From Babycenter.com:
At about three months, when she’s placed on her stomach, your baby will lift her head and shoulders high…at this point she may amaze you by flipping from her back to her front, or vice versa.
From Downsyn.com
Your baby will learn to do all the things that other children learn to do but it will take her a little longer and it will take a little more patience on your part.
***********************************
At six weeks, check it:
…and she did it three times today! …and then slept for five hours.
We know all the milestones might not be like this, but it was fun to celebrate a first one so early!
There is something so incredibly liberating about discarding milestone markers and expectations and using that energy to truly love and soak up my kids.
And on this happy day, I’m proud of our first little accomplishment from our incredible, edible Nella.
Oh, delicious girl. I love her so. And yes, her eyes. Oh, her eyes. When I hold her and she looks at me…I am quite certain she sees my soul. There’s just something there. Like she knows something I don’t. And I wish so badly I could go back to that devastated mama I was six weeks ago, scoop up my sobbing self in that hospital bed with my Rocky puffed-up face, wipe my tears, smile and tell myself, Oh, you just wait. You have no idea.
There is magic in that extra chromosome, I tell you. Magic.
And did you notice my beloved first born just wanted to get in there and help her little sister do it? My caring, nurturing little Lainey. How lucky Nella is to have you. xoxo
I love her! I really really do!! congratulations on this happy day!!!
WOW! Even for a baby without an extra chromosome, 6 weeks is early to turn over. Wow! Throw out everything anybody tells you about when Nella will or won’t do anything and just get outta her way! Hooray for Nella, the wonder baby! 🙂
Oh, my. Oh, my. She is entirely edible.
And yes, out with the books that say when a baby has to do something. My son has CP and we celebrate HIM and whatever he can do at whatever pace he can do it.
Way to go, Nella! You’re a rock star!
A very delicious rock star 🙂
Way to go, Nella! You’re a rock star!
A very delicious rock star 🙂
I found your blog a few weeks ago and fell in love. I love your honesty, your perspective, your photography and your gorgeous girls. I think your little Nella is quite possibly the cutest, sweetest babe. Love her and be proud. She’s beautiful! And keep sharing them with us!
Yeah Nella!!!
She is such a blessing!
I want to eat her up! Loooove the mouth. And I love it when our kids surprise us by being individuals – it’s so cool!!
That is amazing for ANY baby! Way to go sweet Nella! And you are right, she looks totally edible and delish in those pics!
Oh, Nella, you little miracle girl…you keep up that hard work and you’ll be amazing your teachers and speech therapists in school. I LOVE when my students do things like that! This brought tears to my eyes! I wonder if I’ll ever get over how stunningly gorgeous she is. Probably not. 🙂
AW she is adorable I Love her….
YAY! Way to go Nella!
And she IS sooo edible! 🙂
How do you get anything done??…I’m sure you could just sit and stare at her all day!!!
I love her, she is beautiful. I’m watching a show on tv right now about a father who gives up his daughter with DS and the nurse raises her. I missed half of it, but it’s on record. Also, Peyton just rolled over for the first time last week and shes’ 4 months old today. So go Nella! (P does have some health issues/developmental delays)
She is incredibly gorgeous, and I think you may have said it before– she doesn’t look like a typical baby. She has an ethereal look to her, like her eyes are windows into your soul. What an incredibly lucky mama you are.
Congrats to Nella on her big achievement! Phooey on milestones.
Way to go Nella…you clever little princess!
i don’t think i have ever commented but i have been following your blog since nella’s birth…i work with adults and children with various developmental disabilities and have a special love for those with down syndrome…your little nella is an incredible blessing and there is no doubt in my mind that she will do amazing things with her life…congratulations on this wonderful milestone and special accomplishment for a truly special girl!
tracie from NY
Only natural that an amazing family would have an amazing baby who isn’t listening to what she should or shouldn’t be doing and is just doing!
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog and looking at the pictures of your girls….they are beautiful. I came upon your blog by mistake,but can’t stay away from it. I don’t have children,but I have been a nurse for children and adults with disabilities for 10 years. Your blog inspires me to keep doing what i’m doing everyday. Your girls are lucky to have you as a mom!
I TOLD you!! Nella is going to make her own milestone chart and leave other little ones in the dust!! Surrounded by that kind of love, this early milestone does not surprise me!! You will celebrate every milestone just as you have been doing with Lainey.
Rock on Nella, rock on……..
Susan from Boston
I TOLD you!! Nella is going to make her own milestone chart and leave other little ones in the dust!! Surrounded by that kind of love, this early milestone does not surprise me!! You will celebrate every milestone just as you have been doing with Lainey.
Rock on Nella, rock on……..
Susan from Boston
Yeah Nella, so proud of you!!!
Little rockstar, like your mommy…
You are getting more & more beautiful each day.
Go Nella! Perfect little angel that she is.
I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your life.
We celebrate with you Nella! Keep up the good work…it doesn’t matter if you come in first or last in the race or whether you set records…what matters is HOW you ran the race. Today, you set a record!!! Keep up the good work girl!
(way to capture that moment Mom:)
GO NELLA!!! What a sweetheart! I just adore her gorgeous face!
~Tara
She is beyond beautiful! GO NELLA!!! You are one awesome family, I just had a baby myself and on most days I don’t see things with the depth, clarity, and beauty that you do. Then I read your blog and wonder what is wrong with me? I want to see things the way you do. You amaze and inspire me because even through this time you’ve dealt with the ups and downs with grace. I wish I was so together as you see to be. My husband’s cousin has the extra special chromosone also, he’s an amazing kid…there is definitely something magical about these children. God Bless!
Chromosomes, no chromosomes… 4, 18, 27…
You are a healthy, happy, gorgeous family. Lainey is a little sweetie pie and Nella is a sweet, beautiful little girl. They’ll both change the world. Your story will help so many.
I love all of this…
Be well…
xo
yay! Nella. I’m telling you girl, she will thrive. keep loving that little angel and you will see wounderous things. my parents treated my brother as a normal kid and he thrived and so will Nella. I see it in her eyes, she has a sparkle there.
Go Nella! What a star 🙂 Your posts make my day, Kelle.
Yeeahhhh Nella! Keep ’em coming Momma
PS…I absolutely had instant tears flowing when you said, “There is magic in that extra chromosome, I tell you. Magic.”
Truer words have never been spoken.
Go, Nella, Go! 6 weeks is amazingly early to roll over – Nella is a wonder baby!!
I happened upon your blog a few weeks ago – a link from somewhere to your beautiful birth story – and now I have to check it every day. 🙂 I love your honesty, your infectious zest for life, and your purposeful mothering. Thank you for sharing glimpses into your life – it is often an inspiration to me as I mother my own two sweet girls. 🙂
Go on with your bad self Nella!! She is too cute for words!
Poppa is so proud of you, Nellagirl! I cried when I saw you roll over. You will amaze us. We will applaud. You don’t have to be first…you don’t have to be best…you are our firstest and bestest! There is something so very precious about you–maybe it is angel dust, sprinkled by your grandma and grandpa great when you left their arms in heaven. Old soul, were you here before? Whatever you do, we will cheer. Whoever you become, we will adore. I wonder if you were sent to stretch us…to see things we didn’t know to look for before. Angels among us–teach us to smile, to slow down, to savor, to adjust our sad definition of perfection to something we can reach…and hug. When Poppa rolls over snug in bed tonight I am going to whisper…”Thank you Jesus, for helping my Nella” because I know now, He always will.
Way to go superstar! So sweet!
Sweet Nella, you rock little one! Congrats on this awesome milestone….and thanks again, Kelle, for sharing your beautiful story!!
I like that she isn’t missing anything… she has an EXTRA crome… so great…
Thank you so much for sharing your excitement!! Nella is amazing and absolutely gorgeous!
AWESOME!!!
Yay Nella! What an accomplishment! My little bean did that at 5 months…and you got her beat by a mile, it must be that extra chromosome…it is magic! 🙂
She’s gorgeous Kelle!
~Aggie
You go Nella! Watch out world!
What a beautiful baby your Nella is! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us readers. Posts like this really make my day.
Well, of course she had to take a long nap. It isn’t easy doing things at six weeks that you aren’t supposed to do until three months. And, yes, those eyes are all knowing. So is the hint of a smile that I’ve noticed in earlier posts. She deserves to be nibbled on!!
She is such a breathtakingly round, sweet, plump, beautiful big eyed baby. That 3rd picture with the rosebud mouth (we used to call that “blowing rosebuds” when my boys did it) and the one with her daddy are just both so precious. You’re doing nothing for my I-will-not-have-a-3rd-baby resolve. 😉
How lucky Nella is to have her incredible family! I’m certain that she will continue to amaze you! What a sweet, sweet soul she is.
What a little doll!!! You are so blessed 🙂
Look out world… here comes Nella! She’s just beautiful!!!
She is incredible! I loved watching that video! Made me get the warm-fuzzies! 🙂
I found your blog yesterday through the blog of a pediatric patient of mine and I love your story. Your honesty is refresing and real. I recently had a baby in August and she rules my world so your comments about motherhood bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing!
Jami, Illinois
I have only lurked here since I followed a link from a tweet about Nella’s birth story, but this. THIS. This love you have (that we ALL have for our kids) and what you are doing by sharing your beautiful little Nella here is so powerful and doing SO MUCH more than you realize for parents of and children with Downs. You are shifting perspectives and sharing beauty and I sit here with tears rolling down my face right now. What you wrote about her eyes, about her knowing something, seeing something. About that magic. Well, I just had to sneak out of my reader and leave you a little note.
Much love to you and this little family of yours.
-elizabeth
ps i love your playlist. thank you for introducing me to some new music.
Good job, sweet Nella!
Oh, and Kelli, she is losing that newborn baby look and turning in to such a delicious little chunk! Keep up the good work, Momma!!
I have only lurked here since I followed a link from a tweet about Nella’s birth story, but this. THIS. This love you have (that we ALL have for our kids) and what you are doing by sharing your beautiful little Nella here is so powerful and doing SO MUCH more than you realize for parents of and children with Downs. You are shifting perspectives and sharing beauty and I sit here with tears rolling down my face right now. What you wrote about her eyes, about her knowing something, seeing something. About that magic. Well, I just had to sneak out of my reader and leave you a little note.
Much love to you and this little family of yours.
-elizabeth
ps i love your playlist. thank you for introducing me to some new music.
Way to go Nella! Already proving she’s destined for BIG things!!
Congratulations. What an awesome quote: “There is magic in that extra chromosome, I tell you. Magic.” How I love her eyes too and you capture them so well. Here is a wonderful quote I would love to share with you tonight since you always bring so much to my world (without even knowing it)… “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” —Franklin P. Jones
Oh and PS: Your “Poppa” writes just as beautiful as you do. What a wonderful comment above about Nella. Gosh you people are incredible. I see where you get it from. XO to you all….
“incredible edible nella” — love it! I do just want to nibble her cheeks! :o)
She does have beautiful eyes, you really seem to capture the magic and sparkle in your photos.
There is magic and there is the knowing. I totally know what you’re talking about. Go Nella! So many of us are cheering your on!
“Magic” is right…
She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! She has so much personality shining through already, I look forward to watching her grow up into a beautiful little girl. How lucky she is to have parents like you!
That is so awesome! Nella is getting more beautiful everyday, her early milestone is no surprise, she truly is amazing. Congrats!
Our little Addison can’t even do that yet and she’ll be three months in two days! Congratulations! You’ve got a little smarty on your hands now. I love her little “O” face, too cute!
Way to go, Nella!!
ps: Kelle, your voice is nothing like a picture in my head. Ha!
Oh her eyes…. Her beautiful eyes!!! There is something about Nella that I just can’t get enough of… I find myself coming to your blogs (on my Favorites) just to look at her pictures. I hope you will always continue to share Nella with us, I would love to see her grow through your pictures and blog! She is so lucky to have a mama that adores her! You inspire me to be a better Mom!
PS my daughter is 11 weeks and she has not rolled over. Way to go sweet Baby Girl!!!
I have found Nella’s theme song: “Wonder”, Natalie Merchant:
“I believe Fate smile and Destiny laughed as she came to my cradle,
Know this child will be able;
Laughed as she said to my mother, ‘Know this child will not suffer’;
Laughed as my body she lifted, Know this child will be gifted with love, with patience, and with faith. She’ll make her way.”
And Poppa’s comment made me cry.
Oh Kelle, she is just magical. I could just eat her all up. Love her little eyes when she is trying to roll….cute!
Nella is so beautiful!! I work as a nurse in the NICU and see down syndrome babies daily. She seems to be so healthy, without heart problems…. Also, I really would not think she has down syndrome unless someone pointed it out to me. Regardless, Nella is a healthy, thriving, lucky little girl to have some a wonderful mom as you.
Watch out mummy, princess Nella is ready to rock n roll.
Way to go gorgeous girl!!!
You are 100% correct there is something amazing in that extra chromosome!
I have to say I enjoy reading Poppa’s comments almost as much as your story:-)
There IS magic! I would be so lost with out mine! Congratulations on this amazing milestone!
WOOO! Way to go Nella Bean!!!!! She is incredible and extraordinary, but we always knew that 🙂
She takes adorable pics, oh man, so photogenic!
I just recently started reading your blog after a friend sent me a link to you beautiful and amazing birth story of Nella. And I just have to tell you that you DO rock! Wooden shoes and all. And you go right ahead and smoke that happy pipe and do what YOU need to do to get through your days. Being that we are the same age, by just reading your blog you have inspired me to enjoy my children as best I can, as much as I can. So for that I thank you! You are a true ROCKSTAR. And little Nella in BEAUTIFUL!
My little Kellan also rolled at about the same age! I put him on his tummy for some “tummy time” and turned around and there he was on his back! Some people tried to tell me that it was not possible, so I videotaped it too!! Those extra chromosomes are very magical!! I agree wholeheartedly!! I wish we lived in FL so you could take our pictures, you do such a beautiful job!
Christina
Ahh, so you’re starting to see that magic, huh? Indeed there is. Way to go Nella!! You’ll see that every milestone she reaches will make your heart burst with pride and especially the ones that may take a little longer.
There is just something about that extra chromosome, for sure!
You say it best Kelle. Nella is incredible.
Somedays, when I come on here to ready your post…I cry…and others….I smile incredibly from ear to ear! Today, I smile from ear to ear. Congratulations Nella on being so great!
I just can’t see enough pictures of that sweet, beautiful baby. She is just captivating. You mentioned her eyes. What beautiful eyes. They speak to my soul even through the computer screen. Nella is so perfect, Kelley. I wish I could kiss her in real life, but I will have to settle for a kiss from my fingers to her cheeks on my computer screen. Keep the pix coming. They make me smile.
Your blog touches me in a way that I cannot put into words. People say music does that for them, your blog does that for me. You, Kelle, are such an inspiration to the world…not just moms, not just moms of special needs children…to us all. The words you put into life and the amazing pictures you post to fill in the gaps of what one cannot possibly relate to words leave me absolutely speechless.
Awesome! I told you she was better at her tummy time than my 8 week old! Sweet baby girl. What a blessing she is to so many of us now! Thanks for sharing her, Kelle!
Yay…for Nella, precious little Nella. Love the photos…and your post.
Hooray for Nella! Her eyes are just breathtaking… Thank you for letting all of us share in her big moments! Is it strange to be as excited for Nella’s accomplishments as I am for own 3 babies’ accomplishments? 🙂 God love that little girl, and her mommy that loves her so!
You’re right, there is something soulful about your second born. Like a sweet little “old soul.” Precious!
She is pretty stunning, I have to say. Glad you’re finding so much joy in her and your firstborn daughter.
I hope you enver stop blogging… I adore reading about little Nella and Lainey.
Soooo sweet. I love reading your blog!!!
I love her more each time you post pictures of her. And I don’t think you should go back if you could. It makes this time now, 6 weeks later, that much more precious. Sometimes the greatest joy comes out of something you thought, in that moment, was so earth shattering.
Nella, has an immeasurable potential in her. She will continue to inspire and teach others. She is going to enrich many lives. She just started to challenge stereotypes. She is already opening hearts and minds. She will show the world all she is capable of doing, she will let everyone knows what is she really made of. 🙂
“Perhaps the only limits to the human mind are those we believe in”. Willis Harman
Your blog got added to my reader when Nella was born. Someone sent me a link to the words you’d written about her. Your writing is beautiful. You know how to celebrate life. I read this post and felt your Mommy-beaming-ness. Nella is one blessed little miss.
WOW! You have been busy in the last 6 weeks Nella! Rolling, sleeping great stretches, changing the world! I can only imagine what the next 6 weeks bring! You go girl! Tell that mother of yours…BRAVO! I loved the video of you rolling over. Your little baby squeaks are honey to my ears.
Thank you for sharing!
Awww, that’s totally precious!
I’ve been following your blog since Nella’s birth. Totally inspirational – story, writing style, images, everything! I’ll pre-order the book when it’s about to be published. 😉
-Kat Fan
http://chix0rgirl.xanga.com
It is so great to see how the silver lining has reached you. What a blessing. Enjoy these days. Enjoy your beautiful family.
Wow! My babies didn’t roll over until they were about 5 months old. Nella, you amazing!
I met a 16 year old girl with DS named Melissa at church today. I have not had much experience with DS children in my life so after lunch when I saw her sitting with my husband I went over and sat with her. She was very sweet and told me all about her brother who is serving in the military. Just from being with her and her family for those few hours I could see what a blessing she was to them. As I was talking with her I thought of you and your sweet Nella. What a priviledge you have been given to be chosen to raise such a special little girl.
Kelle, that girl of yours is wondrous. Her eyes are not only stunningly beautiful, but they are so alert and intelligent looking, she is going to continue to blow your sock off, I know it.
Cart Wheels….Jazz Hands….Noise Makers….High Fives….GREAT BIG HOORAYS for the rollie pollie performance!!! Nella Nella Bo-Bella….you are simply amazing…I can only imagine the excitement in your house right now….Fairies are about to arrive for Lainey…Nella has new tricks…your home has got to be the “World’s Greatest Show on Earth”! Hamptons….you have rock and “rolled” into my life…at 37 I thought I knew what I was doing as a mom, wife, daughter and friend. Who knew that 2 little girlie girls, their truly amazing mom, dad and brothers would open my heart and mind to “Nella 101”.
keep teaching….keep teaching…..
signed simply,
Changed in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
two things, well three actually..
#1…you are amazing, as are your girls.
#2…I attended a charity gala on saturday night for a local school for learning differences. there was a silent auction with many items. one was an American Girl doll named….wait for it… LANIE HOLLAND. (I know Lanie is spelled differently…but seriously, those two words made me think only of you and your family!) I hovered over it and kept bidding…and Lanie will be in my Isabella’s Easter basket next month. Your story has captured my heart so that I am thinking of it often.
#3…I have a crush on your dad. (Not really, but seriously…the guy seems amazing! How blessed you are!)
Sara
Way to go darling girl!
http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com
Perhaps you’ve already been told about this AMAZING woman, Karen Gaffney, and all that she has accomplished. Most notably swimming the English Channel, yah, like any of us are up for that task!!
Let her inspire and encourage you as you journey with your sweet angel Nella. Nella is changing the world. And this is only the beginning.
I cheered your/her news today.
Love checking in, enjoying the music while reading about your princesses.
WOW rolling over at 6weeks, that’s awesome!!! Congratulations on this wonderfull achievement you beatifull porcelain little doll. I can only imagine the excitement you had when she achieved this and thrice not once…. Glad to read you feeling better I normally tell any new mom give yourself 6-8weeks by then you have really bonded with baby and the Love you feel is amazing. Nella is Gorgeous, she has the most beautifull eyes I can’t stop looking at her pics!!!
Nella’s story was just shared on a pregnancy forum on a post about someone wanting to choose termination in the event they found out their unborn baby had DS. I hope Nella’s story changes their mind if their baby does have DS.
Nella is GORGEOUS- absolutely beautiful. I love all of her sweet little expressions. And Nella did roll over early!!! My 4-month-old just rolled over for the first time just a few days ago (and she does not have DS). Way to go Nella!!!
What beautiful pictures! I’m am totally inspired and so I dedicated my blog post to you today…with a link of course. Hoping to share your journey with the world…because everyone needs a little more love in their life. Thank you!
http://whosayslifeisfair.blogspot.com/
YAY NELLA!! I swear she is such a doll, I just want to eat her up!
A wonder that little girl is indeed. Oh, just look at her go….couldn’t wipe the smile off my face watching her do her thing. And pumpkin reaching to help her little sister…. How simply delicious!
Rockstar moves! Go Nella!
xo
c
I’ve not commented yet, but you said what I’ve been wanting to tell you! You have no idea!! You have been blessed beyond measure. Nella is going to teach you so much!!
Yay Nella!
She is the brightest lil’ light I have ever seen.
And yes, a rockstar for days and days….(and days)
This blog is better than any “happy pill!” I am cheering for your amazing Nella over here! She is truly remarkable 🙂 and that sweet big sister Lainey oh my! I’m the oldest of 3 sisters and I swear my middle sister didn’t have to speak a word until she was 5 because I was such a helper lol. Thank you for yet another big smile!
That is SO funny, because my son (who also has the bonus chromosome) started rolling from front to back the other day too (at 9 weeks)! And that beat my older son’s time, because my older son WAS about 3 months old when he finally did it! And I was so happy and encouraged that he was actually early on a milestone. I’m so glad Nella is doing the same thing!!
Yes, Nella has magic and wonder and grace! She is looking more and more beautiful every time I come visit your blog! What an amazing family!
So exciting! I am loving following along with your sweet family!
Also, you should totally read “Expecting Adam” by Martha Beck. Maybe you have already read it? It is a most beautiful book about the magic in DS, and the magic found in such special and wonderful children. Just gorgeous.
Wow! That six weeks went so fast! I’ve been following your blog since Nella was born and I can’t believe I’ve witnessed her first developmental milestone – how many weeks early?? I can’t wait to see what she does next!
oh poppa you make me cry once again how sweet it must be to be loved by you, no puns intended:) i am so proud of your sweet little Nella and she is truly delicious.I too will thank jesus tonight in my prayers for your sweet little angels.
Congrats on Nella’s milestone!!! Awesome to see it on video!!! Rejoicing here with ya!! So cute of Lainey wanting to help! Hee!
What a beautifu and incredible little girl you have there. I am so thankful that you are sharing your journey on your blog. It is a joy to read each new post and see all the lovely pictures of your beautiful little girls.
Rolled over…she must be strong..way to go Nella! She does know something mommie…you just follow her lead! My sweet, beautiful girlfriend who has a son like this says it has been the greatest joy of her life to be his mom! 😀
“There is magic in that extra chromosome, I tell you. Magic.”
One of the most beautiful, profound, and precious things I’ve ever read in my lifetime.
Congratulations, sweet little Nella, you’re a ROCK STAR!
Thank you, Kelle, for sharing with us, you are such an inspiration!
Thanks for sharing that amazing milestone….Nella is already showing determination….and how cute is that….Lainey wanting so badly to help her lil sissy to roll over.
Ok, I don’t mean to scare you, but when I see Nella I have this OVERWHELMING urge to just SQUEEZE and KISS this baby girl!!!! She is just precious!!! And when I saw how she was so intently following her MAMA’S VOICE I burst into tears again! Your killing me over here! 😉
And let me tell you Lainey is such a good little mama herself!!!! How lucky they are to have each other! 🙂
xoxo
Kristi
What a doll. My 2 1/2 year old has dev. delays, and I realized just how lucky I am to be her mother. At first it hurt, and I was scared for her, but now I know she is different for a reason, and I wouldn’t change her for anything. She is the light of my life, my greatest joy, my everything.
She is amazing girl I think you are going to see great things from her. She is so loved and with that there is no stopping Nella.
Have a wonderful Monday!
I LOVE the video! First of all, I love the look she gives you! I can’t decide if it’s “Are you really gonna make me do this again?” or if it’s “I’m WORKIN’ on it… Geez!”
And her eyes, oh, how I love your Nella’s eyes. So clear and blue. And you can see that she knows… she just knows…
Oh so much magic! You are spot on with that observation…and here’s another one that I LOVE:
“There is something so incredibly liberating about discarding milestone markers and expectations and using that energy to truly love and soak up my kids.”
This can be at first, unnerving, but then…a spectacular gift! You get to unwrap the present yourself, in your own way, in Nella’s own time…I cannot tell you how freeing that is and what a gift it is to Lainey. You might find that you even begin to parent Lainey in a different, more freeing way. I know that happened for me.
Enjoy the ride! Beth — mom to four great kids, all deeply loved, and one with his own sprinkles of magic 😉
Thank you so very much for sharing with us all. You brighten our lives with every post and every photo and you are a very, very special person. You and your family are special treasures in this funny old world. xxxxxxxx
go nella! what a monumental day for her (and you!) many more to come xoxoxoxo
I’ve basically juse read (over the space of the past few days) your entire blog from start to finish… well, to your latest entry.
I’m LOVING all the photos from your shoots, and I’ve loved watching Lainey grow (even if it has been over the space of less than a week!)
And reading about Nella coming into the world…. that little girls facial expressions break my heart in every photo. She, like her sister (even at such a young age) has the most gorgeous facial expressions. I can’t wait to see her smirking in photos as she gets older.
It’s been a joy to be a part of your life, even if it has just been observing through your blog over such a short space of time.
i love your photos.
and i love the way you are writing about your children.
Oh, happy tears!!! And I really wanted to say “I told you so!!” when I read the part about how you feel that she can see your soul.
You are in for such a joyride!*grin*
Congrats to Nella!
I love to read every new post from you Kelle.
And just enjoy all your beautiful pictures! ♥
HIP HIP . . . . HOORAY FOR NELLA!!! She is one precious little girl! Think of you all often! xoxo Deb.
Well done Nella! What cute pictures of your sweet little lady
I just have to tell you — I have had a fussy Henry on my lap this morning who wouldn’t settle down. Then he glanced at Nella on my screen as I read your blog. He’s been quietly staring at her. 🙂 Thanks, beautiful baby! And great job rolling!!
Sara is sitting here eating her cereal before the bus comes and said, “Mom? That baby looks like me!” Old souls and kindred spirits 🙂
Yay for early milestones and many, many more to come!
Go Nella Go! What a happy moment”!!! They broke the mold with your Nella!
tears. just tears.
and love.
because love wins.
always.
You have a charmed life! I check your blog every morning and it just helps me go through the day. Nella is beautiful! And Lainey is such a sweetheart! (My real-life nickname is Lainey, too.) And when it’s my time to have children, I hope I’ll be like you! 😀
This is such an exciting post! Only I believe the “magic” we see is really God. Mylie reaches out to people like I never have. She befriended a homeless man on his first visit to our church, and I was too uncomfortable to approach him. Since then, he has made a complete turn around in his
life and is completely dedicated to God. Was that all thanks to Mylie? Probably not, but what she did teach him that morning is that he is completely worthy of being loved, something she understands well. I know that is the God in her. 🙂
WOAH! way to go sweet angel! i knew when i clicked on the link to watch her roll, that she was gonna roll.. but i got all nervous and excited – like, as if i was there hoping and cheering her on!
6 weeks is crazy early.. for any baby! she really is incredible!
Go Nella go!! You are an amazing and miraculous little soul and I do love you so. Kelle you are so blessed. This baby girl is going to change the world starting with you. Kiss her for me, will you? xoxoxo crying tears of happiness. 🙂
What a little beauty she is. I just love looking at her. Way to go on that first milestone Nella! – you are going to be a rockstar, just like your momma.
Kelle, I’m happy to hear that things are going well. Happy. Smiles. Fun. Loving. Quiet. Nurture. Grow. Words I think of when I read your blog.
yay nella! your face is just precious!
papa you are right – thank you jesus for helping nella and thank you jesus for helping nella’s mama become the amazing woman she is today!
*soft applause applause applause*
BRAVO NELLA, BRAVO !
It’s wonderful Kelle, they get so wrong when having to work on their belly’s, she searched your voice so… And Big Sis, of course was there, as she will be forever, not to mention even her Big Brother’s too will be there for their lil Sis, always …*joyful tears*
congratulations little nella on rolling over! i know what you mean about her eyes and feeling like she sees your soul when she looks into your eyes – i feel the same way about whitney, like she has some special power to look into your eyes and know all about you!
love the beautiful pics!!!!!!
Couldn’t agree more about that *magic*. 🙂
What a wonderful milestone to celebrate. We’re big here on celebrating everything no matter how small and some small things are really HUGE.
Oh that amazing, beautiful face with those beautiful little expressions!!! She definately has things and knows things that those of us without the extra chromosone do not. Wonderful beautiful things.
Way to go, Nella!!
And thank you for sharing your beautiful heart and beautiful daughter with us.
Throw out all of those books . . . she will break records! I want to just kiss those cheeks!!!
I was sent to your blog shortly after you wrote Nella’s birth story. Since then I have become entranced with both your beautiful girls and the incredible way you are able to articulate life with two wonderful girls. Yay for Nella for rolling over! Yay for Lainey for wanting to help! And yay to you for making to great girls!
OMG, is your Dad ‘Poppa’?? That comment was so beautiful and heart wrenching and true. Made me cry. Your Nella will do amazing things in this life. Congrats on the first milestone!
Kara
The emotion I am feeling reading your blog is, well indescribable. I have never seen a mother more beautiful and love so sweetly. I am 35 years old and had two sweet baby girls a year ago this month. They were born two months premature and their introduction to this world was different and maybe a little tougher than most but they are fiesty, strong girlies and are amazing us daily. They were born 4 days before my birthday. The best present I’ve ever had in my life was holding my sweet little Langdon for the very first time on my birthday and Sadie would be the next day. It was a rough start for our family and every day I look back at the pictures when they weighed 3lbs 11 oz and 2lbs 14 oz and still can’t believe they are here. I still can’t believe I’m a mommy and every day it’s blissfully sinking in. Your story just makes me more inspired to be the most loving mom I can be and then some. I have never wanted to hug someone I’ve never met more. Thank you for your story.
you know Kelle…I remember the day the last Infertily Specialist came in and told us that all of our dreams would never happen…no baby..no seeing the blend of he and I in a tiny little life..no first steps…no putting the first lost tooth under the pillow..no first day of Kindergarten..no first Grandparents day at school..or first anything..and no one to give this enormous amount of wicked wild love that we had for that little heart that we thought we would never listen to. Well I went inward and channeled all my anger and disappointment inside..I just became an empty shell of who I dreamed I would be and I did not know who to blame. I hated babyshowers and faked every smile I gave at one..and I cried after buying the little lovlies that you get to buy for someone elses future dream come true. Then one day God just spoke to me..just out of the blue. And he told me that I was going to get my dream in a different way then other people..but I would savor and enjoy it like no other mother. Peace was what I received that day..and then I remembered praying for a unique life, one that NOBODY else had lived before. I see a lot of me in you..tough, sassy, but so tenderhearted that yes, if I had seen your Nella I would have begged my husband to take her home and adore her and teach her to take on the world one challenge at a time. Challenges are what we live for and sometimes we get tired and want to throw in the towel but we don’t. I have to tell you when I was handed my Heart that day in the delivery room (yes I am one of the lucky moms through adoption that experienced all the beauty of the delivery), I realized that after 20 years of fighting for my dream to come true it happened because I was a stubborn, sassy, tenderhearted fighter..so bring it on!! I can handle anything! So today we face the firsts that most parents cringe at..the first day that she came home and said another child (one of her best friends) had told her she was only adopted and did not come from my belly (sometime other kids are the biggest challenge because they can be so cruel and not even realize it)..or the first day that she came home from her bullying experience, actually it was just last week and I told her she was a Rockstar (thanks for that one Kelle) and to put on her favorite puffy skirt and glitter shoes and show them want it means to be a true star and be kind even when your friends are not. Like I said most parents cringe at these moment not me..bring them on.. because I am teaching Gracee to be sassy, tough but also tenderhearted..worked for me so I know it will work for her. So you my dear are going to raise two daughter that because of who you are will be Rockstars and handle the tough stuff and not run away from life because the prize is so much better when you fight for it. ♥
Congratulations Nella!!! 🙂
hurray for nella! she is delicious in every way! it is so emotional for me to read your blog because i had so many of the same fears about my baby. even without ds i was petrified of getting my boy through kindergarten and 5th grade and 7th grade and just life in general. i was sure i couldn’t do it. i was just in terror for the first 6 months. i so badly want to go back and tell that scared momma that this little guy was going to be my best friend. and that i had everything in me to do it. to not be afraid. to just love. and to soak up every minute. reading your blog heals me so. thank you.
Yay, Nella! We are cheering you on sweet girl!
Congratulations!!!! So exciting when a baby hits their first milestone.. AND so early!!! What a little rockstar!
This made my day watching her video and put a big smile on my face. Thank you for starting my week off just right.
Love the video……how fast she is going things already…..again you have beautiful pictures!!! I love her eyes…..the just make me melt!! What beautiful memories you will have to look back on when she is older.
I love it! Everytime I see this baby, I do just want to eat her up!! PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS….how many times can I say it?!?!?! Both your children are PRECIOUS! I love telling everyone about your amazing story. I love your honesty, strength and beauty inside and out!!!
Kelle, I too am a mom of a Down Syndrome little boy. He is 10 months now and oh how fast the time goes, but EVERY moment, like you said is MAGICAL!!! I relate so much to everything you write. I can not get enough of your words. You have such an ease of saying what we all feel. I just love it. And with Nella rolling over at 6 weeks, I too was BLOWN away when my little Vollen started rolling over at 5 weeks. I was prepared for everything to be delayed, but he has done nothing but surprise the heck out of me. So far he has been right on track with every milestone of a typical child. They are truely amazing children and I feel so blessed that he joined our family and is a part of our lives. P.S. I am totally stealing your Fairy Party Ideas for my 2 1/2 year old daughter’s 3rd Birthday!!! You are an AWSOME inspiration to me and all of my Down Syndrome mom friends.
Here is our blog: http://www.theschlueters.blogspot.com/
oh isn’t it incredible? That feeling of these little accomplishments,these little every day miracles!! You will enjoy many of them! I love what you said about her eyes…I feel the same about my Bree’s eyes and sometimes I think maybe one of the reasons it takes them longer to talk is because they are so close to heaven and they just might remember it all a lot longer than those of us without the magic extra chromosome! Oh if they could talk and tell us what they know….but then again they do just that through their eyes and their smiles! I just want to queeze her and it makes me want those baby days back. I totally agree with what you said about going back and scooping yourself up, because it is true…we have no idea how great we are going to have it!
She is just soooo beautiful!!
You Go Nella….You ROCK girl!!! Don’t ever let anybody tell you what you CAN’T do!!
Sunnie
Yay Nella!!! Goodness she is gorgeous!
Nella is destined for greatness. Just as I suspected all along.
How lucky your girls are to have you for a momma..you, who recognizes all of their strengths and gift…you, who lets them do things on their own time…you, who loves with all her heart. Your posts always bring a tear to my eye. I think you are right, there is magic in the extra chromosome.
Your ROCK Nella!!!!! Rolling over already WOW!!! Yep I agree with the others throw out those milestone charts! I have to say that I love Nella’s face and those cheeks oh her cheeks those are some very kissable cheeks!!!!! I loved to see Lainey come in there to help out Nella that was adorable.
WAY TO GO NELLA!!!!!!!!
WOW!!! YAY!!! Go Nella!!! ♥
I was teary and so happy watching your video of Nella! Lainey is a wonderful big sister, already trying to help her little sis!
Congratulations!
Dear Kelle,
A friend sent us the link to Nella’s birth story and Oh are we so blessed to have you share your special journey with us! My husband and I were curled up in bed with the laptop pouring over post after post, we laughed, cried and cheered. The other morning during coffee he comes in and looks over my shoulder and says “how is Nella doing?” I can’t wait to share her six week roll, with him. We as a family are praying for you and we are ever so joyous that across the miles your life has given us a hope that no matter what life sends, there is love…
Your father has captured my heart with his words.
What an amazing woman you are, well of course you are a Rockstar!!! I stand in awe of your strength.
Much love to you, Brett, Lainey, & Nella, and the boys.
Kate
ha. kelle, last night and tonight, when i see the post title, i start singing the egg song. ‘the incredible, edible egg!!’ i think that is it. it will be in my head for a few days now i am sure.
i can’t stand it. she is amazing. seriously though…isn’t this like some kind of advanced thing for any baby at nella’s age. i’m sure it is.
i’m tellin’ you…last week when she was laying on me, she lifted her head MANY times. i had to be sure she wouldn’t roll off of me from moving so much.
she’s a strong one. and those eyes of hers really do say something. like…i am so loved and lucky to the mama and family i do.
she’s all…don’t hate ’cause i’m so loved. go get you some. lol.
xo
Loving the little baby O Face!!!
She is going to continue to blow you away daily Momma!!
Enjoy the ride!!
in the most un-weird way from someone who doesn’t really know you {but wishes we were neighbors} she really IS edible!! i just love her.
Go Nella! i’m proud of you, too. =)
Yum..she IS so delightful. So round and scrumptious! Oh those cheeks- to smother them in kisses!! She is beautiful and apparently quite the athlete!!! Yay Nella!!
Yum..she IS so delightful. So round and scrumptious! Oh those cheeks- to smother them in kisses!! She is beautiful and apparently quite the athlete!!! Yay Nella!!
Awesome! My son (who has DS) rolled over at 2 months as well. It is so awesome to celebrate those milestones!!!
Kelle,
Hope you don’t mind if I share with you that my son, Brian,7, with DS, just became an Orange Belt Recommended in Tae Kwon Do last week! He tested in front of about 100 adults and children…the same day he had his two front pulled by the dentist 5 hours before…indeed I am a proud mama. I’m going at his pace which seems to be lightening fast these days. He is the light I follow.
I am in such agreement with you. That extra chromosome is magic. My daughter is now six and I just cannot get enough of her. Everywhere I go, people just fall in love with her. I have two older girls, so I know that it has been different with Rachel. We are lucky mommies!!!!
DS babies are EXTRA SPECIAL and only and only EXTRA SPECIAL people get them! I see some DS kids when I’m walking through the hallways at the hospital where I work and they always bring a smile to my face! One little boy one time jumped and grabbed my leg, he was probably 10 or so, and he said “You are so beutiful!” His Mom looked horrified but just knelt down beside him and said “And You are so handsome!” He giggled and ran away to his mom and his Mom looked at me and said “thanks for making his day.” But really he made my day!
Wooohooo!! Way to go Nella! This girl has things to do, see and accomplish in her life and she’s already got a head start on them. She is absolutely beautiful. I love to check in on your blog and see this sweet baby girl. Even though I don’t comment everday, I do check in. Thanks for sharing your sweet girls with the rest of us.
Aww that video is amazing 🙂 Nella’s so so cute, and I love the way Lainey tries to help her little sister! They’re both little loves!
It was strange to hear your accent though! I know you’re American, but still read the things you say and hear you speaking with an English accent so it was a shock 😀
I love, love, love your blog! It’s fantastic, inspiring and I get so excited (to the extent that it’s verging on a little worrying!) when I see a new post.
Take care xxxxx
Way to go Nella!!! Zach is 6 months old and just started rolling last week!!!
She is awesome! I agree about the magic!!
She is so, so, lovely — and determined! Nella has places to go and she’s already busy getting started with her journey. What a gorgeous soft baby face (sigh) — keep treasuring these days just as you do because they grow so fast!
Beautiful…amazing…magical…
LOVE this post…HOORAY for little Nella….rolling over….that’s INCREDIBLE!!! I LOVE Lainey’s little hand popping in to help her little sis along….sooooo cute!!!
I had to watch it again! NELLA is really a ROCKSTAR!
SO yummy!
Rockstar for sure… you are and we all knew it.. and now look at you just proving it in your short few weeks of life. you are so beautiful. I love you Nella and your rockstar mama.
xoxoxo
Rockstar for sure… you are and we all knew it.. and now look at you just proving it in your short few weeks of life. you are so beautiful. I love you Nella and your rockstar mama.
xoxoxo
HI Kelle – That is totally awesome! WTG Nella! Glad to see you checked out downsyn 😉 Asa’s Momma
WTG, Nella! Such a big, strong girl she’s becomming.
You know, when my M first rolled over (super early as well), I took it as something I really needed to see at the time. It gave me hope. I remember writing an email to a friend and saying something like, “It’s as if she’s telling me to screw the doctors and their doom and gloom and all the timelines. She’ll do things in her own time. Maybe even early.”
I needed that revelation then and I appreciate the reminder now.
Also, THANK YOU to Nella’s Poppa for his very kind words to me. You are your girls are very fortunate to have him in her life.
I love reading your blog! My Vivian was born on 6/1/08. She has Ds and rocks my world every day. Now I also have a 7 week old boy Thomas too. Viv is becoming very protective over he baby brother, I can’t wait for them to be best friends!
Congratulations on your beautiful family!
Nella the Rockstar continues to ROCK on!! That video made my day! Keep em coming girl! This little one is changing the world, through your eyes and your words! And we all can’t wait to see what she does next!
THANK YOU for sharing! and lots of love to you!
Angela
This baby is a wise old soul. She’s got your number, mama!
She is an absolute doll. A perfect little babydoll. And those eyes? A gorgeous shade of blue! I love your blog and look forward to following your journey =)
YAAAAAAY Nella! Great job. (She is so precious. Oh my gosh, I can hardly stand it.)
In (happy) tears. Again.
Poppa’s comment got me teary-eyed, too. *sigh*
Anyhoo… go Nella, go Nella! Darn it, it takes too long for the video to upload, but I can imagine! My little guy is 3 1/2 months and he’s not even rolling over yet (although on the cusp).
When you wrote about wanting to go back to yourself six weeks ago, it made me think about all the other times in our lives when we’re upset about something, unable to see the Big Picture, unable to see beyond our own pain. We don’t always have or get the answers, but somehow we’re able to get through and find out that we’ve been given a special gift (be it an angel sent from heaven, or that one-in-a-million significan other, a best friend, perhaps even just a new outlook or insight on life). What is it They say, “hindsight is 20/20.”
I love all those big “little” milestones, and this just takes the cake. In fact, you should celebrate with cake. 🙂
Don’t be ashamed of the tears you cried the night Nella was born. Tears are cleansing and healing. Let this scripture be your motto: “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5
Oh I am crying big ol’ crocodile happy tears!! She is such a trooper! Oh yay yay yay! GO NELLA GO!! Oh she is just plain terrific! What a blessing to have you, your husband and Lainey as family. She’s gonna rock that extra chromosome in a way that only she can! YAY! Oooh it’s amazing how you can be so proud of and feel so much love for someone you’ve never even met! GO NELLA!!
Congrats little Nella, you are awesome! My son didn’t roll over until he was 7 months old!
Awww, great job, Nella! She is so beautiful! And Lainey…oh my, she is just so precious! You can really tell that she loves her little sister. She’s an awesome big sister! You’re a very lucky mommy. 🙂
Way to go Nella!
There definately is magic in that extra chromosome!
oh MY…is she ever DELICIOUS.
Love hearing how she busted through that milestone…
GO NELLA GO!!!
so many people are cheering for you, strong little girl…
can’t wait to see what you surprise us with next. 🙂
xoxo
jc
Go, Nella! Those pictures (and the video!) are just precious.
Driving around LA, I fully expect to see a billboard soon with Oprah’s face on it and the words, “Today: Kelle and Nella.” Or an article in The New York Times Style section. You are SUCH a talented blogger, you do know that, don’t you? 🙂
We watched JULIE AND JULIA over the weekend and I thought about you, hoping something like that happens to you. Fingers crossed. I think it would be such a blessing.
Your style, your self-expression, your design sense, your story-telling, even your VOICE says ROCKSTAR!
I love the part in this post about you wanting to go back to the devastated mama six weeks ago and what you want to be able to tell yourself. I love all the comments you got from Ds mamas that submitted the same sentiment, “Oh you just wait. You have no idea.” The triumph of hope. I love how much Nella has already graced your real, beautiful life with even more real beauty.
The commentiers are great, and again, I have been so moved by these people and their stories. Like a woman with 3 “normal” children that went to the Ukraine to adopt not one but TWO Ds children. Absolutely astonishing, that nobility floored me. Not that she’s motivated by wanting to be noble, she was just touched and moved by love. Before your blog, I had no idea that there was an adoption agency that SPECIALIZES in Ds kids, amazing.
Surfing the comments are great but it would be awesome to take it to the next level and create a community for your fans, a la Facebook, for the community to be able to share with each other.
Thanks for these two “bonus” posts that we weren’t expecting over the weekend. 🙂
Best,
iColossus
I love reading your Blog and looking at your Beautiful family! Your children are so blessed to have a mommy like you. You go Nella!!!
What a great achievement for little Nella! You and Nella and your whole family inspire me.
OK. You left a comment on my blog. You know we both have our very own Brett.
*I just had my first “Oh My Blog” moment*
Great play-list by the way. Have you gotten into Brandi Carlisle? Seems like your jam.
Thanks for making my day!
jq
That 21st chromosome is magic and I firmly believe its the love chromosome. She has it in every cell of that perfect little body. She radiates it in her entire being.
Don’t know what made me tear up today more, your post or her Poppa’s. How could she not be strong with all your support?!
Happy Milestone day!
Oh, wow! Oh, wow! Oh, wow!! Rolling over already! Amazing.
The Institutes for the Achievement for Human Potantial has a wonderful program for children with that extra little chromosome. I think the program is called “Veras Kids”. You do the program in your home and need to travel to PA twice a year for evaluation and for your program to be updated.
http://www.iahp.org/
And here is fellow blogger who does this program with their son:
http://trisacharm.blogspot.com/
Your girls are so beautiful. I love how you capture their special moments with such wonderful photography. You are truly gifted.
Uh, I need to take you to court – the issue? You must be reading my journals and/or my mind because you never fail to say exactly what my husband and I have ever felt or said. It’s eery how word for word it is sometimes.
Yes, those eyes – they do bore into your soul and YES – I always remember thinking that Grant looked at us as if he knew something we didn’t know…the wisdom of the ages in those eyes.
And yes, I look back and want to hug that new mom Katy and tell her ‘you have no idea what happiness and laughter and pride is coming. If you knew, you wouldn’t be crying now.’
Yes, the beauty of DS (for me) is that those timetables go out the window. At first it’s frustrating, but then it’s so magically liberating. She will do what she will do when she is ready and able. That’s it. Watching Grant’s development has been profoundly helpful for my perspective on our new son’s development. I’m not obsessed with timelines and ranges and what the kid down the street is doing. It’s so amazingly liberating.
And YES YES YES – – – there is magic in that extra chromosome. There is extra everything in that extra chromosome.
Go Nella!!!! You Rock star you. So happy for you and Momma. Doing the happy dance in Michigan for you. Kel, Jana did the same thing no one believed me until they saw it. She will continue to be a Rock Star! I can not believe how much she looks like Jana did at that age. My Husband agrees. So beautiful. Don’t you wish you could just wrap your arms around a new Mom and say I promise things will get better? Hugs.
Susan aka Princess Jana’s Mom:)
i like many other stumbled across your blog from a link on another’s blog to nella’s happy birthday story! i went back and read all your old blogs and of course read all the new ones. you and your littles put a smile on my face and warm my heart through each entry. you are an amazing mom. i pray that you continue to be blessed and go big or go home!
~Follower from The Bahamas
You hit the nail on the head…that extra chromosome is PURE MAGIC!!! Heaven sent I tell you!
good job Nella!!!
Oh how I miss baby squeeks!!!
Oh little Nella – YOU GO GIRL!! She is absolutely stunningly beautiful!
Sue
How exciting that Nella rolled at SIX weeks!!! I just love your blog and check it often. You are so blessed!
How is that first chapter coming?
Cheryl
Way to go Nella!!! She is totally edible- she’s a doll baby! 🙂
Hooray for Nella! She is a strong little girl! I do love her eyes.
OK I’m like comment two hundred and something. Amazing! I’m so stinkin proud of you. You did it girl! You figured out the secret… there’s magic in that #47!
It makes you fly higher than pixie dust.
And a big congrats to Miss Nella for not going by the “book”, and jumping way ahead.
Go Nella Go!
Kelle, I read your blog while nursing my little love bug so I have never commented before. What an amazing story you have. You are a beautiful mama with such a way with words. Your girls are so lucky to have you!
Love & hugs!
Yay, Nella! Bravo! You are indeed incredible. And love Lainey wanting to help her little sister too! Sweet dreams to you all (bedtime here!).
Hi Kelle,
I loved your “birth story” and have to admit it could have been written by me. Not that I could have worded it so beautifully but your were telling “my” story. Except the birth day was September 6, 2002. The minute Austin was born…I knew. No one else in the room knew “what I knew”. The instant that your joy turns to disbelief. I was in a complete daze and the world was spinning before my eyes. Everyone was laughing, crying, hugging and trying their best to get a good look at my precious little son. Then out of my mouth came the words that I did NOT want to say. I looked at my sweet husband and said “he has Down syndrome”. Of course he did not see what I saw. But I am the mommy. I saw what others could not. My doctor heard me and said “he is fine Missy”. I tried to convince anyone that would listen. Still no one saw what I saw. We called in the pediatrician. His response was “in my opinion he does not have DS”.
Oh how I prayed they were all right! There was something about the way he looked. I will never forget that day but I will tell you that ALL IS GOOD today. The past 7 years have been a blessing. To be his mom has been a journey that not many will understand. We learned from the very beginning that we will not use the word “never”. Austin surpasses all expectations. I like to think that his dad and I can take some credit for this but ultimately it is Austin’s determination and will to learn. He is a pleaser. He thrives on praise. And praise is what he receives from this family, friends and teachers on a daily basis. I will not say that all is easy. We have crazy days just like all families. Austin is stubborn but we are working on that (and succeeding). But the way I explain it to others is that our life is normal. It might be a different kind of normal than most but we live our life one day at a time. The geneticist told me that day in the hospital 7 years ago to enjoy my child just like I did my 2 daughters. I had my sad days in the beginning but the good days sure outweigh the sad. I cry now when I watch Austin but they are tears of joy at his accomplishments. He loves like no other. His loves is genuine and comes from his little heart. He has put smiles on people that you were sure were incapable of smiling at all. I would love to share pictures and videos of what Austin has accomplished but my blog is very new. I have posted alot of pictures and videos on my Facebook to share with friends and family. I would love for you to see some of them. You will be encouraged. There is great hope for the future. My setting is private but if you will friend request me I will accept you as a friend. Take care and enjoy every minute and try not to let sadness steal any time from you. The years will go by fast. I wish so much that someone had shared that with me 7 years ago. It would saved me alot of sadness and tears. But now I can honestly say that life is good and I love that little boy with my whole heart. I see no disabilities in him…only abilities. Take care and keep blogging. I love reading your story.
~~Missy~~
facebook: Missy Richmond Hankins
blog: missyhankins.blogspot.com
There isn’t a spoon big enough to eat up the deliciousness of Nella!
Hi Kelle,
It’s Missy again. I commented (a couple above this one-Morgan Paige) from my daughters laptop so that beautiful YOUNG woman is not me. I wish I looked that good. Ha-ha. That would be my 17 year old daughter. Have a great evening!
~~Missy~~
You go girl! Good job! Sweet Nella is So beautiful!
Sue
Way to go Nella! You are one exceptional girl!
I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your blog. I only hope that I can express the love I have for my (as yet non-existent children) as beautifully as you do here. And that I can relish every moment as fully as you clearly do…
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and I really love it. Your daughters are beautiful, as are your stories and photos of them.
I have to say – go Nella! I have a six month old daughter who couldn’t go from stomach to back until almost 4 months and only sometimes goes the other way now. They all have their own rhythm and pace, DS or not. But, I’m sure Nella must have known how much you needed that early milestone.
Best wishes,
Amber
I’m in love with your blog. My daughter sent me Nella’s birthstory, which was forwarded from Hope Haven. My granddaughter, Emerson Leigh Frosch, has DS and is the love of our life! It was a total shock to us too. My daughter was a rock star and never once has faltered in her tremendous love for E. She did ask me immediately following the diagnosis (30 minutes after delivery), “what do we do now?” I told her to love her! And we certainly have!! Your photos and prose and music are awesome. I left Winnie Palmer Hospital about 2 hours after Emerson’s birth and collapsed in tears on the sidewalk and called my 2 best friends (at 1 am) and asked them to pray for this precious family. I grieved for the granddaughter I THOUGHT I was getting and immediately rejoiced for the one I got. We have found DS Assoc of Central Florida to be very helpful. See Emerson’s blog at EmersonFroschFamily.blogspot.com.
You ARE a ROCK STAR — no doubt!
That’s absolutely incredible! Way to go Nella!
She is just so darling! That is wonderful to hear that she is doing so well meeting her milestones! Go Nella!
Nella is bashing all the milestones to hella!! You go girl! Shake what ya’ momma gave u!! Her skin is gorgeous!
Oh those eyes!! They hold so much wonder, so much love. I have no doubt that Nella will beat every boundary she is put up against. She is just so precious.
She is soooo yummy! xo. M.
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I love your blog…the love that you have for your girls is infectious!
babyfleischman.blogspot.com
I did tell you there is magic in this extra chromosome…really there is…she is so beautiful
Sorry for the plethora posts….it would not post so I pushed the button a million times and now I have million posts.
Your sweet Nella is so precious. I love her story and that you have shared it to the world. I also really loved your post today about looking into her eyes and thinking she knows something you don’t. Everytime I see her adorable face, it for me holds such wisdom. She seems to b far beyond a newborn. So sweet. Thanks for sharing both your sweet babies. You have inspired me to be a better mom. Take care. Trudy-Utah
Absolutly BEAUTIFULLY Incredible !!! My 4 month old is 19 lbs ( she ‘s my chubby girl !) is trying so hard to roll but she is scooting like a pro already !! Nella is perfect thank you so much for sharing her with us !!
Wow, your voice does not sound how I pictured it to. It’s so exciting watching a baby hit a milestone, congrats to little Nella 🙂
I think I cry everytime I read your amazing words! Nella is so loved and so lucky to have such an amazing family that will support her, and be her cheerleaders through life.
I’m a teacher who works with students with special needs…and just wish they had the love and support that I know you will provide Nella!
Nella ~ WTG on the rolling over!! How awesome!! I am anxious to see what you will do next!!
I haven’t read all the posts so perhaps this was already mentioned but have you (had time to:) read, Expecting Adam by Martha Beck?
The pictures are precious. She is just adorable.
Congratulations! I have an almost 5 year old angel with Down Syndrome and a 9 year old daughter that loves her baby sister. I just started reading your blog and love your overall outlook on life. We are so incredibly blessed and I am so happy to hear that you recognize it:) you are celebrating your journey just as I am. Your words and pictures are beautiful. Thank you for trusting and sharing.
You said it! Throw out the book of milestones and just love every minute!! Precious.
Well goodness with all this love for your love. The second love. And the first.
You know what I mean.
Fuck the charts and the percentages that feel like a grade. 25% is an F and Margot is far from an F.
Did I tell you that Ruby rolled over in her first appointment after the hospital? She was three weeks old. She had done it the day before but nobody believed me and then she did it in front of our doctor. She said, the hospital staff told me she was feisty but that’s something more than feisty.
Cheers to our feisty girls. Who will meet this year.
OMG NELLA IS A DOLL! I swear I look at her and think she is the most BEAUTIFUL girl in the world!!! I just love your pictures. Your blog puts a smile on my face every time I look at it! I love what your father said, “don’t let your fears about tomorrow steal your joys of today.” LOVE IT! And I just love that Nella! You are so blessed-love your blog!!!
Those beautiful eyes are just amazing.
The rolling over is awesome. She’s showing the world that she isn’t willing to be anything, but her. And that is just so cool. I get the sense Miss Nella will be shocking the world constantly.
My daughter & I just found your blog recently and were so very touched by Nella’s birth story. You see, my daughter gave birth on Jan. 12 to a beautiful little girl with Down syndrome (totally unexpected since she & husband are in late 20’s & ultrasounds gave no clue; this is their first child). My daughter has had a very hard time of this, but she has been surrounded with love & support from her husband, siblings, grandparents, & friends.
We love our little Calla Grace to pieces! Since she is so close in age to your gorgeous little Nella, my daughter & I are both looking forward to following your blog and enjoying your lovely pictures!
And WAY TO GO, Nella, on your acrobatics!!!! Magic, indeed!!
Magic? Yes indeed! I think it’s infused in that extra chromosome!
And GO NELLA!!!!!!!
brilliant, brilliant Nella!!! Thank you for sharing these inspiring moments with us too. She has so many people rooting for her and all of you.
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Go Nella!! She is so cute, just want to squeeze her chubbiness!! Your scrapbook pages are beautiful, simple and tasteful. Love your spring pics too, gorgeous. Good job mama Kelle, you are doing great!!!!
Ok, this was a fantastic day! And here’s a new word:
Nellicious.
I just love those little girls of yours, Kelle Hampton, and I just love you, too.
See how much happiness you spread?
Well I have finally worked out how to leave a comment …
Not that hard I hear some people say, but I too have a Jan baby and am suffering from the worst case of nappy brain!!
I discovered your blog when Nella was a couple of weeks old, through a link from a message board I read on a regular basis.
My son was born on the 12 January 2010, so only a few weeks older than Nella. And my daughter is 6 1/2 years old.
Nella is beautiful and such a lucky little girl to have you as her mummy. Your courage and strength is a daily motivation to me. And I hope you don’t mind I have been using your ‘I’m a rockstar’ self talk some days, even just to get the dishes done sometimes :O)
Your pictures are amazing and thank you for sharing your family with me.
Sometimes when I am sitting there gazing at my son, my thoughts turn to you and Nella. Through reading your posts you have taught me to stop and smell the roses … I didn’t do that enough with my daughter. I was to concerned about her and I getting enough sleep, every little noise she made etc etc. But with my boy, already at 8 weeks old things have gone to fast.
Sorry to have dribbled all over your comment page. But one last thing.
Nella is a rock star, I think it is so awesome that she rocks (loves) her tummy time!! Hehehe if only Z could do the same. I lie him on his tummy and he just grunts and snuffles with his face burried in the quilt. No lifting of head or attempt to roll over. I should show him the photo’s’ of Nella and see if I can inspire him :O)
So again thank you for sharing your amazing and beautiful story, I will be reading.
I love your blog. I look forward to each new posting as I believe you are a great writer and an amazing photographer! You have inspired me in many ways and your family is gorgeous!
My gosh, how do you not just gobble her up every day? So adorable. And your pictures are amazing.
you are touching many hearts across the world with your blog. your pics are outstanding and your family is beautifull.little lainey will make a fab big sister.nella is truly beautifull.your spirits are contagious..big hugs across the globe from scotland in the uk. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Beautiful! The music and your beautiful daughter. It reminds me of when my kids were babies too.
Enjoy this time.
love,
Erika
She IS edible! I could just eat her with a spoon! Continued congratulations on your miracle.
I love the little squeal she lets out after she rolls over. It’s as if she is saying “Of course I can do it momma…I’m Nella Cordeliaaaaaa!”
I love that, about the magic in the extra chromosome … and it’s so true! My six week old daughter also has DS and I’m already feeling that “extra” love that many have said these children have! Your baby is gorgeous! So glad my friend told me about your blog!
I just love it when babies/kids defy odds and prove to the world that they will blaze their own path in this life. I am truly mesmerized by your blog and photography. I keep referring people to it. Reading your journey (from your first entry) has been life changing for me. Your spirit and clarity and the style of writing coupled with photos that bring me with you and allow me to see and feel and hear all of the emotion, activity and love, are truly beautiful and breathtaking. I am blessed to be a spectator to your journey of unconditional love and optimism.
I know exactly what you mean about the eyes. My son Jack’s eyes had so much soul at such a young age. It’s purely magical, like you said. He is now 16 months old and is so sweet and happy, with those inquisitive soulful eyes!
Her pictures just get cuter and cuter. Anyway, my daughter didn’t roll over until she was almost 5 months!!
Mad props to Nella! Roll baby roll!
I love that her little noggin is a perfect little circle. A circle with cheeks! Eeep!
nella is not only gorgeous and precious, she is also a genius! none of my babies rolled until 4 months old. ahhh. the joy that is nella!
that video is just the most precious thing i’ve ever seen. well, second only to nella’s pouty lip! lainey wanting to jump in and help her little sister is so beautiful. thank you for sharing your story and photos with the world. i’m convinced you’re making this earth a better place one photo and word at a time 🙂
Yay, Nella! In these pictures, it looks like she’s gotten a little bigger recently. She’s just as cute as ever. So sweet!
My six month old still isn’t rolling over consistently. He can, I’ve seen him, but he’s only done it like 6 times total, and only from belly to back. I think I’m going to need to borrow Nella to teach him a thing or two.
Ok, the commenter introducing Nellicious as a word–you’re the bomb. I am proud of myself–I work in a big hospital and today, I arranged to put up a display for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, 3/21…and you can bet Nella will be in there, as well as others in my hospital family who have their own angel. I’m a fast learn here! And Nella’s a great teacher!
congrats on your beautiful daughter! WOW! i am really impressed at how quickly you are embracing all this!!! i look forward to reading your blog. visit mine too! i hae a 4 yo son with DS.
Yeah Poppa! Love that idea. It’s the Nella Domino Effect at work. : )
I have to agree with Poppa and Ann, Nella is our beautiful and most perfect ambassador :):):)
Poppa – Thank you for your kind words about the word “Nellicious.” Nella IS a great teacher. She has certainly taught me — a 40-year-old woman with five children — to be a better mother, to have a softer heart. Kelle has taught me this, too.
Kelle that was an AWESOME post!! Loved the website quotes. GO NELLA!!!! Muscles!!
Okay, I just have to comment one more time, and I know this sounds kind of corny and sentimental, but —
Don’t you all think what a wondrous thing it is, that this little babe has the World wrapped around her tiny fingers?
Yesterday when I saw that Nella rolled onto her back, she MADE my entire day beautiful, my day, and I’m a complete stranger! She has to be working the same magic on anyone who reads Kelle’s blog.
This genuine pleasure at the first of many of Nella’s triumphs — it makes me want to shout, “I do believe in fairies!” or give a standing ovation, or go chasing rainbows with my own kids. Everything seems more possible.
She is amazing. Seriously amazing. And I am so glad you get to be her Mommy!
Everything about you and your family is beautiful. You inspire me to be half the Mom that you are to this growing being in my belly. Thank you.
Silly question: What was in the favor boxes you gave out when Nella was born?
Love her and the little birdy mouth. She is PURE heaven.
XOXO
Sam and Chase
My Kira rolled over way early, too, thrilling her parents and grandparents in the process. And the eyes…I love that something so beautiful connects our designer gene babies.
Go Nella!! You smash those expectations, girl!
I have been known to look at things a bit differently…and sometimes from angles only I can see…but that is alright. For instance, when my mother was leaving us on the arms of Alzheimers, I likened it to a different way of moving. Some people move in one fell swoop–an enormous moving van comes and every remnant of your life is wrapped, packed and transported to a new home. Others move in a smaller, slower way…piece by piece in crates and boxes placed in the trunk of the car or back of a pickup making many trips…and for awhile, you are partly here and partly there. And when I would visit my mom at the end, it was like walking through an almost empty house with a single chair left in the living room here and a small bureau with a change of clothes still in the bedroom there. You see, I interpreted the continued losses of all that I knew of my mother as her slowly moving into heaven. She was partly here and partly there. While I am sure my Nellicious baby will far exceed every expection I might have and shatter every limiting projection others might place on her…I will interpret anything that she cannot do or anything she will not become as the part of her that links her to the heaven from whence she comes…for I think it is heaven I see in those deep eyes and it is heaven that I hear in the magic of her tiny being when, lying on her Poppa’s chest, she “purrs.” She, for me, will be that bridge, bringing the wonder that is there…here. Ahhhhh…sweet magic.
Bravo~beautiful precious~Nella!!!!
Yes, momma, you are right. That extra chromosome is magic…
*hugs*
Amazing. Pure and Simple.
Sweet precious babe-a-licios Nella! How lucky she is to have you as her momma and Lainey as her sister…
Hi Kelle, I just wanted to share this blog site with you that I have found lots of great info on Ds, http://downsyndromenewmama.blogspot.com/
There info on just about everything you could want to know about, from feeding to toys!
Christina
,,,she commands an audience and all the world watches,,,the world is your oyster nella, perform as you wish,,,darling nella you are so yummy!
I JUST found your beautiful blog and have tried to get caught up on your story.
I’m not sure I’ve read anything in a very long time that has touched me like your birth story did. Thank you so very much for sharing your story and your beautiful daughters here. SUCH a gift!
I look forward to seeing the milestones to come through your eyes.
Thank you.
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Your blog has changed me… Changed how I look at the world around me, changed me as a mother, and changed me at work…I look at my magical students ina a different way… So, thank you… Thank you for reminding me of what is important in life!
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Nella is simply gorgeous, she gets cuter and more beautiful in every picture you post! As a mom with a special needs child, and as an Easter Seals Program Coordinator, I want to tell you that *nothing* is off the table as far as your baby girl’s future is concerned. She can do anything she wants to do, the sky is the limit. She’s already proving that to you. 😉
God bless you and your family, I’m hooked on your blog. I love your outlook on life and your ability to teach your readers to enjoy the wonderful little things in our everyday lives.
Aww that is great! Go Nella!
MH
Kelle! I found your blog about 2 weeks ago now – actually, it was linked at a Scrapbooking website I frequent. I’ve read your whole blog start to finish – I’ve cried, laughed, marveled, been inspired. You and your husband are amazing people – creating an amazing family! I love your photography.
I haven’t left a comment – because I’m sure you don’t have time to read the ones you already have……but, I can’t resist. I have to leave a comment. I want to be your “friend” too! 🙂 At least, here in cyberspace. May you continue to be blessed – and continue to bless us – your “blog followers”, whose lives are just a little richer, every time we read your latest update!
Rosemary
Ooooh you never know, mama! I know a little DS girl who’s the most gorgeous little thing and quite honestly barely has any developmental delays at all. Actually I think her intelligence is pretty much om par with most other people. And she’s Sooo cute! DS girlies can also be mamas when they grow up – not many people know that! 🙂 XXX
There is magic in that extra chromosome, I tell you. Magic.
OMG, tears. She’s lovely. She’s magical. I love reading about your family. Nella has captured my heart forever. 🙂
Suzi in Minnesota
pinkvanillacupcakes.com
Since reading Nella’s birth story I have been drawn to your blog. I love your positive and real outlook on life and how you so wonerfully express it through writing. Your girls are absolutely gorgeous. Oh, and your pictures!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your love for your little girls is just amazing, Kelle. What an exceptionally wonderful Mother you are. Lainey and Nella are so lucky to have you. God placed such a wonderful gift in your arms when he gave you Nella. Thank you for sharing her with us. : )
Wow, rolling over already!! That’s fantastic!
Yes, you are all destined for BIG things. You may find yourselves at the forefront of Changing many Minds, something that is needed desperately within the general public and the medical community. Congratulations on the CNN interview!
Kelle,
I found your blog a few days ago. I sit mesmerized hour after hour as I read your story. To say you are amazing would be an understatement.
Your perspective. The way you parent. The love you embrace.
I blogged about you today. You may not realize it, but you are an inspiration to others. If you want to peek at my post, please do; if you are uncomfortable with it, & want me to take it down, let me know & I will do so immediately.
You hang in there. You can do this. And both of your girls are SO delish. 🙂 You are blessed.
“And I wish so badly I could go back to that devastated mama I was six weeks ago, scoop up my sobbing self in that hospital bed with my Rocky puffed-up face, wipe my tears, smile and tell myself, Oh, you just wait. You have no idea.”
I have said nearly the exact same words so many, many times in the past 2.5 years. Those of us with these magical children are SO lucky, aren’t we?
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Wow, that’s amazing! GO, NELLA!!
And I just saw that you were homeschooled. I was too! 🙂
Oh yeah, shes a trail blazer and you’ll have to drop everything to keep up with her. You are in for the rock ship ride of your life. Have a blast!
Kelle…just stopping by to check on you and the girls. Love your little sock monkey….oh, the cloth one too.
I just visited your blog, after checking it out several weeks ago. I’m so glad to see how much you are embracing Nella’s uniqueness. It was very hard for us to come-to-terms with our daughter’s disability, but now we know how “special” she is! I love that you can see that in Nella, just like we do in our little girl! I’m so glad I checked back, and congrats on the CNN interview!! 🙂
Keep up the good work!!
Carly http://carlyandjay.wordpress.com/
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Aww….such sweetness. Yay for her!
Hi Kelle, I am a reporter for AOL’s ParentDish. We would like to share your story. Can you please contact me ASAP? I have spent the last hour on your blog and I am so very moved. I have a close friend with a very similar story.
My email: amy.l.hatch AT gmail DOT com.
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