Enjoying Tonight:
A New Coffee Pot
Our leaky broken piece of jank was finally replaced. It’s not that I love the new pot because really, I wanted something funkier–some retro conversation piece that perks loudly and brews a smooth cup. But Brett loves it. Like a little boy loves a new bike.
“Did you see it has a push button?” he asked all excitedly as he demonstrated the fountain drink dispenser yesterday morning.
“Yes, babe. I saw it has a push button.” I answered less enthusiastically.
“You know what that means?” he followed. “It means it’s Kelle-proof.”
I didn’t ask, but I think it means it won’t spill or break or make a mess.
Brett and I have different tastes when it comes to a lot of home stuff. He steps back and never minds me choosing everything, so it feels good to let him pick out the coffee pot and even better to watch him turn into a kid when he uses it.
Baby Esther Williams
Seriously. There isn’t much to say other than why did it take me so long to realize swim caps are a baby essential? Pregnant? Add swim cap to the layette list. In fact, pack one for the hospital diaper bag.
Suit and swim cap, Janie & Jack
Family Outing
I love random nights out with family. I love impromptu decisions to climb in the car and go do something. Anything. Austyn needed new shoes, so we made a night of it, extending shoe shopping into a perfume-spraying, store-wandering, stroller-pushing night that ended with cold Outback beer.
And either the perfume was laced with unicorn juice or I just really like nights like these. I smiled and one time when nobody was looking…(ssshhhh)…I skipped.
Moves like Jagger.
Sister’s spirit is free, and her hips don’t lie.
Made Up Games
Somehow the dish soap got dragged out today to fill up an empty bottle of bubbles and, a pail and a hose later, we were knee deep in Suds Soup.
Consequently, Suds Soup is now on our list of fun things to play because not only did it occupy the girls for longer than usual, but it kept Nella from wanting to run down the sidewalk. This is a serious victory.
The watered down suds weren’t slippery, but pure dish soap on cement would be a disaster, so Careful!
Jo and Anna
Life’s been a little too crazy for photo shoots lately, but these vacationers were in town, and it was a pleasant return behind the camera to photograph new faces tonight. Their mama and daddy bought 100 copies of Bloom and donated them to friends and local Down syndrome groups.
Sweet babies, sweet mama and daddy.
*****
Looking forward to some outside adventure this week. And push-button coffee tomorrow morning.
Polka dot suit, Popina Swimwear. So excited for more beach days, more pool use and more Popina retro swimwear! I just need a swim cap.
ohhh my gracious, what a little cutie nella is in that swimsuit/cap!! i absolutely love it. and love how lainey is holding nella in the perfume picture… their bond is so so sweet.
really enjoying reading bloom! your writing is beautiful, kelle!
Ohhh thought I might be the first commenter but no such luck:)
LOVE that swim cap!!! How in the world do you get her to keep it on? My Casey would have had that pulled off in 3 seconds flat.
Enjoying your photos!
Angela
Sweet swim cap. Nella looks gorgeous in it. Loved reading your book. Couldn’t put it down. Love how you keep to your authentic self. Many people try to look like someone they are not. Your blog keeps me grounded and reminds me to be true to who I am. Thanks.
OMG. Lainey’s moves made me LOL, and Nella’s bathing suit ensemble? Yep, I want another baby. NOW.
PS – for real, you photoshop yourself to look that good in the bathing suit right?! You can’t be a real person! 😉
That swimsuit on Nella is just the most adorable thing ever. Loving the pics of Lainey dancing!!
If only my behind looked that cute in a swimsuit. Wonder if a swim cap would help my cause at all?
um can a post have TOO much adorableness? Cause I am pretty sure this one might be it. Holy guacamoly.
Swim cap is a MUST!!! The girls are so cute in their swimsuits!!!
Aaaaaah! The swim cap!!! My heart just melted in a pool around my feet 😉
ooooooooo I love that suit and swim cap! thanks for the reminder I will be checking out gymboree right now! Before hubby gets home! 🙂 In love with those girls of yours in love! 🙂 Katie
Oh my goodness, that swim cap is just tooooo darn cute! Love your comments on making anything a family event! Such wonderful memories you are making for your kiddos!
That swim cap and suit are beyond cute!! Love it!
Lainey’s moves are sweet! Looks like she’s got her momma’s passion for music. 🙂
When I read that the family you photographed bought 100 books and donated them, it touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. It’s amazing to me how many good people are out there.
Enjoy the new fancy coffee pot! And have a fabulous weekend!!
OMG….could Nella be any cuter in that swim cap?? And Lainey, keep dancin’ like no one’s watching 🙂
Nella and her cap… enough said. What beautiful children!
ok! Suit not from Gymboree! Please someone tell me where can I get that sweet suit with the swim cap! 🙂 Katie
You three girls look so adorable in your suits! Love that photo!!! And Nella’s suit + swim cap!?! That’s just too cute! And the COLOR is to die for on her!!! I LOVE random nights out of the house too! Sometimes running those mundane errands with the family make them a little bit more magical. 🙂
Everything about this post was adorable.. goodness, i adore Nella’s swim ensemble and Lainey’s dance moves.
Your retro swimsuit has inspired me to get one of my own.. can’t wait till it arrives! 🙂
Love your beautiful words, as always. You are an inspiration, sister. xoxo
That is, without a doubt, the cutest swim ensemble in the WORLD.
I was just reading through your blog when you posted this. I am trying to pass the few hours I have left until I get to bring my new baby boy home. I have only met him once for a few short minutes and this post just got me so excited for all the little things I get to start enjoying about him.
Moves like Jagger is my three year old’s favorite song. Although he sings it “Ive got the moves Jack Jack.” Whatevs, his dance moves make up for his lack of lyrics.
That little swim cap on Nella? I.DIE.
O M G, pic of you 3 gals…adorable!!! Nella in her suit and cap, I can’t even begin to explain how cute she looks. And Lainey getting sprayed with perfume? Aaaa….cuteness!;)
FIRST…Can I just say I love that you use the word “jank” too!? HAHA….my hubby and his family say it all the time, to the point if where we actually think it’s a “bad” word, and my hubby gives me the stink eye if I say it in front of the kids. I honestly thought we were the only people on earth that use that word. I was reading article online today and the guy’s last name was “Janky” and I just cracked up out of pure immaturity!
Moving on….
Nella+bathing cap=amazing!
Lainey+dance moves= adorable!
I am at a loss for which photo to comment on…this was just a gigantic dose of cuteness and joy!
Love the swimsuits and caps! I have a precious little boy, but oh my, I do wish a little girl was in our future! You all look so happy! I just recently finished Bloom, and loved every single page…..you are not only gifted with words, but of an amazing perspective on life! You’ve inspired me to fully live life, the bumps, bruises and all! Thank you. : )
I just love your girls. They are absolutely adorable and I love the swim cap! I just got done reading your book…..I LOVED IT!!!! I read it in 3 days and that is good being I have 3 kids, 1 of which has a disability and we stay very busy with therapies. I loved it so much, it was so inspiring and positive.
OMG! That swim cap is adorable!!! And I’d have to agree, you need one too! It would go perfectly with your suit!
I talked to your sweet friend, Stephanie, tonight. She sings your praises & it sounds like you have a very special friendship. I’m totally coming to FL some day to hang out with the two of you! Seriously. 🙂
i love the picture by the pool of you and your two girls in the swimsuits!!
so darling
http://www.studentswife.com
Nella is so cute in that get-up.
you can also use baby soap for sudsy play and then if they wipe their eyes – it won’t sting!!
oh my goodness…i need a girl! my two boys don’t look quite as cute in swim caps, i’m sure. nella is beautiful!
OOO my goodness that swin cap is adorable!!! And all the suits on you ladies are very fashionable!!
That swimsuit+cap is the most gorgeous darling thin ive seen on your blog… and ive seen a LOT of cute on your blog.
It’s so ridiculously cute, almost novelty dress up and yet its so subtle and looks so comfy!
Baby Esther Williams = so much preciousness!
Loving the swim cap! And the photos of Lainey dancing are too cute! xx
I’ve never been “oh that was in kelles blog, I NEED it.”. But you’ve never shared Esther Williams nella before. NEED. I’m telling matt that for my birthday Ellie needs that suit.
oh…..so BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Oh my goodness … Ester Williams … to absolutely die for!!! Nella rocked out that swim cap and seriously the very last picture of all three of you sitting on the side of the pool … you so have to blow that picture up and put it on your wall … truly priceless!
I could not live the pics of swim cap-wearing Nella more! And Lainey’s moves…enviable! Thanks for sharing these sweet moments with your girls.
Love, not live the pics. Oops!
We got the same coffee pot and my husband was crazy about it as well 🙂
Read your book this week – great job!
Have a super weekend!
*I* may need a swim cap. I doubt I’ll be as adorable as Nella, though.
I said it on IG, I’ll say it here again – I seriously get cavities looking at little Nella in that swim cap…….toooo effing adorbs. And Lainey girl – you shake that money maker. xoxo
That swimming cap just made my morning! So damn cute! 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
You delivered again, Kelle. I checked for a new post this morning for a pick-me-up after a rough day at home with the kidlets yesterday…hoping to make today better. I knew you’d inspire. 🙂
I grinned at so many of your pics — especially Lainey’s sweet moves and the one where she’s being a good big sister and it looks like she’s holding Nella back from tasting the perfume.
I love family nights out that just work. Oh, and we have that coffee pot and love it!
The swim cap is divine!
I read a quote this morning that reminding me of you:)
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ~Robert Brault
You’re right you need a bright yellow swim cap. You all are so adorable!!!
Oh, I love reading your blog. And that swimming cap is to die for. I have Moves like Jagger as my ring tone on my mobile so I get to here it everytime my phone rings. Congrats on your book! Maybe you should do a tour in South Africa, as I know quite a few people who read your blog…
Wow your post never cease to amaze, There are no words for your ability of photography and writing. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy your blog.
I adore her swimming cap, it is gorgeous. I wish we could go outside and swim, it is so freezing in the UK!
Katie
http://www.mummydaddyandmemakesthree.co.uk
You all look awesome in your suits…But Nella, just looks stellar!! That color looks amazing on her. Looks like you guys have been having a lot of fun!
I adore the picture of the three of you on the edge of the pool!
Like you and everyone else, I am in love with Nella’s swim cap!!! Too precious for words! And like always, love all your pictures and fun that you have! Have a happy, happy weekend! 🙂
I LOVE that swimsuit and cap on Nella! adorable!
taht’s GREAT that family bought 100 copies WOW!
I loved your book and cried through the entire thing!
tara
The most fashionable 3 girls in swimsuits ever!! 🙂
I have got to get swim caps for my girls! Love them! 🙂
LOVE everything about this post. Nella is the cutest! That swim cap is ridiculously cute!
Cute swimsuit and cap! I also want a new coffee pot, but mine isn’t broken, but it’s too big for our tiny kitchen and I’m the only one who drinks coffee (unless my parents are visiting!) I do love a French press, but I love buying whole beans and grinding them *sigh* So many coffee decisions! Sheesh!
My husband, Zayn and I have been doing more random things lately, we’re totally digging it! xx
Oh my goodness Nella in that suit and cap? Adorable. I love her expression in the photo of the 3 of you girls at the poolside.
Have a lovely weekend!
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OMG!!! Loving the swim cap!!!
I don’t normally comment, but I couldn’t help myself!! Nella’s swimsuit is beyond adorable!!! She just looks SOO dang cute!!
Ohmygoodness. I am dying over Nella in that swim outfit. Cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time.
It always amazes me how she doesn’t seem to mind hats. My 2-year-old boy will NOT leave a hat on for more than a few minutes. I guess it slows him down too much!
I share your love of getting in the car and “going.” My mom says I was like that even when I was really little.
Precious picures of Lainey and Nella – She is rocking that swim cap:-)
Her little swim cap is so stinking cute!!! I am loving Lainey & Nella with their sudsy soup…and that sweet little girl that you took photos of!! Have a lovely floridian weekend!! (I will be sweating in the desert, with no beach to make me happy) 🙂
Oh, that pink swimsuit. Oh, my heart!
I really really wish I were in more photos with my kids. I am always the one taking the photos. I wish I had a photographer to just follow me around and take photos of us in random places 😉
Oh MY Gosh that is so stinkin cute!! You’re right, a swim cap is a MUST!!!
Welp…it’s official. We now need a swim cap. And Nella in that suit and cap?! That is one of the cutest things ever I have ever laid eyes on. Loving Lainey’s dance moves and impromptu dance parties! Happy Friday to the Hampton family 🙂
The photo shoot of Jo and Anna is precious. I love the photo of her long eyelashes…swoon. SO sweet!
Fabulous photos….as usual. Hubby is a Naples/Bonita native. I can’t wait to get down there at the end of the month for some fun and sun!
another sweet treat, this was! and i’m with you on the funky coffee pots. i’ve been searching for *the* perfect vintage percolator.
You all are too cute.
Those pictures of Lainey dancing are priceless!!! And Nella looks absolutely adorable in that swim cap!
I love Janie and Jack. Nella’s suit is too cute!!! I want one.
Well, I guess I’m going to have to buy a swim cap for my daughter now. Too cute!
Swim cap?! I die!
Seriously though, I know I rarely comment and you wouldn’t know me from Eve, but … these pictures just get me. I see something new every time. And then there’s the fact that whenever I visit your page (which is NEVER more than once I day, I swear) my girls pull the computer off my lap and marvel at your girls and how cute and funny they are and ask if they live close by so we can play. Ha! So sweet.
I am loving the swim cap!
OMG…. Nella in that swim suit and cap adorable. And Lainey bustin’ a move ~ so cute. Love all the swim suits ~ gotta check them out 🙂
Sweet Swimsuits! Playing with the bubbles looks like so much fun! Gorgeous photos! 🙂
My parents had that coffee pot before I moved out and away to Virginia last year I.LOVED.IT. therefore when searching for a coffee pot for my own apartment. I went for that one automatically. i love it still. It really does make a great cup o’ joe.
that’s my coffee pot, I love it!….we have had that model for the past 8 yrs and every time it breaks we get the same one. (it lasts a few years before we have to replace it, the hard water her wreaks havoc)…omg, I almost got that swimsuit and cap for my 2 yr old, now I think I must 🙂
Just in here a quirky to feel the love.
Tonight, cooking a grand meal, is one of those nights when I think about how much you’ve influenced my life in such a big and positive and important way.
I often wonder how I could thank you for it but don’t know…
Thank you! You rock 😀
Have a blessed weekend <3
…. a quicky!!!!! Darn autocorrect!
oh my word. Nella looks like a mini throw back to another era. SO CUTE in that suit. And her smile in that pool pic? I could ear her up!
Those babies of yours are SO BEAUTIFUL!! 🙂
that last picture of you 3…well my heart just soars. Soak it up, Kelle. Life is so good. Cheers!
today on this hot day when we are not by the beach I am cool looking at your images by the pool. I remember being a little girl and swimming the pain it was to put them on…love all of the bathing suits
Oh my goodness! If Nella isn’t the cutest thing ever in her swimsuit and cap I don’t know what is!
seriously the swim cap! i got one for tova from baby gap seen here:
http://tiptoewithtulip.blogspot.com/2012/05/400-pics-of-swimsuit.html
but it’s really “sad” because she’s almost too big for this already and i may just have to click “buy it immediately” on janie and jack RIGHT NOW for a bigger set 😉
swim caps!!!!!!!
happy weekend ladies!
Finished Bloom– It was awesome!!! No doubt it will be re-read within the next few months, as all good books should be!
Well, I was supposed to be doing homework, but now I’m stuck adoring almost everything on Janie and Jack. *sigh* Why doesn’t money just grow on trees already? I want everything on there for my sweet girl. Super cute stuff! Thanks for turning me on to it. Can’t wait to put in an order.
Miss Nella looks positively ethereal in that swim outfit! The cap is the piece de resistance, for sure. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. 🙂
I simply adore that picture of the 3 of you. All of your faces show such joy…love it. Enjoy your push-button coffee!
First and foremost, I have to say that Nella is ADORABLE in that swimsuit and bathing cap combo! Lainey is also rockin’ the polka-dots 🙂
Secondly, I have that exact same coffee pot (as per my husband’s request, as well), and I can’t pour it without spilling it EVERY SINGLE TIME! So although there may not be a pot to break or something else to go awry, I would simply like to know how to get the coffee in the cup without a trail of joe left behind. If you figure out the secret in the near future, could you add this info. to one of your blog posts so I can eventually “pour” my coffee without sopping up the aftermath?
THANKS!
Kelle – I love your blog. I don’t always get to read it, because most of the time I’m reading from my iPod, and its tiny screen doesn’t do your pictures justice.
But right now, I’m supposed to be writing a syllabus and instead I’m reading your lovely little space on the internet. Thank you for your joy!
PS – I hope you do come to Chicago!! My two crazy boys (4 & 1) will be there with bells on!
I have this exact same coffeepot! My husband also says it’s Kellie-proof. In my case, this means there is no glass carafe to drop on granite countertop and have shatter into a million pieces. I may have done that once….or twice 🙂
Buying those bathing suits and swim caps for all the little ladies in my life!! LOVE them!!
I am so excited I can’t even stand myself. You finally got a new coffee maker!!! You finally got rid of that piece of shit!!! Yippee!!!! I’m skipping and dancing!!! Give Brett a big thank you kiss from me!!!!
Kelle,
You look absolutely amazing in a swimsuit and your girls are so precious.
If I were to be a TV news anchor I would leave with Be true to yourself. Make today a great day.
I hope you have a realxing weekend, I am looking forward to seeing what you have next!
After seeing Nella’s swim cap, I have decided that it is imperative that I have one this summer! That is all.
I just finished your book, and I have to tell you that it moved me in ways I never expected. It was beautiful and as an Early Childhood Educator I believe it is a book all educators should read, to bring us closer to the children we spend every day with, special needs or not. So I just wanted to say thank you, for writing down your story. Thank you <3
Baby Ester Williams! I have to tell you, I have wanted to comment on your blog SO MANY TIMES about cute little Nella. She is a BEAUTIFUL little girl and you dress her in the cutest outfits. She has captured my heart so many times, I just want to hug her! =)
I just finished your book. My husband wasn’t happy about all the nights I ignored him in favor of your book. 😉 …but it was so much fun to read, so inspiring. I will cherish the copy I have forever. I don’t understand how you find time to do it all…but we’re all so blessed that you do! =)
The picture of the three of you poolside- LOVE. Please please please please give your girls a hug for me. I love them so!
Thank you for sharing the swimsute & swimcap info! I neeeed to buy it for my 5 month old! 🙂
I love Poppa’s comment 🙂 That is how we feel about our little one… She, like Nella, is rockin an extra chromosome, regardless, she is PERFECTLY Eliyana!!! Love her!!!
I must be the type of flower that loses its seed, withers and dies, but starts to grow again in a new garden. I’ve bloomed in so many gardens. When I bloomed in the past, it was because of my mother. She was my root system. She selflessly nurtured me until her death on February 1st of this year. My childhood was idyllic because of her. She was my sounding board when my firstborn son was diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety. She was a much-needed second set of hands when my second son was born. She was my complete rock when my youngest son was born with Down syndrome. She sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears when he was diagnosed with Autism, too, a few years later. She rose to the challenge when my hopeless marriage unraveled. She was a second Mother to my children. All the while, teaching Kindergarten and influencing so many tender hearts and their families. I have lost my identity: I cannot be the same person because she was so much a part of me. This is my first Mother’s Day without her. I am a tiny seed in another new garden. I do choose to have faith she strengthened my core so I could survive in her absence. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, I love you. I will again bloom!
Lisa S. Prey
In honor of my Mom, Sue Stock