to Malawi for the Peace Corps. I’ll have a lot of catching up to do once I’m back on the grid. 🙂
Nella looks beautifulllll 🙂 I also love drumsticks (the ice cream cones) and I love the target bathing suit! Oh how I love my target… thanks for updating 🙂
OK…excuse me being presumptuous but…” inspired by new life and excited for growth in coming months. More to come.” UMMMMM? Does this mean what I THINK it means in the Hampton house? Ok, I’ll be quiet now.
Congrats to Heidi. Can’t wait to see the beautiful pics I am sure you took of her gorgeous, new, little one!
And gorgeous pic of you and Nella at the botanical gardens in your long dress. Epitome of Spring right there!
What a fun time- welcoming a new baby!!! Enjoy it..can’t wait to see pics!!!
Congratulations to your friend!
It seems as if everything in my life is new & exciting! My husband landed a great job after over a year of unemployment. He was laid off THE SAME DAY I was offered a job after over a year of unemployment myself, which began only a few months into our marriage. We’re finally able to make plans and realistic goals for our future and it feels AMAZING! We started off 2012 with a new kitten and our 2 year plan includes buying a house, a trip to Europe, and a baby 🙂
Congrats to Heidi and family! Woo! Beautiful photos on this post. Love Nella’s little saggy bum and Lainey’s pucker face! Excited about a new gym membership and a newly found bosom friend.
This is the first time I’ve commented on your blog. I’ve been reading for quite a while, silently enjoying the rush of emotions your candid writing brings to my heart.
I faced a very tough time in my life after my second son was born with some surprising differences. A friend introduced me to some one who has been able to understand my experiences in a way I thought few could.
I’m writing to celebrate new friendship this spring. I’ve been blessed, as you have, in welcoming a new life into this world – but in this case, it is my own new life.
A new son, a new friend, a new outlook on life.
If anything comes from today, know that as your friend’s new baby has touched your life, so has your blog touched my life – and no doubt the life’s of many others.
Thank you.
I look forward to reading more.
And thanks to my new friend Tresa. 🙂
Loving to see all the sun and happiness, as much as always. And you look downright smashing (if that’s the expression to use, I feel doubt…!).
🙂
had I written this Friday (heck, even Sunday) had I said: we’re on a roll – new is spring, sun and fun.
But – alas – it’s Wednesday and during a few days a world of happenings can take place and a world can change.
Now what’s new is this:
– CHALLENGES!
I won’t break down by obsticles my husband faces since he lost his job and I won’t let a person break me at work, a person who really tries very hard. One of those people you didn’t think existed, until you met one.
So, well it’s not NEW exactly nut it demands new “collecting forces”, new energy and new strength. And of course I have it all, so I just gotta pull it out again.
😀
Huge congrats to Heidi’s baby, again. Wonderful indeed.
Kelle – I remember quite vividly after several losses and wanting desperately to be pregnant how much it stung to have people ask me if i was pregnant/when we were going to start a family already/assuming I was pregnant at the slightest suggestion…I noticed more than just a few comments questioning/ suggesting/ assuming on this post. I just wanted to send you a long distance hug and tell you that i appreciate you putting yourself out there for us, even though it opens you to blatently and subtly hurtful comments. Much love. -E
I enjoy reading your post today.
Love it!
http://www.momfashionworld.com/
Love the picture of the black bird!
It’s been a fabulous week of exciting ‘new’ for us. We found out yesterday that we got approved for the perfect little historic cottage that we will be renting in April. I am a happy girl!
My little man has learned to climb the stair and suck out of a straw. Pure bliss moment of a new milestone checked off.
Signed up today for a small business in Illinois seminar at the community college today. Slowly, slowly planning to open a music/lesson shop in town. Dream of riding my bike to our own little shop and carving out our life in a different way. Preparing by learning to play guitar!! I’m on day 3 and so far I can play Ode to Joy! Fitting, right?
Just preordered your book! SO so SO excited to get it!!!! 😀
I’m working towards buying my first car ever so that is NEW and exciting in my life!!
I’m excited because I found a 2 morning a week preschool at a nice church that my son will attend next year! I prayed and prayed about what to do, and feel at peace that this is the best thing for us! I have asked you about how you “teach” your children things and prepare them for school (since they don’t go to preschool)… like you, I also believe that we shouldn’t have to fall pressure to sending our kids to school earlier and earlier. Home is a wonderful, beautiful place to learn, especially at this fun, young age! And although you haven’t really directly answered my question about any specific ways you teach them things (that’s ok!!), I see through your writing and pictures that just the everyday things you do with them are learning experiences…. gardens, playdates, traveling, etc… I am so happy because I choose not to fall pressure to sending my son to everyday of the week VPK at the young age of 4. Instead I found a nice 2-morning a week place where he gets to play with other kids, have chapel time, etc. I feel so at peace with my decision to keep him at home longer! Like you said, this is what it’s all about! Loving on them, playing with them, enjoying the moment… parents being their primary influence at this young, tender age! Yay!
When I saw these Unicorn Chopsticks you were the first person who came to mind.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/e9ff/?srp=6
Like eating oriental wasn’t magical enough, take it into overload.
Beautiful post…I am enjoying new flowers popping up in the garden and waiting for spring! Yay for babies!
Where is your stunning dress from? Amazing photos as always 🙂
Congrats to your frien! How wonderful that you were there to celebrate with her.
Hmmm what’s new you ask? We went for a wonderful spontaneous drive on Sunday and it was a beautiful bluebird day. I posted a photo today at Katherines Corner. But yesterday our spring like weather was interrupted by a blizzard, gusting winds and 4 inches of snow! Weather her is so unpredictable, giggle. Hugs P.S. love your dress!
Please help if you can. I would appreciate it. I hope it is ok to post this here. I know how kind everyone on here is.
I am shaving my head in memory of my friend’s son who just lost his battle with cancer. He was only 20 months old when he passed away this weekend. I am trying to raise money so no one else has to go through the pain of losing a child. I want to raise money for childhood cancer so they can work towards a cure and give aide to families who need it.
I am hoping to raise at least $1000 in the fight against childhood cancer. If you are able to donate, I would appreciate it. My donation page is below and will direct you straight to my donation page. The even takes place March 23 and I can load pics of my bald head after. Thank you!!
https://www.stbaldricks.org/donate/participant/543636
First (of course) CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR FRIEND!!!! I wish a full, happy, & healthy life on her new child-Welcome to the world Baby!!!!! How exciting for you all!!!!!
Second, there are so many photos of you and both your girls (single & both of them) with you that are worthy of being a “photo of us for the year” it’s unreal for one post!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
so, i don’t have children…and you and i have really nothing in common…but for the last two years, everyday i come to this page. i anticipate seeing you, nella, lainey…even your cute hubby 🙂 but i have never had the courage to write you. i feel like you see 100’s maybe thousands of comments and im sure mine will get stuck in the pile…but before i laid my head down tonight, i had to write you. even though i dont have children, i desperately want them. i have a niece who is like my own, and a nephew who has my heart…but the love of something that is mine…i dont have and it breaks my heart. you see…i struggle with my weight…im what the world calls obese. i hate myself for letting myself get this way…but im here. it keeps me from doing things that i would love to do….when i see people running, even walking at the park i fantasize about being them. i wanna be chasing behind little pieces of my heart that are running around. so, you may ask what my point is, and its this….you inspire me. you make me wanna be a better me. your daughters inspire me. they make me wanna be a mommy. thank you for having so much courage to be real. to lay your thoughts out before the world and tell your story. you make a difference…and i just wanted to let you know that. much love.
Oh, congrats! I absolutely can’t get over the feel of a new one joining the pack. The newest of news for me is rejoining the work force. My handsome husband has requested my assistance in his law office during my spare time when I’m not mama or nursing student. I love it. I want to exceed his expectations. So far, so good. Best to all on their new, exciting journeys.
My sweet last baby has a birthday coming up in a week…looking forward to the excitement!
Your little girls are simply WONDERFUL! Nella is the same age of my younger son (same month, too):)
What’s new to me today is that I just found out about the ABLE act by reading Amy Kosmalski’s blog.
Kelle, I had no idea of this act going before COngress. I feel it’s very important – more important, if you will excuse me – than adorable photographs of children with DS. You have a much broader reach in the mainstream blog world than Amy, so why not shout it from the rooftops? DS citizens are worth more than $2,000. Families should be able to plan for their DS children just like their neuro-typical children. I’m sure one word from you will end up with the phones rigning off the hooks in DC.
Kelle you have the most wonderful blog. I happened upon it via Pinterest (my sweet addiction). I actually just spent the past few days reading your ENTIRE blog! My boss loves how much I’ve gotten done. Haha. I love your prospective on life. I am 12 weeks (today!) pregnant with my first child. I am nervous and anxious, but your insight has put me at ease. I can’t wait to be a mother and “write a storybook” for my child’s childhood. Thank you. You have given me a beautiful gift in which I can never repay. I can’t wait to read your book! xoxo
You are glowing!
March looks beautiful on you. xo
Oh, I am so PROUD TO BE THE 17,600TH MEMBER of this wonderful blog, of this wonderful family of yours.
I think I do want to be part of your life.
I’ve been passing the latest 2hrs reading this whole blog.
I do seriously now think that we all MUS ECJOY THE SMALL THINGS.
Love you guys.
and greetings from Italy 🙂
Il paese delle Favole.
Love all these! The goodwill scores of vases are beautiful! You think something wooden looks lovely and vintage…til you paint it yellow and its’AWESOME! Love it!
bxx