The Evolution Of Laughter
On Maddie’s last night, I sat in a chair next to her bed. The PICU didn’t allow beds for the parents to sleep in. Yeah, I know, we’ll just all take a moment to acknowledge how stupid that is and then move on…..OK. The PICU staff was very nice, and offered to bring over a TV/VCR so I could play videos to entertain Maddie. Their video stock was vast, and I picked a couple of my favorites. First we watched “The Wizard of Oz.” I sang along to all the songs. Every now and then she’d open her eyes to look at me, and then the TV screen. After TWOO was over, I popped in “Mary Poppins.” I sang along with every song in that movie as well, but when the song “I Love To Laugh” came on, I added a little commentary.
“Maddie Moo, this song could totally be about you, me, and Daddy. We all love to laugh. All we do is laugh every day!”
Maddie had the BEST laugh. It started as giggles and hiccups, and evolved into full-fledged laughter. It was impossible to be in the presence of her laughter and not, in turn, laugh yourself.
if you can’t see the video above, click here
Even when I am in my most down moments, her laugh is music to my ears.
Anne says:
Her laugh is contagious!
Anne’s last blog post..A New Experience
Lauren says:
That’s contagious joy, right there. Wow.
Lauren’s last blog post..Laugh.
Noelle says:
How amazing that you were able to share your childhood favorites with Maddie. And that laugh…so adorable and contagious. Her happiness is so obvious, and she is so, so loved.
In Due Time says:
(((((Heather & Mike)))))))
Love her laugh, too. Sitting here with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. I think about y’all every day.
In Due Time’s last blog post..Bed Rest
MazingAmy says:
Awww you are so right! It is impossible not to smile and laugh at Maddie’s beautiful smile and laugh.
MazingAmy’s last blog post..crazy how it feels tonight…
Krissa says:
Precious!
Magda says:
Her laughter is truly contagious and put’s a huge smile on my face every time I hear it. Please continue to share Maddie with us, love you all an thinking about you everyday!
amanda says:
There is nothing better than a child’s laugh – that seems sappy to say but it’s true -it’s never sarcastic or cynical (it seems that so many times when adults – ok, me – laugh, it’s with an edge to it) – but children laugh with true joy. I love my daughter’s laugh too – sometimes she laughs so hard she starts burping – which just makes her laugh more. Sweet Maddie – thank you for sharing her with us again.
xo from CT,
Amanda
amanda’s last blog post..low
Brittanie says:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with us. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Maddie and you and Mike through your pictures, videos, and incredible words. We may never meet, but not a day goes by that I do not think of all of you. You are always in my heart, I take your story and your strength everywhere I go. There truly are not enough words to describe what an incredible kiddo Maddie is and what an amazing person you are.
Her laughter is truly contagious and unique and so genuinely happy and Maddie! She is amazing. <3
Beret says:
What a nice way to wake up on a Friday! Maddie’s laugh will have me in a good mood all day.
jen says:
Hands down – best laugh ever! I love that her laugh turns into little shrieks of joy..its almost like she just cant contain herself.
Thinking of you & Mike..
jen’s last blog post..25 things..
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Little Maddie Moo’s laugh – you must miss it so much.
Sending hugs.
Lynn from For Love or Funny’s last blog post..Under surveillance
wn says:
I echo that it was a GREAT way to wake up this morning!
wn’s last blog post..frogs and snails
Kelly says:
She is so insanely beautiful… I’m a little biased about my own daughter’s laughter – but Maddie definitely has the second best laughter EVER!
Love and hugs to you all…
Kelly’s last blog post..Daddys are so comfortable!
Charlane says:
How could you be anything but happy listening to her sweet baby laugh! That was adoreable!
Charlane’s last blog post..Off the Charts
leena says:
every time i see her I can’t get over how beautiful she is. Thanks for sharing this video- it made my day!
Nicole says:
Its true…I am laughing through my tears. What a sweet little thing!
Casey says:
It really is a gift, what you come here to share with all of us. She is so beautiful.
I’ve said before that there is something so throaty and unrestrained about a baby’s laughter, it is impossible not to be moved to at least grin like a fool when you hear it. Maddie’s laughter is just a joy to watch and listen to. Her face lights up so perfectly.
Thank you.
Casey’s last blog post..Not another ice cream pun to start a post
Christine says:
Two of my favorites too. Her laugh is awesome. She was and continues to be a joy.
Christine’s last blog post..I don’t like Mondays
Ann says:
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s laughter with us. What a poignant and delightful video. I love how she fit into the crook of Mike’s arm. Your posts are so moving, Heather, I’m sure sales in concealer are skyrocketing.
Leah says:
I have been reading your blog since somewhere in the middle of April. I can’t remember where I exactly found it from but I remember seeing Maddie’s pic on that March of Dimes badge and couldn’t help clicking on it. I don’t think I even read the words March of Dimes or realized what it was for – I was so attracted to her beautiful face, my hand clicked that mouse button before I even thought about it.
I’ve now watched many of your videos and looked at Maddie’s pictures over and over. One thing that strikes me is that she carried so much joy with her. It is wonderful and heartwarming to see her smile and hear her laugh.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I have no idea what it must take to open your life up to strangers here, but I am glad that you do. In times of my own profound grief, I was never able to open myself up to anyone like you and Mike have done.
And to add my 2 cents to that one hurtful comment yesterday – I would seriously throw punk ass down for you!
Tricia (irishsamom) says:
Oh Heather, how could you not smile (or laugh out loud) when you hear that purely infectious giggle followed by that gorgeous laugh. The passion that your precious girl lived with should be a lesson to us all, to take the time out to laugh and have fun with life. I can only imagine she learned so much of that from her parents. I am thinking of you every day and holding you and Mike and your gorgeous girl in my heart. My children now have an extra angel to pray for and talk about. Maddie still spreads her joy to all of us strangers/friends (as Matt would say) and she infiltrates our lives in such a beautiful way. I hope that you can have some peace today.
Tricia xoxox
Tricia (irishsamom)’s last blog post..Taking the Road Less Travelled
DesignHER Momma says:
Heather -
These videos are awesome! I admit that I don’t have too many videos of my girls and you have really inspired me to take more. These are preserved memories that you will always have. Again, thanks for sharing your life with all of us.
Love you and miss you!
Emily
DesignHER Momma’s last blog post..I Scoff in the Face of Family Photos
Susan D. says:
That is a wonderul laugh. Like someone else said, I laughed and got a tear at the same time. Sending you hugs.
Susan D.’s last blog post..Dreadmill
Ali says:
What a gift it is to have all these videos of her! I’m glad you take comfort from tham! What a fun little girl she was!
Ali’s last blog post..Frazzled.
Colleen says:
I never thought I could laugh and cry at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing Maddie with us.
Colleen’s last blog post..The Devil doesn’t always wear Prada
Molly says:
She is such a delightful child. Even though I never met her, I miss her every day.
Alexandra says:
It’s helping me process her passing, with you telling bits and pieces , here and there. I couldn’t take all the details , if you gave them to us all at once. Thank you, for the pace, and for the slow sharing. It takes a long time to understand and walk through what happened to Maddie. I’m still in shock. I can’t even begin to imagine the mental place you are in…taking this apart and trying to see it’s real.
Summer says:
The laughter of a baby, is there any more beautiful sound?
Summer’s last blog post..Wearing my heart on my sleeve
Amanda says:
To take Molly’s words:
“Even though I never met her, I miss her every day.”
thank you for letting us remember (and grieve) with you.
Barbara Howard says:
Maddie is precious. Thank you for sharing her laughter!
Becky says:
This is Alex’s favorite Maddie video. And I love it too.
Oh Heather, I miss her with you. I wish she were laughing here.
Becky’s last blog post..Tell Me It’s Just A Bad Case Of Lovin’ You.
AMomTwoBoys says:
OH, I love this video.
It was a great way to start my day. My very early day.
xoxo
AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post..Pirates!
moosh in indy. says:
Look who learned how to use iMovie.
She truly was the HAPPIEST baby I have ever EVER met.
moosh in indy.’s last blog post..namecalling.
kristen says:
it is a rainy, dreary day in connecticut…but it suddenly just got a whole lot brighter with your words and video of maddie. there she goes again…proving that a little laughter can spread a whole lot of joy in this world. maddie is a most wise teacher.
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again — you are an amazing, inspiring mother. what a beautiful way to spend maddie’s last night…so tender.
xxoo.
kristen
Vicky says:
So sweet.
Virginia says:
Oh Heather, her laughter’s infectious! Thank you for sharing.
Candice says:
What an amazing laugh! You’re right, so contagious. Every time I see a pic or video of her, I just can’t believe how gorgeous she is.
Candice’s last blog post..That Just Ain’t Right!
Marie says:
How blessed you are to have all those videos. Most people including me have only pictures. It’s so nice that you are able to play them whenever you want and listen to her.
Bless your day
Hugs,
Marie
Suzanne says:
The PICU details knock the wind out of me. And the video makes me smile. What a lovely baby girl — in every possible way. Madeline’s laughter is music.
@heartmychloe says:
I played this for the kids at work today (2,3,&6yo) and when it was over, they all yelled “play it again!” over and over and over.
So we did.
@heartmychloe’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Patty says:
You know what Heather? It is so awesome that you have all of this video and all of the photos you have of this precious angel! So many of us (ok, maybe only me?) don’t pull out the camcorder or camera nearly enough (1 time per year is DEFINITELY NOT enough!) and don’t get to capture memories like this. I guess what I am trying to say is that it is just wonderful that you can still enjoy her laughter. I do hope that you are able to find peace in these moments. She was, is, always will be an amazing and sweet angel. You have been blessed, although only for a short time. It still doesn’t make any sense, I don’t think it will, but in her short little life she made such an impact on so many lives and continues to. I think of this precious baby all of the time as well as yourself and Mike! There are no words to express my sadness over your loss of Madeline. Love from your stranger friend in Arizona!
Patty’s last blog post..It has begun!
Lacy Lewis says:
Thanks so much for sharing that video. Maddie always brings a smile to my face and a tug at my heart. I know you don’t know me, but your strength and courage has affected me in so many ways. I’ve been following your journey through your blog and think of you constantly. There is a song by Sarah McLaughlin callled Angel that makes me think of Maddie whenever I hear it (it’s on my IPOD). It might bring you some comfort. It’s a beautiful song!
You have touched so many lives…….I wish you peace.
Connie @ Young and Relentless says:
Baby laughter is the best….but she takes the cake!
Connie @ Young and Relentless’s last blog post..Believe…and You’ll See
Erica says:
Dear Heather,
Another stranger here de-lurking to tell you what an amazing little girl your Maddie is and what amazing people you and Mike are. I’ve only been reading you recently but now check in on you every day. I think of you throughout my day and wonder how you are doing. Your beautiful Maddie is also in my thoughts every day.
Your posts bring tears to my eyes. I just wanted you to know that another stranger is thinking of you and Mike, this one from a long way from you guys over in Luxembourg (near Germany).
As so many others have already said, you and Mike are such wonderful parents to Maddie, a real inspiration to us all.
Your videos of your amazing little girl are just so precious. Each and every one brings tears to my eyes. This one is just wonderful, through the tears you can’t help laughing along with that infectious laugh.
Heather and Mike, there are so many people thinking of you guys.
I think of you every day.
Love from another stranger friend, Erica in Luxembourg
Laura says:
That is the most beautiful sound in the world! Maddie’s sense of fun and laughter came from you! You still have it, and you have it to give … thanks for sharing it today!
bessie.viola says:
There is absolutely nothing better than baby giggles. I’m so glad that you have Maddie’s saved to keep on enjoying – truly contagious!!
bessie.viola’s last blog post..night-night
Miss Grace says:
She had a lovely laugh.
Lisa says:
There is just something so sweet, adorable and contagious about baby laughter. I’m glad you have those videos to go back to.
Maya just laughed along with her the entire time I had the video playing.
Lisa’s last blog post..Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Andrea says:
I’m smiling and crying at the same time.
Jennifer says:
Thanks for that video! Whata great laugh and smile!
I was watching it w/ my 2 yr. old and she said “I love that baby!”
Jennifer’s last blog post..Little Miss Diva
Sareh says:
She is precious and what a great laugh!
Sareh’s last blog post.."I fought the law and the law won"
Susan says:
Oh Heather – music to your ears. She is so happy in these videos. She simply loved everything!!! I agree with some above, what a good way to start the today listening to that laughter. You can’t help but smile.
Trish says:
She’s got a fabulous laugh. Sweet, sweet girl. I’m so glad you took lots of pictures and videos of her.
Trish’s last blog post..Chuck E Cheese is not …
Marijke says:
Heather – what a wonderful sound. No matter how shitty of a day I have at work, the sound of my little boy’s laughter makes it all better. I wish I had the forethought to get it on video… I think I will now.
Hang in there – it’s rough, but you have some amazing memories of your beautiful Maddie. I’m so glad that you share them with all of us!
Marijke’s last blog post..Parent of the Year… NOT ME
Amanda says:
I love to listen to Maddie laugh – please don’t stop posting your videos. I’m glad that Maddie’s laugh brightens even your darkest times
Jamie says:
And once again I look bi-polar as I laugh and cry at the same damn time. She’s so beautiful, Heather. But you know that.
Jamie’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Jill says:
I love baby giggles! Sweetest sound ever.
Jill’s last blog post..Friday Funday
nic @mybottlesup says:
in the spirit of sharing laughs, jackson asked that i share one of his own giggle videos to keep you going today…
http://www.mybottlesup.com/a-childs-laughter
thinking of you always…
nic @mybottlesup’s last blog post..can’t do it
Just Jiff says:
I’m with the others who said they are laughing and crying at the same time.
She was so beautiful, sweet, and happy.
Just Jiff’s last blog post..Rude people in traffic.
Katrina says:
Precious! and priceless!
Thanks so much for sharing this video –
for sharing your Maddie Moo with us.
Katrina’s last blog post..10 months old today
Jana says:
She is so beautiful. Her eyes are amazing! And her laughter…so pure! I find myself coming back everyday, and even though I don’t know you or Madeline, her was a life worth celebrating. And even though you are mourning too, you also are celebrating your daughter and who she was. In fact, you are so in tune to who she was. Your post about her and the glasses on the little boy cracked me up! You are a great mom, and even though your time with her was short, you really made the most of it. Thanks for sharing!
perksofbeingme says:
This is just a great start to my day. I’m in love with Maddie Moo’s laugh. She is my hero.
perksofbeingme’s last blog post..Love in the Time of Lamictal
Lady Lemon says:
How wonderful that you have these videos to cherish forever. You were so wise to take so many.
Hugs and shared tears from Florida. That laugh is musical.
Lady Lemon’s last blog post..I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire
tara says:
her laugh is the perfect way to start my day. it is so inspiring the way you have celebrated her life every day, since she was born. you are so strong, heather, even when you don’t feel it. i am thinking of you, mike and beautiful maddie moo every day.
Amazing Greis says:
What a great video. It definitely REALLY shows just what a happy baby Maddie was. Her laughter has brightened my day. Thank you!
XOXO
Amazing Greis’s last blog post..Feelings, sometimes I wish they would #suckit…
sherry pyle says:
Thank you for sharing your private time and thoughts with us.
Maddie had such a beautiful smile and her laughter will ring in your heart forever.
These little moments are footprints in your heart she left you.
I know these days are hard. I cry with you over her loss.
I am so sorry for the pain and hurt.
Someday in Heaven I’ll meet your Maddie.
I often type sentences and delete them.
Just know I care, and my heart is with you.
You are so brave to share her.
Thank you.
You are a great Mom. Maddie knew how much you loved her.
I’m glad you got so new medical info that helps you to understand your experience.
Take care, so many people care about you.
Charmed says:
What a very happy baby!
Charmed’s last blog post..Remind me to wear pants…
anymommy says:
She’s a gift.
anymommy’s last blog post..Voices in My Head
Courtney says:
I have to agree that is the most fabulous laugh and very contagious!
Courtney in New York
Courtney’s last blog post..A Question for you?
Michelle Pixie says:
Baby giggles is the most beautiful sound ever!!!
Michelle Pixie’s last blog post..Birthday Parties
Jodee says:
I was watching and this an my own Kyboo came and crawled on my lap to watch and kept pointing to Maddie laughing… She loved it. Her laugh was infectious and she was very Happy!
BIG BIG ((hugs Hugs))) to you and Mike.
Jodee’s last blog post..Atlanta
Kathryn says:
I love baby laughs too and Maddie had a wonderful one for sure! Her spirit must have glided over this way towards me for a bit because it was supposed to be rainy and yucky today, but so far it’s been beautiful and sunny…just like your Maddie.
Kathryn’s last blog post..May is a lovely month in Germany
Debby says:
So precious, what a giggle. It got the attention of my puppy Skye, turning her head from side to side listening to dear Maddie. Thank you for sharing this with us.
It cannot be easy watching the videos you have, I pray they can give you comfort.
Debby’s last blog post..SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT
missy says:
Maddie will always be a ray of sunshine even on the darkest of days.
Molly says:
Thank you for sharing your special times. Maddie was a beautiful, wonderful little girl. I think about you all alot. You are alot stronger than you even realize.
sam {temptingmama} says:
I haven’t watched it because I’m at work, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you all.
sam {temptingmama}’s last blog post..Time to Lighten The Mood…And Your Hair… Down There
Jennifer says:
Heather, I’m not sure why I HAVE to check your blog everyday, but I do. Every single day, I check in to hear your stories about your sweet little girl. I think about Maddie every day and numerous times a day. Not only is her laugh contagious, but everything about her is contagious. I miss her and I didn’t even know her. I know this must sound soo strange coming from a complete stranger….it’s even weird to me how much your daughter has touched my life, and changed it. I have 3 children of my own and everyday I grab them and hug them a little tighter and think of Maddie. I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through, but please know this, your daughter has touched sooo many lives. I guarantee you, she will NEVER be forgotten. I know that I can’t offer you any words of wisdom…just know that hundreds of people across this world are thinking of you and your family during all of this. My heart goes out to all of you. God Bless you Madeline Alice.
Vicky says:
I’ve already been here once today and came back just to hear her sweet laughter.
It is so obvious how much you and Mike loved Madeline (and still do). She was so lucky to have loving parents like you.
Hoping for a peaceful weekend for you and your family.
Amy says:
Such a beautiful video!
Amy’s last blog post..We have MRSA
catherine lucas says:
I wonder how many times my heart can be broken in watching this little girl? Still counting…
catherine lucas’s last blog post..Float on a boat
Sandra says:
Her laugh is so beautiful and her eyes are so bright.
Sandra’s last blog post..Things the kids say
Elaina says:
Thanks for sharing the video. It put a smile on my face. Such a wonderful laugh!
JustAMom says:
God she is awesome.
Kerry says:
I found my way here via Matt Logelin’s blog. Maddie was so lucky to have such a fun family and so much love. Please know that her gorgeous laughter has made its way up to Vancouver Island.
Lee says:
You sharing that video and that laughter and your precious daughter with us is such a gift to me today. Thank you.
Lee’s last blog post..It’s the little things you gotta watch out for
cheri says:
thank you for reminding me to embrace and enjoy the simple things in life. maddie’s laughter is infectious…peace to you and mike.
Laura says:
Her smile and laughter are beyond precious! I LOVE this little girl! What a wonderful Mommy you are to share her with us all….
xoxoxoxoxo
Laura says:
I know I just wrote but I wanted to tell you that I am a teacher and my students caught me on your blog during recess. I played the video of your beautiful Maddie laughing for them. They all laughed right along with her and said how beautiful she is. Her laugh is truly infectious and brought joy to many fifth graders today!
Hugs to you, Heather and Mike!
Jenny says:
Music to my ears too. What a beautiful sound her laughter is, I’m so glad that you at least have the evolution of her sweetness on video and listen to it whenever you need to.
Jenny’s last blog post..Nail Clipping at the Hermans
Leslie says:
I love that laugh. I love that girl.
saarah wilson says:
Its so amazing that you can share so much of your baby girl with us. I dont think I would have the strength to open up as much as you both have. I look forward to your posts and pray for you each and every night.
Lillian says:
here laughter is music…thank you for sharing this video.
Lillian’s last blog post..treasures from the beach
Andrea's Sweet Life says:
Her laugh…. OH, her laugh. What a beautiful sound. xoxo
Andrea’s Sweet Life’s last blog post..The Little Guy
Erin says:
I love her laugh, her smile and bright eyes! What a beautiful sound…
I am new to posting comments and following her story, but what a beautiful little girl…you are in my thoughts daily! xoxo
denise says:
Heather -
What an amazing gift you share with us everyday. I say this with every ounce of sincerity – You are my hero. I would NEVER handle a situation so devastating with such grace.
In my eyes, you honor your baby with your words and actions.
Another comment said it best: “I never met her but I miss her everyday”. You share the joy of Maddie’s life, and we smile; you share the devastation of her passing, and we cry.
I will always be here to listen – to both happy and sad. ALWAYS.
Thank you for sharing your gifts. (((((BIG HUGS))))
(I always feel like I’m rambling when I comment to you, am I rambling, ’cause I feel like I am, sorry, I’ve just got so much flying around my teeny brain that sometime it all comes out in little pieces, know what I mean, sitting here crying and wanting to say something profound but I just end up sounding like i’m rambling, i’m getting old)
maggie, dammit says:
Oh, hon. What a sweet, sweet sound.
maggie, dammit’s last blog post..Girl.
Glenda says:
Thanks for sharing! Amazing video! Love the giggles! Music to our ears! XO
Connie says:
Such sweet laughter – she reminds me of a little sprite. Thanks for sharing her.
((((HUGS))))
Connie
Connie’s last blog post..Purex and Kiva help YOU Change Lives!
Insta-Mom says:
I never knew anything could make my heart hurt so much while also making me feel such unabashed joy.
Insta-Mom’s last blog post..The first test I’m glad I failed
Gillian says:
What a beautiful way for me to waste time at work! Thank you for sharing her giggle. It gave me a bittersweet smile today.
Gillian’s last blog post..Likeness
Amy says:
Pure joy! I was happy to watch that video… I miss her for you.
Karen says:
Her laugh is beautiful. It’s brought tears to my eyes.
Gina says:
Oh, what a sweet laugh.
There is nothing sweeter than a babies giggles. I agree it made me laugh and cry…..
((Hugs to you and Mike))
Miss E says:
Her laugh is the best. So glad you have those memories. Thinking of you. xoxo
((Hugs from AZ))
Miss E’s last blog post..Operation: Surprise Party…Success!
Bec says:
I always love your Friday posts. It’s such a lovely way to remember Maddie.
Bec’s last blog post..Photo manipulation
Ginger says:
Wonderful!
Ginger’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: the second
Ginger says:
I was reading your blog the other day and my daughter Emily came past. She saw a picture of Maddie and asked who she was. I told her that she was a very special little girl from California, and that I was reading her mommy’s blog. She paused, looked at it again, and said, “I don’t know how anyone in the world could look at her picture and not smile all over. She must have great parents, ’cause she looks like a REALLY happy baby.” I hadn’t told Em that Maddie had passed away…..so I just sat there and told her how right she was. I can’t wait to share the video of Maddie’s laughter with her. Thank you for sharing with us. We’re praying for all of you.
Francesca says:
such a beautiful sound
Alexandra :)(? says:
A baby’s laughter is the most precious sound in the world.
chatty cricket says:
I once thought that the most charming and hilarious of all of the laughs was the seriously dorky Nerd Laugh I now revise my opinion- Maddie’s laugh is unbelievable! Such a HUGE INFECTIOUS laugh out of such a tiny peanut of a lady.
Heather, thank you so much for sharing Maddie with the rest of us.
chatty cricket’s last blog post..I don’t mean to BRAG, but…(it’s a giveaway!)
Michelle S says:
Hi, Heather.
I’m just another person you’ve never met, but thinks (and prays) for your family often. Your daughter has found a place in my heart forever. She will never be forgotten.
~Michelle from Cincinnati, Ohio
micheller@cinci.rr.com
Miss Behavin says:
Such precious keepsakes you have, Heather. I started watching that video with a smile and ended up bawling my eyes out.
Miss Behavin’s last blog post..I’m Spreading the Disease of Vulgarity
Kristine says:
So special, so beautiful!
Kristine’s last blog post..It’s the little things
Ari says:
Such a great laugh… how could I not smile along with her?
Ari’s last blog post..Kids these days…
S. Renfrow says:
Yep…the sweetest little laugh! Hands down. I’m sooo glad that listening to her precious giggles can make you smile. God knows you deserve those moments, even if they’re few and far between.
Thank you so very much for sharing her with us all. You are simply amazing.
Sally Moon says:
Do you , Heather , hear that laughter as you look at the stars?( Little Prince ) I will now hear Maddie’s laughter as I look at the stars from my Catskill mountain home in NY. Thank you. XXOO Sally
Sally Moon’s last blog post..Sunday in the Garden
Ana says:
Beautiful laughter! And those laughing, dancing eyes!! She is such a treasure.
Audrey says:
Her laugh, her smile – she is a beautiful child! What a blessing to have the videos so you can ALWAYS hear the laughter. Hugs.
Karla says:
A wonderful, beautiful laugh…
I come to your blog every day because you are so real…so honest. I come to your blog to cry (most days), smile, and today…laugh along with your beautiful daughter.
A few days ago, you talked about crying at things that shouldn’t make you cry, but not at things that should. I can relate to that. I have had tons of loss in my life…a nephew, a brother, and a sister…I found myself not crying for a long time…horrible things would happen around me that should have made me cry, but I didn’t…that was until I found your blog. Maddie’s story made me cry…once again…when I should. Grief is weird.
Karla’s last blog post..Just a Little Structure Please
Jenn says:
Dear Heather & Mike,
As I sit here listening & watching Maddie laugh, I find myself crying and laughing at the same time. How I adore her…this luminous little bundle of joy!!! I adore her and the funny thing is, I’ve never ever got the honour of meeting her…or you for that matter. Maddie continues makes this world a better place. Thank you for sharing her with us….she will never ever be Forgotten Heather & Mike. I for one can tell you without a doubt…with every picture, story and video…my life is richer b/c of her!
Thank you.
Your Friend,
Jenn
Evonce says:
Every day I read your blog, and every day I don’t know what to say. I want to tell you something great, but it all sounds so cheesy. I’m sorry just isn’t enough, I know that. My heart breaks for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing with us her life.
Evonce’s last blog post..Food Review: El Paisa Grill
Kari (heartatpreschool) says:
Beautiful, beautiful laughter!!!
Kari (heartatpreschool)’s last blog post..Thankful Anyway Thursday
amy says:
So she DID have those gorgeous eyes from the get go… Such wise and beautiful eyes..
I have to agree with the other posters who commended you on your regularity of videotaping little Maddie. Such a treasure for you now I would imagine.
Keep posting, sharing and making it through the day. We are here for you.
Sarah says:
pure happiness defined… there is nothing like a childs laughter however your Maddie had a way of pulling everyone in and making them fall in love with her.
Sarah’s last blog post..The Theme Song Of My Life
Erica says:
This video just made my day!! Thanks for sharing so much of your life with all of us.
Twitted by stevescurlygirl says:
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Emily says:
Love that laugh. Especially the squeals at the end! It’s awesome that you have so much video of her.
Emily’s last blog post..Wallaby-Dog
Jayme Q. says:
I have spent the morning chasing and corraling my suddenly rough-and-rowdy toddler, when I took a break from the chaos to read your latest post. I was watching the video when all of a sudden, my son stopped – and turned. He came and climbed up in my lap and watched the video with me, and it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for once again reminding me how important our babies and their hugs and laughter truly are.
As always, I’m thinking of you. (And thinking that I need to video more often.)
mosey along says:
Ahhh, the chipmunk chuckles. So unbelievably adorable. Mary Poppins is a big hit around here these days too….. “I love to laugh” is a definite favourite….
mosey along’s last blog post..Tactical Error
Amy says:
I know have bought a camcorder so we can record our one year old son (9 month adjusted). I have tons of pictures of him ( I am a picture freak like you) but I wanted his voice on record. He talks and “sings” all the time. His laugh is the best sound I have ever heard.
Your blog has made me want to be a better mother and person.
I had a pedicure this morning and picked a purple color for Maddie.
Take care.
Bonnie says:
Both my kids ran to the computer as I played this video. You’re right, her laughter is infectious!
Bonnie’s last blog post..Hoot, hoot!
Marti from Michigan says:
I just love to hear babies giggle, so adorable! Thank you for sharing. Continued love and prayers to you from Michigan.
Maria Delgado says:
It’s wonderful that in the midst of your sorrow you hold tight to the beauty of these memories!
Maria Delgado’s last blog post..Giveaways! I’ll be adding more through the week.
Debi Powell says:
That Maddie was some kid! Thanks so much for sharing her with us… she’s loved in Gainesville FL! Her precious laugh made my heart skip a beat…. I know you miss that terribly. Keep the videos coming… seems like MANY people need their daily “Maddie Fix”!! (what does that say about her?)
Hugs…
Debi
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
what a beautiful sound-music to my ears. xoxo
Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..I go from crazy to shampoo in 6.5 seconds flat
Kelley Land says:
There is not much more heartwarming than a baby’s laughter. What a PRECIOUS video montage of your little beauty enjoying life to the fullest. Thank you for sharing it!
lisa wood says:
Music to the ears….love her laughter
lisa wood’s last blog post..Mangosteen Fruit Juice For Health Benefits
alison says:
So, so beautiful. The best sound, thank you so much for sharing her w/us.
Rachel says:
Sweet baby. Such joy in her laugh! I think she did more living in 17 months than some people do in 100 years.
Rachel’s last blog post..Seniorita
Shannon says:
Thinking and praying for you tonight. Maddie is so beautiful and sweet. I love looking at her pictures and videos.
Susan says:
I love Maddie’s little screeches of delight before the giggles start the best. Babies are such a joy. When they laugh, we laugh, then they laugh some more…
Anonymous says:
Please listen to “Address in the Stars” by Caitlin & Will.
Krissa says:
Commenting again…I can imagine you re-living Maddie’s last night as you typed this post. (((HUGS))). and more..
Kristen McD says:
My word, what a love.
Bon says:
i just listened to your daughter’s laughter, and scrolled down and saw her tiny handprint left behind on your parents’ window, and her beauty and your ache combined have me sitting here in tears again, smiling at you with that wincing look on my face.
i lost my firstborn, though before we ever got to hear him laugh, before he left handprints anywhere. i am here just to say, again, that i’m so sorry Maddie’s gone…and so amazed at the same time by the record of beauty she’s clearly left on the world.
it’s an honour to get to know her, even this way.
Bon’s last blog post..when i grow up
deb from ny says:
Not much to say…. just thinking about you…. you keep writing and I will keep reading. Love and hugs being sent from a cyber stranger.
MommyNamedApril says:
music, indeed!
MommyNamedApril’s last blog post..The Haircut Heard ‘Round the World
Kim says:
Such a precious laugh.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
Denise says:
Beautiful, there’s nothing like the sound of laughter.
Denise’s last blog post..School Is Out For Summer
Childwoman says:
Listening to her laugh, is like a balm for a tired heart….her laughter is all tinkly, gurgly and funny…
Shit shit shit..this is so heartbreaking and so fucking unfair…
Childwoman’s last blog post..Mum. Dad.
LiteralDan says:
It’s strange that I recognize that laugh even though I never got to meet her, and yet I’m glad I’ve had the chance to enjoy it anyway. So much personality in that little package!
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Haley-O says:
That laugh is music to anyone’s ears. What a beautiful, beautiful girl.
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Melissa says:
Oh my goodness, I LOVE this!
Jen says:
I’ve never commented before, but I had to write today and tell you that I was watching your video of Maddie laughing with my 3 month old, and she was completely entranced watching her. How could anyone not be? She was such a beautiful cheery girl. I can’t imagine how much you miss her. I hope you’ll keep writing.