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Our son Maxton was diagnosed with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at his 19 week ultrasound. Maxton was born on 3/3/09 at Vanderbilt University. He fought hard for 18 days but earned his wings on 3/21/09. Maxton was an inspiration to many during his brief time on earth and has forever changed our lives. If your child is diagnosed with CDH, please feel free to contact us. Maxton may no longer live here on earth, but he will live forever in our hearts...

To start at the beginning of our story click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

New Layout

So I changed the layout last night. (when I was up til like 3 am because I couldn't sleep) I am an idiot and deleted everything on the right side of the blog.. all my links and everything, so if you would like to be listed on here let me know. I tried to get everyone that I used to have but may have missed someone. Just let me know. To explain the blog, I had read somewhere that CDH angels/babies were like butterflies. The flutter by but leave a lasting impression. I found this layout online and thought it looked like a person giving up their butterfly, not to mention, the butterfly was blue. It seemed perfect. At Maxton's funeral we had some blue butterflies in the flower arrangements. We also had a blue butterfly on his casket (see picture below), so thus, this seemed like the perfect layout. (the only problem is that if I change it I think it will delete everything again, so hopefully you all like it because I think it will stay!)

I have been working on a few CDH projects and am not quite ready to disclose them, but please pray for them. I am super excited about each one and can't wait to get them into full swing.

David and I are doing pretty good. We both miss Max and have moments where we are very angry and confused, but also have moments of peace about it. I would say right now the moments of peace are definately outweighing the confusion, which is good. I've been told the "reality" of it all will likely hit in a few months, so I am glad for the days of peace now. This weekend my parents are coming to take some of the baby things back home with them as we don't really have room to store it all here... not to mention alot of it makes me sad (like the stroller and playard that are permanent fixtures in our living room right now!). I am not ready to go through and clean out drawers or anything yet, so that stuff will be staying. Hopefully this emotions will be "okay" this weekend as we begin to pack up things. I am excited to see my parents though and love it when they come to visit.. even though my mom was here for 3 weeks straight just 3 weeks ago! That's right.. little man has been gone for 3 weeks.

Maxton, buddy, we love you and miss you and we know you are watching out for us and guiding us in this new path our lives have taken us. We wish you were here to take our lives journey with us, but you will always be in our hearts. Much love sweetie...

4 comments:

Amber said...

I love the new lay out! The picture of the three of you together is priceless. Maxton was very lucky to have such amazing parents who love him so much.

I wanted to let you know that even though I never had the honor of meeting Maxton he has touched my life. Over the last few weeks I have thought about him and the two of you often. I know that sharing Maxton story will help others who are about to face this birth defect.

I think it is amazing that you are already thinking about how you can help others. Let me know if there is anyway I can help?

My email OwainsMommy@gmail.com

With much love
Amber

Jaime's World said...

Ashley,
This is beautiful! You did such a nice job honoring Mr. Maxton!
I'm glad to hear that you are finding some peace with all of this. Now, you need to work on getting some rest!
I know it's hard to sleep, trust me, I'm up a lot at night wondering about this crazy CDH journey, but you must remember to take care of yourself, too!
Good luck packing things up, I'm sure it will be easier having your mom there to help you!
Take Care,
Hugs,
Sheryl

Kaden's Grandma said...

I too, think the new layout is wonderful. I have to thank both David and yourself for such wonderful support and comfort you have given to Craig and Kristi with new baby Kaden. The roller coaster ride continues the AM. God has special plans for special ones. Keep the prayers coming and my God Bless you all on this Easter Morning.
Kaden's grandma and Kristi's Mom

Your Gospel-Loving Friend said...

Happy Easter to you as well- I am continually praying for you that God would bless ya'll & everything you are doing as you go through this.

I would love to help in your projects if you need some!