They shovel sand and shell bits side by side, quietly concentrating on leveling their own space. They mind their own jobs, seemingly unaware of each other’s presence yet I know they are very much aware that they are not alone.
Both blond. One wispy with bangs, one neatly combed and parted.
Their differences and their sameness are exhaled in equal breaths tonight, and I am comfortable with that. How little or how much they talk, how steady or uncertain they walk, how closely their actions parallel their peers, how each of their imaginary futures looms in my mind–thoughts all present but stationed to the back stage because what dances in the center, under the lights, in front of the crowd, is good. It’s what’s happening right now.
Right now, a five year old yells from her bedroom and tells me she can do her own pig tails. I run to inspect and there she is, her chocolate eyes smiling with pride as she turns her head from side to side, flaunting a perfect pig tail secured with a triple wound rubber band on each side. “Wow,” we all say.
Right now, I hear tiny bare feet slapping on the tile–a pattern I know well. Slap, slap, slap–a series of them that echo down the hallway as Nella runs with a mission to find a lost bottle. “Baba, where are you?” she clearly articulates and, while she’s simply repeating what Brett just said, we turn and acknowledge her perfect full sentence with a proud glance to each other.
One turns the pages of favorite books and makes up stories that begin with “One time” and end with “…and then they all had a party.” The other reaches up to grab my hand, pulling it to lead me to the stereo where she points and asks for music–for dancing. One loves “peanut butter sandwiches with just jelly” and one loves apples, sliced and peeled. They both love the pool and long baths and pulling everything out of my purse. One sleeps deeply, still and quiet all night. One flips and turns and cries when her legs get stuck in the crib rails. Both want breakfast within thirty seconds of waking up.
My girls who are different and the same both continually make me feel proud and capable and excited for tomorrow.
*****
Last night, Nella played with this baby doll on the beach for forty minutes. She talked to her, patted her, nursed her, turned sand strainers into blankets, walked her, kissed her and demonstrated all the best mama qualities. I finally captured a full care session on video. It makes me cry.
Song: Beach Baby by Bon Iver
*****
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.)
Happy Weekend.
Perfect prose and pictures!
I love that the contrast of the two leads to realizing their sameness. 🙂
Love!!!
I love that you rejoice in how different and how the same your girls are. My kids are total opposites and I find it very difficult sometimes. Yes, I love them the same and I love that I get to experience raising such different personalities but, sometimes I do wish that they had more similar interests. Anyway—I always love your posts. Happy weekend!!
wow!!!!!!!!!!!! i am blown away!! nella’s social play is a.m.a.z.i.n.g!!! i could feel the lamp in my throught (that’s how you spell it? sorry, i am much better in hebrew:-)
she is so beautiful, watching her really makes me happy. i love going with my boys to the beach. no one playing with dolls though…
She learned from the best… 🙂
I watch that video and my heart melts. 🙂
that video melts my heart.
Nella nursing her baby doll is just about the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Thank you for making my morning 🙂
Oh my goodness! That video was so precious!!! What an amazing capture!
My favorite part of the video is when she put the sand strainer on the baby and patted her!
So cute.
Not sure what I loved more…the baby nursing, the pats, the strainer blanket or just the love. Beautiful!
Best video EVER!
she is so gentle with her babies. Like Mama! Love it!
makes me cry too. dear lord that sweet nella is precious. i just love her so and i’ve never even met her. the burping and trying to breast feed…oh my. that video is priceless kelle. so glad you were able to capture that.
what a beautiful video!! my girls were entranced 🙂
beautifully written, v. sweet video 🙂 i adore, how nella covers the baby with the strainer!
The video made me cry. #Love
Oh that video Kelle, made me cry too! So beautiful and should make you so proud. She learned everything from watching you I am sure. You know you are doing something right. Not sure what she was doing with the strainer and the butt though…some new diaper changing magic? LOL! so cute!
Loved the video, I dont comment much but had to for that. Nella you are a wonderful mama! She is precious Kelle!
Goodness, that video is the sweetest thing ever. Just watched it twice with my 2 and 4 year old boys. They both affirmed that she is a really good mama to her baby! —which should affirm to you that you are a really amazing mama to your baby! Thanks for sharing the sweetness of Nella! I sure have a lot of love for that little girl that I’ve never even met! 🙂
Thank you for that video! At the beginning of a crazy day, I needed a moment of stillness to remember what is important. :o)
I would like to know what Nella’s sweet imagination thought the strainer was when she had it on her baby. A blanket? Doesn’t matter though… It was precious.
Now that I am at a REAL computer, OH MY GOSH that video! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!
this will go into my list of favorites. Beautiful words that touched me. Stunning pictures, as always, and oh my heart that video was one of the most precious things I have ever seen. That little lady us wiser than mosr adults, she knows how to love so pure.
Such a great post!!… And that video is amazing 🙂 you can be so proud of your girls… You are raising them to be fabulous little ladies!! (so sad I missed the deadline for the photo contest at I heart faces… I had a close to perfect picture for the theme of my daughter but much too busy of a week and didn’t upload it:( happy judging!!)
I love watching Nella demonstrate the truism “Children learn what they live!” So, so precious. I also love the photo submission titled “While Mama Folds” Love those short people!
Wonderful, wonderful video and wonderful girls. Thank you for sharing.
So precious. Love the photos so much. I have been so behind and meaning to email! and you are just so refreshing, always.
Steph
Oh my, that video is beyond precious! Your beautiful daughters make me want to have babies. <3
Thanks for letting me be a part of this weeks Friday Dump and for sharing your life with us.
Nella captivates me, she is the SWEETEST thing I have ever seen. She has probably the most breathtaking eyes (besides my own boy’s). What a pumpkin. I just want to love her up everytime I see a picture of her, and that video was… oh, just adorable. She makes my heart smile.
Lainey is gorgeous too… she has such a wise look to her, like she has lived several lives.
Too precious.
Yet again you have captuered, ‘how they are mire alike than different.’ You put feelings and observations into words so very well. Your words are continue shower of sunshine and reality that with love, respect and acceptance all of our children will be experience acceptance. Stop for coffee in WI whenever!
Kelle, thanks so much for sharing the ” Nella the mama” video…it makes my heart smile!
No words can describe Nella’s video except she is doing exactly what her mama does to her and that is to love her wholeheartly! beautiful!!
So, so sweet. The video of Nella was priceless…got me choked up too. Thank you for sharing!
AHHH! The video is TOO MUCH! I can’t handle that first thing in the morning!
Excellent Mamas raise Excellent Mamas.
I think Nella has big fan in my house! My son Adam was born a few days after Nella and he was sitting in my lap while I watched the video of Nella. He’s already asked to see the “baby song” video three more times. So very sweet!
This is my favorite post you’ve ever written. 🙂
Lovely photos, as usual!
Happy Weekend to you and your family.
oh I just adore this post. My little 11-month-old is developmentally delayed and I get so frustrated when people refer to his development (or even worse, HIM) at not “normal.” It’s refreshing to read your perspective on accepting your children just where they are, right here, right now. Thanks for uplifting me today! 🙂
Love that Nella!! Such a sweet video 🙂
XOXO,
Angie from Ohio/angiepics
lovely. she’s such a dear one. your girls are going to change the world in so many small and huge ways.
I think I could have watched 40 minutes of Nella & her baby! Oh so so so so so precious!! Don’t even get me started on how big Lainey is getting! I love your family! 🙂
The video of Nella makes me cry. You know little girls who can show their babies so much love are mirroring what they see at home. <3
A sister bond! There’s nothing to equal it…….At the age of 62, I’m so grateful for the one I share with my sister!
Your video highlighting Nella’s Momma skills just melts my heart – and makes it smile wide!
You have such amazing little girls!…………Rosemary
I LOVE that video – I could watch it all day. I love how she holds that baby close and pats its back – oh the love.
This video really made me smile! So sweet! 🙂
Nella is getting so big and Lainey too!
– Larissa
The video of Nella is so sweet and adorable…thank you for sharing!
Oh, that little mama loving her baby is preshhhhhh! Luv that she nurses and uses a bottle…..smart smart smart! Thinking of Lainey as the start of the school year gets closer….xoxoxo
Such a stinkin’ cute video! Everything you write, film & say is so full of love and caring. My favorite part of the day is when I realize that there is a new post from you! Have a great weekend…
Oh my goodness! Nella and her baby…SOOOOO CUTE!
that video is awesome 🙂 what good mamas you have raised!
happy weekend!
Your girls are beautiful…and the video…just beautiful.
Oh my gosh Nella is TOO precious! When she nursed her little baby doll I about died!
what a beautiful post. amazing video. it’s so amazing what they pick up on and how they just “know” what to do. what a beautiful picture.
what a beautiful post. amazing video. it’s so amazing what they pick up on and how they just “know” what to do. what a beautiful picture.
You need to get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Sisters-David-McPhail/dp/0152046593
Sisters, by David McPhail. It is perfect for my two little girls as well…who love so many things the same, yet are so different too. I instantly thought of it when reading this post!
LOVE the video – you are obviously teaching by example xx
This momma in Idaho loves your blog and enjoy reading about your girls. Thank you for sharing your life.
Denise
I love that video of Nella. Her pretend play skills are amazing. It just goes to show that she can do anything. My son has designer genes too, although his duplication is very rare. Sometimes I get frustrated by the fact that so little is known about his duplication, that we are left with so many questions. But then again maybe it’s a blessing, because we don’t have to fight stereotypes for what he can or can’t do in the future. I’m reading your book right now and I love the part where Brett says “we’ll just love her” and let Nella show you her story. It is so true. No book or scientific article can tell you what are kids are capable of. They will write their own stories. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
That is the sweetest thing I have ever seen – I am just watching the video again and again <3
That video of Nella just makes my heart smile.
Sweetest video ever! Thanks for sharing your beautiful daughters!
Oh that video is adorable! And Nella is simply delicious.
Train up a child in the way they should go…
Kelle, this has made my day, and because of the care that Nella shows to her baby – she is announcing to the world the kind of mama she has. I love this! So tender, and such a tribute to the parenting and care she is receiving. Thanks for sharing and making my day.
Sweet, sweet Nella being a mommy to her baby and loving her as she’s been loved her whole life. What a testimony to the love and care you pour onto your children, Kelle. Beautiful.
LOVE the video!
Perfection. All of it.
Isn’t being a momma the best?
That video made me cry too! And laugh when she went to pull down her suit strap. 🙂 So precious!
Oh my goodness, LOVE love love the video, thank you for sharing, it is always extra special when we get to see actual life playing out with ya’ll. xoxo to those precious precious girls!
Oh Kelle. I read every post twice. I’ve read every post on your blog…period. I’ve only commented a few times although I tweet to you often but this post? This required an immediate comment because Nella stirred my heart. Watching that video made me cry. She is beautiful and yes she does mama so good. Watching my girls mama their dolls always made me smile but there’s just something about how Nella does it combined with music and photos…I truly adored this. Thank you.
Well, I’m crying too 🙂 Nella is growing up so fast, I can see the resemblance between her and her beautiful big sister too, have a fabulous weekend!
Video made me cry too…Nella is so precious
Nella has more words and speaks better than my 27 mo old grandson. You’ve done something wonderfully right!
That video is so amazing….she is absolutely magnificent 🙂
Love the video. Totally made me cry.
I’m kvelling. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I hope you don’t mind I shared the video on my facebook page…everyone I know needs to have their day brightened by Mama Nella.
Tracie
The video is so sweet… my younger sister also has Down Syndrome. She is 17 yrs old now but she still loves her baby dolls. Her room at home is filled with them and she can spend crazy amounts of time dressing them and feeding them and putting them down for naps. She loves babies so much. Embarassingly, but always good for a chuckle, she often pats random strangers on the belly and asks if they have a baby in there. Though she pays no attention to the size of the stomach. 🙂
The video of Nella and her baby is just precious. It made me cry too. She’s a very good little mama!
Quite possibly the most precious video I’ve ever seen! Nella is so precious…I am completely captivated by her 🙂 You write so beautifully and I so enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing with us all!
Oh that video. So very sweet. How wonderful that you were able to capture it! What a little darling 🙂
could that video be any more cute? Seriously Kelle, she is the most adorable thing 🙂 Good job mama!
made me cry, too. really, really sweet.
The beauty of that video..the conveyance of the capabilities we have to nurture, love and be so caring…it all show in Nella. I was really touched by her obvious purity in emotion. Thanks for sharing.
OMG Kelle!!
Tears. That video is so beautiful.
Loved it!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
That video is simply precious!! What an amazing little girl! It made me cry too.
First of all- anything by Bon Iver sends me into a serious ugly-cry. Second- Nella nursing her baby just about made my heart explode. And lastly- the similarities and differences of your daughters- described in the most sincere and loving ways- well, you are just amazing. Happy weekend!
Nella loves her babies, and it’s obvious by her tender care for them how much you love yours. God bless.
Oh my heavens, that video is absolutely beautiful.
What a precious video of Nella!! I love when you post these video montages because we get to see the littles in action. So cute. When you watch her take care of her baby dolls, I hope you realize why she does hose things — She’s copying the amazing mama she has. 🙂
Amazing! Nella is going to be a great Mama some day. So much love for her baby!
Oh my goodness…that video…wow! So beautiful! I loved loved LOVED it!!!!! Nella is simply precious.
… am always heart-stunned by your powers of observation. this piece which really strikes the heart’s cords, looking at your daughter uniquely and together as sisters, etc. so beautiful. really enjoyed this and am going to share it with everyone i can think of. happy summer days to you!
That video may be the most precious thing I’ve ever seen. Such a perfect little mama.
Too stinking cute! BEAUTIFUL girls – they are going to grow up to be AWESOME women!!!
Aww, Kelle…that video is perfection. SHE is perfection. Thanks for sharing!!
she is going to be one amazing and beautiful mama!
Sweet video of beautiful Nella, but my word, isn’t Lainey simply stunning?
my favorite part of that video is that nella never stops patting her baby’s back. like a true momma. love it.
There is not a word to describe the video; it is more than precious.
Love, love, love that video! It is almost like watching my Kate who is into all things baby. She makes them dance and play and she reads books to them and signs Twinkle, Twinkle to them before tucking them in bed. It was one of the things I waited for when I found out I was having a girl. And one of the things I wondered if it would ever happened when I found out my daughter has Down Syndrome. And that makes it so extra special to watch her do- something that little girls around the globe do every day! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful again Kelle! When did Miss Lainey’s legs get so long! Love this post!
The video of sweet Nella was so cute I had to call my husband in from the next room to watch it, too :). There is no doubt that that little girl will nurture many, many people in her life. Kelle, I wish that video had been shown to me in a OB office three years ago-it would have given me such hope & happiness! Hugs
Love the post and especially the video. And I have to admit to being a bit jealous. I played with dolls until I was so old I was embarrassed for anyone to know and couldn’t wait for my daughter to do the same…. But she never cared for them. Thanks sharing your girls with us.
Love the post and especially the video. And I have to admit to being a bit jealous. I played with dolls until I was so old I was embarrassed for anyone to know and couldn’t wait for my daughter to do the same…. But she never cared for them. Thanks sharing your girls with us.
Beautiful girls & stunning photos!! Isn’t it great to be excited for tomorrow?!! Precious, precious video!!
Oh that video is the most beautiful thing. The way Nella pats her constantly, and the nursing…it killed me. I could have watched her for the full 40 minutes.
Cutest video ever! What a sweet, sweet girl! Both of your girls are just precious. PS–I ♥ your blog…it’s so inspiring!
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Oh Kelle, Mama Nella is so very precious!! I remember crying right along with you as I read your post about her birth and this posts made me cry too. However, these tears were tears of joy and awe at how amazing your little Nella is. She will be everything you ever dreamt for her and so much more. She is such a precious little beauty.
Mama Nella is the cutest!
nella is gonna be such a great mama!!
My three year old watched Nella with her baby and said “I so cute! She nice.”. 🙂
Oh Nella! She took my breath away in that video! Such sweetness. Will you please give her an extra kiss and squeeze tonight from me? I’m sure she learned it from you, but also from Lainey. The world is so much richer, for the two little beings you are raising. =)
The video of Mama Nella is precious! I love the part where she nurses her baby.
Beautiful, all of it! That video…wow.
Beautiful, all of it! That video…wow.
Beautiful. I love it and I loveee that video.
Ok. Well, that video just completely melted my heart. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
Sitting on my couch with tears in my eyes…. Nella captivates me with her smile, I just can’t get over it. What an inspiring video, parents of special needs children should see this. Heck, everyone should see it. Love in action. There are no words… Keep up the great work, it inspires those of us who fight the big fight for these voices that must be heard. For Nella, for my niece, for countless others, I will keep on fighting.
Pinks My Ink
Seriously one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. Plus if you are ever doubting your skills as a Mama just watch this video for reassurance that you are instilling beautiful qualities in all of your children.
Seriously, that was one of the most precious things I have ever seen!!
Oh that video makes me cry too… so sweet. What beautiful girls you have. 🙂
It’s perfect Kelle, Nella was so tender and gentle with her baby. Something she has learned from watching you. Now I”d like to see a movie of you with your babies.
I was the eldest of 5, and I still remember that people used to tell me I looked after babies/toddlers well.
This seems like a life-time ago to me. I turned off the baby button for so long. But now that we’re trying, and it’s not happening, how I long for my own to hold and to love. Rob warned me it would be this way. But I never believed him. I hope and pray everyday it won’t be much longer.
What a gentle, sweet, precious soul
Kelle, that was a beautiful post.
BEST. VIDEO. EVER.!!!
Your words about your girls are just beautiful. Lainey is getting so tall and so pretty.
Now that video is the most precious of all. The way she pat that baby and nurses her. I like when she lifted the and strainer to see if she was okay. She is such a sweetie. My husband love Nella. He sat there and kept saying ahhhhhh at the video.
You are so blessed. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Nella Bean!! I just love you to pieces!! From your Blog Mama
That is the most adorable video I’ve ever seen xo
Nella with her baby… so cute! Love the endless patting!
The Mama Nella video was so sweet. I especially liked it when she was nursing her baby. I tried to get my now 10 year old to nurture her babies but she was a hands-off parent! My son, now 6, used the babies as battering rams. Sigh. Somehow being an attachment parent didn’t create mini attached baby-doll parents.
I cried too watching the video. How sweet!
The video was breathtaking! Nella is the sweetest mama around. Her nursing her baby…OMG, made me cry. You have 2 beautiful little girls.
what a sweet mama! i love it when she tugs on her bathing suit to nurse her baby. so sweet.
I have watched that video three times and cried every time. One of them when I was showing it to MY mama. Precious moments. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughters with us.
Sweetest thing ever. Just what my girlhood dreams are made of.
Sweetest thing ever. Just what my girlhood dreams are made of.
Your video made me laugh and cry all at the same time! She’s so sweet with her baby!! Precious!
Oh my goodness! If there’s anything cuter than Nella Bean playing mom, I’ve never seen it. She’s got it down pat! She’s starting to look so much like Lainey. What beautiful and sweet girls you have!
oh kelle oh!!!!!
your precious video made me smile from ear to ear and get choked up too. that little baby girl of yours has absolutely stolen my heart. i love her from afar and i love you for sharing your life with me and so many others-
*always looking forward to the next post here in minnesota……xoxox beth
Ahhh so sweet…she learned well from her mother.
Oh that video; MELT MY HEART!!!!!
that video of nella made me cry just now. Her sweet little pudgy hands patting the baby’s back. : ) Children are perfect. I don’t know how much of what children do is nature or nurture, but I’d like to think that 90% of it is all nature, baby. : ) Their innate desire to take care of and to nurture. I see it in my 16 month old son and it also makes me want to cry. I’m so grateful Nella has such a wonderful mama like you as an example. The world needs more amazing moms. : )
I am a complete mess after watching that video, Kelle. How precious! When Nella nursed her baby my heart melted. I love the sweet words that you wrote about the girls, too. Beautiful post! 🙂
I will echo what so many other folks said: Nella mothers so beautifully because she has been so beautifully mothered! My heart goes out to her though: that baby nurses A LOT. Whew — makes my boobs tired just watching her!
Lainey is growing into such a lovely young lady. My youngest is just a few months younger than her, so it is fun to see what her interests are.
Good night — always looking forward to your next post!
girlfriend can pat a baby something fierce… so sweet!
Hi, Kelle. I cried as I watched Nella love so beautifully… a love that she no doubt learns from you, Brett and Lainey. Both of your children are uniquely stunning… breathtaking, in fact. Just knowing them through your words and photos excites me for their tomorrow. And you inspire me to continue focusing intently on living in the moment. I have two stunning and breathtaking children myself and I don’t want to miss a thing. Much love to you and your sweet girls.
spechagarmar
Such sweet pictures and video! <3
That video is simply precious. God did good when you created that baby of yours 🙂
Most beautiful video I’ve ever seen. Tears are filling my eyes. Nella is the most precious baby girl!
That video is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever watched. I am bawling.
I didn’t read all I’d tge comments, so someone has to have already said this but: you know that she learned that from watching you. What a testament to your mothering skills.. Just beautiful. Well done.
Oh gosh, I just love her! <3
Nella is just so incredibly beautiful, she is in my heart. I love watching her nurse and burp her baby just adorable made my night!
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This post and video gave me happy tears. Happy tears are awesome xo
I have been reading your blog religiously for almost 3 years and this is my first comment. Nella playing with her baby was the most heartfelt/emotional/lovely/tearjerker thing I have seen in a long time. It is a reflection of the beautiful job you have done as her mother. Her blessings never end.
Oh such a beautiful little Mama. Loved your video!
Little babes covered in dirt, mud, or sand from playing melts my heart. She’s such a good Mama. That video made me smile lots.
OHH it makes me cry too!!
I love you sweet Nella with your babies!
-Michal
i waited til the end of the video thinking you were going to say she was going to be doing this to her baby brother/sister in 7 months…maybeeee???? 😉
Finally made it home to our “real” computer so I could watch the video… darn iphone won’t let me watch them. Well worth the wait for such sweetness!!! Nella Mama with her burpy baby made my night. Such love & attention to her little one shows how very much she has been loved along the way.
xo
Kate
that little nella is too cute, loved the video!! she could teach my jenna a little tlc lesson :)…awesome post once again!
That video slays me. You are so blessed to have your beautiful girls. Love on, Mama Nella.
that video of Nella makes me cry too. one of the most beautiful things I have seen!
I’ve followed your blog for sometime now but have never left a comment. I just had to say that the video of Nella is so adorable. My fav part would have to be the breastfeeding part. So beautiful. It made me nearly cry. <3
Amazingly beautiful words. The video of Nella is priceless, it bought tears to my eyes – the innocence of childhood is pure bliss.
Could Nella be any more beautiful. She is heaven sent. You have been truly blessed to receive both her and Lainey into your family.
Other than her own mama, Nella is the sweetest mama to her baby. Such a joy and love to watch.
What a beautiful video- more, more more!
Nella sure is a patter, and that is so cute. I love how she reenacts her life with mom and dad with her baby doll. Was she trying to balance the baby’s feet on her hands? That is just priceless.
And seeing a little girl nurse her baby doll brings the biggest smile to my face!
Excellent mama you are indeed, Nella!
That video of Nella is so precious! She is such a special and beautiful little soul. She reminds me so much of my granddaughter Giselle who also just started walking. Smiles and hugs to all of you! I love reading your blog and your book was such a wonderful read.
Sydney in Kansas
Love “Nella the Mama” video. So sweet.
I love this post. Sisters are so special, the same but different I love it. The video is so beautiful…I’m going to be watching it again.
The gorgeousness in Nella’s video is humbling. Beautiful, simple, honest love. It’s spreading…
love the video – absolutely heart warming. other than being a mamma, i’m a lactation consultant too and nella breastfeeding made me smile 🙂
love the video – absolutely heart warming. other than being a mamma, i’m a lactation consultant too and nella breastfeeding made me smile 🙂
I am also one of those followers that has never left a comment before. This post, the video…oh my! The descriptions of the girls’ differences and similarities…perfectly describes sisters. The posts you write about Lainey show that she is the perfect big sister for Nella…so sweet and so caring. The post along with the video of Nella….is what got me to comment today. Not the first time I have gotten teary-eyed reading your blog. The post was great, but the video pushed me over the edge. I had to comment. Nella’s mama skills….oh my! I am a special needs teacher…and there are moments that are completely perfect and you sit back and just feel blessed that you got to witness it. Thank you for the video…it brought on happy tears and a smile. 🙂
Love this post, what a beautiful gift you are giving to your girls. They are both so beautiful and precious passing on the love they have learned. Wow, that video is a tear jerker for for sure-love!
*tears* I truly enjoyed seeing her mother her little heart out! What a sweet little blessing she’s going to be someday to her own babies!
NOTHING wrong with that girl! She can do ANYTHING. AND, she will be a momma one day…this video is just pure insight into her future.
Tejas love,
Melissa
Sweet little angel mama….
Stop. It! That is the sweetest video I have ever seen. Nella is one super loving mama.
Kelle, my heart just burst with love for that little girl. xoxo
I’ve never commented before although I’ve been visiting and enjoying your blog for a year, but I had to today…that video took my breath away. I love how Nella pats the dolls back while feeding her, with such a look of love on her face. Just beautiful.
Gillian x
Me, too, and especially since we just took three of our GRANDS home after a week with us.
And when she flipped her halter to nurse—my heart jumped right onto that sand.
Magnificent Mamas—two generations strong.
Oh, I loved the video, love all the beautiful pics, and OMG how I love your book! Read it tid weekend, unable to stop reading! Simply beautiful, funny, heartwrenching, awesome, raw… I could go on forever. The love you have for everything in your lide, Kelle; words are not enough. Thank you for making me laugh, cry, giggle, thank you for being a badass tiger mama with a heart of gold!
It made me cry too. Beautiful.
Beautiful!
makes me cry too – so incredibly sweet.
This put me so at peace. Thank you.
-Lindsey
Et tu, tutu?
That video is priceless. I got a good looking young man just a couple years older who will make a great Daddy:) Well, he does beat up on his baby sister a lot. But I think he will grow out of it!
Best. Video. Ever. Thank you for sharing it!
Best. Video. Ever. Thank you for sharing it!
Oh my, that video made me cry too…what a sweet little Momma Miss Nella is! My own baby will be one in 3 days and she just tried diapering her bear the other day…I love seeing these sweet moments as they grow.
Amber
beyond adorable~!
she’s obviously only modeling what’s she’s seen in her own home. loved children will love~
Nella is a great mama! This is one of the sweetest posts. Two little girls, unique, but bound by a love that only sisters know. So precious!
Hi Kelle. This is my first time on your blog, but a friend of mine lent me your book and I just finished reading it. I haven’t cried so much for ages, and that’s pretty big since my son Noah just passed away 9 months ago, and my husband passed away 5 months ago. My son Noah was born with a condition which meant he was physically and mentally disabled (in a wheelchair) and needed help for everything during his life and had many health issues. I could relate so much to your feelings that you had after Nelle was born as I probably grieved for our son for twelve months before I finally felt at peace with it, and then it changed from wishing he didnt have hydranencephaly, to feeling so blessed to have each day with him, until he passed away at the age of ten.
I work with children with special needs and LOVE it so much. At our school we have a number of kids with downs syndrome and they are the most beautiful kids, just like Nelle. I can’t get over how gorgeous she is. That video of her with the doll is so precious.I smiled so big when I saw her trying to breastfeed it 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, and teaching others that having a child with special needs can be wonderful, if we let it be.
Great post…It’s making me think of all the sames and differences between my two.
And that video…oh that video. It is the cutest, sweetest thing I have ever seen.
That video made me tear up–what a precious little momma in the making:) Thanks for sharing!
LOVE mama Nella. LOVE.HER.
the most precious, beautiful video! Absolutely endearing. Thank you for sharing your sweet, sweet daughter!
Your words are lovely, your girls even more lovely. My heart melted when Nella nursed the baby. Just beautiful!
the video is spectacular. and i hope that you realize that she is such a good mama because she has one. 🙂
I love the video and have watched it twice already. Just so incredibly sweet. What a precious little soul you have there.
That video is THE SWEETEST!! Love love love it!
im smiling and teary-eyed at the same time. the gentle pats to the doll’s back close to her own chest… heartmelting
The video of Nella is precious. She has such a maternal instinct.
I also think it is super cool that Lainey can do her own hair! It’s a big step!
this video is so sweet and so profound. It speaks volumes to all that is dear in life. So simple
and yet so thought provoking all at once. Thanks, Kelle, for sharing your beautiful family with the world. As I re-read what I’ve written, the word “understatement” comes glaringly to mind!
My heart is bursting at the seams! Your sweet Nella is a brilliant shining star in a dark sky. Reading your stories and watching her grow makes me appreciate life in a new way.They instantly change my mood, and make me smile not only on the outside, but on the inside too. She’s so lucky to have touched so many lives at such a tender young age. Thank you and Hugs!
Your video of Nella just ended my night with a huge smile. And her breastfeeding was the best!
Oh Kelle, that movie of Nella the Mama made me cry too. I can’t imagine anything more precious.
That video and Nella fill my heart with love and my eyes with tears of pure joy! What little treasures you have Kelle! Thank you for sharing them with the rest of the world! 🙂
I just started following your blog a few weeks ago. I must admit, your updates are the ones I look most forward too. I love your little family. I love how you care and love your little ones. There is so much love pouring out of every sentence, every picture. Each one of you. You make me want to enjoy life more, and to take advantage of every waking moment. Thank you. That Nella video is absolutely precious. It makes my heart fly!
Oh, Kelle…..
crying for so many reasons.
Make me cry so big….love the video wish I had captured my little ones too!
Favorite: “and then they all had a party.” You have taught her so well.
Also, Nella is just the sweetest mama.
Oh goodness, that video is priceless. She is the most caring little child, just by the way she pats that little doll… Melts my heart.
Vera
I LOVE this! Made ME cry, too! Just read your book this weekend, was SO touched by it.
You know what this video exemplifies? YOUR amazing mama example! I love how she was pulling her bathing suit open to nurse! LOL Brings back fond memories of nursing my own babies, now 14 and almost 12. *sigh*
Perfect video! The best!
love this.
I came across a quote the other day and thought of you.♥
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.”
– Anais Nin
I think my heart just melted a little watching that video – seriously, how absolutely adorable! I LOVE how she pats the babies back – for burping and while nursing! Makes me want to go buy 1,000 baby dolls and send them to your house so she always has one to take care of hah!
Sending love and light,
D
I love this video! She is so adorable and makes me smile.
Most precious video I have ever seen! Well, she does have a wonderful example on how to “mama”. you must be so proud. 🙂
What a wonderful little mama! Nella and my Lucy are about the same age. It is so cute to see the similarities between them. Nella might be a little more kind to her babies than Lucy is. 🙂 Lucy and her brother Garret play house with two dolls that they’ve named Lucy and Johnny. I love it.
What a beautiful post….and an adorable…touching video.
xo
Crying…loved every moment.
oh.my.heart.
that video. totally tears me up … watching her grow through photos since that moment i first heard about your girl’s birth while i sat awaiting my finn’s arrival. (completely hormonal. seriously. not sure if her story hits so hard because i was crazy hormones or what.)
and now? seeing her …
so much love for you all.
in that totally just a friend from afar and not some weird stalkerish person sorta way. of course.
Priceless video. Just priceless.
oh my goodnesss…. so sweet, that baby and her baby!!!
What a touching video! Made me cry too. Love momma Nella. How cute to see that she is modeling your great momma qualities.
Sweet video. Nella has learned a lot from her awesome and caring Mom!
Strainer blanket was my favorite part! Not asleep yet? Must need more patting! So precious!
That sweet girl of yours does mama so good! Precious post. I love it!
Growing up, my Daddy called all of Nella’s sweet patting of the baby Love Pats. You must do lots of Love Pats at your house too. Loved the post, loved the sweet video!
Beautiful writing! Gorgeous photos! Absolutely adorable video! 🙂
Gasp! I knew I was in trouble if you said the video made you cry. But oh dear lawrd… that made my chest hurt. How proud you must be and oh, what an awesome testament to you, Kelle as a mom. Because she learned that from YOU. So sweet. So SMART. Nella, you’re gonna rock being a mama one day, I have no doubt. And Lainey making her own pigtails is awesome too 🙂 This will be a video you pull out years from now and be soooooo glad you have.
Oh my goodness…how perfect and precious and beautiful are your girls?! And Nella the Mama…good gracious…that makes me cry too! Perfect little blessings from above 🙂
Nella is beautiful! What a gift you have.
Kelle that video is just the sweetest thing! My youngest is also 2 1/2 and its the most magical thing when they say a cute complete sentence! Makes me sad that they are growing up but also makes us grin ear to ear.
I know some day her dreams of becoming a mama will come true!
SWOON! That is one loved and very well burped baby! 🙂
Oh Kelle, I’m crying with you.
That video was so darling!! I am seriously falling more in love with your blog everyday. Keep up the good work. 🙂
I love you celebrate the differences and the similiarities. The video was beautiful.
The video made me cry, it´s so tender watching them acting like little mums
I am constantly blown away be Nella…what an adorable little girl.
“Everything I Learned In Life, I Learned From My Mama”! She is a Mini-Kelle. Love Her! Love You, too! ~ Jo
Nella, is so tender with her baby dolls. You can just see that she follows examples from her mama! The video was just beautiful to watch. What a beautiful daughter you have kelle.
I seriously can’t even deal with that video. It makes me cry too…and makes my heart melt! LOVE IT!!!!!!
I LOVE how she tried to breastfeed her baby… that is the most adorable thing I have ever seen!
Oh that Nella is just the sweetest! Love the video. Nella reminds me of our Tess – she carried her baby and her purse with her all day.
That is the cutest most amazing video ever! I put a huge smile on my face! Love it!
Precious! My little one nurses her babies too <3 You are a good mama! (obviously she has learned her mothering skills from being so well mothered!)
oh kelle, that video! it seriously choked me up. love seeing your girl love on her babies. you are doing a good job. she is mirroring her mama.
You always take the best pictures. Your girls are so beautiful 🙂
she has such a pretty little baby body…great tan, nice arms, little back muscles…what a beautiful little girl you have…
Okay, that video? Totally made me cry. Nella nursing the baby? Holy Lord, that was beautiful. What a blessed mama you are.
My word. That video. She is amazing Kelle. I know you know that though. I love her nursing that little baby. So sweet. Makes me cry too!
I don’t usually comment, but this time I HAD to. That video is so sweet- watching Nella with her baby literally brought tears to my eyes (I didn’t even cry during Bambi!). Thank you for sharing that!!! 😀 Awww.
You are everywhere lately! This week you judged the IHeartFaces photo challenge and then today I saw in my email that you are “hosting” the ParentsConnect Rock Your Life Party. Do it all, much? 😉 lol.
That video…I’m bawling! Love how she nursed her baby! I love when kids pick up on this. My boys did it, too 🙂 Precious girl…hold her close, momma.
I’m sure I’m repeating what 253 have said before me, but that video was so beautiful. My heart is warmed. What an angel.
I’m sure I’m repeating what 253 have said before me, but that video was so beautiful. My heart is warmed. What an angel.
oh man that video made me tear up and smile at the same time. How can such a little girl mother so well? Learns from the best. Beautiful Kelle!
OMG!! that was beautiful! I just loved watching Nella care for her baby. Simply amazing!! Your girls are such an inspiration.
Oh what a sweet video! Our children are watching us and clearly she has seen some good parenting! Love when they nurse their babies. Well done!
Your sweet Nella is SO beautiful. She has changed me as a mother. Thank You for sharing her with everyone.
What a beautiful, loving momma your little Nella is! Children learn by example, she is reflecting your love for her and Lainey, as well as others. Absolutely beautiful!
Oh. My. Lord. So choked up over Nella’s mama video.
You must be SO SO proud, bc she learned to be such a good mama from you. I am inspired by you all the time.
*Jazzmine*
Oh I cried my mascara out all right watching Nella. I want to have a daughter like her!
Kelle,
I’ve been reading since Nella was born but never commented. I LOVE the way she Mammas – that video is just too adorable. She’s obviously learning from one of the greatest!
xx
That video almost made me cry, Nella is just too cute!! I lover her so much, she is really beautiful outside and in.
Kelle, the video of Nella is absolutely precious!! Brought tears to my eyes.
I thought the video of Nella doing ballet was the cutest thing ever….but Nella and her baby doll is the CUTEST most BEAUTIFUL thing! Thanks so much for sharing!
Nella is a beautiful mama! That baby doll is so loved and cared for, her mama must get it from her mama! You have are doing an amazing job, both your girls are such lovely spirited gorgeous young ladies. I am a new follower, and look forward to seeing more snippets of their growth.
xx
I love that girl. Thanks for sharing!
I love this post. My sister and I are six years apart, so it wasn’t until lately (I’m 21, she’s almost 27) that we are starting to get close and realizing these things. It’s a special bond and your daughters will grow up and cherish it as well. It’s beautiful to witness and it’s even more beautiful to be a part of it.
OH….MY….GOODNESS!!! Could a video of Nella be any more precious?!! (Probably, since she just get’s cuter every day!) That was beyond awesome!!! I wish I knew Nella in person….I would just hug her to pieces! And she would get along great with my 2 year old daughter too! K…gotta go watch it one more time 🙂
Really sweet post, I love reading about your girls. Your blog is always a treat to read! <3
oh kelle, it made ME cry! my goodness this post is so, so beautiful x
I also cried at that sweet video (sigh) your words are your girls warm my heart.
that video… there are no words. Nella is an absolute gift! I almost cried too and i rarely cry from videos of people I don’t really know. 🙂
That video of Nella…pricelss! I don’t know how, as a mom, you could watch that and not cry. Nella is clearly an angel…so sweet, pure innocence- thank you for sharing that!
That video is the cutest thing ever. EVER.
The video of Nella being a mama might just be the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She is a perfect little mama!
Love the mama video, what a sweet heart. She has a great role model xx
Seriously Love!
Thank you for the sweet video of Nella. What a great mommy she is! What a great example of a mommy you must be for her.
I’m reading your book. It’s hard to put down, but it’s also teaching me to put things aside and soak up my children. Thank you for that.
That video is SO precious!!! Love it.
After being away from your blog for a few weeks with my own small things I returned tonight to catch up with you and your family. Oh my heart swoons for that video of Nella loving her baby doll. I’ve found myself lingering in thought about my two loves’ similarities and differences in their physical attributes, abilities, passions, etc. Loved reading your words tonight, they were perfectly what I needed. Thank you 🙂
Love the video of Mama Nella! So sweet and darling to watch her be so caring. Thank you for sharing!
Shows what a great mama you are…her playing with her baby is a crystal clear reflection.
Shows what a great mama you are…her playing with her baby is a crystal clear reflection.
such a beautiful video to capture a moment in time that is so precious! It demonstrates the loving nature that you have modeled for your girls and obviously Nella has picked up!
What a beautiful video of Nella. I am a mother of 2 little girls and I love your blog. Nella is so captivating. Lainy is also a doll. Adorable girls!