Lexi Jane Carson

Lexi was born on June 4, 2015 in Hamilton at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was 4 days late and was pretty content with hanging out inside mommy. From day one Lexi was an absolute joy and by far a breeze to parent. She passed all her test and was a great sleeper at least for the first few weeks. We got to go home as a family on June 5th and it was one of the most wonderful days. Tucker was thrilled to have a new little buddy and right away fell in love with our princess. The summer of 2015 was the most amazing summer of our lives, filled with late nights, silly games, funny dance moves and lots and lots of walks. Lexi soon fell in love with trees and the sound of the range hood. Whenever she wasn't having a good day or moment the fan sound made an instant calm and with the mix of looking at the trees in the backyard she was in peace. She became the light in our lives and drew everyone that seen her right in. She was a true girl and loved being told she was pretty and smart which are understatements. Lexi had a beauty that was beyond amazing, her eyes bright blue just like daddy's and a nice strawberry blonde hair from mommy; even though daddy still won't agree she had some beautiful red shades. She had perfect little cheeks and two adorable dimples that popped right out when she'd smile away. She will always be described as a happy baby, even though she had her moments all other times she was an absolute joy. She was an adventurous soul that loved going to new places and meeting new people. By the fall of 2015 Lexi wasn't developing physically the way she should and October 21, 2015 she was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1. it was a devastating diagnosis, but Lexi never let SMA rule her. She continued to be a shining light and a happy princess. Lexi continued to be our little explorer and social butterfly. In November Lexi began clinical trial treatments with ISIS Pharmaceuticals at Sick Kids in Toronto. Our family Toronto trips became some of our favourite times. Lexi loved the bright lights in the big city and all the busyness of the people. She would take long walks the night before a treatment followed by a big swim in the hotel pool. Water became a new favourite thing along with TV. If only she could going swimming while watching TV she would be so happy!

From June to January Lexi had many visitors and lots of admirers who she loved as well. Meema and Gramps were the first to meet Lexi and she soon began to love Gramps' singing voice and Meema's shopping trips. Uncle Dustin was also there at the hospital where he soon fell in love with his little peanut he was only a little nervous to hold her. Soon after Gramps and Meema headed back to the Sault; Grandma and Grandpa made their way down to meet Lexi. Of-course they were smitten and in love the moment they held Lexi, even though Lexi liked to play a prank on Grandpa by crying each time he held her. She soon realized that the prank needed to end and enjoyed cuddling with Grandma and Grandpa. The visits didn't stop for Lexi and she was loving the attention. Andrea and Brad showed up for a visit and then Ashley and Mike made their way over to swoon over Lexi too. It would be a few months later in September that Lexi would meet her Uncle Scott and Aunt Coco and cousin Maddie on her first road trip to the Sault. Madison soon became good friends with Exi, it may or may not be because Maddie was really into Lexi's soothers. Lexi's other cousin Bryce was also there only still in Aunt Coco's belly, I'm sure he gave Lexi a little kick or two and we all know that he would have loved Lexi and her soothers too. While visiting in the Sault Lexi got to meet her Great Grandmas and Grandpa as well as great aunts and uncles all who fell in love with her. Meema and Gramps threw a Lexi party while in the Sault and she mostly enjoyed all the attention but was tried right out from all the snuggles from all our friends and family. She knew she was loved by so many and used that to her advantage of roping mommy and daddy and meema and gramps and grandma and grandpa into buying her lots of fun toys, cute clothes and perfect head bands.

When she started to get her voice she learned how effective yelling at mommy would be to getting her attention. Basically if mommy was on the phone, cooking, sleeping, eating or just not giving enough attention to her then she would start yelling at mommy. She knew she was a princess and enjoyed the attention that came with that role. If mommy was taking a quick break then daddy was right there trying to "eat" her feet or taking her for walks down the block or around the back yard to look at the trees with Tucker. She was mommy's princess but was really daddy's little girl. A huge smile would come across her face as daddy walked into the door after a long day at work. She knew she would be getting full attention daddy time and loved every second. Although she was daddy's little girl, mommy made it clear that her first word better be "mama" and Lexi listened and began saying "MOM" when she was about 5 months old. She attempted "DADA" a few times but "MOM" was her go to along with making bubbles with her mouth although to redeem herself for not saying "DADA" she did say "I love you" to daddy and that just melted his heart. When Lexi wasn't gibber jabbering she was speaking through her eyes. Her eyes were always so big and so expressive. She could tell a whole story just by looking into her eyes, she had so much wisdom and love just ready to explode out. Lexi's character and personality never changed even in the face of painful and uncomfortable treatments. She was a true warrior that was ready for a battle that she never should have had to fight. She fought through each treatment or procedure and had a beaming smile within minutes.

On December 22, 2015 Lexi was admitted into McMaster Children's Hospital with a pneumonia and the Rhino enterovirus (common cold). Due to Lexi's weak respiratory system simple colds were very hard for her to cope with and her body would get worn out quickly. She spent her first Christmas at Mac and that didn't stop Santa from finding her. She woke up on December 25th with a huge bag of gifts from Santa and she also got to celebrate Christmas with Meema, Gramps, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Dustin. It was a different Christmas for the family but a wonderful one. Gramps with the help of the neighbours made a delicious Christmas deep fried Turkey and all the fixings. It was a wonderful day, one that we all will cherish. Lexi was also a party animal for New Years EVE not wanting to go to sleep although mommy and daddy fell asleep way before the ball dropped. The following days Lexi seemed to be stable although had contracted another cold virus during her stay at the hospital as we waited for her new home machines. On January 6th Lexi had a hard day that involved minimal sleep the night before and during the day as all the RTs and doctors tried to get the best fit on her new sleeping mask. So that night mommy and daddy gave her a nice warm bath. She sat comfortably in her bath seat and let her toes wiggle in the water. Lexi loved watching the water toys and feeling the splash of the water. It was just what she needed to get some rest. She slept the best she had in many nights and we all thought she was turning a corner. On January 7, 2016 around 10:30am Lexi took her last breaths while held tight in mommy's arms. It was the hardest thing that mommy and daddy every had to do. Letting Lexi go to heaven was a bittersweet moment. She was sent to heaven with so much love and we all know that she was welcomed there by her great grandpas and 2nd cousins. We can only imagine the wonderful time she is having kicking her feet in the warm waters that lay under big beautiful trees.

Lexi Jane has changed our family's life from the moment she took her first breath and she again changed it with her last. We miss her so very much each and everyday but continue to love her more then words can explain. She will forever be our Princess, our Warrior, our Fighter, our Dancer, our little Miss Magoo and our absolutely Perfect Angel.

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CARSON, Lexi Jane – Our beautiful angel was granted her true angel wings on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the McMaster Children’s Hospital at 7 months old. Much loved and adored daughter of Luke & Whitney. Precious Granddaughter of Grandma Leila & Grandpa Gary Carson, and Meema Laura & Gramps Rennie Maier. Cherished Niece of Dustin Maier and Scott & Kirsty Carson. Special cousin “Exi” of Madison Carson. Lexi will be sadly missed by her Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. A private family service was held. Memorial contributions made to Families of SMA Canada Society (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (492 Wellington St. East, 705-759-2522).