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a good read: bloom by kelle hampton.

In my effort to keep up with one of my New Year's resolutions and because I simply love to read, I thought I'd start a new series here at Mama Marchand's Nest called A Good Read. I'll be posting a review about a book that I've read that I think you'll enjoy! I've been reading like a mad woman lately. My goal is to read fifty-two new-to-me books this year!

Today, I want to tell you about one of my favorites so far. It's Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected by Kelle Hampton.

(source)

If you sponsor other blogs and fill out sponsor forms, you've most likely had to answer the question "what's your favorite blog to read?" I ALWAYS answer with Kelle Hampton. Her blog is the one I save for when N is napping, when I can settle into my couch with a mug of chai and soak in every single word she writes.

So, I was OVER THE MOON when she announced a few months ago that she'd be writing a memoir. From the moment I started her book, filled with beautiful photos of her family and friends, I was filled with emotion. I would cry one minute and then burst out with laughter the next. I'm fairly certain that the people at my local Starbucks think I'm a little nuts. *wink*

She talks, poignantly, about her experience as a pastor's kid, her parents' divorce, her journey into adulthood, and how she met her husband. Though I've been a blog reader for two years now, I knew none of that! It was heart wrenching but, at the same time, refreshing to hear about the curve balls that life has thrown her way to form her into the beautiful person she is today.

Kelle shares Nella's birth story and you can almost audibly hear her heart breaking as she discovers that Nella has Down syndrome. She takes you on a journey through those first few days in the hospital and then at home, as she learns how to be a mama to a little one with special needs. She lovingly discusses how her older daughter, Lainey, accepted Nella as the sister she had loved since they found out Kelle was having a girl. You can tell that Kelle's journey isn't over when the book ends - it's just beginning and it carries on through her blog.

Kelle's passion for being a mama is evident and I fell more in love with her, her photography, and her writing after reading Bloom. Please go buy it in some form - in hardbackor Kindle- and make sure you buy a box of kleenex to go with it.

I promise that you will enjoy it as much as I did!

P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I was not compensated in any way to write this review. I simply LOVED this book but I will earn a small referral fee if you purchase the book through the Amazon links I provided above. *smile*

sponsor love & giveaway: our reflection.

My sweet friend, Laura, is back as a sponsor for the month of May and I'm thrilled.
Read on to find out more about this beautiful photographer mama!

blog | twitter | facebook | bloglovin | hellocotton | pinterest

Tell us about yourself ...

I'm a full-time working mom of two beautiful daughters, a wife to an amazing encouraging husband. When I’m not working my 8-5 or being “mommy”, I’m a lifestyle photographer. I'm regrettable a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection with Facebook and Twitter. I heart Starbucks and the colors pink and yellow. I have a passion about mountain biking and I would LOVE to learn how to play the piano {on my bucket list}. 

What are you most looking forward to in May?

Today (May 16th) I'm hosting a linky party called "There's No Place Like Home." Have you ever wanted a peak inside the homes of your blogger friends? We're always seeing these fabulous DIY home projects that show us just a glimpse, but I'm talking a real open house style tour. Each room, yards, gardens and your neighborhood. Every Thursday, I host a Meet & Tweet Twitter HOP. Every Friday, I host a photo challenge. 

Why did you start blogging? How did it happen? What have you learned? 

I actually started blogging to keep in contact with family in friends that don’t live close. This was a window into our lives without actually being here. I started meeting so many fantastic people, made some life-long friends, and got so inspired, I can’t image life without blogging. 

What are your top three all-time favorite blogs to read? 

The Velardes, The Foley Fam, and Casey Leigh.

If you could live in any era, what would it be and why? 

If I could live in any era it would probably be the 1950’s for the outfits, hair styles, culture, cars… It’s all so very intriguing. Girls were treated with so much more respect and there was such innocence about people. Times have definitely changed. 

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you take with you? 

I would go back to Mackinac Island where we honeymooned over 10 years ago. My husband and I have been planning a trip back for our 11th anniversary, this time taking our girls to experience the island of no automobiles. Just bikes and horses! We’re heading back in July, can’t wait! 

What is one thing that you've always wanted to learn?

I've always wanted to play the piano. It’s my favorite instrument that I could listen to for hours. It takes so much time and dedication to learn, I think our girls will have to be grown before I can take it on. 

Laura is offering you the chance to win a ...

This giveaway is open to the US only and it ends Sunday, 5/20 at 12:01 AM.
The winner will be announced in a blog post that day. Happy entering!

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she has my heart.

I had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend, filled with delicious meals at my favorite places, spontaneous fun at the park, a mother daughter tea at a good friend's house, and lots of time with my girl and the hubs. Of the three years that I've had the blessing to celebrate this holiday as a mama, this one was, by far, the best. As each Mother's Day comes and goes, one thought plays over and over in my head.

That cute little bow-wearing bundle of energy up there has stolen my heart.

About ten minutes after I took that photo, she missed a step on those stairs at the playground and ended up cutting her little top lip open. There was minimal blood but lots and lots of tears which resulted in lots and lots of cuddling. In that moment, it was painstakingly clear that my heart is hers forever.

That sweet smiley face brings me such joy but my heart is sad every time I look at that little fat lip. My heart broke a little on Sunday when she fell. My heart breaks a little every time she gets hurt or is sad. I wonder - is this how it will be for the rest of my years? Will my heart always feel more than I ever thought possible because of how connected I am to her? After all, my body held hers for nine months, growing and nourishing her little body until it was time for her to be held in my arms. When that first pregnancy test, of many, told me I would be a mama, I didn't expect that I would feel more than I've ever felt in my life.

I got this text message from the hubs as I was leaving work yesterday. Again, I felt that juxtaposition of emotion as my heart twinged with a teensy bit of ache but also swelled with happiness at the same time, because she missed me. Some days, I wonder how I ever functioned, not knowing this precious little person. She has added more to my life than I ever thought possible.

my girl wanted to tell you something.

(please excuse her hiccups!)