We traded naps for the beach this afternoon.
Loving this song: “Something Good Can Work” by Two Door Cinema Club
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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.
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It has been a few months since I made mention of Nella’s 2For2 Fund, a fundraiser for NDSS that we set up in honor of Nella’s 2nd Birthday. The fund logo has remained on my blog and many of you, including sponsors, continue to contribute. Since Nella’s birthday in January, more than $5,000 has been added to the fund. Wow…and thank you.
I raise this point because I was excited to hear about a new online program that NDSS just launched for fundraisers like me. I value all that the Down syndrome community does to raise awareness and funds, especially through special events and campaigns, but I have always been the type to do things on my own time and in my own way. This program is aptly named NDSS Your Way for that very reason. They are seeking independent fundraisers who want to create a customizable web page in one of three categories—Compete (Team NDSS), Celebrate (NDSS Celebrations) and Create (NDSS New Ideas)—no matter which category you choose, your personal page can pay tribute to someone who inspires and motivates you.
Many of you have already taken the extra step – you are also bloggers and you designed your own fundraising campaigns for NDSS in honor of your child, sister, niece or nephew. I admire all of you and I am so happy we are in this together.
As NDSS said in their recent e-news announcement about NDSS Your Way — run a race, host a block party, plan a dance marathon, grow a moustache, climb a mountain – however you choose to do it, do it your way and do it for Down syndrome!
Also, check out the NDSS Your Way Pinterest Board.
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I have a little Mother’s Day contest brewing for Monday. It involves your stories. Stay tuned. Stay classy. Happy Weekend.
Here’s a fun one: In the spirit of Ron Burgundy, if you were a news anchor, what would be your corny sign-off?
Mine? Be kind. Be yourself.
And then I would aim my pointer fingers at the camera and make that clicky gun noise with my tongue.
I hope you bought that suit in every size possible!! Adorable!!
Love that vid!! Toooooo gorgeous! Even though it’s a cool autumn here, it’s a stunner day, so might hit up the beach with my kids too!
Love that vid!! Toooooo gorgeous! Even though it’s a cool autumn here, it’s a stunner day, so might hit up the beach with my kids too!
I just did the point-and-click gun thing at my computer screen. Right back at ya. “Be Kind. Be Yourself.” Love it!
Sparkle, friends!
Ok, first of all.. the suit with matching swim cap ruffle.. took my breath away.. she rocked it!!! And Lainey looks so sharp and grownup in hers… The way Nella was walking… so precious.. you inspire me to take video’s of my son.. I haven’t in a long long long time. THanks for putting a big grin on me.. to start the weekend.. happy cinco de Mayo
First I was crying because of that adorable video of the girls and now I’m laughing because of your sign-off…..LOVE IT!!!
My sign-off today was, Go Find the Good. Totally took it from you, but it’s kinda my mantra now. 🙂
Oh man, Kelle, those girls are something special. For a moment I found myself thinking, are you sure Nella has DS, because I don’t see much difference between her and Arya. She seems like a typical 2 year old to me. Or maybe that’s just it. People with DS are not much different from anyone else and are just like the rest of us…..or maybe thanks to all of the amazing resources you have, she has the ability to be just like the rest of us.
And watching Lainey with Nella, well I know you know cause they are your girls, but it sure is something special to see!
Happy Weekend to you!!
We may or may not have watched this video 4 times already…. two year old girl on my lap keeps telling me “More, this one!” I need a beach vacay…stat! thanks for sharing…and, I’d love to know how you do these? phone, camera,video camera…and the software you use. Your video montages too…they are so much fun to watch. Thanks for sharing.
Dude! If I could get away with it, my sign-off would be “balls out!” said with the same type of annunciation and authority as “peace out!” but balls out is so much …. errr, ballsier ya know?
Have a great weekend and balls out sisters. Yeah, I’d totally add a “sisters” in there too.
I CANNOT get enough of that hat. it’s way too fricken cute….and i love that little nella looks like she’s getting a buzz off that ice cream!
“Keep on truckin’, Seattle (or insert desired recipient here )”
This post caught me in a delirious TGIF moment 😉
Happy weekend!
Gorgeous video. And the first thing that came to my mind was, “say no to hate and yes to love,” but I think I’d rather have it be something about learning like “Remember to live, love, and always be open to learning something new.”
My goodness, that video was gorgeous! Makes me want to be on those sunny Florida beaches so badly!
My anchorwoman signoff would be “love you, see you soon” or “kisses”. Now that my girls are older I catch myself giving my “sign off” to my 2 poochies on the regular – I’m such a dork!
Just thinking of what my sign off would be makes me laugh! and Nella’s toddling at the beach, oh man – instant reader smile & giggle. Thanks for the Friday uplift!
Alison
Oh my! Thanks for the video! Your girls are too cute! Loved watching Nella walk and Lainey dance! Someday, we will vacation at a beach!
oh the pressure! I can’t think of a corny sign off…but Nellas little suit and swim cap are just gorgeous…looks like a fun day. The last pic of them walking is sweet – Nellas little diaper or swimmer pants looks huge! Full of sand and ocean! Love it! Thanks for the video!
I can’t wait to be on LI beaches this summer a nice break from the desert!!
I always enjoy your posts but I totally LOVED the video! Oh my goodness, the chubby legs, your little dancer, the pushup pops and seeing the ocean (we don’t get much of that in central PA) was just lovely. I noticed the quilt..that made me smile too..there is just something about a good quilt that makes you feel good..eh? ♥
Could Nella’s bathing suit and cap be more cute?? And that little finger point as she ran past – hilarious. Happy weekend to you (we’ve already started ours over here in NZ)
Very nice video.
I enjoyed watching it.
1. I love love love the bathing cap.
2. Both your girls are lovely.
3. Would you consider adopting me?
Adorable video! LOVE Nella’s swimsuit and hat… or I should say she makes it even cuter! 🙂
Lainey is so much like my daughter. They’re having a good time in their own little worlds. So cute!
Oh my…..I don’t know how much more cuteness I can take of Nella in that swim cap! And, love to see Lainey still dancing. Thanks for the video, it was great! Have a wonderful weekend!
Wow, love the video! So wonderful how it shows ability and personality that can’t always be seen in pictures. Your girls are so adorable!
I’ve got a video of Lexi that I know you will love. Will share soon!
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)
I know Nella’s been walking for awhile, but I loved watching it I think for the 1st time on a movie. A dreamy afternoon for sure. How’s the new push button coffee pot going?
that video was the perfect end to my Friday. Bring on the weekend!! WOO hOO!!
best vid and best ever photo dump!
And just when I thought I couldn’t love your blog any more…you make a Ron Burgundy reference! 🙂
I love the video! Lainey’s dance moves are awesome! And, I love seeing Nella walk, or should I say RUN! Sister walks with purpose! Happy weekend.
*OH!!! I can’t handle the swimming suit and cap!!! And seeing her in motion just makes me ACHE to hold her!
*Model babies, model mama (referring to your previous post with 3 bathing beauties!
“…..and remember….everything goes with a denim jacket.”
Hhhmmm…it’s a lot funnier when I’m shopping with my sister—hahaha!
Love the video! Mine would be, Don’t judge, judge, just love, love.
My sign off would be “Don’t be a bragger, don’t be a complainer – be real.” The older I get, the more I realize that trying to impress someone (in a good or bad way) is futile. The only way I can really connect with someone is if they really know who I am, and the only way to do that is to be myself.
i don’t ever comment but had to…this video is adorable!
Nella walking in that bathing suit is TO DIE FOR. I absolutely love how she shakes her little bootie when she walks.
Watching your Lainey dance reminds me so much of my oldest daughter. They could be twins with their blonde hair and long legs. Malia is always dancing as well and it brings me such joy. I hope she never stops dancing.
Of course up here in Vancouver we are usually dancing in the rain this time of year and not on a beach…
oh the video is too sweet! how fun! makes me miss the beach soooo much! magic! you live in a magic place i tell you! lol!
stay hip, stay sassy
Nella reminds me so much of my daughter Eowyn (a few months younger than Nella) the way she plays is pricelessly two year old ish. And Lainey is so tall! BTW if I ever have another child I totally need your name resource.
Mine would be Goodnight and Rock On…
I LOVE the video! I heard that song last night on pandora & fell in love with it.
Levi has started doing an “oh” face. Totally out of the blue! I will try to get a picture of it for you!
My news anchor sign off would be, “Until next time, keep living. Keep learning.” (followed with a smile & a wink)
Oh my gosh, KELLE!!! You need to post videos more often. It’s awesome to see your little ones in action! Love Nella walking around like a pro and Lainey’s ballet moves on the beach. 🙂
My sign off would definitely be “Live Your Life with Laughter and Love.”
Its my mantra and what I remind myself of all the time.
I seriously cannot get over that adorable swim cap and swim suit!
I’m Ron Burgundy?
🙂
Mine would be, “Aaaaaand……that’s all I’ve got.” and then there would just be awkward silence while I looked at the camera uncomfortably.
I didn’t want the video to end ! And you make me want to love this second !! :).
My corny line would be : Rock the rest of your day! Haha
Have a great weekend.
hi kelle…i am a first time commenter and longtime reader…well, if you consider january 8th a long time. the day after my little maggie was born, unexpectedly, with down syndrome. i’ve been reading your blog ever since. i am so lucky to have you tread these waters before me. you have given me so much confidence and comfort over the past 4 months. i’m lucky that you and nella are here. if you’ve ever questioned how much you are doing for others out there, i am here to tell you that you’ve made my life better. i don’t know what i would’ve done without your laughter, love and piece of mind. next week i take maggie to the beach for the first time and i can’t wait for her to put her little toes in the sand, feel the ocean water and wear a bathing cap :0 I promise to send you some pics. Thank you again. I’ve given out your book Bloom to all of those family and friends, as a thank you, for all that they did for me and my husband after maggie was born. i wouldn’t have been able to articulate how i felt that day as well as you did, and for that i thank you. i hope that you are having a wonderful May!! Hugs, Beth, Mike and Maggie
for the LOVE!!! it’s almost too much to handle seeing those beauties on video…makes me love them all the more!! thank you for sharing their awesome sisterhood!! and their individuality by video! Love the vintage suits…the cap (could hardly take it…ridiculous cute!) Lainey dancing…and her supermodel walk, walking away from you. Nella bathing her baby in the sand bucket! ADORABLE!! And her running and pointing to you! xo hmmmm? what would my sign off be???? maybe ‘have a good night/day and be happy always!’ ??
Oh MY that video is too much to handle! How adorable are those two sisters?! Thanks for sharing!
my grandad’s sign off makes me laugh everytime (he’s from belgium so add an accent when you read it):
“Be good and if you can’t be good be cool.”
love nella’s suit. i have a little bathing suit fetish… but not for me, just my girl. turns out she has 7 (YES, SEVEN!!!)size 4T suits for this summer. that’s kind of a lot for people who don’t own a pool and live in ohio. whatever. i love them all!!
i am also loving that mini-quilt in her car seat/carrier. and the sand on her toes. soooooo sweet.
happy weekend to you!!
I’ve always wanted to be like a stand up comedian or rock star and say “Goodnight, Cleveland! You’ve been amazing!”
Love that video!
Thanks so much for the beach video. Being from Wisconsin and loving Florida, it made me miss the ocean but was a great fix. And LOVE Miss Nella’s hat!
OOOh!! Mine would be, “Take Good Care of This Moment”. Cause I don’t think we do that as much as (I) we could. And it’s really, really good when we do.
Can’t wait to see what’s up your sleeve for Mother’s day.
xo
lynn
LOVE the video! Your pictures are awesome, but it is nice to see the girls in action too. I recently made a quick video of my 21 month old while she “shopped” at the local toy store, mini grocery cart and all. My mom was thrilled to see it.
It’s not the same as a radio or talk show host sign off, but I always say the same thing to my girls each night before bed. We call it “The Disclaimer”:
Close your eyes, rest your head, dream sweet dreams, sleep well, have a good, long snooze and I’ll see you in the morning.
OHMYGOODNESSCUTENESS… all rambled into one! Look at Nella strutting in her adorable swimsuit and cap! Totally loved Lainey dancing, it was lovely to watch! I want a beach day, will have to plan a weekend for it. Maybe Zayn will like the ocean this time… xx
Nella should be PAID to wear that swim-set! OMG ~ they’d sell a MILLION of them! Loved the video. Lainey is so graceful & Nella is so NELLA! Do they have any idea how many people LOVE them???
My sign off?
“It’s your life. LIVE IT!”
I just found your blog and love it! Love your blog! Would love the follow back 🙂
The Pretty Pinhead
Love the video! Beach beats a nap any day! Enjoy your weekend!
That’s it. I’m moving in with you & we’re going to the beach every day!
Adorable video Kelle!!!
Where did you get Nella’s swimsuit? I love it! I saw another little girl with that suit on Pinterest but there was no link to buy it.
Beautiful video Kelle. Lainey is so graceful and watching the 2 girls potter around happily is heart-meltingly beautiful. I want to live in Florida every time I see your beach photos.
Oh and by the way… Just bought Nella’s suit and hat for my 2 little girls after seeing it on your instagram pics. I cannot wait until they get here. You are a bad influence 😉
That’s a lovely little movie there <3 I so enjoyed it! Is it difficult to make?
I have no clue, of course, who that anchor is and here in my country folks aren’t really as happy-go-lucky as you americans, so anchors simply don’t do that….?!
(how boring this country seems!!).
And I’m so swedish – I can’t think of anything either 😮
*hahahahaha*
Lots of love, Anna
so nice the “big” pic!!!!
:)))))))))
This is a beautiful video and I love the photos too. Especially the one of you all in the sunglasses, so cute. I wish I lived nearer to the beach. In fact I wish the UK had even the smallest bit of sun….ever!
Looks like a great day, Tell Lainey she is a beautiful dancer xoxo Nella is such a doll!
Yesterday was May 4th and since I a am a nerd my sign off would have been “May the forth be with you”
Any other day it would be “stink the haters and rock on”
that video is awesome!!! it makes me want to skip school, kidnap my bf from work, and dash with him and our baby to the beach!! thank you for sharing with us!! it is very sweet!
my sign off would be.. You’re awesome. Live up to it. followed by a wink from my right eye and a shy smirk on my face
Just finished Bloom last night– took me only 36 hours! I cried and relived those moments again as I had with you on the blog, and was just so amazed at the journey you have taken! I can’t wait to see what happens as Nella grows up. Oh, and I’m super jealous that you get to trade naps for the beach- if I loved there, I might do that every day!
LOVED the video!! So wish we could have traded naps for beaches today (or anyday for that matter!!)
mine would be:
keep it real, Austin (where I’m from). (throw up the peace sign)
or, if i’m feeling crazy
keep it funky, Austin. (always with the peace sign)
looooove Nella’s swim cap.
Love the beach video. My sign off would be stay Happy, Healthy and safe!
Awww love the video!! So so precious!! Your girls are absolutely adorable 🙂
And quick question, I was wondering where your mint colored jeans are from? They’re a gorgeous color – love them!
I love how Nella points at you as she’s walking by all, “I’m watchin’ you!” hahaha so cute! Beautiful video and precious girls
Love the video! Song is fab, but the best? That DIVINE suit and cap 🙂 LOVE!
That suit and hat are SO darling! She is so strong to be able to pop up from squating like that – sister has some quads!! Lainey’s suit is adorable too – she is looking so old! How’s that school decision coming along?
Enjoy the weekend and thanks for the video.
My first comment on your blog, but I’ve been reading for about a year and just finished Bloom… WOW.
Those little girls, those sisters, are just amazing. Lainey’s little look back at you at the end, “I’m watching out for her, Mama… I got this” brought a tear to my eye. That’s love right there.
oooh Kelle that was so fun to see! I wish you’d make more videos!! 😀
Oh my, my, my that is a precious video! 🙂 And I love the girls’ swimsuits…so cute!!
That video absolutely made my day. 🙂
That does it. I think I’m going to have to con my husband into a day trip down to the gulf coast after that video. I grew up in North Carolina and now that we’re landlocked, I am seriously missing the salt water! Adorable girls, as always! 🙂
This post just made my day! Your blog inspires me so much, fills my heart up – and I am SO very happy that I found it while my daughter is still so young (almost 3) – because you inspire me to be a more spontaneous mom, to live a little freer, to enjoy each day a little more. I have been reading for over a year, and TRULY – it has changed the way I parent and look at the little fleeting moments of this life. Thank you!
Kelle,
That swim cap is KILLING ME! Nella is so cute, I want to reach through my screen and eat her up. Thanks for sharing the wonderful video.
I’d happily trade for your weather anytime! In fact, I have sunshine envy after watching that. What a beautiful memento of your afternoon, I’m sure you’ll treasure it in years to come. 🙂
My 4 year old son just watched your video with me and says, “couldn’t that little girl get washed away?” I said, “her mommy is taking the video and watching her.” He saw your older daughter and said, “what about her, is her mommy watching her too?” I told him they were sisters. He goes, “oh. they just have different sand buckets?” Kids only notice things like that. No other differences matter, as long as there’s no injustice with one having a better bucket than the other. Made me smile 🙂
live it, love it, be it…with the clicky gun of course
I love seeing your girls in motion!
Can I just take your girls’ beauty, energy, imagination, and love for push pops and bottle it up? They are BEAUTIFUL!
Love the cute video of the girls at the beach! Wondering what kind of camera you used?
And if I were an anchor-woman my sign off would be “the news in now history” and do a side body turn with my elbow on the desk and my hand holding my chin. cheesy i know ha!
Thanks for that video lovin’! I never post… But have been following for a year. Just read Chapter 10 of Bloom. So relate to the support group experience. My daughter is 5 and we’re still taking it all one day at a time. I hope that the new Ds book every new parent gets is Bloom instead of that Babies With Down Syndrome piece of work! So when will you trade ocean for lake and come hang out with your Chicago friends?
Are you freakin’ kidding me? That beach video made-my-heart-MELT!! I’m so glad that you soak up every minute of the amazing life we are all given. Happy Early Mothers Day to you!
I love love love that video. And the combination of that with Nella’s beautiful swim suit/cap is just heavenly.
Mine would be ‘Don’t you go changin’ ‘ (wink)
Eva
Thank you for the video, i’s good to see the beach,the sea and the sun and your beautiful girls!!(In France, it’s rainy and cold!!)
What a perfect day at the beach! Beats the poo out of a nap (if you’re my kids, at least, who loathe naps).
Adorable video…..love the girls walking off together. Thanx for sharing.
xo
That swimsuit that Nella is wearing (and swim hat) are just adorable!
LOVE your video!!! You’re as good a videographer as you are a photographer. Cute-Cute-Cute!
Thank you for sharing.
Tejas love,
Melissa
Haha, I love the sign off. Mine would be, Go team – Ready – “break” and then we’d all do the basketball thing where we put our hands in the middle and push them all down at once!
Loved the video! Your girls are so precious!
Blessings,
Chelsea
Love Nella’s suit! What beautiful bathing beauties you have – I love bronze babies!
Such a lovely video.
It’s so fun to see your girls in motion. What a special relationship they have.
Oh my goodness, your girls are adorable! Wishing I lived this close to the beach…looks like you had a fun Friday afternoon :]
Nella’s walk is to die for! I love her hip action 🙂 Your daughters are so fgree spirited! I love it!
Oh and I ordered that suit in various shades for all the little girls in my life.
Be still my heart. That video was precious. Thank you sharing with us. I’m inspired to capture even more with my little ones now.
Kelle you crack me up! I love your sign off. Gorgeous video of the girls at the beach! And LOVING the ruffle bathing suit and cap – adorable! I want to be ‘beaching’ too – or ‘pooling’ – as soon as the weather gets warm enough here! Happy Monday! … off the top of my head, for my sign off, I think I’ll go with “Make it a great day!”
Seriously LOVING that video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
so cute! is it just me or at the end of the video is lainey sashaying a little? lol.
So stinkin’ cute, that video! Your girls are gorgeous. And I’m so jealous that you get to hear the sound of crashing waves at pretty much any given moment 🙂 Great post!
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I’m so fascinated by how well you document your life with pictures. This has quickly become my favorite daily blog for just that very reason 🙂
http://jenntenhaaf.wordpress.com
Oh LOVE the video!! Nella walking by sticking her finger up is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S, just barely time to say hi momma:) LOVE IT.
Kelle, This is way to cute. Love the video and photos. Thanks for sharing.
This video is simply adorable and it immediately relaxed my mind and made me smile. I want to have babies right now and make the same video!!
I watched this video (the second time) with my 5 year old son. So many questions, how old is the big girl (honey she’s your age), he liked her. And then “WHAT are they eating?” That’s a push pop…”mom, when can we have one of those?” I haven’t seen those in years, must get them for the kids.
I would say, “Do big things” and then raise the roof old skool style and yell WOOP WOOP!
Who could have a bad say after that?
Holy moly, could the girls’ swimsuits be ANY cuter?! And I love the song you paired with the video, it fit perfectly!
Nella is such a sweetie in the video. Love, love.
Thanks for sharing, love skipping nap time anyday for some beach time. Love Nella’s suit and hat. Her little waddle walking down the beach with Lainey is so cute.
Such a beautiful video Kelly. And thanks for making me want a swim cap for my little gal so bad I could die!!!
I’m Ron Burgundy?
That silly little question mark changes everything now doesn’t it.
Love it.
Both of your girls are so incredibly beautiful. I loved the video! It’s like we can see so much more of their personalities through a video, rather than photos.
And my goodness, Nella’s outfit is to die for.. where on earth did you find it?!
That pink swimsuit and hat that Nella is wearing is A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E!! Loved the video!
Awesome video! What program do you use to put your clips together?
Been thinking about your family today. I live in Stillwater, OK and the Special Olympics start today. Its been fun watching all the Olympians arrive!!!! I even got to hear some them karaoke!!! It livens up our town and so thankful for it!
A random Bloom sighting on the blog “Better After”:
http://betterafter.blogspot.com/2012/05/worming-your-way.html
Fun. 🙂