Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Enjoying the Small Things...and a giveaway!

Enjoying...

Evening Writing Sessions.
I have my beloved $10 Craigslist desk out in the open where I can work during the day and still be with the girls. Where a bookshelf stacked with puzzles and paper dolls replaces cubicle walls and I can, at any given moment, slide off my red chair to lie on the floor for a game of Memory. I love that space. But, I am finding that sometimes I need to be alone. I need a cubicle maybe just once a week. So, Brett rigged up this jankety card table with some crappy polyester table cloth in our bedroom. And though I sit on a rusted folding chair and am surrounded by a pile of bills and sippy cups that have managed to accumulate on the home's newest catch-all, it's perfect for me. It's quiet. And right about 6:00, the sun gives a recital every night...just dances there in that vast space of glass door stretched before me and curtsies behind that mess of trees.


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Bravo.

Halloween Candy.
I'm going to quit eating it pretty soon, I am.

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We hid it in Austyn's room, in the third drawer down in his dresser, to keep Lainey from seing it. But, then I find myself sneaking into his room in the dark while he's sleeping and pulling out the drawer to stuff a stash of mini Twizzlers and jolly ranchers into my nightgown. Our neighbor came over last night and, ten minutes into conversation, he goes, "You okay? You seem really hyper."

It's called trial-sized Almond Joys, Dude.

Playing Pretend.
Three-and-a-half is magic with Imagination peaking at this blessed Peter-Pan-ish place where everything is just so...childhood. Little voices and tiny plays performed with bath toys and trinkets and lots of asking for "let's play pretend." We run for cover in the afternoon, under blankets and pillows, hiding from pretend storms that shake the house and we tightrope across cracks in the sidewalk lest we fall in the shark-infested waters of the deep cement.

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I used to want to be a child forever. Now, in loving this place, I want to have a child forever. And, believe me, it is in moments like this that I find comfort in the fact that the magic of the extra chromosome just might let Peter stay in Neverland a little longer for our family. And that's perfectly alright.

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Gingham Things.
Happy little checks, they are.

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Fallish Things.
Like wheat-colored stars in the back yard.

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Or pretty little embellishments that take all the color of crisp, fallen leaves and up the ante on a plain tank.

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Flower Clip, Lilian Eve.


Sock Feet.

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Mary Jane Feet.


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And Bare Feet in October.

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Having a lot on my plate, but dropping it all for moments like these...

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Free Things.
So, I've already expressed my love for the lillebaby EveryWear Organic carrier which I use with Nella all the time and without, could not have trekked across four states and three layovers with two kids last month. So, when Scandinavian Child offered to send me a diaper bag by the same brand, I was thrilled. I'm constantly swapping bags between the few cheap pocket-less ones I've managed to collect, but they all end up lying somewhere with a wad of gum, a few tubes of capless lipstick and a mess of crumpled receipts.

No longer, my friends.

Totally loving my lillebaby Oslo bag which is chocked full of cool pockets and zippers making life so much easier. It attaches perfectly to my stroller with these great snap straps. And, hello...it comes in red.

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You too can rock out an organized diaper bag! One random commenter on this post will win a lillebaby Oslo diaper bag courtesy of Scandinavian Child.

So, yay.

Winner will be announced Friday evening.

Happy Mid-week!

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1,525 comments:

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Nichole said...

I would love a new diaper bag! Beautiful photos!

K said...

Love your outfit with the diaper bag! And your kids just more adorable every day! Karen

Sherri said...

I am quite impressed with your pile of candy wrappers, however, I did not notice a wrapper for candy corn which is a MUST. I have plenty at my house if you need some. :-)

Love the new header! Adorable!

Jorie said...

The girls really do get more gorgeous each time you post! Have a wonderful Halloween!

fizzleskittle said...

We haven't been trick or treating yet, but I am now craving an Almond Joy! Great diaper bag!

Haley said...

Great post!

The Ginthers said...

I love to read your blog and see pictures of your cute kids! My baby girl was born January 18, 2010 and I also have a 3 yr old son!

Mary said...

Stunning photos as always!

Mary said...

I love how this was worded... "it is in moments like this that I find comfort in the fact that the magic of the extra chromosome just might let Peter stay in Neverland a little longer for our family." My brother has an extra chromosome and though he's 29, we love that our family frequently visits Neverland, we have so much fun :)

I always love the fab photos of Lainey and Nella (and what a sweet diaper bag to have!!!) xx

Kristen said...

Oh my goodness... love the new header. What a good idea!

Meghan & Kevin said...

Oh me likey the diaper bag! Pick meeeeeeeeeeeeee! :)

Mollie said...

love the picture of L in the tree. Beautiful... and I would love the diaper bag for my new little one!

Ang said...

Your kids are unbelievable adorable! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.

Shanna said...

Love your pics and that red bag! :-)

NicoleM said...

I love reading your blog! And that bag suits you well.

amymoe said...

gingham, bare feet, mary janes, and playing pretend. love it!

Thank you for your posts. They are beautiful as is your family.

Cupcake said...

I always feel joyful when I see your beautiful girls! They are even more amazing as kitties.

Babyglu2u said...

That bag looks fab-a-licious!

JGeary said...

We put Kate in the knee high socks too, in an effort to actually keep socks on her for more than a few minutes. And we are deep in pretend play here too. Nate will be 3 1/2 next month and suddenly all the toys speak and have a dialogue with one another and he has moved from one to two imaginary friends!

Joy said...

My last diaper bag broke and my current run is running a little too small these days.

Your daughters are beautiful and I love your photography skills. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

Joy

Marianne said...

I am loving that bag. And by the way, you and that family of yours? SO gorgeous. :)

Shannon said...

Have been reading your blog for about a year now and love catching up on it every Friday. Love the bare feet in October, we don't get much of that up here in Ohio!

Jessica said...

I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog...it's like reading a good book...someitmes I fall behind but always love to sit down and catch up. When I'm caught up, I urgently await your next post...

valerievalerie said...

what a cool bag! thanks for this!
love the new header. that last pic of Lainey is darling!

jolie said...

Your comment about having a child always brought tears to my eyes...I too feel the same as I sit here with what will probably be my last baby nursing at my breast. Love the glimpse into your day! And...yes...I'm really going to spot eating candy too...
Hugs to you!

pleasepinchme said...

I LOVE things with a lot of pockets!

kteacher22 said...

Ha! We keep hiding the Halloween candy, too :)

Amy J said...

I would so love to have a diaper bag with lots of pockets, and in RED...

Kristen said...

new-ish reader.... loving the bag snd the photography!

Jolene said...

LOVE the header, where do you get your costumes?! Your pictures are amazing and Nella is gorgeous! What a wonderful red!

Alli said...

I love that you drop everything to do what matters with your kids most! I have lots of dishes stacked in my sink but I love reading and playing with my little 2! Thats what matters most!

FEAS613 said...

I'm rockin bare feet in October in CT too :) It's a little chilly but until there's snow on the ground barefoot is the way to be!!

Amazing all the comments a giveaway attracts... Just had to put my comment in and try my luck!

Happy Halloween Weekend!
~Beth

Anne said...

omg! the "sock feet" are killin' me!!!

Rachel C. said...

we don't have any halloween candy in the house yet, but, YUM...I am so excited for Sunday night. That pink starburst wrapper made my mouth water! :)

KK & Company said...

Just found out I am expecting my first baby in June! I love reading your blog... everything about it makes me so excited to be a mommy!

Meghan said...

I love your blog it makes me happy on a sad day - Thank You!

Sammie said...

Ok Kelle. I am leaving you a comment finally after following your blog for quite some time, not because I am madly in love with that luscious red bag, but because I think it is high time I tell you that I think you are fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. Your lease on life is contagious. I find myself checking each day during nap time to see if there is a new post to inspire me. Sometimes you inspire me to do little things, like bake cupcakes with the world's most delicious buttercream frosting or rake up a pile of leaves just for a great photo op. (My daughter & husband thank you for that recipe. My thighs do not.) Sometimes though you inspire me to do big things like find a local buddy walk to be a part of and make this world a better place for all of our kids. You talk about fuel and some days your posts are my fuel, Kelle. Thank you for that. I've been meaning to leave you a comment for so long, but I just didn't know if my words would be enough for me to convey how freaking awesome I think you are. Keep on rockin' mama.

Joann said...

Love the post!
And love the diaper bag....I am addicted to diaper bags!
Would love this one.
Enjoy Halloween!

-Missy said...

And that is why I STILL haven't bought Halloween candy yet :)

Corrin said...

I would love to ROCK that red bag! A girl can never have too many accessories! :)

RunDiRun said...

That header is the cutest thing I've ever seen! Little sis chewing on big sis's tail...oh my! I just "awwww"'d out loud.

Duquesa said...

Oh, please, please, please let me win this.....with 4 children, ages 4 and under, this mama needs some help with organization....and let's just say it....some help with style, too. Love these giveaways!

Dawn said...

Those pockets and snaps are exactly what I need in my life! Happy Halloween, happy weekend, and Happy almost November (wow ... can't believe that one)!

tirzahjoy said...

"I used to want to be a child forever. Now, in loving this place, I want to have a child forever. And, believe me, it is in moments like this that I find comfort in the fact that the magic of the extra chromosome just might let Peter stay in Neverland a little longer for our family. And that's perfectly alright."

I love that you said that. so good.

..and I'm thinking that bag would make my first flight across the country alone with my babe more sane, hmmm. :) xoxo

Tricia said...

those bags look awesome!

Tricia said...
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Tricia said...
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shanjol23 said...

I would LOVE that diaper bag!!! Love it! And the girls are, as usual, the cutest in their Halloween costumes! :)

lawgirl1 said...

Love the red bag - need one that snaps onto the double stroller!

lawgirl1 said...

Love the red bag - need one that snaps onto the double stroller!

Sarah said...

You are brilliant. I lost my uncle with Down Syndrome this past year. He loved Fonzie (a/k/a "The Fonz" or "Arthur Fonzarelli"), and we always got a thumbs up and "AYE" when we visited. He stayed in Neverland forever, and would always take us there with him. Truly a gift.

Sarah Halbesma said...

Love the diaper bag. WIth #2 on the way it would be perfect. Love the pictures!!!

scuppie said...

I am going to eat that Nella-bean! :) Have a great weekend!

Brouillettes said...

LOVE the diaper bag...trying to keep an eye out for great finds like this, because my diaper bag from the first baby has seen SO many better days.

Your pictures inspire me to get back into photography so much! They are BEAUtiful. And your candy story...makes me want to go eat some right now! Is that bad?! Keep on keeping on! And we'll keep on reading ;)

Suprsalie said...

Oh how I could use a bag with LOTS of pockets for my 2 boys belongings--- ah the red will make me a diva mama!

Mama L. said...

LOVE the bag! Mine recently has been destroyed by both lip gloss AND eyeliner whose cap popped off. Nice..

Now, the bag is insane and perfect, but let's also talk about the awesome shoes!

Mare said...

Love, love, love the girlies Halloween costumes!

Snickers and Almond Joys and Banana Laffy Taffys are my weakness.

Loving the red diaper bag. I would gift it to my sister who is expecting her second child.

Zoe said...

love those little mary jane feet! so sweet.
and your halloween candy made me laugh. way too much candy consumption has been going on at my house lately too, mostly during naptime when the little folks are sleeping! :)

Wall Family said...

New head for the win!!!

and PS...I NEED THAT BAG!! HA

ESP said...

Love the sock feet!

Eleni said...

*Gasp* What a BEAUTIFUL diaper bag! I'm drooling over it!
Love your site, Kelle - I have it bookmarked and check back often, but this is the first (but definitely not last!) time I comment.
Happy Halloween! :)

Kerrie said...

Your Pictures are stunning and the bag looks cool.

Kurt and Ash said...

Love your lipstick! And that bag looks perfect for a disorganized mom like myself!

MUGGS said...

I friggin love the that you ate JUST the almonds out of the Almond Joy, but the fact that Nella can sit up with her toes pointed towards each other is way more impressive. Love the dexterity of these special gene babies.

abbey said...

What a view to have as you sit and write...I would love it. Love the picture of the girls reading a book together. so precious. and Love that bag...adorable and organized!

Janine said...

What an absolutely delightful blog! So glad I bumped into you today! Your writing is so refreshing and encouraging. I am excited to follow and read more. Have a beautiful week. Janine

magali said...

I love your pictures and that diaper bad is beautiful, would be so great to have one :)

theshultzs said...

i LOVE this bag! and your updated halloween banner!

bcsbethany said...

I buy Halloween candy early when it's on sale with a coupon. I think I'm going to save money but I just end up eating it all and then having to buy more bags for the actual day.

If I win it's bcsbethany at yahoo.com

GWhizKid said...

Um yeah, I would be so excited to tote that diaper bag! Happy Halloween, love your new header and the costumes :)

Carly said...

LOVE the cute bag!

dnewton78 said...

What a perfect way to sum up that little extra chromosome!

Mamabelly said...

Just stopped by to tell you that I love the new header and the fact that when I read your blog I feel good knowing that we all feel the same about Halloween candy,kids and messes and beautiful things. Happy October.

Live.Love.Laugh. said...

Oh halloween candy how I love you! More Candy corn please! And I ate a whole box of halloween marshmallow peeps in one sitting a few days ago. When I finished I realized just how happy I was that someone decided Easter wasn't enough for peeps! LOL

Laura said...

I LOVE a great diaper bag that doesn't LOOK like a diaper bag!

Jen said...

two things:
1. i love the bag. would rock to be organized.

2. love the new song... and i wanted to let you know that i made a "kelle hampton mix cd" that i LOVE. and all my friends love their copies of it, too. thanks for the fun tunes!

Mrsink said...

I've been reading your blog for a while now and your outlook on life and the way your express it through photography as well as your words is inspiring! I am a mom of a special needs child (undiagnosed) as well as a typically developing child and the journey with each is challenging yet SO full of joy! I love that your love of being a mom shines through in your posts.

The Kissels said...

visiting your blog is one of my happy moments of the day...

I don't really remember wanting to be a child forever, but I definitely look at my 4 yr old and 2 yr old each day and I know that I want time to slow down, that I will miss them so much as they age. Good things are sure to come, but this age is so magical!

Teresa said...

Cute bag!

Jen said...

Because it seems like you somehow manage to juggle all the craziness of life and make it always look good, I confess I was quite relieved to see that you too have piles of books and clothes in your home too! Sorry girl, but it sure made me feel better!!

Lucy said...

I have something to admit. Aside from being inspired by your beautiful life, I am using your blog as today's play list. I'm not ashamed!

Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock said...

I always love your 'enjoying the small things' posts!!
I'm smitten with that last photo of Lainey!!
Happy weekend Kelle!
xo

Jen said...

Love those babies in their costumes--can't wait to see the Halloween post I know is coming!

lillies & lattes said...

what a great bag! and i adore your blog :)

Sara said...

LOVE the bag - what a great color!

Have a Happy Halloween - can't wait to see the pictures!

my name is Mel said...

Glad to know I'm not the only one with a diaper bag slight addiction...and a candy addiction at that. Why does something so good have to rot your teeth? ;) Halloween is almost over and then I'll stop. I promise.

Love your blog.

loveyoualready said...

Hope I'm not too late for the giveaway!

As much as I love your writing and photos, I am also fascinated by your choice of music and your musical timing, it's great! If you don't know this song already, you might enjoy it...it's called "She Is Love" by Parachute.

Giantspeedbump

Max-n-Sam's Mommy said...

Your new header is too cute for words....
Love this post, Kelle. Keep it coming - you're my favourite read :o)
Happy Trick or Treating. I can't wait to see the pics!

teresa said...

I need a red diaper bag to match my red double stroller!

.:Heather:. said...

LOOOVE your new header! What adorable little girls you have! :)

Ellie said...

Oh the bags... Never seem to be able to keep one clean!

shouldbesleeping said...

Ugh, the Halloween candy. Why oh why can't I stay away????

Love the diaper bag. My hubby teases me that I was never a purse kinda girl, but I have been through so many diaper bags since my first was born. Still lookin for the perfect one.

Sarah said...

My kids have that same farm playset with the little girl and the animals. they call it their
Charlotte's Web set beause of the pig and they little girl who looks like Fern!

Stephanie said...

how appropriate that I sit down to read this post just after pawing through the Halloween candy (we live in the middle of nowhere and will most definitely get no trick-or-treaters)and deciding on 3 small bags of m&ms :)
A great Enjoying the Small Things post :) Love the new header too!

Sascha said...

My fav picture is with the girls in the grass and just your crossed feet showing - a relaxing pose. Happy Fall!

Amanda said...

I would so rock that bag with my new red boots!!! (And my big prego belly!)

Karyn said...

Love the new header! My husband and I just had our 12 week appointment for our first child today and couldn't be happier. We pray that we will be able to see the preciousness in our baby and in life that you are able to see in your girls/world every day. Thank you for the beauty your blog provides!

And of course, I wouldn't mind winning a diaper bag for our new little one! Happy Halloween!

Amanda Lang said...

love the new pics! love that red bag...goes perfect with the red boots!!!

Jill Labbee said...

beautiful post!

Kristen said...

I love that you love fall. I'm not ready for winter yet. And I love the bag!

Jess said...

I am always searching for a better diaper bag. I'd love to try this one on for size!!

Lora said...

Love the new header! Precious!

Meg said...

Loving the new header! Adorable girls!

Elizabeth said...

The gingham check pictures are wonderful -- I have a thing for gingham when fall runs around! I think it comes from a childhood spent reading all the "Little House" books over and over.

Love the diaper bags, too. With baby #2 on the way, I'm always looking for a good bag!

Elizabeth said...

1. The last photo of Lainey -- absolutely beautiful.
2. I prefer the term, "wife lover"
3. sock feet -- seriously. I adore it.
4. I love how Nella is pointing at the book Lainey is reading as if she's saying, "what's that word?"
5. LOVE Nella's brown and pink plaid outfit


Love it all! xoxo Kelle & fam!

Lizzy V.

Elizabeth said...
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Christi, Frank and Katie said...

Never comment but follow. The costumes in the header are too cute. Live in the pacific northwest and there is not barefeet in Oct. unless you want to freeze some toes off. :-)

Brooke said...

Happy Halloweekend! The daiper bag would make the perfect treat. :)

Sarah said...

Love Nella nibbling on Laney's tail! The diaper bag would be a treat (if it's not too late). Just found out we're expecting our 2nd (shhhhh, it's a secret for now!). Red would be a great color and work for a boy or girl. . .perhaps that will be motivation to be surprised on delivery day!

Pamela Jean said...

loving all the baby and little love, almost 9 weeks pregnant and looking forward to all the special moments to come! Love reading your stories :) My computer is broken, so I have to get my fixes on the run when I can, HAPPY WEEKEND TO YOU! :)

Tiffany said...

My lord, I love the picture of Nella in her sock feet. She is just looking at her feet, like "why, hello there feet. how are you today? do you like the socks? yeah, I thought they were kinda long too." TOO CUTE!

~Shelley~ said...

One of these days...I BELIEVE I WILL win the lottery! ;)

Kerrie said...

Enter me please!! I would love a new diaper bag!

I love your blog I check it several times a week :)

ItRocks2BMom said...

Totally LOVIN this bag! I love when you show pics of eaten chocolate and you tell stories of your crappy tables and rusted chairs and show pics of floors that look lived in... you're like a blogging ICON and yet, you're just like one of us :) And even though I'm going to be commenter #1,513..I'm gonna smile at the thought you might actually get around to reading this :) Have a great day!

Brielle said...

Love this bag- my first is due soon and finding an organized efficient way to carry all is important for the little one!

Kimberly said...

Oh my goodness. Love the costumes. Too sweet!

sarah said...

Oh how I hope hope hopey hope I'm not too late commenting to be entered to win that red-licious bag!

#1, I so get the loving the cubicle once a week and the ease of sliding into the floor to join childhood, too.

#2, Candy corn candy corn candy corn....it's typing hyper from my finger tips.

#3, I'm loving Nella and Lainey in pics together and the older Nella gets seeing them team up and her interest in big sis, and seems like sweet Lainey is gonna and already is the best big sis ever. I've loved watching my baby grow to show big interest in big brother and see them interact more and more. What joy for a mama to see our little love each other!!!

#4, You. Inspire. Me. To pieces. Thank you.

Keri said...

very cool bag! i love red bags, too! ;)

cathy said...

Kelle, you make your parents proud
xoxo

Pisceanchick said...

I am loving your fall images! Happy Halloween!

Marcia said...

"having a lot on my plate but dropping it all for moments like this" Words to live by! Love your blog, love your pics, love those kinda crazy patchwork chairs! :)

Poot and Boogie said...

Loving the red bag, also totally agreeing with you about being glad the extra chromosome will keep the little kid magic around a little bit longer.

Chasing bugs to the Max said...

I feel terrible that this is the first time I have commented because I am in love with your little ladies and it makes my day to read your blog and see all the sweetness of little girls. I have two gorgeous little boys, just about the same age that I wouldn't trade for the world, but I do love checking in on the girlies : )

Teri Eddy said...

I always take a minute to read your posts. Thanks for the sweet and enjoyable diversion. :)

Shannon said...

I am grey because my baby girl due in February also has DS - and I am scared about her health and the challenges she/we will face. And I worry about who will hold her hand.

But then I have my little dude who still thinks it's Halloween and has been wearing costumes all week and pretend trick-or-treating - and I can't help but smile and laugh with him.

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