I left the house to write, and just when I thought the scene was damn near perfect–hot tea and cinnamon scone, a booth with an electric outlet, a kitty-corner view of a cute old man in black socks and taupe double-velcro shoes buttering his sandwich bread–I realize I forgot my headphones, and the music is so loud it feels like Clay Aiken is here, in my booth, singing “I’d make you mine tonight” just for me.
I’m realizing I feel better if I get up and out. It helps to wear lipstick and cute shoes, and it helps to know that soon I will feel good–certainly by the time the season shifts, and I can dream of apple pie and baby knits simultaneously. Heidi comes home this week, and I’m excited for our annual Hurricanes reunion.
This weekend, we were enjoying…
Mercato Fashion Show
I joined a group of teacher friends to walk in a Fashion Show Friday night and was given this beautiful wrap dress to wear that multi-functions as a shawl, blouse, vest, backwards dress, criss-cross dress, cowl neck dress, backwards blouse, backwards vest–you get the picture. And I had to demonstrate them all. While I walked and awkard smiled. Which involved taking it off and flipping it upside down and putting it back on and jump-roping with it, all the while trying not to slip and fall because that’s exactly the sort of thing I do at this event.
Hot mess. A super hot wrap dress mess. The dress was beautiful, but I didn’t wear it right, and the last image of me walking off the runway looked like Batgirl in a winged cape.
Second look was more redeeming, as was the night that followed with friends. And Pad Thai.
Red dress, Bio NY at Mercato
Wiggins Pass
Brett found another great beach last week after driving around a few hours on Thursday to scout out a good weekend spot. Find it he did, and in true Hampton style, he couldn’t wait to share it. Like a little boy anxious to show off his G.I. Joe show-and-tell collection, he woke up early Saturday morning to make sure everything was ready. Left the house at 8 to get to the beach before anyone else and secured the best picnic tables–the ones with the good grills and the ocean view and the big shady tree. And then when our friends arrived and raved about its perfection and marveled at the fact that we scored the best site on the beach, I watched my proud man smile. Humble about most things, he doesn’t mind flaunting his quirky talents. He can predict the weather like Jim Cantore. He can serve a good drink. He can teach his kids to swim better than any swim teacher money can buy, and he can find the best damn beach gathering place within a sixty mile radius.
Love that I can spot my girl anywhere in her traffic cone orange suit.
Nella and her physical therapist, Jonah.
And now I’m obsessed with paddle boarding.
Balloon Chase.
There’s been a half-inflated balloon floating around our house since Nella turned two. Not the same one, but still. It’s a house necessity now and a reliable source of entertainment.
Like balloon soccer.
Or some version of don’t-let-the-balloon-fall-to-the-floor game. Nella thinks it’s hilarious.
Dress-Up.
The laundry pile has thinned out these days as Lainey spends most of her time in play clothes. Hoop skirts, cheap silk and click-clack shoes. A girlhood rite of passage, indeed.
Insert random creepy sand-eye doll.
The frickin’ pan.
Oh, she thinks it’s so funny. A little metal frying pan from Lainey’s kitchen, and when Nella gets a hold of it, she Venus Williams it–bats it through the air, trying to hit things. Like tile and walls and sometimes heads. It’s loud and obnoxious, and the more annoyed you appear, the funnier she thinks it is.
The very first clang-clangs are always reflexively followed by my “Oh God, the frickin’ pan.” But she loves it.
*****
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 care to follow the feed.
And your #enjoyingthesmallthings photos. (If you use Instagram and have a photo that makes you happy, share it by using the hashtag #enjoyingthesmallthings. Yours may be chosen to be shared in a Friday post.)
*****
Returning sponsor Nella Designs, creator of Lainey and Nella’s silhouette room prints and my beautiful pendant, is returning with new shop products and some brand new art.
The Personalized Name Pendant Charm Necklace features the names of those you love as well as your favorite charm and gemstone, making a simple and delicate statement.
And Nella Designs Subway Art is a striking addition to any room in your home and can be customized to include favorite quotes or special messages.
Use Code Kelle10 for 10% off all Nella Design jewelry.
*****
I’m putting together another F.A.Q. post. If you have a question you’d like answered, please leave it in the comments of this post, and I will choose as many as I can to answer as well as address some of the most repeated questions in Skype book club chats.
And look how purty the sky was last night.
Amber says
The creepy sand eye doll is definitely creepy. Aack. And thank you for inspiring me – no longer do we always have a half inflated balloon because I am a horrendous housekeeper. We have a half-inflated balloon because it’s a family must!
(Love seeing that belly shot!)
Dylan'sMommy316 says
Still loving your friend’s striped skirt!
Love how kids get a kick out of being as annoying as possible. I thought it was just my son but apparently not. 🙂
Stephanie says
Friday photo dump photo of Nella wearing one of Lainey’s old dresses (I’m pretty sure)! Ohhh she’s getting big! Someday I hope to re-fill my sweet toddler clothes with another baby girl…. so many memories, attachments and so much love for some of those pieces!
Meredith says
I ask as a fellow expectant mama of baby #3 (due early Feb!): Are you nervous about juggling three children? I had a hard time going from one to two, but love ’em so much that I had to have another. I would just like to know your perspective of adding another bundle to the mix.
Rebekah says
I absolutely LOVE your new enjoyingthesmallthings hashtag. I look through the photos all week and it always brightens my day to see what other people are enjoying!
Question:
Your girls always look so cute. And yet you always seem to foster a lot of creativity in them. Is there a certain point they get to when you start letting them pick out their clothes? If you are going to special event or the sort do they ever fight you?
Consider The Lilies says
creepy sand doll made me laugh out loud 🙂
and, you rocked that red dress lady
Casey says
Does Nella receive speech therapy? Well you ever post a video of her talking?
genderist says
Sounds wonderful. Glad you’re feeling well enough to strut it on stage!
PeggyMomma says
I’d like to know if you are one of those “I cannnot wait to find out the sex of this bundle in my belly”, or, if you are the old fashioned type – PLEASE surprise me? Just curious. I love you and your family!!
Bailey Kress says
1) Is Lainey going to go to public school or going to be home schooled?
2) I do NOT mean to be rude or anything by asking this question, nor do I mean to prying in to a too personal question; I’m just wondering. Since you are expecting and Nella has Down Syndrome, will you be getting a prenatal test for this pregnancy?
Morgan says
As a long time reader, I’m curious what your relationship with your step-sons is like. Do you take them out on one-on-one activities like you do with lainey? How is the step-child relationship different?
Tara B says
Hi Kelle,
You might get this question often, but if not I’ll be the second bold person to ask it. Before I do, I’ll preface by saying that my sister has a lovely baby boy with Down syndrome and she is terrified of getting pregnant again.
How did you come to the decision to get pregnant again? And please give us some tips on how you hope to remain calm through this pregnancy.
Dianagoddess says
You have such a lovely figure, do you have a formal exercise regime?
Sarah says
Isn’t it awesome to find a new beach? Before everyone else?
That’s not my FAQ request, 🙂
I’d like to know how this pregnancy feels for you with the life experiences you have behind you now? A lot has gone down since you incubated baby#2.
Kelly Cach says
You are just so dang cute. Period. Well, actually, so dang GORGEOUS. Exclamation point!
And did you get my annoying amount of pics I sent via e-mail of Nora? She turned TWO!!! I just couldn’t help myself, but so sorry if it’s a nuisance!!!! Soon I will be caught up with the rest of the world with a phone upgrade and instagram 🙂
Love to you ~
Team Lando says
I love this post. It makes me happy. So thank you.
Little for a Little While says
Always a delight to read a post by you. Glad you are getting up and about, even if you have to fake it to make it. Fall sounds so delish, for so many reasons, doesn’t it? Hang in there, hopefully the nausea passes soon. xo
Erin says
Can you tell us a little bit about how therapy works for Nella? I see pictures of therapists in your home (and in the ocean!!) with her. My son received therapy in the home until he was 1 and now we go out to a facility – just curious how she continues to get home based therapy. Also, what kinds of wonderful things is she working on these days? She seems to be making wonderful progress! Yay Nella!
Smaychel says
I always wanted a big family, lots of children, but now I have my one little one (15 months) I’m put off having more because it would mean less time to spend with her and I already feel like she needs me more than I’m available.
Is this something you worry about, with two daughters already and one having extra needs? How do you manage/intend to manage situations where more than one of your children needs you at the same time? (I know there’s dad and other family around, but with my daughter if she wants Mama, no one else will do!)
rogrox says
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Marjorie says
You’re sort of like a celeb to me 🙂 Have you found since your book and blog popularity that you now get treated differently (ppl recognizing you, etc)?
Gina says
Nella totally looks like you in the pan pic. Love it.
Runner Mom says
Once again your post made my Monday a little brighter on the west coast! AND I just ordered my Nella Designs Necklace with my little girls names…so cute!
rogrox says
Love the post about the “frickin pan” We have tap shoes! My daughter Gretchen(5)has tap shoes that she likes to tap with on our bathroom tile at 3am in the morning!
Amy Cappelli says
You look so purty in the red dress. Stunning.
And I love the picture of you embracing Nella in the striped chair.
We’ve come across a creepy sand doll or two at my parents’ cottage over the past few years. I always feel a bit haunted by them afterward. Creepy sand dolls are so much better than creepy decayed dead deer which I had the misfortune of literally tripping over when chasing after my kids on Memorial day.
Shel says
I have a daughter with Down Syndrome and we were lucky enough to meet you when you did a book signing in Michigan and almost MORE exciting for Chloe was getting to meet and touch Latte 🙂 She loves looking at your pictures and especially loves Nella and the dogs.
So my question is what kind of dogs do you have? I thought your dad told me that Latte was a teacup poodle, but what about your other sweet dog?
Sammie says
Kelle,
Oh my goodness, mama. It is so exciting to see my little sleeping angel on your blog!! Thank you! 🙂 You continually remind me to just take it all in and savor those little moments. It made my heart happy seeing my sweet girl featured here today. Can’t stop smiling.
Xo, Sam Angoletta
cmbailey17 says
When will you write your next book? 🙂 I totally understand these things take time, I just love to read anything your write and I know another great book is in your future! Until then, I will keep reading your blog and being inspired by your thoughts! Thank you for always sharing! 🙂
Lisamarie says
Ohhhh! Two pregnant girls stand up paddle boarding! What could be cuter???? I think NOTHING!
Gloria says
That creepy sand-eye doll made me laugh!!
Life with Kaishon says
I laughed so hard about Nella’s frying pan.
And the deflated balloon!
I love your fashion show.
I took the kids for Thai food last week. They needed an adventure and I thought that would be fun. Naji and Kaish were not fans. Jonny could not get enough.
Happy Monday. I hope you feel better soon.
Oh, and the singer totally WAS singing to you. And to the man with the socks and sandals.
maryanne says
Hi Kelle — so here’s my question. Do you ever feel the urge to take pics of strangers, and do you ask first? I was in a hotel lobby and sitting across the room, with their backs to me, were an adorable little girl and her dad. They each held up a copy of USA Today, and while the dad was obviously reading his copy to himself, the little girl was reading some made-up version aloud. It was so cute and I so wanted to capture it, but I felt if I went over and asked, it would ruin the moment (they’d put the papers down, ask who the hell I was and what I was doing, etc.), and if I just took it (behind their backs, as it were) without asking, I’d be violating their privacy. Thoughts?
Sarah C says
Who watches the kids when you are out and about? Im always so jealous of you hanging with friends without the kids!! Ha! You loooook so gorgeous by the way! Your makeup at the fashion show/girls night was so pretty!
Ashley says
Hi Kelle, As usual…love the post. My question is…are you going to continue making photo scrapbooks for the children? I have three and make one for each of them every year and it is getting time consuming, yet I love it.
Congrats again on your pregnancy…so exciting! Cheers!
Christine says
I love when you go to the beach. I love the way the sand looks so inviting. our sand here is really rocky. I am hoping to go check out lexington beach soon.
Susannah Omundson says
First of all, I have been following your blog “secretly” the past two years, and I admire you very much, your family and your zest for life. And I was beyond thrilled to hear you are pregnant again, congrats!!
Question:
Do you have a gut feeling/sense what the sex of the new baby will be? Did you have a sense with Lainey and/or Nella?
and
What are you most looking forward to with baby #3?
You are great!
Susannah
Unplugged Mom says
This post is full of so much happiness that you would never know you’ve been feeling so crummy. (Why is “crummy” such a 70’s word? Totally describes morning sickness.) I am the same way about finding the perfect beach spot, and I’ve made the family drive back and forth through Wiggins Pass parking lots finding the best picnic area. I totally get it.
I am so excited so see my baby girl’s little bitty IG picture featured on your blog today. Thanks for starting that. It made me finally get into Instagramming (sp?) and I’m loving it.
Hazel says
Love Brett’s determination when it comes to beach time! It did look perfect with the picnic table and the shade, now I know why! What dedication.
Glad to hear you’re making the most of your time, despite the MS, and love that red dress!
Hazel says
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Jen says
Simple question…do you still do you digital Scrapbooks?
J9 says
when are you due?
are you going to find out the gender? I’m asking because i want to know !!! 🙂
does Lainey start school soon?
do Lainey and Nella every fight?
and on that note are they ever naughty? lol! ? they seem perfect. 🙂
what does Brett do for a living; curious since he goes on trips often?
how do you stay so thin?! do you exercise a lot?
OK thats the extent of my questions … i hope they were not too personal! xoxo
StacyD says
“Insert random creepy sand-eye doll.” Best post-work laugh out loud! Hilarious.
Jolene says
Bwaaahhaaaa! I love Nella at this age…she’s all of 3 weeks older than my littlest one and its so funny how little girls can be so universal in what they find funny and entertaining (and seriously, annoying).
Right now one of the most annoying toys is the toy blender…that sounds like the motor is dying on if anything bigger than a plastic spoon gets dropped in it…
And we can’t walk by a drinking fountain without stopping for her to get a drink. Oh my gravy, we scout them out ahead of time and talk in secret code to avoid them!
melissa says
Awww Kelle, I just love every post of yours!
It is uplifting to come by and read your blog 🙂
Not sure if anyone’s ever asked before or if you’ve ever given a tutorial on your girls cute little twirly buns, but wouldja, couldja!???
I’d love to see how it’s done!
Hope your beginning to feel better 🙂
Julie H. Schaal says
Wacking people with frickin pretend pans is funny. Annoying is funny. Nella got this spot on 🙂
Andrea says
I am laughing hysterically over the sand-eye doll. I think my husband is now certain I have lost my mind.
I was trying to think of some burning question… I can’t think of anything! But at random- who does the cooking in your family?
Anyhoo… now thanks to your post I may just take my kiddos to the beach tomorrow!
Happiness is... says
Ah Brett is a man of many talents. Oh the places you will go!
I am happy that you got through the fashion show. You look amazing in the red dress and you must have kicked the sickness to the curb…at least for a few hours.
And we always have a bag of deflated balloons ready to go in both the car and the hall closet. Ben’s quick jaunt into Home Depot tonight (as we waited in the car) went from a whine fest to a giggle fest thanks to a red ballon that I inflated, We punched and flicked in the air. Thank God.
And the frying pan is pretty frickin’ funny! Go Nella!!
🙂 Jennifer
Jess says
The creeeeepy doll! LOL! I love it.
Leah says
What is Brett’s secret to teaching your kids how to swim We are just starting the process so wondered if he had any tips?
April Vernon says
Fun post! Paddle boarding looks awesome! I would love to hear how you found your unique style.
Domestic Bloggess says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE paddle boarding! I first tried it last year and haven’t stopped dreaming about it! We have a short summer season here in Canada, but we make the most of it 🙂
My only question for your F.A.Q. – especially after reading that you are now obsessed with paddle boarding – was if you are accepting applications for new friends. And then I realized that you might not get my sense of humour since we clearly don’t know each other and that it would probably come across as more creepy than even the sand-eye doll!
Truthfully though, your blog makes me feel connected to goodness, so thanks!
Hansel says
i LOVE the scrapbooking you do for your girl’s for their birthdays. looking to do one for mine, can you tell me what company you use to do these????
Lindsey says
That is one hot little red dress! And the frying pan story sounds horribly annoying but also hilarious and adorable.
-Lindsey
Et tu, tutu?
Kelly Sheehy says
Gorgeous! I admire your photos so much. I hope that your morning sickness passes soon. 🙂
S in SK says
Hi. I love your blog! My question may have been previously answered but…What career did you have before you took on the most important job of your life?
April says
I have an easy question. What is your all-time favorite food? I know you love coffee but what would you eat everday if you could?
Hayley Cason says
long time reader, first time commenter (although you replied to me on instagram this week and basically made my day..)
I’m starting college in a few weeks, I’m going to be a teacher. A preschool/kindergarten teacher, hopefully. Is there any advice you would like to give to teachers as a former teacher and also as the mom of two girls, one of whom is blessed with additional needs?
Bethany Sines says
that pic of you and nella hugging at the beach really hit me. what a good mama you are. One I strive to be like anyway. Again, I’m so grateful you love your girls so much. I live in the most ghetto neighborhood ever where people treat their dogs better than they treat their kids and I’m so sick of it. So needless to say, your affection and protection for your girls is the most inspiring breath of fresh air. Thank you. seriously. Also, you look so pretty with dark eye makeup and a nude lip.
Jess says
Kelle you’ve posted some pictures of Nella’s PT and OT. I was wondering how you set it up to get home visits? Are they private PT/OT that you sought out or from the state (early interventionist). I’d love to hear more about this 🙂
Jessica
Mom of Joy
Nancy Malone Waynick, M.O.M. says
Glad you feel good enough to get out. Maybe you are about to turn the corner. 🙂 My favorite photos of yours, well they’re all pretty darned good, but my very favorite are the ones where Nella is just gut-laughing. I love those. I also loved seeing Lainey in dress-up clothes again. My kids dressed up every day when they were little and oh how I’d love to be back there again.
Jess says
When you were pregnant with Nella you said you wanted another girl because you’ve always dreamt of giving birth to sisters and watching them have that bond. Now that your dream came true 🙂 do you have any kind of desire to have one sex over the other? Or are you just plain happy to expand your family either way?
Amy Parris says
I’ve been out of touch for a few weeks so I missed your big announcement. Congratulations! I am so very happy for you. My sister-in-law is expecting in February too so it will be fun to watch the progression.
Thank you for your witness to life. Being open to more children is always a self-sacrificing decision. Your attitude along with your openness is such a wonderful witness to the value of all life.
I will be praying for you and that sweet baby.
Mrs. Buckingham says
I SO love your pregnant glow! And I actually think you look so fresh and cute in the first dress you modeled too! Creepy sand-eye-doll is a tad disturbing! Haa! I am always looking for an address/P.O. Box that readers can send you items… that would be a question I’d love to see in the F.A.Qs. Also… photography F.A.Q… what are the main “staples” you edit in your photos… your workflow necessities… without over-editing a photo? I may just ask you that in our skype chat. 🙂
amber says
love nella’s face in the pan shot~ and the sand eye baby doll.. creepy creep!
Jessica Smith says
I literally laughed out loud when I scrolled to the picture of the creepy sand eye doll. My husband was like, what are you laughing at?
My question: Where do you get your inspiration for your amazing parties?
The Gustafsons says
Hope you start feeling better soon! Being sick and pregnant while trying to be a good mama is tough.
SarahBeth says
I would love to know if you are ever going to get a PO Box so people who love you and your family can send little gifts to your safely?
I have a craft project for the fall that screams your name to me (even if that does sound stalker-y) but I’d need a place to send it.
Susi K aka BocaFrau says
Wonderful pics. I love following you on Instagram now… I always smile when I see your girls. And I really want to try paddle boarding. It looks too cool.
Wendy says
Personal question… Do you plan on getting tested for birth defects during this pregnancy?
emily says
hey kelle- wondering if you can share your template for the IG photo dump?
happiness to you always! i get so excited when i see a new etst post : )
emily says
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emily says
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emily says
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Genia & Shaylon says
You look beautiful in the red dress. I hope you are starting to feel better.
Louise says
I have four questions for your wonderful self! Ooh, I feel so nosy!
I know you didn’t grow up in Florida and yet you have this wonderful and extensive circle of close girlfriends. What are your tips for making new friends in a new place? While I have made some lovely new friends in my not-so-new area, I struggle with creating those super close friendships like the ones I left behind.
Do you ever just pull your hair back and not bother with make up? You always look so well put together. I can just about manage a shower! Where do you find the time!
How did you learn photography, is there a book or a workshop that helped it ‘click’ for you in the beginning? Just playing around in manual is not working out for me very well and I always return back to that faithful green box!
How did you make the decision for a 3rd child? I have two and have always wanted a third but all of a sudden things seem a lot easier (travel, going places..)and yet harder (still not great sleepers at 2 and 4, things can get crazy quickly!)and I’m not sure I do see myself having a third anymore yet I am afraid that one day I might regret it if I don’t.
And just for fun! What skin/makeup/hair products can’t you live without?
The pan comment really made me laugh by the way!
gina says
I swear that creepy sand pic looks like it’s from a Tim Burton movie, complete with “creepy” blurred carriage in the background 🙂 Question- it seems to me that your an amazingly well rounded mother, but from experience I know there has to be at least ONE thing that makes you want to pull your hair out. As a mom, what’s your ONE thing? Me? Noodle legs.
Melissa@Julias Bookbag says
OH THAT HAPPY LITTLE FACE! whenever I need a dose of happy, I know I’m going to get it here. 🙂
krujochki says
Kelle, you look beautiful in both dresses on the runway! You could beat that Miranda Kerr’s ass!
My questions.
In your book – that I read twice, by the way! – you mentioned that in college you had some extra weight. Looking at you now, and especially seeing how fast you get back in shape after pregnancies, makes me think you are one of those lucky girls, who can do and eat whatever and still stay slim. So do you have to work hard for such an amazing body – diet, workouts – or does it just come natural?
Do you still make the girls’ scrapbooks? I’ve been reading your blog archives and you used to share ready pages quite often and kinda stopped doing that in the last year. Would love to see them!
Thank you so much for your blog. You are one of the best bloggers out there. Ah, who am I kidding, you ARE the best one.
Clara Hinton says
Kelle,
So happy to see this post and as always I thoroughly enjoyed every word and each picture. Young lady, you look stunning in BOTH dresses!!!!! You’re a natural model!
I love the picture of Nella and Brett at the beach as well as the one of you and Nella all snuggled up together. 🙂
Question: Who takes the photos with YOU in them? Do you edit the photos with you in them? Do you ever say, “nope. Can’t use these pictures. They’re not up to Kelle’s standards?”
Thanks so much for giving us an opporunity to ask questions!
Clara
mom of 11 🙂
Plus One Wee Bean's Mumma says
Glass is always half full Kelle.
LOVE that, even when you are feeling crummy.
That red dress has KELLE all over it.
Wonderful to see your photos as usual.
SuperMilf says
Oh dear lord the pic of Nella giving Brett a smooch is positively to die for. To much cute!!
XO
~Jazzmine~
Vicky says
Just wondering if you are still doing your beautiful yearly photobooks for your girls?. I really, really loved how you put up a link to shutterfly and got the change to ooo and aaaa over them. I miss seeing them!! x
scarlett rigby says
ok seriously in LOVE with the first dress you wore in the fashion show…the wrap dress…who makes it/sells it? i think i am in love with it!
coateca says
Please what do you use on your hair? it is always so glossy, sleek and gorgeous.
thanks for being such an inspiration
x
Ellie D says
My question is (and please forgive me if this has been answered before- I’m a fairly new follower): how did you decide to name Lainey and Nella what you did? Will you follow those same ideas that led you to their names for baby tres?
Sally @ Us+House=Home says
Kelle, you make one stunning model! I hope I look as fabulous as you do after two kids. xx
Emily says
my questions! 🙂
1. how do you stay in such great shape?
2. have you ever done a “day in the life” post? whats a day in your life look like?
3. How did you find time to write the book while mommying and wifing? 🙂
feel like i know you. thank you.
e
Farmgirl Paints says
Love that the little squirt can be annoying too;) I was starting to think that was just my kids…ha! She makes me smile to my toes!
Roy_Lisa says
Two questions:
1. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck IF a woodchuck could chuck wood?
2. If two trains leave Boston heading East and West respectively and one is travelling…oh never mind.
Aleksnadra says
Beauty photos 😀
Emily says
Wonderful post as always! I was actually searching your blog for the word “preschool” the other day because I wondered if Lainey had ever gone and what your thoughts are on the subject. My son is preschool age and lots of his peers are heading to preschool in fall, but we’re not sending him for several reasons. (Money, schedule with little sister, and well, I don’t really want to!) Sometimes I feel like people think I’m ridiculous for not sending him and since I admire you as a mama so much, I’d love to hear your opinion.
Kimmy says
I love the red dress, you look great!
Emily says
Hmm, my three year old just gave me a few more ideas for questions:
1. Do your kids throw tantrums, get time-outs, act up, etc. EVER? 🙂
2. Do you ever lose your patience with them?
3. Any tips on how to foster more quiet-time play?
Hayley says
That picture from the balloon “don’t let it touch the ground” game has got to be one of my favorites. Nella must have your laugh, you can really see it in that photo. 🙂
Kimmy says
I read back through some of the other comments and I noticed a lot of people asking if you are going to get genetic testing during your third pregnancy. We have a son with Down Syndrome who was born three weeks before Nella. I am now pregnant with our fourth child. Our third child does not have DS and our 4th pregnancy is going well. I opted not to have additional tests, I did not see the need for additional tests since it changes nothing we would do. Some people have the tests just so they can know ahead of time, we did not feel that we needed to know. Basically, I felt like my third pregnancy was my leap of faith and what will be is meant to be. (I am not a religious person so a great gift given to me from our previous experience was an increase in faith) So, what ever you choose to do is the best decision for you. We had two boys then a girl and now we are having a boy again. All are so wonderful. Enjoy your pregnancy! I have a question-how the heck do you manage to stay so relaxed and easy going every day? There are some days when I am just counting the hours to bed time and we can start over tomorrow.
Katie J says
I am always in awe of your level of creativity. You are able to take an old piece of furniture and make it look fabulous or take a tiny jar and give it a whole new purpose. How do you find the time to come up with and actually complete some of your projects? Also, you always look so polished and put together and your girls are always dressed so cute, how do you do it? I am a new Mom, working full time, with an amazing husband and learning that each day is a new day and the sails on the ship constantly need to be adjusted because you never know what type of “conditions” that life will throw at you. Both of our father’s are ill, so it adds a whole extra layer of what ifs for us, we try to make the most of each week by making sure our son and his Grandpas have weekly visits, because we don’t know how much longer they will be here. What becomes difficult with all of this, amongst other life layers is that I feel like I should find a way to spend a little bit more time with my husband. Do you have a special weekly tradition that you like to do with your husband. We try to order in pizza on Friday and watch a Movie at home,it comes us something to look forward to at the end of a busy week. In closing I just want to say thank you for being you, you are such an inspiration and your book was AMAZING!!
csmith says
What does Brett think of the babe on the way? I swear, if I knew you IRL, I could have a serious crush on that man! My husband is ridiculously proud of himself for “knocking me up”, again:)
nadine says
question:
i’ve always been curious, where is lainey’s friend baylee now? i don’t see her in your posts anymore. thanks
honeyblonde75 says
Hi Kelle, I am a mum of 5 kids (4 sons, and my 2nd child is my only daughter) and I LOVE reading your blog all the way over here in Australia! Your love of life and the joy that radiates from your face is just gorgeous. Reading your blog always leaves me with a sense of wellbeing and reminds me to appreciate all things in life. In your photos of the girls inside your house you can always see little snippets of the rooms, and they always look amazing in your photos, do you have any pictures of the main living areas or bedrooms so we can see more of your awesome decorating style, it seems a little vintage, a little eclectic and a whole lot of mix and match, which I love. Does decorating your home like this come naturally to you? We are moving into a new home next year and I can’t wait to decorate it and make it feel like a home. Oh and HUGE congrats on your new pregnancy, I have been waiting and hoping to hear of a new addition and am so happy for you. Take care, Kylie.
Kelle says
Nadine,
I can quickly answer your question. Lainey’s sweet friend Baylee moved to North Carolina last year. We miss her so!
honeyblonde75 says
Oh, and thanks for showing the pic of Lainey on the Sweet Seat in one of your other posts, I have been needing something like this for my 3 yr old son Darcy, so of course I just HAD to get one, even though it cost me 45 frickin’ dollars for postage to Australia!! They are such cute seats I couldn’t resist, I ordered the chocolate with aqua dots chair (I have a big ‘thing’ for aqua and chocolate brown!) lol my husband is gonna die when he finds out I ordered it all the way from the U.S! 😉
Dee says
That photo of Brett and Nella sharing a big kiss ! Oh !
nicolette gawthrop says
I got pretty misty when reading your gushes over your dear husband. Very sweet. Very sweet indeed.
I wonder how your popular social-media life has traverse to your in person life. How/ have your relationships been affected by your “fame,” dear Kelle? Do tell.
Dani and Josh says
My question is about baby names…
Do you have a shortlist of names for baby number 3 (boy/girl)? Will you share them with us? I love the names you chose for your girls and would love to hear other names that you like or would consider.
Jillian22 says
I have always wanted to know how you chose your names for Lainey and Nella- both their first and last names. Also, do you plan on finding out your new baby’s sex? Lastly, what did you decide for Lainey’s schooling?
Liz MacDougall says
Hi Kelle, I have been following your blog since about a week after my own daughter Leila was born and we were surprised to find out right after I delivered her that she has DS. She was born almost a year to the day after Nella! I think I also may or may not have sent you a rambling email that week with her picture. Ummm, and also maybe sent another rambling email when she was a bit older. What can I say I am a very proud first time momma, and was really scared when I first emailed you 🙂
She is only 18 months old but that all seems like a lifetime ago already. My question is about how Brett coped with the surprise of Nella having DS at the time and as time passed and she got older? Did it give him any hesitation to have more children?
It took me the past year to convince my husband to try for a second baby – he took a lot longer to come to terms with the news when Leila was born, and he still has some fears going forward. I don’t know if it was easier for me because I was the one nursing her and that formed such a deep bond. I think it’s mostly because our little sweet pea still needs open heart surgery in the coming years and although we are both terrified, he is scared to have to go through that kind of heartbreak with a second child. I on the other hand, was ready to dive in and wanted a second child as soon as Leila started to grow up a little. I can’t wait to give her the gift of being someone’s sister.
Anyway just wondering if you found differences between how you and Brett navigated this journey? BIG HUGE congrats on the sweet new baby joining you February!! After a year of convincing my husband, I am happy to (finally) say that we are excited to be trying and hope to make Leila a big sister in the near future. Although… her interactions with dolls are way less, ummm, maternal than Nella’s and I am sort of scared for our second child!
Reenie says
Red…is your color. Love the dress and you look fab in it.
My question: Will you and Brett find out the sex of your baby?
Koda says
How did you tell Brett, the boys and the little girls that you were pregnant? What was their reaction?
Bree says
My question: Where is your rockin’ playlist that used to be at the bottom of the blog page? I listened to it constantly but I guess I should have bookmarked it! Do you have a direct link to your tunes that you could share?
Kimmy says
I thought of another good question that I have wondered about sometimes. How has the fame changed your life? Good? Bad? Is it weird to be recognized and have so many people think we know you? What have been the best and worst things abou the famesuccess?
Tara Leigh-Anne Turner says
Just wondering how you chose your babies names…any special meanings behind them? And do you have a short-list yet for this baby (or discarded names from the last time(s) that you’re reconsidering)?
Leah says
I really want to start a blog about life – the good and bad stuff in it. It is a dream of mine to write. But one thing holds me back, and it is knowing that if I am writing about my personal life I have to be truthful and not hold back. And I just don’t know if I want all of my small town to know everything that I am feeling. I would rather just everyone else out in the big world to read it. 🙂 How do you get past that? And how do you decide what to share and what not to? I just can’t get past this.
KK says
The signature red lipstick & boats from your Winter trip to Michigan—who, what & where?!?
Michelle says
You look amazing in that red dress! Makes me want to go out and buy one just like it. :o)
I haven’t left a comment since you announced your pregnancy — CONGRATULATIONS! A gift. :o)
Loved this post. Thank you (always)!
Mark, Wendy, Dale and Rose says
Laughed out loud twice! Like actual giggles with noise. Well done.
Unknown says
Love this post, and I love reading about times when your girls drive you a little crazy. I have 2 kids whom I adore, but it’s nice to know we’re not alone in the crazy parts, too.
My question: What does Brett do? It seems like he’s available often on weekdays. That is so great!
Congratulations on that new baby bump.
Michelle Chiacchio says
Okay so I’m going to repeat the questions I REALLY want you to answer- maybe it will convince you!
The girls’ names- are they nicknames, or their full names? How did you come up with them?
How did you tell the family members that you are expecting?
and I really like the question asking about tips for making new, lasting friendships in a new place… I am fresh out of college and moving to another state where I know NOONE, so that would be very helpful advice!
Thanks =) I’ve been reading for over a year, hoping one day to be a wonderful mom like you, but never commented till now!
Hot for The Pack says
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CSB says
(1) Have you hired a housekeeper yet? I honestly hope you have. Not because you need one, but because I worry about you and all that you are juggling — and now with pregnancy fatigue!
My two cents: every other week is perfect – I still clean all the time, but I don’t feel stressed about dust, bathrooms, etc!)
(2) I’ve asked this before (I love your Q&As), but I wonder how your blog impacts your life “around town.” Like, when you talk about shopping at Target, can you really get through the store without everyone stopping to say hi, OR, conversely, feeling like everyone is staring at you and checking you out? You and your girls are so lovely – I’m sure people want to engage with you all the time, which sounds nice but also exhausting!
(3) I wonder what your reservation is about Lainey attending public school? I understand the Christian homeschool thing, but you seem far out of that mode now. Maybe having been a teacher yourself makes you want to protect her? But then, how will she navigate later and gain her own self-confidence? Either way, we look forward to hearing what you and Brett decide for her.
Thank you for fielding our very (overly?) personal questions!
good_to_be_home says
Great post! You had me laughing at your crazy dress description! Keep enjoying the small things! including the sand in the doll’s eyes! LOL
Sarah says
Seriously, I want to move to Naples every time that I read your blog! You should get paid by the city;)
Is your pool an indoor pool? From the pics it seems enclosed. What is it enclosed in? Curious because I live in the south and we have a pool. I wish we had it in whatever you all have because it seems like you all can use it year round.
Sarah says
Sorry-forgot to put this one in my last comment-
How do you get that figure? Do you exercise? Just eat well? What is the secret??? 😉 I have to admit that I am jealous!
Ali's Mom says
I too am curious about the process of deciding about Lainey’s kindergarten start and about how Brett feels about the whole Ds experience and the reaction to having #5. We all understand this is not his thing – but he is such an important part of your life – we would like to know a little more about how he feels. I am so happy for your family and look forward to sharing your fall experience.
Janita says
My question to you: would you please stop emailing me, like 57 times a day, to see if you can name your next child Janita? It’s fine. Really. Girl or boy. All I want is the red dress.
That picture of Nella laughing at the balloon toss? Babe, that’s chew-on-the-computer-screen cute…xo
Suburbs of Utopia says
I grew up in bonita and couldn’t wait to leave the moment i graduated… but following your blog + the incredibly beautiful perspective you see the world from makes me excited to visit when I do go home now (some five years later)… so thank you for reminding me to look for the good… I’ve definitely found it! I am a NICU nurse and I can never seem to find the right words to tell parents that their child unexpectedly has DS… any advice?
Crystal says
Love the creepy sand doll!
Does your family ever just want to punch you in the face for always, always taking pictures of every single they do? I take a million pictures too and I can tell it annoys my husband, probably the kids too. How do you get everyone to cooperate so well?
I think someone mentioned it before but I would love a day in the life post too – it always seem like you do so many fun and unique things – would love to know how you fit it all in – maybe I’ll find some tips!
And lastly, would love to read a tutorial on the cute little braids and buns you make for the girls. I’m lucky if I can get my daugther’s hair in a ponytail without it falling halfway down, so I need some serious step by step instruction for anything fancier than that!
Jen says
too funny, the subway designs picture is my birthday on top!! smile!!
love the purple sky and nella’s ornery little face with the “frickin’ pan”;)!
as always, love to read your thoughts and inspiration!
Sperber says
I’m slowly reading from the start of your blog (since I had just started reading it in Jan. of this year). I’m up to July of 2009 and you have several posts of you and Lainey making pumpkin bread. Is that a recipe you are willing to share? I love to bake with my kids and it sounds like a recipe they would like!
Andee says
Fun, fun, fun and more fun. I love your special beach spot!
pblover says
Do you ever lose it and yell? What is your discipline like?
Maddydog says
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ElleBee85 says
Kelle, I adore your blog and read it all of the time!
My two questions are:
1.) How do you get your red lipstick so flawless? Any tips or tricks??
2.) In December you said that you had some exciting photography news to share in January. Did I miss that? Or was it ever posted?
Thanks so much for always bringing a smile to my face, and congrats on the newest addition to your family!
Kristi says
I am curious, do you vaccinate your kids and why or why not?
kate says
love story, i want the love story! i’m not sure i want it included in a FAQ post, i think it deserves one of it’s own. but there’s not better time to beg for it than now. that’s all.
Kathryn Crouse says
Hey Kelle . . . You are beautiful as always. You always brighten my day, so thank you! My question:
Do you print your blog and if so, who do you do it through? I am a photographer as well and love to blog about my family, but the sites I have tried to use, shrink my photos and that gets frustrating. I remember seeing a post over a year ago where someone made some books for you. I haven’t been able to find a good place to get this done. Any info would be awesome!!
Congrats on the new little one!!!! This baby will be so lucky to have such amazing big sisters!
Jen Currier says
HAHAHA! I am still laughing about the little pan. We have a very similar scenario in our house. And yes, the more annoyed I look, the more my little Elijah thinks it’s hilarious!
I don’t comment often, but a huge Congratulations on the pregnancy! So exciting to be expanding your family!! oxox
Ky says
I love these random posts that you write. I love, love, love the photos. All of them. Your family and friends are so photogenic.
Have an awesome weekend!
SUGAR LANE says
Hi!
I’ve just found your lovely blog, really interesting!
I’d love you to take a look at mine and let me know what you think 😉
Kisses from Spain,
S