We have a lot of short clips of Maddie (although not enough. Never enough), but there is one that stands out to me as one of my absolute favorites. Mike and I love music, and we were so thrilled when our Madeline not only showed an appreciation for music, but an aptitude for it as well. This little movie was put together just a couple weeks after her first birthday. We were so looking forward to seeing if she wanted to take voice or piano or guitar lessons.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
This is why my mark is an M modified into a musical note. This is why when I think of my daughter, I think of beautiful music.
{ 112 comments }
Music was a huge part of my childhood, and I ended up studying it at university… so important.
Maddie made the most beautiful music. I’m sure she’s the star of the angel choir.
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Bitchy Cat Wars =-.
OMG, that is ADORABLE!
My god she is so beautiful. And CLEVER!! I love her instruments =)
She really is a rock star =)
I look forward to purchasing Binky’s first album release
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..At my house and after my bath! =-.
Oh so gorgeous! My kids loved watching this with me. “She’s a music baby!” one said. “Baby borgeous” said the other (he’s not sooo great at talking yet but he knows what he likes). Love and hugs to you.
.-= Kate in NZ´s last blog ..Full tummy =-.
Maddie is a rock star.
And her music lives on in you and Mike and in a few months, in Binky, too. Neither time nor distance ever silences that kind of music.
I’ll be spending some time on You Tube today, I think. … Sending (((hugs))) and thinking of you guys.
Maddie is so awesome… The love you two have for her is just as awesome, as well as how that love has multiplied over and over, so that now we all love her too.
What a beautiful way of describing this very special love, Cinthia. O yes the love had indeed multiplied and we do all love the precious Maddie so very much too.
Erica in Luxebourg
Said perfectly! I love little Maddie and I never even met her. I think of her so very often. And Maddie IS a rockstar, Heather!
.-= kymberli q.´s last blog .."F" Family – SNEAK PEEK =-.
Wow, Cinthia. I couldn’t have said it better!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Clearly, I have a problem =-.
Cinthia, that’s it exactly. Perfect.
.-= J´s last blog ..Need I say more? =-.
I tried to think of something to add to this post. When I saw your post, there was no beating it. Perfectly stated!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family, Heather.
.-= Jennie´s last blog ..First Day of School =-.
She is indeed one huge rock star your World Famous Maddie. Famous all over the world, loved by her fans (and wow there are so very many of them, too many to even count) all over the world. What an amazing little lady with such amazing parents. Heather, you and Mike did so many great things with your precious Maddie, you inspired her and taught her about life all the time. Just as you are inspiring your readers and teaching us about life. You guys are rock stars too. Such precious and wonderful people and best parents in the world. Thank you for sharing your Rock Star Maddie with us today, thank you for letting us have the honour of watching this little ray of sunlight in action. She’s just perfect, so very perfect.
I’m sure Maddie’s little sister (or brother) is going to fill your ears with music too, hopefully your readers’ ears too, I’m already looking forward to seeing the special Binky Bean in action one day.
Wishing you a peaceful week-end and wrapping my arms around you from afar.
With love always,
your friend, Erica in Luxembourg
She is so stinkin’ cute! Great video! We need to use our videocamera more often.
I loved it! My favourite parts were when Mike was playing the drums with her and when she became so excited listening to Mike play the guitar. It is times like these when I watch this little perfect baby girl I have the most difficulties realizing she is no longer with us. It is times like these I ask God why he took her when it is so obvious how much her parents adored and loved her so profoundly. It is times like these when without even realize it, tears silently fall from my eyes, hurt pours out with sorrow and the words “I’m so sorry” just isn’t enough. It ts times like these when I find myself falling more in love with a family I have never met yet, I adore. It is times like these I am more and more grateful I stumbled across your blog. Today, like every day, I thank you for sharing your life and most importantly, your daughter with us. What an incredible gift to share!!!! Thank you Heather. It is times like these, I wish I could give you a real hug.
With love from your friend in Canada,
Jenn
once more my heart breaks… Sorry to hear that you are having a lesser day… Thinking of you and your family…
.-= catherine Lucas´s last blog ..Paparazzi on tour… =-.
What an adorable video! Had me laughing from the start. The light and happiness on her face is amazing.
.-= Liz´s last blog ..Tuesday =-.
Wow…I didn’t even realize it was an M. And it’s purple, too!
This video is awesome. Maddie is so, so very special.
.-= Susan (woo222)´s last blog ..Hands =-.
Every time I see one of these awesome Maddie videos, my heart breaks a little bit, but I am also giddy. You were so smart to record her so much and to take so many pictures. She is a shining light and most def a rock star.
.-= Jenni/mom2nji´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: 100 years young. =-.
Heather…
I hope you get peace from watching these video’s. It’s great that you have so many pictures and videos. Binky will NEVER be bored learning about his/her sister. Love to you both! And better days ahead.
I think it’s awesome that you have so many videos of her. What a joy she is!
.-= JennK´s last blog ..Regrets (in memory of Will) =-.
I stumbled across your website a short time after Maddie passed away. I’ve been following your story but never left a comment although your way of describing your feelings put words to my own feelings somedays. In watching my own little grandchildren (4 under the age of 3) I’m realizing how incredibly gifted Maddie was. Even though I live on the east coast and know that mostly likely our paths would never have crossed I am saddened by fact that I won’t have a chance to personally meet this dear little ray of sunshine. I look forward to each new video/picture you post of Maddie – she’s ‘new’ to me and I’m enjoying the thrill of learning to know her. Binky will undoubtedly love her as well. Although Maddie is not present, her presence breaths life and joy and those of us who are present are blessed. My own life has had many distraught and dispairing moments – things that will never ever be the same again. And when the crisis of yesterday is so close to today it’s impossible to imagine that tomorrow could ever be bright again. But I can attest to hope – that as the time between yesterday and tomorrow grows the sun does indeed shine again on life. The sky will never be completely clear again – the cloud of yesterday will always, always be somewhere in the sky of life. Right now, that cloud is big, dark and very close. But it doesn’t change the fact that the sun is indeed shining – you just can’t see it yet. Rest, my dear – cloudy days are OK.
Heather and Mike,
I found you on Twitter several months ago and read your blogs pretty regularly. I admire you both for the quality of your writing and your amazing ability to share in the deepest, darkest of times. For some unexplained reason I could not sleep tonight. I went to the archives and have spent the last several hours reading your story, from the start. I am without words to describe my feelings. I just want you to know, as a parent, you have my upmost respect and sympathy. I do believe that as hard as it may seem, life holds great things for you and your family. I wish I could express how I feel in a better way, but thanks for sharing.
I think Maddie has a stronger following than many aspiring “artists” ever will!
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Six Month Wellness Check =-.
That video seems to so perfectly capture Maddie, her adorable smile, her shining personality, and her love for music. Beautiful.
Hugs
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Help Your Independent Toddler Enjoy Bathtime =-.
*sobs* I love my Maddie.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..I Believe That Children Are Our Future And Other Sausage Tales =-.
My WORD, that is a cute video, even without sound. Stupid work. I love how she smiles so broadly and how she bounces up and down next to the guitar on the floor. SO. UNBEARABLY. CUTE.
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..Blast from the Past =-.
wow…….that was awesome! thank you for sharing your amazing daughter with all of us again. your family is in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Sweet, beautiful Maddie.
How I love these videos…I agree, you couldn’t possibly have enough of them.
Love and more love to you.
That’s one of my favorites too – I remember when you originally posted it and how amazed I was at Maddie’s singing. Sweet, sweet Maddie.
Oh how she makes me smile!! What a cutie!!
Thinking of you, Heather… You, Mike, Rigby and Binky… Always…
She is a rock star. She is iconic and will never be forgotten. Even by those of us who only got to meet her through your stories, pictures and videos; she has left a life long impression engraved on our hearts.
(((HUGS))) from your friend in Florida
I hope you are feeling a bit better today with the nausea.
Trish, great way to describe Maddie….ICONIC!!
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Life’s not fair =-.
Too cute! You are in my thoughts daily. Hugs.
No doubt she is making music in heaven! Think of you daily!
What stands out to me in this video (besides her mad music skillz) are her big, gorgeous eyes. Aw, Maddie. xoxoxo to you.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..the triumphant return of Junior =-.
Because I’m unbiased (well I could be) this can be taken as fact…. Maddie is THEE cutest little munckin ever!
Like I said… it’s a fact!
*hugs*!
Just had to say that I LOVE Maddie, even though I never met her! What a lucky mommy you are to have that little girl as your child. She really is so awesome.
I want her back.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Speechless Humpday =-.
My heart breaks for you every single day. I don’t know how you do it. I admire your strength.
She smiles right down to her toes.
She is a rock star, that is the truth.
It is fun to see the two of you in your before life. It is so rare for anyone who knows me now to see what I was like then.
Know that this baby will not replace Maddie, but you will laugh and smile and love again, just like you did with Miss Madeline.
xoxo
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Harvest =-.
I love how you could see that her whole little body was filled with happiness during the last clip. Her back and legs went straight and she just exploded with this little giggle/squeal combination. What a sweet, happy girl. It’s clear that your mark is the perfect tribute to her.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..It almost makes sense if you think about it really hard =-.
Aww…. I love the video. Every video makes my heart break. She’ll live on in music and writing and your heart — how beautiful.
.-= Haley-O´s last blog ..“Imma Let You Finish”: Things I Learned at CaseCamp =-.
Heather and Mike..if i am having a blue day i sometimes don’t know why but get on your site and laugh my head off at this cute little girl who has since gone to be with the angels…but has left a joy in your hearts and mind and souls as well as mine and my daughter Shelbeys each and every time you give up to share her with us again..thank you so much….she was a blessing to you and your impending Binky….there is a reason for her excistence although short she has prepared you as parents to share your love as you did with her to others and your new baby and her new baby brother or sister….i feel for you with stress and issues even in pregnancy both of mine very hard and it does just wear you out trying to keep yourself going and this little person waiting growing inside you each and every day Thank you for making my day…Jill Sarven aka Preschool teacher which i love by the way ..god bless the little children and their souls…
The gift you have been robbed of is overwhelming and terribly unfair. Maddie is stunning! Thank you for sharing snapshots of her life with us.
.-= Kelley Land´s last blog ..Always Hoping =-.
Adorable, and look at that rhythm!
((Hugs)),
Carrie(Wisconsin)
Oh, I loved that video. Awesome Maddie.
I love it. She’s awesome, and lord, so cute.
PS: My daughter is still asking to see “baby” on the computer. She remembers her from a video you posted a month or two ago.
started out having a super crappy day. saw your precious maddie.. tear down the cheek and smile on the face.
what a love.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..chunder =-.
I love that video. I adore music, I don’t think I’d know what to do without it. It’s almost always on here.
How are you feeling today? Is the new med kicking in at all? Hoping it starts to help soon. Thinking of you.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Some how I thought I’d be fine by now =-.
So precious and so beautiful. And so sorry that your time with her was cut so short.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog .. =-.
I wish she could have starred in MANY more video clips for you. Those clips always put a smile on my face and a tear in my heart
I still can’t believe she is gone
What a gift for music! My son was enraptured watching the video, as was I.
.-= Megan @ Mama Bub´s last blog ..You Capture – Macro =-.
Oh my god, she just makes me SMILE. I bet Binky will have a lot of the same traits as Maddie. I hope he or she helps to continue to heal your hearts.
Love you guys.
.-= Notesfromthegrove´s last blog ..Yo, Aunt Becky! This one’s for you. =-.
She is just the cutest thing ever! Love her love for music!
And, I love your mark. What a great way to always have her with you.
love, Jenn in CA
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Life’s not fair =-.
Impossible NOT to grin watching this. She was and continues to be a ray of light
.-= Summer´s last blog ..Weekend stories, wrap up =-.
She’s beautiful and so adorable! God Bless you in these hard times.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Thoughts =-.
Truly a beautiful little rockstar. My camcorder is dusty and this reminds me I need to pull it back out.
.-= Akilah Sakai´s last blog ..Butt Juice =-.
Maddy is a ROCK star and always will be! Thanks for sharing this special video.
I swear every time I look at her it is like looking into the sun, she is just so beautiful! What a fantastic video!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..The Awful Tooth =-.
Ohhh, I love how she imitates you in the first few moments. So precious. Binks will need to watch this video and take good notes from his/her big sis.
So cute and ohh so talented! Thanks for sharing!
So cute. I would love to have a daughter like her.
Thanks for sharing! Beautiful! Maddie is a Rock Star! I love her huge smile! Heather I LOVE your mark! Sending you hugs XX
I am smiling so big right now. That is the cutest video I have ever seen.
The video is adorable and precious just like your Maddie. How did I miss your post on the “mark?”
I read you all the time. That is the most precious tattoo I have ever seen. How perfect for your rememberance of Maddie. You are always on my mind and I always tell people about your little Maddie. Because of her God lead me to the feelings deep within my heart for mothers of children who are angels in Heaven. God Bless.
.-= Debby´s last blog .."OVER THE TOP" AWARD =-.
LOVE that video. So fabulous and I’m smiling from ear to ear…and maybe shedding a few tears too.
She will never be forgotten – her joy and spirit live on in music and in so much else each and every day. Maddie was so lucky to have two parents who love her soooo much.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..The elephant in the…crib? =-.
She makes my day.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Holy cougar, how did this happen? =-.
I loved the video- it was beautiful.
If you believe in forever
Then life is just a one-night stand
If there’s a rock and roll heaven
Well you know they’ve got a hell of a band.
” Maddie” gave us rainbows.
They’ve all found another place
Another place to play. When we all get back together, you know it will be a hell of a show.
She is and always will be awesome. Peace to you and Mike and Rigby and Binky.
You two are so amazingly giving, and Maddie is the most PRECIOUS ROCK STAR EVER. Thank you for sharing your everything. You touch my heart every time you post.
I still cannot for the life of me wrap my mind around that she’s gone.
I’m sure she’s up in heaven giving an amazing show just for you guys
Love & blessings.
my heart aches for your loss. there truly aren’t words. your daughter is beautiful.
I have no doubts that you will find Binky talking to Maddie during diaper changes and play time. I never met Maddie but I miss her too, the music video really did me in. I wish you the best on this roller coaster of emotions.
.-= Vaness´s last blog .."That’s a pow pow, Vida." =-.
I like being the nutty one, so here goes. You can get some of Maddie’s ashes put into your tattoo, if you wish. There’s a way to mix ashes into the ink and then it gets inked into/onto you. I know it’s highly taboo in our culture… I actually wasn’t able to do it for my own memorial tattoo of my loved one who passed last November (long story, but I did want to). Anyhow, just thought I’d let you know in case you didn’t already.
My niece died 13 years ago today at the age of 5 months and even after all this time, my heart is heavy today.
Your girl, she is lovely.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..On A More Positive Note =-.
I have been reading your blog for a couple of months YOU are an amazing writer and I have completely fallen in love with beautiful Maddie. I have 3 boys and my husband is gone half the year so half the time I’m raising 3 very active small boys (my oldest has adhd) by myself and at times I find myself overwelmed and unhappy, wanting like so many moms “me time”. But then I come here and I read your wonderful stories and I hate myself for not savoring evey moment I dislike myself for being so selfish. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your daughter with me. Your words have so much impact on so many. YOU help me to be a better mom, Maddie helps me to be a better person. You have done the greatest thing ever for your baby girl and that is that she is REMEMBERED. There are things we will never understand and all I know to say is Trust God Always~Isiaiah 26. Thank you so much, you and precious Maddie do more good than you will ever know.
Your strength and courage gives me hope. God bless.
that is just plum adorable…
It’s so great to see you playing with your little angel, Maddie. She may have had a short life but her life was lived to the fullest. You’re both such great parents.
Rock on, Maddie.
How awesomely fabulous is she.
Hugs to you, Mike, Binky & Rigby.
OH, I love watching videos of Maddie! My favorite is the one where you say “she is busting a move” to the music. Music was in her soul.
Oh Heather, that video first made me laugh out loud (at Maddie dancing and singing along with the guitar toy) and then cry.
Oops! Took off my glasses to wipe my eyes and accidentally posted before I was ready. She was SO beautiful, Heather.
.-= Scattered Mom´s last blog ..Back To School=Extra Scattered Mom =-.
OMG what an adorable child. I know she is now making music in the Heavenly realms.
You see pictures of those baby angels? Maddie is one of them.
Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us “strangers.”
I prayed so many times for you today (09/18) because I was thinking of you most of the day today, especially since Mike’s heartfelt post from yesterday (09/17). Everytime I think about the Spohr family, I say a prayer for you, and I think about you often.
You still deserve the Medal of Freedom, perhaps I will write to President Obama regarding that…….
We’re big w/ the music around here, too.
I have to say, those PJs are the SHIZ!
.-= Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..This? Is not OK: Happy Tres-Tres Birthday Edition =-.
Love this one…it’s the cutest thing that she’s dancing right on the beat of that Queen guitar song. Such a sweet baby.
Every video makes me miss her: makes me realize what I missed in never getting to meet her in person.
.-= Adelas´s last blog ..BABY! (aka oops, I forgot to post) =-.
One of my favorite videos of Maddie, too. Mainly because it shows just how much she was loved, enjoyed, and played with by her two parents.
If every child were loved and cherished by his/her parents like that, the world would be a better place. I really believe that.
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Rushed =-.
She’s delicious and you are so fortunate to have these videos. Thanks for sharing that beautiful little girl with all of us.
Hello Heather,
I have been reading your blog for a while now, that I found throught Matt and Maddy blog. Your daughter was so precious, and I’m sure all your beautiful healthy children of the future will be awsome just like their big sister.
You are a true inspiration for me. When I was born, after my mom was in labor for 40h, I did miss some air so I have a partial celebral palsy. My parents did learn about it when I was 1years old. If you meet me, you won’t see it except when I do walk, I have a bad posture, the left side was affected, but my brain wasn’t. I’m lucky, I’m in college right now. I do have a lot of back problems, and most of the time, I’m in pain. The doctors says that I will have hard pregnancy if I want children.
You are my inspiration, your courage, the love for your husband, binky and maddy, it’s all an inspiration for me, and it give me hope for when I will be pregnant.
You are an amazing women
.-= Stephanie in Canada´s last blog ..My summer job =-.
So this video has made a big impression in our house… My 2-yr-old just climbed into my lap and said “Peese Mama I wanna watch da baby. Da moosik baby. Peese Mama!” Well, how could we not watch her again? And again, and again. He’s remembered it from two days ago, just out of the blue. Maddie is so loved, by all ages!
.-= Kate in NZ´s last blog ..Raspberry buns =-.
You and Mike were born to be parents. Maddie was so lucky to have you both. Now Binky will relish this privledge.
Adorable! Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories of Maddie with us.
.-= Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..Need Your Help! =-.
Those little feet are so darn cute.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s life and your journey
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Anita
I love her music video. A while back you posted that video, or maybe i saw it on flickr? I dont remember. But i have seen it before. It was a while ago. I think it was the first time i fell in love with that little angel!! Binky is so lucky to have that sweet little guardian angel with him/her at all times.
Did your daughter have the cornelia de lange syndrome? I have read through months of your blog but never seen it mentioned.
So sorry for your loss, she truly was a little bundle of joy and happiness.
Honestly, I don’t even know how I got to this blog. I was googling website templates, ended up on someone’s blog, kept following linkies from one blog to another, and then ended up here.
I’ve now been here reading and crying both happy and sad tears for 2 hours and all I can say is wow, just wow.
You two were as much of a gift and blessing to Maddie’s life, as she was to yours. My prayers are with you both, as well as with “Binky”. God bless your family.
Just a reader checking in to see how you’re doing. Hope you’re feeling better physically and that you can still make your trip to speak at the conference. And I hope you’re finding moments of peace and comfort as much as possible. Thinking of you and yours. (((Hugs))).
Such an amazing adorable little girl.
She’s talented and really charming. She’s an angel.
.-= haraf´s last blog ..castles in the air =-.
Hi Heather,
Just checked your blog after a few days away. What an amazing little girl. I just love her! Thank you for sharing all those beautiful moments!
Hope you are feeling better!
Maddie really is a rockstar. Fantastic video! So endearing. Her light still shines.
*HUGS*
Love it. Just love it. The first clip was impressive!
~Hugs from TX
.-= Alli´s last blog ..Lesson Learned =-.
She is absolutely darling and yes, I’d say her talent is evident
Thank you for sharing !!
.-= jana´s last blog ..I wish you enough =-.
Rockin’ Maddie! Fun stuff.
That is one special little girl. So beautiful and sweet. I love seeing videos of her. Thank you for sharing.
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..How Not To Avoid Appearing Batshit Crazy Around Your Son’s Occupational Therapist =-.
Music is what feeling sounds like? Then Madie is really very happy with you. I can sense it in her singing.
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.-= Jonathan´s last blog ..Putting a Personal Touch on Your Essay College Sample =-.