Kelle, Author at Enjoying the Small Things

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March 5, 2012 By Kelle

Today, I stood by my friend as she welcomed new life into the world.

In the midst of tearful elation and celebratory welcoming, there is such a moment of clarity, a “this here’s what it’s all about” reminder. I feel grateful for friendship, inspired by new life and excited for growth in coming months. More to come.

I missed my girls today as I slipped out of bed before the sun rose to be at the hospital and didn’t see them until an hour ago. If felt good to reunite with two blondies who missed their mama, and it will feel good heading back up to the hospital again tonight to smell sweet newborn skin and celebrate my proud mama friend. Life is rich.

Spring unfolded its glory this weekend, sharing sunlight and breezes on Saturday and an encore of replenishing rain early Sunday morning. It felt very Spring indeed.

Our bike ride Sunday afternoon.

Roxie (my bike) still has some proving to do.

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It is a good time to celebrate newness. New buds, new breezes, new goals, new babies, new sunny days, new adventures.

Apologies for my lack of words tonight. It was a long and beautiful day.

This weekend in a few words and many photos:

We spent hours at Naples Botanical Gardens this weekend. They eventually had to kick us out at closing time.

Childcare duties were about as minimal as they could be. We watched with smiles as little girls independently wandered and roamed, watered flowers, danced in fountains, and enjoyed ice cream cones next to the lake.

Nella kicked and squirmed every time I picked I her up. She is proud of her new independence. She is hell bent on showing it off.

I felt content, completely slayed by the goodness of March. It always rolls in like a lamb down here.

Tired but inspired to be beginning a week in such a welcoming celebratory way.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some baby-loving to attend to.

It’s a good day, it’s a good week.

What’s new in your life that makes you excited? New goals, new jobs, new hobbies? Do tell.

Enjoying the Small Things

March 3, 2012 By Kelle

A short little weekend hello.

“Helloooooo!”

We have sunshine-embracing plans this weekend, so I’ll be quick.

Enjoying…

Sister’s Mad Stacking Skills.

And she holds that top block very still for a moment before she lets go, careful to make sure her tower is properly balanced.

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My tree chandelier.

It’s a fancy party wrapped up in a tree. I want to deck out a miniature room underneath it for some fairies. Oh, I totally will.

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The way she holds her toes when she sits.

Always. I love it.

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Lainey’s ever changing expressions.

Her eyes tell so many stories.

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The way Target ups the ante every time they get a new baby line.

I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with anything at Target more than this little dress. So much I bought it in the only size they had left, even though it’s a bit too small. It’s so Strawberry Shortcake-meets-Enchanted Gnome. The yellow strawberry straps looked at me, I looked at them…and it was love.

Nella’s modeling her please-don’t-put-me-down stance.

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Impromptu Beach Sunset with Friends Last Night

There you have it. Happy Weekend.

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Friday Photo Dump:

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Giveaway winner for the environmentally friendly cloth set from Norwex Independent Consultant, Rachel Baxter is Comment #15, Cheri: Ah, Spring. I have been online “window shopping” for my kids for over a week already. And it’s February!! I can’t wait for flowery little dresses that show off their cute little arms and legs!

Cheri, please e-mail your contact info with the subject line NORWEX GIVEAWAY to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net. Thanks!

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Now go have some fun.

Let’s Jump in Streets

March 1, 2012 By Kelle

Yesterday was a special day. A full-circle completion of a dream that began long ago when my fourth-grade teacher told me that someday I’d write a book. I believed her. That dream was rekindled through an eventful day that has forever changed my life, and I was reminded of it once again as I watched the UPS truck drive up yesterday morning and I ran out to meet the driver on our sidewalk. I held out my hands to receive that precious package, and it felt…I don’t know…triumphant, a testament to these last two years of growth. Life moves on, yes. But wrapped up under the crinkly yellow envelope, there it was. Our story in words and photos and tucked between a cover that took my breath away.

Completely unprompted, the girls both walked over to stand by my side as I flipped through the pages and saw it all put together for the very first time. They pointed at pictures and gently touched the pages while I cried and smiled and fully felt the depth of gratitude for everything these past couple years–pain, learning, changing, our health, our kids, our families, your support and the team of individuals who helped make this happen. Talk about “It takes a Village.”

I have this thing in my mind–this idea that real writers act a little more “Aw, this book? This ‘ol thing? Big deal, I write ’em every day.” But, this is our story. And I’m just not cool enough to pull it off. Dude, I jumped in the streets. I freaking jumped in the streets with an open zipper. ‘Cuz I’m classy.

My point is…
You have stories. All of you. So many of you have written and told me your stories. Your heartache. Your triumphs. The pages of your book. Tell them. Tell your stories. There are a lot more books to be written, and so many of you have it in you. Let’s change the world, okay? Let’s turn pain into beauty, let’s celebrate humor and love and inspiration. Let’s share the things that make us come alive, and let’s listen when others are sharing theirs. Let’s jump in streets.

And, thank you. Honestly, you really have been part of this. Your readership alone has helped make this happen, and it’s all part of the journey. We’re still in the beginning–what other stories await us?

So, yeah. There’s a real book now. You can buy it. Don’t forget all the fun stuff you get if you pre-order.

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Norwex Givaway winner announced in Friday’s post.