Maddie was an awesome mimic. It was clear that she loved to get smiles and laughs out of everyone, so she was more than happy to repeat sounds and actions. In March my hilarious friend Alison was hanging out with us, and Maddie could totally keep up with her. They were a formidable comedy duo.
One of the bazillion things that makes me sad is that Maddie’s ability to communicate was really developing. Her personality always shone through, but she was getting better at expressing herself. I could see her wheels turning. I liked to say that I always knew what she was thinking, but really my girl surprised me every day.
I’ve talked lots and lots about Madeline’s relationship with music. Besides loving to hear music, she loved to make it. She would sing along with familiar songs, pound on her keyboard and toy guitar, and bang her hands to make rhythm. But, I actually got a video of her making up a little tune – AND busting a move to go along with it.
there should be a video above, if you can’t see it click here.
I mourn all the unsung melodies, all the beautiful music that could have been.
Candice says:
My God! Could she be any more beautiful?? No.
Maddie’s up there singin’ in heaven for sure, but we really miss her down here.
Kelly says:
Just beautiful. What a wonderful memory to have.
Kelly’s last blog post..It is 2am, and somebody should be sleeping!!
Noelle says:
Oh my gosh, that was the cutest video.
Heather, I don’t even know you but I find myself checking your blog every day and wishing I could ease your pain. I’m so grateful for this chance to know your daughter through your blog posts, photos, and memories. I don’t know what it is about her, but she certainly is a precious miracle baby. I mourn with you, and send you hugs and prayers across the blogosphere.
Ben says:
Those elbows are awesome. I was expecting everything to go dark except for her in a spot light. Kind of looked like she expected the same thing too.
Ben’s last blog post..Golden Boy and The Bug
Kristen says:
What’s funny is that even before I knew so much about Maddie <3ing the music, I thought most often of her (and of you & Mike) while listening to the lyrics of my favorite songs. When you wrote 153 Holes in My Heart, I was listening to Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson. “All we can do is keep breathing, now…”. When you wrote “Weekend with Jackie!”, it was Queen – These are The Days of Our Lives. “When we were kids, when we were young, life seemed so perfect, you know…” When I was weeping as the unthinkable news crept in, it was Calling All Angels by Jane Siberry. “Walk me through this world, don’t leave me alone. We’re crying, we’re hoping, we’re hurting, we’re loving. We’re trying, we’re calling, and we’re not sure how it goes.”
Music – beautiful music – will always be Maddie to me. I worry on occasion that I speak too intimately, that I invite myself into your lives as though I’d earned a place there when we’ve never even met. Know it’s only because you have changed me. I am a person with a more compassionate soul, I am a better mother, I am a better friend and that is all because of your family. And you.
Heather, Mike: I believe in you. I believe this experience, with all of its unfairness and pain and tragedy, has already and will continue to make you uniquely qualified to better the lives of other people whom this same tragedy befalls. You know the secrets, and you will pay your daughter’s love forward. Your purpose is not lost.
On top of it all, you are deeply & sincerely loved.
-Kristen Gunther, Las Vegas
(you seem to have a lot of Kristen fans!)
Bec says:
lol she’s adorable
Bec’s last blog post..Blogging through blah
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Yes, I agree. I wish Maddie could still be here, singing her songs.
Lynn from For Love or Funny’s last blog post..The happiest place on earth makes me sad
Blue rain says:
And I deeply mourn with you. Side by side. Always.
Joe @ Irrational Dad says:
Hahaha…. that’s great! How old was she there? She’s so stinkin’ cute…
Joe @ Irrational Dad’s last blog post..I didn’t even see the spoor!
Blessed says:
I mourn for the unsung melodies with you. Maddie is a beautiful little girl – I wish she was still with you and Mike.
Anna Marie Hinnant says:
Hilarious! Maddie never fails to make me smile. And that little impromptu performance was classic. I miss her so much.
kristen says:
Kristen from Vegas above said so much so well…i completely agree. thanks for sharing maddie’s moves…i hope this little video and all of your memories of maddie singing and dancing can lift you up, even if for a moment, even if just a little bit.
xxoo from Kristen in CT.
Gillian says:
Personality to spare! Her silliness is infectious.
Again, I am so sorry your sweet girl is no longer bustin rhymes down here with us.
Gillian’s last blog post..Memo to File
sam {temptingmama} says:
Damn. Kid’s got better move that me! LOL
That was about the best impromptu dance break ever!
sam {temptingmama}’s last blog post..If No One Hears Me Fart on Your Pillow, Did I Really Do It?
charlane says:
She clearly thoguth that you guys were pretty funny too, and that was the greatest dance break ever.
charlane’s last blog post..So Grateful!
Hope says:
What a little super star! I’m so sorry for you loss.
Hope’s last blog post..Thursday…
DesignHER Momma says:
I started playing it and Nola ran over to the computer screen to watch. I played it twice, and now she keeps saying wow, wow, wow!
Heather, the video is just plain fun – and it truly shows the heart and soul of Maddie.
DesignHER Momma’s last blog post..BIG, LARGE, GIGANTIC news
Krissa says:
I’m hoping I can get the video to play soon because I’d love to see it. I just know it’s wonderful! … You and all your family are in my thoughts and heart every day. ((Hugs))
Therese says:
She is so very beautiful! She seems to have made everybody around her happy.. as I look at all the wonderful photos of her, I realize that she still makes people happy, even the ones on the other side of the world who never even met her!
That’s amazing, what a blessing she is.
I’m so sorry that she can’t be with you anymore in this life.
moosh in indy. says:
All the single ladies!
moosh in indy.’s last blog post..Expanding my muffin in the name of charity.
Nicole says:
What a doll. Praying for you every single day. So stinkin cute!
Karen says:
It’s a pleasure to watch these videos of Maddie. Thanks for sharing.
Karen’s last blog post..Did you keep your receipt?
Christy says:
It’s funny, I see a lot of Mike in her in this video…she always brings a smile to me when I watch her videos or see her photos. I’m glad that you have so many of them.
Christy’s last blog post..The Place Where I Live
Barbara Howard says:
Of course you mourn the unsung songs! Watching her develop was your daily adventure; why you got out of bed in the morning, why you breathed! She was such fun! I’m so glad you had her! Thank you for sharing her joyous life with me. I think of you often, and of Maddie.
Deborah says:
What a cute little video! Of course, I don’t have any sound here at work, but it was still funny to watch it in mute. I like how she kind of moves her chin to one side before smiling. Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I am about to go on vacation for ten days (Costa Rica!), and last night I thought to myself that I was sad that I wouldn’t be able to read your updates or see the pictures you post of Maddie while I’m gone. Please take care of yourselves!
Casey says:
Your pictures and videos of beautiful Maddie always have me simultaneously laughing and crying. There is never any doubt how special she is and how big your dreams for her must have been.
Thinking of you.
Casey’s last blog post..Thrilling Third Thursdays
Lora says:
Cute, cute dancing! She sparkled.
Lora’s last blog post..Last Day Of Nursery School
pgoodness says:
So damn cute. I’m so glad you have these videos of her. And that you’re sharing them with all of us. This certainly brought a smile to my face this morning.
Thanks for the reminder to get out my video camera more often – you just never know.
pgoodness’s last blog post..Wordless(-ish) Wednesday
Deidre says:
That gave me goose bumps. Wow she was so right with you guys. You guys are so funny! Wow!!! So glad you have all those flicker moments. Imagine what parents did years ago without any technology to capture the moments.
Deidre’s last blog post..Home Funerals
Yvonne says:
So wonderful that you have the pictures and videos to look back on – what a beautiful little girl
Yvonne’s last blog post..Turning Back
Suzanne says:
Oh Maddie!! You are so wonderful and so missed.
I agree with Kristen, who commented above, that music will always be Maddie to me. And I’m reposting an excerpt from her comment because it is so thoughtful and so perfectly expresses my feelings:
“I worry on occasion that I speak too intimately, that I invite myself into your lives as though I’d earned a place there when we’ve never even met. Know it’s only because you have changed me. I am a person with a more compassionate soul, I am a better mother, I am a better friend and that is all because of your family. And you.
Heather, Mike: I believe in you. I believe this experience, with all of its unfairness and pain and tragedy, has already and will continue to make you uniquely qualified to better the lives of other people whom this same tragedy befalls. You know the secrets, and you will pay your daughter’s love forward. Your purpose is not lost.”
Beautifully said. You three really have changed us.
pbandjazz says:
She is so beautiful! Beautiful memories! I love seeing and learning about her. Such a lovely little girl. Take care Heather and Mike.
Kim says:
All I can say is WOW!!!! What a special little girl, and so cute!
leel says:
hey there, i love your continuted friday tradition of posting maddie videos. i know you had expressed angst over the day when there would not be any more video clips left to post, but i think there are more than one story per video in that sweet head of yours and mikes’s so keep posting the videos, with different stories, if need be. i’d be happy to read your thoughts anytime, and if that includes video of maddie, bonus. keep editing them, if that’s what you need.
i just thought maybe you needed to hear that.
hugs to you & your husband, and peace to you both
leel
leel’s last blog post..freaky friday
Laurie says:
Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with the world. She truly is something special! I’m sorry she didn’t have more time here on earth – I have to believe she is doing great things now in heaven. You and Mike are in my prayers daily. Keep posting and talking about your beautiful Maddie!
Kate says:
I didn’t know one year old’s knew how to bust a move! Adorable. She just continues to make us smile.
Bettina says:
She does sparkle in this video! I am so sorry that you have to mourn her instead of being able to continue to enjoy her lightness. But even now, she continues to bring joy to so many people…..
Lisa says:
So adorable. She really could bust a move with the best of them!! I love her trying to say “wow”, too cute.
Thinking of you always.
Lisa’s last blog post..Infant and Toddler Swim Classes
Amber says:
Heather, I know you don’t know me and I don’t know you. But I, as many others, came across your story. I just want to say that I think about you and your husband everyday. I watched your youtube channel last night and laughed and cried, my fiance told me that I officially lost it. lol But, I just want you to know that there are many people here in Alabama thinking about you and praying for you daily!
-Amber
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
When I saw this video in your flickr feed before it cracked me up. She is in my heart always, as are you. ((hugs))
Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Giggles circa 1980something
Jamie says:
OMG. The move busting is possibly the funniest thing I’ve seen all week. She was so serious, because busting a move properly is very obviously serious work. :o)
Jamie’s last blog post..Friday Link Love
Amy says:
What a sweet girl…. Thank you for posting this. My oldest daughter and I watched it together and thought happy thoughts for you and Mike.
JAYNE - NY says:
she was giving beyonce a run for her money.
JAYNE – NY’s last blog post..chocolate boogers
Sarcastic Mom (Lotus Carroll) says:
For a minute there, the roof was on fire.
She definitely had groove.
Sarcastic Mom (Lotus Carroll)’s last blog post..Next time, I’ll aim for the pickles and tuna.
Amy @ Dear Mazzy says:
Heather, thinking of you & Mike every day, hoping that by doing so it somehow takes the tiniest little edge off of your pain. No words can make it better, but I will continue my attempt at absorbing just a bit of the pain.
Amy @ Dear Mazzy’s last blog post..Off With their Heads!
Mary says:
She’s just lovely! And of course you already know that.
Amanda says:
Just one more person who is restling with the same thought:
“I worry on occasion that I speak too intimately, that I invite myself into your lives as though I’d earned a place there when we’ve never even met. Know it’s only because you have changed me.”
I was wondering that thought this morning as I read this and thought about my comments, especially as I read your post about therapy.
My realization is that on second thought I don’t know squat about what you are going through – you, personally. I know that I’ve tried to relay my experience in hoping that it is helpful for you as you go down YOUR path.
I’m thinking of you both again today. Maddie was SUCH a little ‘ham’ and quite beautiful too…
Astaryth says:
She was such a beautiful child and obviously was loved and loving. Thank you for sharing a piece of her with us. My heart, as always, breaks for you. She was, is, and always will be a little angel.
Astaryth’s last blog post..Armed Forces Day!
Jenn says:
I am glad you have these video’s of her. She was so precious! Look at her, just adorable.
Jenn’s last blog post..It’s Friday!
Lindsey says:
I love the way she looks at you guys.
Lindsey’s last blog post..The Top Five Things Not To Say To An Infertile Couple
Alexandra :)(? says:
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. That was SOOOO cute! And yet…
Ninabi says:
So precious and enthusiastic Maddie was. I could see how much she loved being with you.
Courtney says:
What beautiful memories you have on video of Maddie! As always you guys are in my prayers and thoughts.
Courtney from New York
Courtney’s last blog post..Movie Reviews
Insta-Mom says:
Intellectually, I get it. But I see these, and my heart just can’t wrap itself around the reality.
What a little rock star.
Insta-Mom’s last blog post..Guest posting and an open invitation
Danes says:
Damn…I still cannot wrap my brain around the fact that Maddie isn’t here. I think it’s because you’re doing such a good job of keeping her essence alive; and being able to see those videos makes me blissfully ignorant of reality – even for just a few minutes. I mourn for precious Maddie with you and Mike. I love you both.
Maggie says:
WOWWWW! She’s the cutest kid I’ve seen in a long time, Heather. Thank you for sharing that video with us. Thanks very much.
Bonnie says:
Oh lord, she is so funny! I love her little cabbage patch type dance.
Elaine says:
What a total cutie. It hurts all over again that she’s not here. I can’t believe it.
J says:
w…o…w!
sparkly girl
{hug from across the country}
Lillian says:
precious.
i wish we could just reach right through the screen and bring her back—she’s right there, yet out of reach. thanks for sharing your memories of maddie with us—friends and strangers—who send our love.
Lillian’s last blog post..it all started when…
Trish says:
Oh, so cute! Her little tune sounds like the beginning of a dance mix. And I love that she “busted the move” to it. Just perfect. She’s sure a beauty, alright.
We all mourn her; even those of us that were never fortunate enough to meet her in real life. Your daughter continues to make a tremendous impact in the world.
Trish’s last blog post..Chuck E Cheese is not …
Lee2525 says:
Such a happy girl! This stranger from KY is thinking of you guys!!
Elle says:
She is so beautiful!! Love her cool moves.
Elle’s last blog post..teething
tara says:
aw, maddie. she is just the most beautiful little girl…i never knew you and i miss her so much. i love the way, in every post, picture and video, you were all having SO MUCH FUN. it’s what having kids is all about. the way you LIVED with her is so inspiring. so many hugs to you and mike, every day.
pillarr1 says:
OMG!! I was laughing so hard and I kept replaying it over and over! I love watching videos of Maddie! You guys were so good with her. You made her happy every minute of her life. And, that it what it is all about – to make the best of the time we have and live every moment to the fullest. That is what you guys did with Maddie.
Paige says:
What a breathtaking child. I ache for your loss. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers. I am so very very sorry.
cj says:
you three have changed us ALL! much love and sorrow.
Debby says:
Beautiful Maddie, full of expression like no other.
Debby’s last blog post..IT’S GOD AND HE IS AWESOME
jen says:
i didn’t even have the opportunity to know her and i miss her. she’s amazingly beautiful.
Sarah says:
So ridiculously cute… Maddie made me laugh, it’s the first giggle I’ve had all day (and it’s evening here in the UK). What a lovely girl she was and always will be.
Jenn says:
OMG Heather! She is too cute and you could really see her thinking. I also loved how she kind of whispered the word before she tried it. She had incredible potential….I can totally see why you would grief the loss of that. You were robbed, there is no doubt about it…You and Mike were ROBBED and it is not fair!!! It’s so hard not to be angry with God and be so incredibly sad for not given the gift of the future however, I am so happy you were given the gifts and memories of the past as they will carry you into the future.
You and Mike are such fabulous parents. She would have succeed in everything and ANYTHING she wanted b/c you both had her back…that was so obvious. As lucky as you were to have Maddie in your life, she was as equally lucky to have you as her mommy and Mike, as her daddy.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful girl.
Take Care,
Thinking of you as always,
Your Friend,
Jenn
Becky says:
Maddie, your Aunt Becky misses you. A lot.
Becky’s last blog post..Second Verse, Same As The First
Maile says:
This really brightened my day! How absolutely darling. What a sweet thing.
Maile’s last blog post..thin line
Lady Lemon says:
What a sweetheart. So adorable.
Lady Lemon’s last blog post..For the Benefit of Mr Kite
Erin says:
This may be the wrong thing to say but that made me laugh out loud. What a fabulous little girl. She was so very, very lucky to have you two as parents.
Kate says:
She is so adorable.
Kate’s last blog post..Gratitude for the time I had
KellyMc says:
Adorable, she was totally making her own track to dance to.
KellyMc’s last blog post..What a Year
Amy in Oregon says:
Maddie the SUPAH Star!!! LOVE her! MIss her…thanks for keeping her spirit alive.
Amy
Oregon
Kristin says:
Heather – I think about you and Mike everyday. I am so sad I never had the chance to meet your beautiful Maddie. I am sure she is up in heaven keeping all the other angels entertained with her beautiful singing and dancing.
Praying for you always!
SusieO says:
LOVE the hand gestures… totally working it out. Star power, right there.
Deb says:
Maddie sure can rock the casbah!!!
So sweet and adorable.
In a time when it would make sense to anyone for you & Mike to hide inside yourselves – you share with all of us the wonderfulness of Maddie.
What a gift you’ve given all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. May you someday find peace. In the meantime, we’re all here for you.
Love,
Deb
robyn says:
This video made me smile. Precious girl.
robyn’s last blog post..Projects
paula says:
That video was BEAUTIFUL and so friggin funny ! I found myelf dancing to her little rap hahahaha. Thank you for sharing this video!
Jennifer says:
I’m so glad you have all these great videos and pics!
What an amazing little dancer!
Jennifer’s last blog post..Anoles and iPods
Debbie B says:
OMG – that is the cutest video. I keep replaying it over and over again and it makes me smile every time. What an awesome little girl!!
Lauren says:
DJ Big Eyes. Goregous.
Lauren’s last blog post..My feelings. Again.
Jenn says:
WWWWWWOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!! How easy it is to fall totally in love with a baby you have never met and too miss her that much more too!! Came back to watch her one more time as tears flow down my cheeks. Beautiful, beautiful girlie…how loved and missed you are and always will be. You, Maddie are YELLOW….Pure, Bright, FABULOUS YELLOW!!!!! Like the sun – you shine so brightly one has to look even though, at times it hurts to look at the light b/c we miss you all so much. How lucky we are your parents are so incredibly giving and selfless to share you with us. Thank You Heather and Mike….thank you for sharing the most beautiful colour of bright YELLOW there is! Maddie will ALWAY shine!
Susan says:
What a sweet little moment! She was hilarious! Bust it Maddie, bust it! She clearly was getting it from you Heather. You were so funny behind the videocam with her. Thank you for sharing this with us! I love it!
Vicky says:
Honestly, that is one of the most adorable things I have ever seen. I know you miss her so. I’m so sorry.
Violet's mom says:
Every time she starts busting that move I can’t help but laugh. What a sweetheart.
b*babbler says:
So very adorable.
I think, perhaps, but sharing so much of Maddie with us all, you are ensuring, every day, that the memory of her lives on in all of us. It is truly an honor to carry a memory of her.
Jill says:
Adorable! Sweet, sad and adorable!! Thanks for sharing!
Jill’s last blog post..Shameless Promotion – Broccoli Cupcake
lauren says:
Heather & Mike,
I heard about your story on Matt Logelin’s blog – he posted your sad news last month, but it wasn’t until I was randomly looking at his site today that I saw the link to your site and visited. I spent all morning reading your story and looking at the pictures and video of your beautiful Maddy, and as I’ve gone about my day running errands and working, I find I cannot stop thinking about your family. I am so very sorry for your loss – I have no other words for you other than to let you know I am thinking about you.
Sending prayers your way,
Lauren in Chicago
missy says:
She is just the Bees Knees!
JustAMom says:
God I cannot get over how animated and expressive this little girl is!! She’s the best entertainment in the world! She just radiates happiness. I am still at a loss for words….. it’s just NOT fair. I’m still just so, so, so sorry.
Glenda says:
Beautiful…. Gorgeous….. Maddie! Thanks for Sharing!
jill says:
what a pumpkin!! I can well imagine how much she’s charming the heck out of all the grandmothers up there in heaven (I am thinking about my grandmother, Mohner, especially and how much she looooooved babies). Charming and beautiful… thanks so much for sharing.
much love from upstate ny
jill
Christiana says:
So beautiful. I’m so glad she got to be part of your life, even for a brief time.
Christiana’s last blog post.."Big head want dolly"*
Cat says:
It’s so hard to believe that such a brilliant force of life is no longer here on earth.
nic @mybottlesup says:
i viewed this video on “repeat” in full screen mode for my 13 month old, jackson this morning. he kissed maddie, as he does my maddie MOD tshirt, pointed, and then danced when she busted her moves.
i’ll keep playing it for him when he needs a little pick-me-up or a dancing partner…
xoxo,
nic
nic @mybottlesup’s last blog post..sex, continued…
Amy says:
Dang, girl can groove! What a FANTASTIC video!! Thanks for sharing it. Maddie clearly was a super special little girl
Andrea's Sweet Life says:
Every Friday, I can’t wait to get here and fill up on a little dose of Maddie. I could watch her videos all day long! Love you, girl.
Andrea’s Sweet Life’s last blog post..Project Allergy Cure: Take One
Rachel says:
Precious, precious baby. She made me laugh so much in this video. The light and love in her eyes was unbelievable. I’m still holding you both in prayer and thinking of you always.
Catherine Chandler says:
Heather & Mike,
I came across your blog via the McCarthy’s blog. I am so sorry for your loss. Maddie is a beautiful soul, and I am glad she got to have you guys as wonderful, loving parents for a brief time.
Kudos to you guys for seeking out counseling already. It has been 4 years since my father passed away, and I still haven’t gotten counseling. I’m sure it would be beneficial, but I honestly haven’t had the $$ for it, and have just tried to deal with my feelings the best I know how. I know I’ve sunk into deep depression for a couple years, and am now coming out of it. Mike’s experience with alcohol spiraling his mood down is spot on–I’ve experienced that mood change myself and quickly realized that I should not drink while feeling depressed.
Having said that, I know that losing a parent is not nearly as bad as losing a child, and I cannot even imagine the depth of loss that you are feeling. I think in the end, the best we can all do in these situations is to just take one day at a time. Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to all of you.
Tami says:
Its so hard for me to watch the videos, it just makes me cry. My heart really aches for your loss. It was so cute when she got all excited and I miss her to. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Kristen McD says:
Sweet thing.
Elaina says:
So precious! I love the dance moves. So, so cute! Thank you for continuing to share these memories with everyone.
Elaina’s last blog post..Because I need calm…
Rachel says:
I will never, ever tire of watching maddie’s “wow” videos. They make me so happy!
Rachel’s last blog post..Seniorita
chatty cricket says:
Oh my God Heather HILARIOUS! I just laughed right out loud. That is by FAR the best ever Baby Busta Move I have ever seen. EVER.
chatty cricket’s last blog post..Too nice out for an actual wordy post
Tricia says:
So precious!
Tricia’s last blog post..Misc. updates
tammy says:
THANK YOU for sharing Maddie with us – she IS so precious!! Such an awesome memory for you to cherish and have!!
Sending you and Mike love and kisses (even though you do not know me) !!!
Shelley says:
She makes me smile!
Hugs to you and Mike
Milla says:
She is so, so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.
eden says:
I watched this last night, and this morning when I got up it’s all I could think about. She fully had the rythmn and the beat down pat, and her tiny little song fit in perfectly too. I LOVE how you were like … “Bust it Maddie! Bust iiiittttt ….”
Her curls are precious, and so is she.
She is so sweetly beautiful, Heather.
XOXOXOXOX
eden’s last blog post..Wee Thievery, and Other Fluffy Tales
Heather says:
Thank you for sharing this with us all! As I sit here writing this I am laughing while tears run down my cheeks. She was so beautiful, so amazing. Each day I visit you, like you are a long lost friend. Each day I morn with you, even though, by all accounts, I have no right to morn. She was a treasure and I am sad that this world has lost someone so beautiful and pure. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Heather’s last blog post..When one door opens…
amanda says:
I love this video. She has such an energy to her – so vibrant and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
xo from CT,
Amanda
amanda’s last blog post..where the hell have you been?
Ari says:
So precious… I love that she came up with that all on her own.
Thank you for continuing to share videos of her.
Ari’s last blog post..I scream…
Becki says:
WOWWWWWWW. How precious. Such a huge loss. I am so sorry.
Ana says:
What a complete cutie and total ham!!
Amy says:
Such a sweet video. (((hug)))
Amy’s last blog post..I Heart Faces – Blurb Photo Book Contest
Angela says:
I’ve posted here before. I was just checking in to see how you and Mike were doing. My boyfriend’s little boy, he’s four years old, he saw a photo of Maddie, and said she was a “pretty baby”. A “behaved baby”.
We’re always after him to behave.
Sareh says:
she’s just amazing, heather! thank you for sharing this – love the freestyle
Sareh’s last blog post..The name of the game is….POOP!
Sarah says:
What a funny, talented, adorable kid. I’m sending you my heart, and celebrating your baby’s spirit.
lisa wood says:
What a cutie she is….busting a move…..looks like a little dancer in the making…
Gosh Maddie your are just so beautiful love sent your way….Love you Maddie
Lisa xxxx
lisa wood’s last blog post..Shaun Stenning Interview Delayed
Rach says:
The eyes, ohmygosh the eyes. I love your, “Bust it, bust iiiiiit!” Maddie was obviously very lacking in parental love and support. Really, I love how much time you spent just enjoying her. A good lesson for all of us who think loading the dishwasher is more important.
Tina Hosko says:
Thank you for posting that Heather. Thank you…
Durez says:
Good gosh, what an absolutely captivating performer! Thank you , Heather, for sharing this video of Maddie. Adorable.
Miss MVK says:
I love how she raised her eyebrows and made her eyes all wide as she copied your “wooooow!” I keep watching the video over and over because I love it. I love your Maddie. I am so sorry, Heather and Mike.
Miss MVK’s last blog post..Self-restraint
Wagon says:
Heather- God has put you and Mike on my heart, and I have been praying for you both every day. At little odd moments- I think of you, and I hope for you.
catherine Lucas says:
We al mourn the unsung songs… We mourn what could have been had it not been taken away… As always gutwrenching to realise the loss of this gorgeous child!
catherine Lucas’s last blog post..Officially crazy…
Kim says:
My heart just breaks for you and your husband. There are no words that I can even think of to tell you how sorry I am and how I wish there was something I could do to take your pain away. Your daughter was so gorgeous. Please take care of yourselves. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kim
TracyLEJ says:
I’m so sorry that Maddie is no longer here with you. My thoughts are with you often, although you have no clue who I am. I found you through Matt Logelin’s blog. I’ve been reading his blog for over a year now and have been reading yours since Maddie passed away.
I find myself watching this video several times a day because it makes me smile. What a spunky little girl you had!! She was just beautiful and so smart. I pray that you and Mike find some sort of peace with what has happened and are able to move on when the time is right for you both. Take the time you need to mourn this awful loss. I can’t imagine what you’re both going through.
My husband is also a musician. He plays guitar and sings just as Mike does. I have to tell you that his song to Maddie was just beautiful. I’m so glad that he made it…it’s wonderful therapy for him. My husband is losing his oldest sibling, his 44 year old sister to breast cancer right now. He finds a lot of comfort in it and I’m sure that Mike does to. (((HUGE HUGS))) to you both…
Allyson Antol says:
I have watched this video like 7 times today..She makes me smile so big.I laughed at her busting a move..she is a mess;)I miss her and I never even knew her..I cant imagine what you and Mike are going through..You guys are still in my thoughts and prayers daily.Take Care of eachother.
Hollie in Oregon says:
I recieved Maddie’s Monster last week and gave it to my daughter for her birthday today. She loves it! She carries it around and gives it kisses. I show her pictures of Maddie everyday and we talk about how pretty she is. We watch Maddies videos and clap and sing along with Maddie.
I read Mike and your’s blog everyday and I always want to leave a comment…say something to you that will make you feel better…but it just never comes out right. I don’t think I could possibly say anything that would make you feel better anyway…the pain you must be feeling is unimaginable and I’m so very sorry. Just know that I think of Mike, you and Maddie everyday. I have her picture up at work and when people ask me who that is I tell them all about her. She was an amazing little girl who will live on in you. You are truly an amazing woman Heather.
Love
Hollie
Hollie in Oregon’s last blog post..Fevers and ear infections…what a great combo!
Kaza says:
Joining so many others in thinking about you guys every single day and sending every possible good thought/prayer/wish.
Kaza’s last blog post..Serious Laziness
nita says:
What a lucky little angel Maddie is to have such loving parents. Death can not take your memories away you will have them forever and she will be alive in your heart.
I hope you take the time to grieve and not feel you need to rush it.
What you and Mike are feeling are normal stages of grief and you must go through all the stages before you can heal.
treasure the time you were given with your beautiful daughter.
nita’s last blog post..Medical Miracles
Lindsay says:
Gahhhh. Cuteness. Beautiful AND smart.
parentingBYdummies says:
What a cutie:) My littlest dudes likes to bust a coupla moves himself.
ali says:
…and i will be watching this on repeat. what an awesome little bust-a-mover she was, Heather HUGS.
ali’s last blog post..the phrase “pet peeve” is totally a pet peeve of mine
Haley-O says:
She’s beautiful…. I wish she were still here with you, not merely in spirit. What a great video. Thank you for sharing her with us. ((hugs))
Haley-O’s last blog post..My Squirrel Howard Stern, and Pictures Heavenly Pictures
Bren says:
Heather & Mike – Add me to the list of people you don’t know, but someone who cares deeply. I check your site often and do the only thing I know I can – pray for you. I can’t possibly say anything that will make anything better…..but I hope the prayers and thoughts send you some sort of peace, somehow.
That’s the most adorable video. Love Maddie bustin’ a move.
Molly says:
She is just darling.
Tamara says:
I am so sorry for your loss. Next time Jehovah’s Witnesses come to your door, please talk with them. The Bible says Maddie will live again on earth with a perfect body and you can be with her again. And the Bible explains why babies die (not because God needs another angel in heaven). There is hope. I have prayed for you.
Blue rain says:
I hope you guys are hanging in there. Because I really really really want you to…and not let go…
Dani says:
Heather,
I don’t know you but just stumbled on this blog as I was looking for preemie playdates in Los Angeles. I, like you, suffered from very a difficult pregnancy from the onset – it took three rounds of IVF for us to conceive. After my 6th week of pregnancy, I was put on bed rest for 9 weeks due to do a minor complication from the IVF treatment and also a blood clot that was discoverd on the placenta. At 30 weeks, I suffered from pre-term labor contractions for 4 days before my water broke. I was diagnosed with PROM and admitted into the high risk unit at the hospital where I was put on an IV drip of magnesium sulfate and recieved tributaline shots and pills as needed to cease the contractions. Amazingly, I was able to maintain the pregnancy until my scheduled c-section at 34 weeks 3 days. We were very blessed to give birth to a beautiful, perfectly healthy little boy. He was 4 lbs. 12 oz, 18 inches, and now a little more that a week short of 6 months, is at about 15 lbs., 27 inches.
I read through your posts and looked at the pictures of your beautiful baby and I smiled and laughed and cried and wished that I could hug you both. I cannot imagine your pain and I know there is nothing that will ever make it less, but I hope you find some comfort reading the words of all the people whose lives you have touched with your story. I wish with all of my heart that Maddie was still here, and she and my son could have been friends someday.
Your beautiful Maddy is up in heaven making the other angels smile now and she is singing a song just for you.
Dani
Adrienne says:
Heather, I came across a site that I think might be something you could use.
They make Mothers bracelets free of charge for women that have lost a child. They use crystals in the child’s birthstone to remember them by.
http://www.shininglightfund.org/index.htm
I hope this does not bother you. Much love.
– Adrienne
Jenn says:
Hi Heather,
I’ve already posted on here but, I just came on to check to see how you and Mike are doing. I also of course watched the little beautiful girlie’s video again. I can’t imagine your grief. I feel so much sorrow when I watch her video’s and look at her pictures and suddenly remember she isn’t here now. I’ll tell you one thing…even though I didn’t have the honour and pleasure of meeting your amazing little girl, I know 100% the world was a MUCH better place when she was apart of it!
Thinking of all of you and as always, wishing you well.
My Best,
Your Friend,
Jenn
Katrina says:
Wow — what an amazing video to capture a sweet moment like that. One thing is for absolute sure: she had such FUN with you as her mama! All children should be so blessed.
I think about you and Mike a lot, wondering how you are making it through each day. I came across a quote the other day from one of Dr. James Dobson’s books and I thought of you two….
“We human beings can survive the most difficult of circumstances if we are not forced to stand alone.”
Keep leaning on each other, and all the friends and family who are there to hold you up when you need it. You are in my prayers.
Katrina’s last blog post..Up Late — Yet Again
Mijke says:
I had come across your blog a few times before Maddy passed. Our twins were born 2 months premature in december 2007 and once they were home and I started trying to get to terms with all that had happened it helped me to read about other premature children, and how their parents felt during those first scary weeks in the NICU and the months after that. Maddie touched me then.
When I heard about her passing, I came back to your blog. Read the rest of her story. And cried with you. But I didn’t know what to say to you. Didn’t know where to start. So I left.
Today, I came back here. With my twins. And I read your posts of the past two months. Looked at the pictures. Watched the videos. My daughter was sitting on the ground behind me, listening to Maddy’s laughter. My son was in my arms trying to reach the keyboard and pointing at all the pictures of Maddy.
And when we got to this video, he just couldn’t stop looking at her brilliant smile! He stopped trying to wriggle free and just watched. And smiled. And listened to what you were saying to Maddy.
And right after Maddy said “Wooow”, from behind me I heard my daughter, who is not yet talking.
“Booow”
Close enough.
Maddy’s touched my heart. And she’s touched those of my children too… Thank you for sharing her with us!
.-= Mijke´s last blog ..Where did those babies go? =-.
Jenn says:
Tonight I was feeling sore and a little down so I decided to come back to see Maddie. By fate, I picked this video which delighted me b/c this is my favourite of all time video’s of perfect, little Maddie. Seeing this again makes me smile and absolutely BREAKS MY HEART at the same time!! Maddie…there was so much there….,so much potiental, so much you didn’t get to share with the world! It’s so hard NOT to wonder what would have been. What would she say now. Even though I didn’t get the gift of knowing her in person, I am one of the MANY who have fallen in love with her through her parents and just like every other person who was ever touch by her glorious presence, I grief her lost every day and will continue to do so forever.