Thursday, September 29, 2011

Prayers

Prayers...that is what the friends and family members of Lindsay Lewis need in this time of loss. Prayers to comfort those that are trying to understand, those that are trying to heal, those that can't imagine life without her, her family and especially Gabe and their two precious boys. Most of the family and friends that read this blog know of Lindsay's story but for those that don't here is a little background. Lindsay was a good friend and sorority sister of mine. Gabe, her husband was Brett's little brother in the fraternity. Lindsay and Gabe were high school sweethearts and had been blessed with two boys, Brody (2 1/2) and Cash (11 months). Lindsay was an amazing woman. She was a great wife, awesome mother and had a heart of gold. Only weeks ago, she got pneumonia in both lungs. It soon developed into ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). Although, her body tried fighting to the very end, it was just too much. At the age of only 28, she joined the Lord in Heaven on Friday, September 23rd.

I can't not even begin to put in words the strength and faith that has been instilled in Gabe. He was beside her day and night while she was in the hospital and hours after her passing was able to write these most precious words below.

"I am unbelievable heartbroken to say that my best friend, wife, the mother of my 2 beautiful children has joined the sweet Lord in Heaven as of this afternoon. She fought as hard as she possibly could but there were too many things going on inside her body to fight. She literally fought to the very end. I first saw Lindsay when she was in 8th grade and God told me right then that she was going to be in my life. I knew the second I saw her that I would love her. It took a few years, but God came through and put her in my life and from then on I never stopped loving her. She is an amazing woman, mother, wife, friend, the list goes on. She had a huge heart, a stubborn heart and a beautiful way about her. She was so beautiful on the outside but it was like she never knew it. She sometimes got upset because she would think people thought she was rude, but she was really just a humble, shy, and very modest human being. She never knew how beautiful she was even though I tried telling her everyday as well as friends. She gave me 2 of the most precious gifts that I could ever ask for in Cash and Brody. They will carry her inside of them for the rest of their lives and I will do my best to make her proud as a parent. She is a very special girl and I will miss her EVERY DAY. She loved all of you and I am so thankful for your prayers throughout this fight. The support has been amazing. I wish she could have seen it, but God has a bigger plan for her in Heaven. He has a plan for all of us and no matter what, our faith cannot waver. She is in Heaven, she is out of pain, and she is smiling down on us and probably feeling bad she can't hug on us. Lindsay, I will always love you, you have made my life amazing and I will take everything you taught me with me to my grave. I love you, I love you, I love you."

Tuesday, a beautiful ceremony was held to celebrate the life of Lindsay. There were tons in attendance and you can tell she had left a footprint in the lives of so many. I hope that it comforts Gabe to know that he has a guardian angel looking down on him and the boys. There are so many people ready and willing to help the family in this time of need. There are many accounts, services, dinners, etc being set up to help with the days to come. But, I would ask you to keep Gabe, the boys, and all of Lindsay's family and friends in your prayers. They have a lot of life to live and they are going to need all the support they can get.

Lindsay, you will be forever missed and in our hearts forever. We love you.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6


Sunday, September 25, 2011

4 to 6

Once again I am way behind on blogging since the last post I did was about Caden being 4 months and now he is 6 months! So here is a recap of what has been going on the last few months. 
Caden had to get a DOC (Dynamic Orthotic Cranioplasty) Band.  The DOC band is intended to apply pressure to the prominent regions of an infant's cranium, to improve cranial symmetry and/or shape.  Ever since Caden was born he has plagiocephaly/brachycephaly (abnormal head shape), we hoped over time it would correct itself but it hasn't.  He has to wear the band for 23 hours a day for 6-9 weeks.  We go in for weekly growth adjustments.  As of now, we have had it for 5 weeks and hope to be done in about 3 more! He has actually done really well with it considering how hot it has been.  We are noticing some improvements and feel that it has been worth it.

Before leaving the house for our DOC Band appointment...    
At the office waiting to get our new DOC Band...
Sporting his new gear...
We celebrated my nephew Braxton's 3rd birthday!
Us with the birthday boy...

Family pic...
Family friends with Caden...
Brett & Braxton checking out B's about me book...
A little auntie time...
My two favorite little boys...
Love him to pieces...
Cake time...
Presents!
Caden's 5 month pictures...
I try taking his band off for some pictures so that not all of this age are with it on...
Mommy had to go to Andover, KS for work.  Which was great, because it is conveniently located close to Mimi & Papa. So Caden was able to tag along and hang out with Mimi & Papa while Mommy worked.  We decided to make a weekend out of it.
Caden's first airplane ride...
He did great on the plane on the way out there.  On the way back we did have one small melt down but overall pretty successful!
Mimi & Papa picking me up at the airport...
Some weekend pictures.  Not quiet sure what to think about this new food...
Some tummy time with Papa before our bath...

Love those blue eyes...
The next morning...
Papa bought me a couple cute baseball outfits.  Sporting one of them below with Papa..
and Mimi...
Next day... (this one is my favorite!)
Such a happy boy!
Hanging out in this fun toy while we are getting our band adjusted...

Lot of food trying going on at our house...
Nana and Papa came in town for a visit.  Hanging out with Papa...

and Daddy and Papa...
We went and got my band decorated.  There is a group called Wrap Buddies that wrap the bands.  It is donation based and they have a few designs that you can pick from.  There are a couple places in DFW area that do them.  We went to Rockwall to Bullet Wraps.  We decided to go with one that was a little more kid like and did dinosaurs.  Of course, the girl selections were super cute and the boys were limited.  We think it turned out cute though.  Just doesn't match anything Caden owns!
Sporting my new "decorated" band...
Posing with daddy...
Still awfully cute even in that band...
Brett downloaded a piano app on the IPad.  Caden loves it!
First Red Raider game!! Go TECH!
Nana and Caden...
Nana, Papa and Caden...

Our little TECH family...

This picture cracks me up.  He is totally just got his hands behind his head and relaxing while taking a bath...
Out and about with mommy and daddy...

We all got a fun stomach virus.  It started with Caden.  I had to go pick him up from daycare because he was throwing up.  I took him to the pediatrician and he said it was just a virus and to give it a few days.  He only got sick one more time and then seem to be pretty good within a day or so.  Well, then mommy got it and was throwing up all night.  Of course then daddy got it.  So the night when Brett got it, Christie and Braxton watched Caden because mommy had a work event she had to be at. 
The two cousins hanging out...
I love this picture.  I hope they become good friends!
The next few pictures are just a few hanging around the house pictures...


We go this week for Caden's 6 month check up.  I will try to do better and get his pictures and stats up quicker this go around.