Everyone has their “thing.” The way they spoil themselves. For some people, they get monthly facials. Others get manicure/pedicures every other week, or massages on Fridays. My “thing” has been hair stuff. I spend ridiculous amounts on shampoo and conditioner. Like, embarrassing amounts that I will never admit. I might own two blow dryers. And several curling irons. And countless conditioning and curling treatments.
But like I said, everyone has their “thing,” right? This is what I tell myself, at least. And Mike.
I don’t spend much money on clothes or anything like that. I always felt better when my hair looked nice.
Maddie clearly inherited my love of good hair. While she HATED baths, she loved it when I’d towel dry her hair, carefully getting all the droplets out. I’d just discovered that there was baby shampoo for curly hair! It was exactly what her hair needed. It kept those curls bouncy and soft. (edited to add – it is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo for Curly Hair. It’s green-colored instead of the traditional gold. Not every grocery store/drug store has it, but it’s worth hunting around for.)
Her hair was at the point where it would get tangled between washings, so I used de-tangling spray. She LOVED IT when her hair was brushed. She always grabbed the comb away from me to do it herself.
She had dozens of hair clips and bows. She sat still for me to put pony tails in her hair.
A girl after my own heart.
I don’t know if she’d have stayed a hair girl. But Maddie sure appreciated getting pampered. So I know she’d approve of this amazing fundraiser that is being held in her honor for the March of Dimes.
A few weeks ago, Cindy Deily (a buyer at Sephora) emailed me. She decided to rally her colleagues to dig into their personal beauty stashes to put together an auction to benefit the March of Dimes. 100% of the proceeds from the Beauty For Babies auction, less shipping costs and PayPal fees, will be donated to the March of Dimes in Maddie’s honor.
I’ve never met Cindy or her colleagues. They are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. I am blown away by the generosity being shown to our family. Again.
My internet angels Meghan and Samantha have worked tirelessly with Cindy to get the auction set up. And now, I am very humbled to point you to the beautiful site Samantha created, March For Maddie. There you will find all the information about the Beauty For Babies auction. The first group of products goes up at 8 am Pacific Time, and there will be two to three groups a day for the next week or so. Be sure to check back. There are AMAZING products for a fraction of what you’d pay in the stores. There’s a “thing” for everyone.
Everyone deserves to pamper themselves once in a while. And now you can do it 100% guilt-free.
Tiff says:
This is wonderful. And, what beautiful pictures! Maddie truly has the face of an angel.
Noelle says:
Heather, I think it’s incredible how you are so selflessly supporting the causes you believe in even as you grieve. Thank you for sharing more photos and memories of your beautiful Maddie. I may not ever know you IRL, but your family has touched my heart, and opened it up in undeniable ways.
Noelle’s last blog post..regrets
Jamie says:
That’s awesome! Maddie continues to touch lives everywhere. I too love hair products!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Jamie’s last blog post..Freebie
Bec says:
Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you? As much as it hurts to read your words some days I’m so pleased you’re able to talk. You’re an amazing woman Heather. I admire your strength and grace.
catherine lucas says:
Totally huggable those two tiny tails… Love it. She knows for sure how to work the camera.
So friggin unbelievable that her life was cut short, way too short. Children should never die before their parents, it’s reverse thinking.
I’ve gone through probably 3000 pics on Flickr, but still enjoy every picture of Maddeline.
What a cutie pie she was… Glad that people all over the world now think about babies and march of Dimes, all because this little girl tuck so to our hearts
amanda says:
Fabulous. Can’t wait to check it out today! And I heart those pics of Maddie. My daughter HATES when I put anything in her hair (bows, clips, etc). If I even attempt it, she immediately pulls it out, and then spends the next hour pawing her here, checking to see if I’ve steathily put any others in there.
amanda’s last blog post..why I am an ass (5/4/09 edition)
Rebecca says:
those two pony tails are super duper cute. i hope the auction raises lots of money. i know what you mean about hair. after my babies were born i had to say bye bye to my favourite salon because it was on the other side of town, tres chic but oh so pricey. how i miss it.
Charlane says:
I can’t wait to check it out!
Charlane’s last blog post..I Miss My Kid
Jessi says:
She has the cutest face ever. She looks like a little angle!!
I am going to check out that page now!! Everyone deseveres some pampering!!!
Jessi’s last blog post..2444 pages….
Kelly says:
I think it is wonderful that this is happening – I’m just disappointed that they won’t ship it to Australia!!
Have passed on the info to a bunch of my US based friends. Maybe I’ll make a few bids and send it on to one of them if I win
Have to agree though – LOVE doing things to my little girl’s hair =) At nine months, she has so much that she can’t see if I don’t put it up! She’s not so much a fan of such pampering, though, and needs suitable distraction to be able to do anything with her hair
Kelly’s last blog post..What’s for lunch?
La Petite Belle (Carmen) says:
sounds like my idea for perfect pampering. I LOVE Sephora. I will definitely participate!
Micky says:
I always have you in my thoughs, but today I am glad to find out that we have something in common. I do, too, spend a lot in my hair. My husband gets mad, but oh heck!
What’s you favorite product?
Elizabeth Gunn says:
You are always in my thoughts. What a beautiful way to pay tribute to Maddie.
Midwest Mommy says:
What a great idea!
Lisa says:
I think this is a fantastic idea and a great way to raise money for MoD in honor of Maddie. I’m sure this auction is going to raise tons of money, cause like you said who doesn’t love to pamper themselves.
PS. I’m with you on the hair thing…that’s totally my thing. I’ll spend money on my flat iron and styling products long before I fork over dough for clothes
Christy says:
Looooooove the picture of Maddie in those adorable piggy tails! The fundraiser sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Christy’s last blog post..Numb
Jennifer says:
Sounds like a great idea! I’ll go check it out right now.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Fun in the Sun
Alli says:
wow, Maddie’s entire face smiles! I love it. The two piggy tails are adorable. And I didn’t know there is baby shampoo for curly hair! The fundraiser is a great idea! I hope it is a huge success for the March of Dimes. They are a great organization.
Alli’s last blog post..Family Fun Weekend
Amy says:
What a great idea! I’ll be sure to check it out.
Amy’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Firefighter in Training
rachel cortest says:
A Beautiful site in honor and memory of a beautiful girl. hugs,Rachel
Amy says:
The auction sounds so great! It is so refreshing to see so many people come out and support you and Mike. Big round of applause for the Sephora team!
I love the top picture of Maddie… so sweet!
won says:
I am really happy for you that you took so many photos of Maddie.
Priceless.
won’s last blog post..May 6, 1996
nic @mybottlesup says:
pictures of your beautiful maddie never cease to amaze me… she is spectacular. i’m thrilled that the site and auction are in loving memory of her and the smiles she gave you and mike. you have terrific friends who are ready to carry you the distance with your grief.
good for you to let them…
nic @mybottlesup’s last blog post..once you’re a parent…
Deborah says:
Maddie looks JUST LIKE Cindy Lou Who in that picture with the pig tails!
Meredith says:
She is stunningly beautiful. Your words are so touching. My heart goes out to you. What a great idea for a fundraiser.
moosh in indy. says:
Triple Oxygenating Facial anyone?
moosh in indy. says:
and you and moo always did have disgustingly pretty hair.
Jill says:
What a great idea for a great cause! Can’t wait to check out the loot!
Jill’s last blog post..Will you still love me tomorrow?
Lori says:
Maddie is flawless! These pictures are beautiful! My thoughts have been with you.
Holly says:
You don’t know me. A blog friend of mine today read my post about the color purple, and asked if I would come here to learn about Maddie and you. I am honored to have had the opportunity.
I am a writer. Most people find my words to be of interest and entertaining. Or uplifting and comforting. I’m glad to help where I can. Except, today, here, I find I really can’t find words that will do much good. They seem insignificant, shallow. I saw the photo of you holding your baby. And, I realize, there’s nothing any of us can say to help.
I saw your beautiful eyes…clouded with concern…fear. And, I also saw the determined passion of a mother attempting to hold back the tide. To keep your little one with you. I saw it. All of it.
So, here’s what I can tell you. Your job is to become a Human Being that is complete, whole, well, wise. And, only strong spirits ask for hard lessons that propel us light years through that learning. Strong spirits like you who live through such a loss as this.
I am humbled by your willingness to learn and become Real. I wish you and yours moments of comfort and rest as you learn to live the rest of your days as part of Maddie’s loving legacy.
Yours In The Light,
Holly
Holly’s last blog post..The Color Purple
Stacey says:
What a beautiful child. She will be missed.
Stacey’s last blog post..Fatty McGhee
MommyNamedApril says:
this is lovely. you ARE so strong, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
MommyNamedApril’s last blog post..Nice Melons!
sam {temptingmama} says:
*hugs* That’s all. Just big squishy hugs.
I love you friend.
Tricia says:
Every girl feels better when she’s having a good hair day. Maddie was wise It’s so awesome that they are doing this, people in the world continue to amaze me everyday by their goodness of heart and kindness of spirit. I’m glad that people are loving you and mike and maddie so much. With that being said, LOVE and HUGS to you. Hope that you are both taking care of yourselves. Go eat some more salami
always,
Tricia
ps. I’m triciabelles on twitter so if you get any tweets, it’s me
Jodee says:
That is awesome.. I will post a link on my site!!! Hope to raise lots of money for MOD for Maddie!!! Big ((hug)) and love XO XO
Jodee’s last blog post..Chickens and posting
Trista says:
Heather, I’ve read your blog over the past few months and shared in your grief over Maddie, although I know that is no real comfort. Your pictures of your little pixie are amazing (I love the pigtails!) and your resilience and dedication to others is more amazing still. So much good will be done because of efforts like this auction.
Trista’s last blog post..Sprung
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
Very excited to see all the products.
((((hugs))))) to you.
Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Tuesday-the Giveaway Post
Lady Lemon says:
Little Maddie with two tails is so sweet and adorable.
I think that this is a wonderful idea from the Sephora ladies. I will certainly check it out.
I think about you and your little Maddie all the time. I have a niece named Maddie (Madeline), and whenever I see her or even hear her name these days, I think of your Maddie.
Lady Lemon’s last blog post..Journey to "God" – Part 2
Linda in Canada says:
What a wonderful idea! Hugs to everyone involved!
Amanda says:
Wow, what an awesome idea for a fundraiser. I am sure I can find something
Maddie…such a beautiful, beautiful little girl.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Maddie is so beautiful. I’m definitely going to go over and check out the Beauty for Babies Auction. What a great idea.
Hope you and Mike are doing okay. But, it’s totally okay if you aren’t doing okay. Sending a hug.
Lynn from For Love or Funny’s last blog post..I’m starting to rust
Becky says:
I adore you. And Maddie. She is and always will be so close to my heart. Poor Alex. When he does find a wife (in 50 or so years) she’s always going to be compared to Maddie.
“Well, you know xxxx, MADDIE wouldn’t have bought me a food processor for Christmas.”
Love you guys.
Becky’s last blog post..Sorry For Ruining Summer
Scott says:
You just made my wife’s. Pampering and for charity…she has tears of joy.
Kim says:
I’m getting ready to pamper myself in Maddie’s honor. I also put the button on my blog so maybe it will get more attention !!
Kim’s last blog post..Cinco de Groupo….
Sanya says:
I read about your tragedy at another blogger’ site. I have been consumed with it since. My daughter & your beautiful share a birthday. They are the exact same age, & I CANNOT imagine just how hard this is for you. My deepest, sincerest sympathies to you. We both watched the video tribute about Maddie. She cooed & smiled & kept saying “baby”. I wept uncontrollably. The pictures are breathtaking. I’ve never met either of you, but I thank you for sharing her pictures & her story. I think of her everytime I see my little girl. I give her an extra squeeze & an extra kiss. Maddie will have love from us. I hope Maddie can bring more joy to you, in her far off place.
Betsy says:
What a beautiful way to honor such a beautiful little life! It is no surprise to me that you and your sweet Maddie continue to inspire people you don’t even know! The impact you both have had on others could not be weighed! I will definitely check it out and post a link too!
Betsy’s last blog post..My comprehension is defective!
Alexandra says:
That little girl is the most precious thing I have EVER seen. I love those photos of her, please always keep posting them. They bring so much beauty and smiles into this world. She is an angel right now, just like she was on earth. You won the grand prize with that little girl…
tara says:
madeline is the most beautiful little girl i have ever seen. AMAZING. so many hugs to you. you, mike and maddie are ALWAYS in my thoughts.
Carolyn says:
What a wonderful idea. I will send the link to the site on to some girlfriends.
I too am a hair product junkie – I totally get it. What baby shampoo did you use to keep Madeleine’s curls looking so good? If you can email me the answer, it would be most appreciated.
You and your husband are in my thoughts. I can’t image what you’re going through…
Mr Lady says:
LOVING IT.
Mr Lady’s last blog post..MIA
Misty says:
Miss Maddie is so stinkin’ adorable! I just wanted you to know that I pray for you and your husband daily. I think of you often and wonder how you are and I check your blog daily for updates. I can’t help but smile each time I see Maddie’s beautiful smile and I have cried many tears on your behalf since she passed. Thank you, thank you, for sharing her with all of us. ..
Anna says:
Heather,
I’ve wanted to write you for so long. I guess I continue to search for the right words to type to you.
I’ve expirenced so much death in my life. The most significant one being the passing of my father when I was 12 years old. He was killed in a car accident. But with all the death that has surrouned me I just cannot imagine the death of a child. I have a daughter just a few months younger than your Maddie.
I can’t explain the feeling I have inside. I am particular drawn to you and your family. I promise not in a creepy way!!!! My heart is literally breaking for you. I can’t seem to get you out of my mind.
You are such an amazing writer. Your words are so powerful. When I read them they hit me so hard. Honestly I get a physical reaction from them at times. I am an avid reader and I’ve never been so touched by something I’ve read. You really have a way with words. I hope someday you write your memoir.
I feel like there is so much more to say/type to you. But words could never do justice. I guess I just wanted to let you know that you and your family have changed my life. As a mom I think it is easy to get into the rut of complaining. And I hate complaining. But I guess I don’t hate it too much because I still find myself doing it!!! When I start though I always think of you and it really puts things into prospective for me. Whether it be me getting frustrated with my daughter being cranky or not napping as long as I wanted her to – I snap myself right out of that mode. Because how annoying right!!! I think of you and what you wouldn’t give to have Maddie being cranky and not napping.
I could go on and on but I won’t – your welcome!!! May your strength continue to grow and grow.
Boston Mamas says:
Heather, it just breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes to read your posts. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain, or wrap my head around what it must take emotional and physically to write these posts and share these photos and videos of your beautiful Maddie.
The March for Babies happens in Boston this Saturday and I’ll be thinking of your family. -Christine
Boston Mamas’s last blog post..My New Friend The Flip
Denise says:
What fabulous stuff, big kudos to sephora. Btw, I think I need to figure out what my thing is, I haven’t gotten my hair cut in months, a pedicure in years…and a massage decades ago! Maybe when I visit LA we can get our toes done!
Christiana says:
So much more to this post, I know, but could you please please tell me what baby shampoo is made for curly hair? My daughter needs it badly!
Christiana’s last blog post..Starting Over
WM says:
Does it get any cuter? That face!!! I love that Sam and others are doing such wonderful things to honor Maddie’s life.
I’ve donated to MOD and plan on checking out the auction as well.
Kristen says:
Sweet thing… what a cutie pie.
Anne DiNapoli says:
Your strength is an inspiration. Love and prayers from Florida.
Anne DiNapoli’s last blog post..Camera
Katie Ann says:
She is so beautiful. I didn’t even start reading your blog until after your angel passed but your story and your beautiful daughter touched me. I read all your blogs from the beginning (gotta love the time off RN’s get). I’ve smiled and laughed and cried. What a beautiful family and a beautiful gift you were given. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Maddie’s pictures and infectious smile always are a ray sunshine into my day when I see her pictures. She absolutely glows with life and love. She will always be there lighting up your life.
Shelley says:
Those two tiny ponies? The cutest EVER!
feefifoto says:
What a gorgeous, gorgeous girl. The pigtails make her look an awful lot like Cindylou Who.
feefifoto’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: A Perfect Excuse For Letting The Lawn Grow As It Likes
MelissaG says:
What a beauty, that Maddie. I really admire what you’re doing through this terrible tragedy. I’m going to check out the fundraiser now.
Maggie says:
What a great and inspirational idea, and what thoughtful friends to put this together for you, Mike, and Maddie.
And, that picture of Maddie with those ‘Pebbles’ ponytails is just too cute for words.
God bless you and Mike, Heather. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
amy says:
Such a cutie and obviously very loved by many. Off to check out the page!
Emily says:
Those are such wonderful photos of Maddie. I love the pigtails! Thank you for sharing so much of her and yourself with the rest of the world. So many people have been touched and changed forever by her huge grin.
Emily’s last blog post..Back in the groove.
Carla says:
I had never seen the baby shampoo for CURLY hair until today when I was at the store……how truly ironic that today was the day you intentionally wrote about buying it for Maddie…..coincidence…I think not….just the beautiful Maddie once again making her presence known!
At the same time I was noticing the green curly hair baby shampoo, I was thinking how much I liked the lavendar scented PURPLE shampoo!
Sending love and support your way…. –Carla
Glenda says:
This is beautiful. Amazing pics of Maddie. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.XO
patois says:
I always loved hearing about Maddie’s hair “attachment.” (Hey, as if we can become unattached from our hair!) I’ll check out the auction. Good cause, for sure.
patois’s last blog post..Sure, Everyone Knows The Phrase "Helium-based Life Forms"
Molly says:
Maddie looks beautiful in her pony tails. What a perfect little girly girl!
Molly’s last blog post..Maddie
Maria Delgado says:
She was so beautiful Heather. SO Beautiful.
lisa wood says:
Thank you for sharing your amazing story of Maddie……I have put beauty for babies auction on a twitter post so many others can see how to support an amazing organization and a wonderful little girls memory.
Thanks Heather
love and kisses sent your way.
lisa wood’s last blog post..Trading Time
S says:
Tomorrow my husband and I will be participating in our local New Mexico March for Babies in honor of Maddie.
JoJo says:
Great stories, I will add a story about the auction and start tweeting. Best Wishes to you all.
JoJo’s last blog post..FREE MATTRESSES PROMO EXTENDED!
Al_Pal says:
I’m more of a hair girl, too. Though for me, it is the indulgence of salon highlights. ;p
Gorgeous photos of sweet Maddie!!