...as in, we hop-skipped-jumped from Holland to visit Italy 'cuz no one's gonna tell me we'll never ever ever get to go there.
Here's our postcard.
Mamas...these flashcards were suggested to me by my friend Amy, mama of the amazing Kayla (who happens to have D.S. but any baby would love rockin' these cards), and I highly suggest purchasing them. DK "My First" Touch and Feel Picture Cards Set (there are several sets). We only started this game a week ago, first giving her two cards to choose from, and now she knows about 10 words and can choose between 3-4 cards.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Postcard from Italy
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319 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 319 of 319You and your beautiful little one are amazing! Go get 'em!
Nella and you are my heroes. <3 Love.
A is for Awesome!!!!!
She is so freaking adorable!!! And smart!
Thanks for the reminder of finding Italy...needed that today :)
She's so stinking cute! I'm sure you've already heard this before but I absolutely LOVE "Baby Signing Time". They have DVDs, flash cards and CDs. My daughter loves them. The DVDs show little kids (including kids with DS) sign different words and the lady that does it comes up with these little songs while she teaches them to sign. They are awesome. We started watching them when my daughter was 6 months old she's now 17 months old and she is talking up a storm. It probably took her a month to start using the sign language but once she started...there was so stopping her....You should totally check them out. babysigningtime.com
ADORABLE! Go Nella and go mom!
Oh what beauty!! Her happiness jumps right off my screen and I want to squeeze her!! Way to go Nella!! You are "sooooo BIG" and "sooooo bright"! The world is yours my little friend...eat it up...Nella style-bright and beautiful!!
Way to go Mama Kelle! Love your enthusiasm!
Monique
okay I just left you a comment but somehow it didn't link to this page.... so I'll leave you another one here. Nella is so stinking cute. I love her little smile. I'm sure you've already heard about this but I LOVE "Baby Signing Time". They have DVDs, CDs, flashcards and books. The DVDs have a lady who sings a song to teach them signs and then it shows videos of other little kids doing the signs (including DS kids). My daughter started watching them around 6 months and now's she 17 months and talking up a storm, plus she knows so many signs. It's amazing. She can tell me anything she wants. It probably took her about a month before she started signing but once she did...there was no stopping her. You should totally check it out. They are awesome. www.babysigningtime.com
Nella is AWESOME! Good job, Mama! SO adorable!
Precious sweet little smarty girl!! Must get me some of those for mine.
Way to go MamaKelle for being a great teacher and encourager!!
go nella! that is so awesome. we have those flash cards too, they are great!
Love it! and mostly I love your accent! x
That is awesome!!! Nella is truly a rockstar!!! i just ordered my Deo some. I cant wait to play!!!
Oh! Such a smart baby!
I love her big grin when she picks up the flash card......She knows that she knows her stuff - and she's lovin' all the praise from Mommy and Daddy!
Way to go!...Rosemary
Go Nella!! I love love love this video!! Give your Mommy a hug and keep rockin' these cards!
great job nella and mama!!
EXCELLENT! That is so exciting!!! Go Nella!!!
(Enjoy Italy)
I am SOOOO IN LOVE with this girl!!
Surprised? NO - she was born to do great things! And Kelle - it's a reflection of the kind of parents you & Brett are - you have your priorities straight.
And Sam & Sophie the cats LOVE that she knows a kitty when she sees one! Three MEOWS for Nella Bean! XOXOXO We love her!
beautiful, thanks for sharing
Nella is soo awesome and smart but why am I not surprised!:) Just wait till she starts reading!
My Casey Jane is in Kindergarten and her teacher just told me this week that she is already ahead of where all (typical) Kinders in our district need to be by the end of the year in reading! I almost cried! Her reading to me is pure music.
Enjoy these moments -- of course I know you already do!
Love,
Angela
YAY NELLA! My 20 month old looooved this video! Smiling & clapping & cheering little Nella on! <3 Happy Sunday, hope you guys are enjoying the weekend things.
She is amazing! I've got tears in my eyes after watching that. Yay Nella!!
Kayla says "awww.so cute". Nella truly is a rockstar...and you are a wonderful Momma! So glad you love the cards! Now onto France, Brazil, Africa...and anywhere else we wanna go! :) xoxo
You are amazing Nella!Thank you for sharing.
that was beautiful! have you tried baby bumblebee products as well. we brought the dvd's for tilly and both she and poppy loved them and they really supported literacy development. its very visual as well, just like what you are doing here! love and hugs from another mummy with an extra special girl xxx
Way to go Nella! That is so awesome! You are such a good mom!
Enjoy Italy, baby.Those cards are awesome....Marissa
Yay for Nella! That is so exciting! :) I love seeing videos of her, she's just way too cute :)
Thanks Kelle for sharing! I just bought these cards on amazon for my own "marshmallow" Calista that has the same age like Nella. - Waving hands from Switzerland, Iren
Yay for Nella! Flashcards are still active in my life! Grad school life that is! Getting her started early is key! Go Mama!
Nella Bean! Your momma is hereby under orders to kiss your face a bajillion times because you are the cutest, smartest, sweetest little Nella Bean in the whole wide world!
Yay for Nella! Flashcards are still active in my life! Grad school life that is! Getting her started early is key! Go Mama!
Go Nella!
Nella you are such a smart little girl!
It was lovely to see this video.
xo
GO Nella! My 3.5 year old was cheering her on!
I love that Nella found the cat and the baby card. My 16 month old loves those 2 particular cards the best. I think they would get along well :)
Yep. She's smart. Super smart.
This is so great! It's so wonderful to see how she loves to learn!
what a beautiful smartie!
What a smart girl! She is leaps and bounds ahead of babies her age!
BTW, positive thoughts for another warrier Mom would be awesome! A friend named Jennifer just gave birth two days ago to a beautiful daughter named Kennedy. Her and her husband were surprised at birth with a DS diagnosis, and their little one also has a heart defect that will need surgery. I've sent her the link to your blog, because I know she'll find great hope and inspiration in it. And, she's not too far from you- Tampa!
Soooo stinkin' cute!!!
oooh I was clapping along with her! I still remember when Chloe first told me a shape that I hadn't even taught her the name yet, was an "Octagon", she picked it up somewhere! One of my favorite videos ever! Love it!!
This video is awesome! Nella is so lucky to have you for a mom. Keep up the great work!
I remember when everyone told me to read "welcome to Holland" after we found out about my daughter's chromosomal disorder, I know it was supposed to make me feel better, but it didn't. I feel the same way as you, I may have to hang here in Holland for awhile, but I am going to Italy!
I smiled and got excited with you through the whole thing! What a smart smart little girl!! Nella is amazing, and her happiness is contagious as she holds that card proudly. You are such an encouraging mama, keep up the great work you two!
I had the lovely privilege, and that's exactly what I call it, to have a wonderful women (she was 32 :) with Down Syndrome come in with her family at the restaurant I work at. She was amazing and so very kind. She had this gorgeous class ring on and I complimented her on it, and she said she graduated when she was 22. I told her I'd just graduated but I didn't have a pretty ring like her. Such a darling to talk to, and the kindest person to ever take an order from ever!! I believe with my everything, heart, body, mind and soul that Nella is going to be just as fabulous, smart, and kind as that lady was to me.
Keep rocking those cards!
That is so awesome! Or should I say, "Bellissima, little Nella!!"
Kelle I am passing along the stylish blogger award to you. I just love your bog so much and you mae me want to write. My husband has always wanted me to write a children's story and I just think I might someday. So I am awarding the Stylish BLogger Award to you.
Love Roxanne
www.wevegotthgoodlife.blogspot.com
Kelle I am passing along the stylish blogger award to you. I just love your bog so much and you mae me want to write. My husband has always wanted me to write a children's story and I just think I might someday. So I am awarding the Stylish BLogger Award to you.
Love Roxanne
www.wevegotthgoodlife.blogspot.com
Kelle I am passing along the stylish blogger award to you. I just love your bog so much and you mae me want to write. My husband has always wanted me to write a children's story and I just think I might someday. So I am awarding the Stylish BLogger Award to you.
Love Roxanne
www.wevegotthgoodlife.blogspot.com
Kelle I am passing along the stylish blogger award to you. I just love your bog so much and you mae me want to write. My husband has always wanted me to write a children's story and I just think I might someday. So I am awarding the Stylish BLogger Award to you.
Love Roxanne
www.wevegotthgoodlife.blogspot.com
What a smartie pants she is!!!
I keep seeing my son in her smiles. Love it.
oh my goodness, SO cute, i was "awing" the whole video.
brings tears to my eyes...as well as a huge smile to my mouth. every small success is huge. My son has Down syndrome - he's 6 years old and we're enjoying every bright filled moment he adds to our lives.
YAY Nella, What a clever princess.
Absolutely LOVED watching this over and over again.
Please post more of these. So precious.
Kristie xx
Go Nella!!!!! So beautiful and smart!!
I could feel your excitement. And You are awesome!!!
Rock on, Nella! Woot!
Oh my! that made my night! She is too cute. And I love how proud she looks, and how she looks to the camera. Adorable!
Way to go Nella, that is AWESOME! Must get some for my Nolan, super fun!!!! Now go eat some Gelato ;)
she's so stinkin cute. Even cuter to see her actually do things rather to read about her doing things. Loved the video! Thanks for sharing! :)
Way to go Nella! I love how she just looks at the camera, knowing she is right! You are doing a great job mama!
When my youngest was in OT, we too used these flash cards. She is now four and still plays with them!
Yay, Nella! You are so cute it makes my face hurt to smile when I see you!!! Keep clapping those precious, pudgy hands and showing off that fabulous baby belly and smiling that brilliant, glowing smile!!!
To NikNok - Am praying for Jennifer and baby Kennedy and family already!
Nella is such a Rockstart! My little boy who is the same age does not pick out cards, or even put his arms out for SO BIG! She is such a gift!
-Jenny
Oh, i loved this! I'm in Holland everyday with my 4yr that has cerebral palsy but I believe we will make it to Italy, too! So glad you know this story. You've helped me get through so many tough days, Kelle! Thanks for always inspiring...Vanessa
THANK YOU for sharing! So inspiring. I just ordered sets for my 9 month old Garrett.
I loved this! I was proud of Nella for you! It's so exciting to see any little accomplish something! Please post more videos! It's nice to see your words in action!
I totally just bought these cards on Saturday. After seeing your video I can't wait to work on them with my son! :)
I think this simple post made me the happiest, yet :). Hugs to Nella!
We're in Italy this month, too! My little guy is 2.5 and also has Down syndrome. A few months ago, he crawled by an abc magnet on the floor and said, "Oh! F!" WHAT?? So, we've been working on letters, and he now can orally give the sound for all lowercase and most uppercase letters. It's so fun to see him learn & grow (and is also fun to show off to suprised therapists we meet :).
Maybe we'll bump in to each other in Italy-it's a small country :).
Awesome Nella Bella Bean! You rock! We too do flashcards or "Flashing Me" as our newly two year old calls them. Greatest thing ever....the oldest began to read by 4, on her own because of them :) Keep it up!!!
She's perfect and inspiring.
Proud as a little peacock that little Nella is!!! So cute!! My youngest is one month to the day younger than your Nella and I purchased the cards for her today...thanks for sharing!!! Heather LAvigne Saint John, NB
freaking precious! and so smart. i am proud right there with you!
It's wonderful to see Nella's remarkable progress! What I discovered in raising children is that there is lots of wonderful ground in between Holland and Italy as well - take the side roads and enjoy every bit of the ride! So glad Nella is doing well!
Awesome, Nella girl! I am so proud of you!!!! My son, Jaxson, and I were watching you this morning. Jaxson was wondering when we could go to y'all's house! LOL!! He feels like y'all are family. So, do I and, of course, my 16 month old talks to Nella every time I read your blog. Thanks for making my day every single time I read your blog.
I love this! I had the biggest smile watching this video! You and Brett must be so proud! Great Job guys, you rock Nella!
YAAYY for Nella!!! SO amazing.My little guy was cheering for Nella every time she picked her card! What a cutie patootie genius baby!
You were in Italy baby! You are soo in Italy!!!
xoxo To you all!!
Chantelle
That is so great!! Go Nella! Go Nella!
I just went onto Amazon and bought some of those cards for my 6 mos old girl! I know it might be a little too early, but I just LOVE them! The video of your daughter is adorable. You can just see how proud she is of herself!!
Yay Nella! Such a sweetie!
Okay. We NEED those cards! Ordering now.
Nella is so impressive!!!
Oh my gosh! Made. My. Morning!
Nella Rocks!
That's amazing!
I'm not a big fan of postcards but this one is picture perfect. So full of emotion, love and awesome! :)
these are awesome! and what a sweet little thang your nella is! my daughter, eden (2 1/2) can't get enough of this video. she keeps asking me "again?" :)
LOVE THIS....too cute. She's so smart! Way to go Nella
tears... she is amazing!
keep up the great work, Nella- you are a rockstar!
Thanks for sharing this with all of us! What an amazing girl you have there! :)
Hello Kelle -
I just finished reading your entire blog - from the beginning. Took a little time, but it was SO worth it. You're an inspiration to all women - not just mama's, but those who wish to be a mama some day and beyond. I am continually touched by your words and photos, and your willingness to be so open about your life, your flaws, and your family's accomplishments.
Lainey and Nella are just lovely. I was sent the link to your blog by my former boss, who used to work with your dad at Troy...(I work at the Royal Oak hospital)... I actually had a chance to meet your dad at my boss's "going away" party just the other week, and what a funny, kind, proud poppa he is.
I don't know why I've waited so long to comment, but as I finally got caught up on your posts, it felt like the right time. Also, as one of many people you've inspired... I've always had an old SLR camera and have been into photography for many years now, but I just recently purchased a new D-SLR - for sure the nicest camera I've ever owned. I have wanted one for a long time, but always put it off because of the expense. After reading through your blog, seeing your amazing pictures, and the way you capture your family's life, I decided that this was the best investment I could make.
Anyway, really, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your family with us and for inspiring me to be better, more present, more grateful...
Today, here in Michigan we woke up to another snow storm... But, I will bloom where I'm planted and be thankful for the beauty and wonder of snow today!
Love her!! She is so smart!
Sweet little smartie pants!=)I love that Nella!
Rock it Nella!
She sure is proud of herself! It's so fun to see her in action. I think using ASL will make her feel so empowered too - and it would be so fun for Lainey to sign with her!! My girl is downstairs right now reading a 80 page novel -your nella bean will be there before you know it!! Enjoy every moment.
I am happy to know that Nella is doing OK after Saturday's morning incident and that you had a great time meeting Ryan, Lauren and their beautiful girls, Ava and Millie!
LOVE this video! Nella is so smart... :)))
“We all have the extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released.” ~Jean Houston
Nella's so lucky she got such an amazing mama who lets her light shine through! Well done mama!
awww yay Nellabean!!!!!!! Going to look up those cards now...my little Brynn would LOVE these!
Oh- and do you guys have the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Brynn got it for her birthday from a friend and is OBSESSED with this book! Her has little slides in it, she loves to slide to see the pictures! Just thought I'd trade 1 suggestion for another!
Thanks for sharing this. She is just a sweetheart! I found these cards at Sams today for $6.32! My son (16 months) loves the tractor card!
OH. MY. HEAVENS. She is JOY IN MOTION!!!!!! I'm 100% positive she just infused my entire home with joy. Everyone in my household thanks her (and you). Nella, you are a joy champion!!! XOXO
More postcards pretty please!!!
Sooo big and sooo smart! Such a good teacher, mommy!
Heh heh.... She loves the camera :)!! (And of course the Daddy behind it!)
What a cutie pie!
Amazing! Tears in my eyes beautiful.
Love it!!!!!
I really love this video. xo
What a little smarty pants! Love the cards! Just ordered 4 sets of them for my 15 month old preemie to help him catch up on his communication skills! So much cheaper and more reasonable than that my baby can read program. Thanks for sharing!
So exciting!
Way to go, Nella!!!!
Aww, I loved working with flash cards when my son was little. So sweet. She's so proud of herself too. Adorable!!
sooo cute!!! sweet little baby girl you have there-- actually make that 2 sweet little girls you have!! :)
My granddaughter Emerson LOVED that baby flash card ... the very same one! She thought it was a real baby :) and we would use it as a "carrot" when she was learning to crawl. The poor card is mangled now but she learned so many words with those flash cards...and is still learning ... 47 chromosomes or not!
yay! what a ham! omg, she is such a doll!! Thanks for sharing!
thanks so much for sharing Nella and her flashcard video. Yay Nella!!!! I cheered right along with you and love her delight in learning. she is so precious!
Can't stop smiling. Off to buy these cards for my babe!
My girls watched the video and ran to get flashcards to do them with my littlest, Reece They were so proud of Nella and so proud of Reece when she was able to do many of the flashcards they tested her on. Thanks for the idea and yay Nella!!
HOORAY!!!!!!! Gonna order some right now :)
Kelle, thank you so much for the postcard from Italy--I have a four-month-old son with Down syndrome (Augustine), and I seriously have never been able to stand that "never ever ever" thing in the Holland piece. Who says 'never ever ever' will our sweet children be able to achieve certain "typical"goals? I certainly don't. The world is their oyster. Or, the universe, for that matter.
I'm not going to tell you that Nella is smart or amazing or that you clearly are sending postcards from right in the middle of the Sistine Chapel right now (one of the most beautiful places in Italy where you are clearly spending time). Rather, I'd like to point out some very specific stuff about Nella I see in this video:
1. Nella has a great attention span. A lot of one year olds simply could not have given this task the attention that she does for this long.
2. Nella is very dilligent. Many one year olds would not have been willing to sit there and figure out which card was the ball. If they didn't know immediately... game over. Nella was willing to spend the time to work at it to figure it out.
3. Nella is very sweet tempered and seems to have a high frustrtion tolerance. Yes, I know that this is often said about kids who have DS, but I am not talking about a stereotype. I am talking specifics here about how Nella was willing to give up the baby card , which she clearly loved, with little fuss and move on to the next task.
4. Nella has wonderful social skills. Again yeah sterotype but specifics: She keeps engaging her dad, or whoever it is that is filming during any "down time" while you searched for the next card. She however, turns her attention back to you as soon as you are ready for her. And she is so delighted with your delight. It made her happy to make you happy, which not many one year olds can process like this.
Love it! Screw Holland and Italy. The world is Nella's oyster! Keep opening minds. No one can know the limitations of another!
Precious & amazing!!!!
What a smart girl! Thank you for letting me know about these cards. My son has ASD and these will be PERFECT for him!! Thank you, Thank You, Thank You!
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