Doing Good in Her Name

I just wanted to let you know that Peyton's parents have started a new website in her honor, www.doinggoodinhername.com. Many people have asked over the past 14 months how they can help children like Peyton and their families. Well now, thanks to this website, we all have the opportunity to help. Peyton's parents have started a program to help critically ill children and their families at Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, the same hospital where Peyton spent her life being cared for. Please take a moment to check out the website. Thank you! :)

It's hard to believe that today marks one year since we had to say good-bye to baby Peyton.

How can we possibly sum up the way this past year has changed us? When Peyton left this world, a beautiful piece our hearts left too. That unspeakable sadness remains, and will continue to remain. After all, things should be different. She should be here, with us.

Peyton, we know you are with God and with all of Heaven's other children. And we are trying to focus on what you have taught us through your strength and the sweet time we got to spend with you, hold you, and look into your beautiful eyes. Please continue to watch over your mommy and daddy, and help us all to see the light beyond the clouds and rain. We love you, Peyton Elizabeth- forever and always.

Peyton's First Birthday

On September 4th, a few of Peyton's family and friends gathered at the cemetery to celebrate Peyton's first birthday with a baloon send-off, where we sent our messages to Peyton up into the sky. You may be surprised that I used the word "celebrate". However, that is exactly what we did. This past year has brought with it sadness beyond words. But for that one month that Peyton was with us, she blessed all of our lives in countless ways. She was born on that special day- September 4th- and for four weeks transformed all of our lives with her beauty and her strength. Nothing, not even the heartbreak, can ever change that. Happy birthday, precious Peyton Elizabeth!

Please find below a slideshow (also on Kristin's "Once A Mother" blog, as well as some additional photos and videos from this special day.

Kristin has started a new blog in Peyton's memory. Please visit it at www.onceamother.blogspot.com.

As most of you probably know, Peyton's uncle Mike is shaving his head in 3 days. He is doing so in honor of Peyton, and as part of a St. Baldrick's fundraiser to raise money for childrens cancer research. It is our sincerest hope that, through organizations like St. Baldrick's, there will come a time when no other families have to go through the pain that Peyton's family has had to endure. Please visit Mike's Saint Baldrick's page at www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.php?ParticipantKey=2009-327386#