A Birthday Memorial -- Lukas Benjamin Baker

In a little over 1 week we will celebrate our son's 1st birthday.  It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by.  We miss him dearly.

In his honor we invite you to participate with us in a Superhero Collection drive benefiting Primary Children's Hospital (details below).  We'd love to include anyone and everyone who felt touched by our little boy and his story.  If you know of others who would like to participate, please invite them on our behalf.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We have felt so much love and are deeply grateful to know firsthand of your goodness and service.

Happy 1st Birthday, Lukas!

With love,
Jonathan, Melissa, Chelsea & Lukas

****************************************************************

Lukas' Superhero Collection

July 1st - July 6th

Gathering Superhero figurines for Primary Children's Hospital

Spiderman, Superman, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, etc.

Figures can be New or Gently Used

Please no villains or weapons

Drop them off at your convenience 9am - 8pm daily July 1st - 6th

129 East 6715 South, Midvale, UT {basement}

Or mail your donations, arrival by July 5th, to:

Melissa Baker

129 East 6715 South

Midvale, UT 84047

We also invite you to light a sparkler on the 4th in memory of Lukas, our little firecracker!  

We wish you and yours a Happy Independence Day!

**************************************************************

Lukas meets his Grandma

On March 3rd, 2013 Lukas and his Grandma were reunited. We are saddened by our loss, but also happy to know that Lukas and his Grandma are together.

We love you Mom and Lukas!


Here is a link to a 10-minute video with some fun pictures of Peggy: http://goo.gl/DBHtv

Here is an excerpt from his grandma Peggy Baker's obituary:

Peggy Young Baker
1948 ~ 2013

Peggy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 3, 2013. She was born November 14, 1948 in Frederick, Maryland to Newell D. and Joanne Strong Young. She married Brent Lynn Baker November 6, 1969. They raised their family in Midvale, Utah.

Peggy graduated from the University of Utah, Magna Cum Laude, in French and English. Her greatest achievement, however, was raising six children and one husband. Peggy loved children. Her house was full of them-her own and all their friends. She worked many years with cub scouts, and a time with girl scouts. Peggy worked in an elementary school, especially loving her time in the school library. She inspired children to success, as evidenced by her five sons' Eagle Scout awards and her daughter's Young Woman's Medallion. Peggy enjoyed travelling, particularly visiting her sons' mission areas, meeting the people they had served. Peggy also enjoyed the outdoors-camping, hiking, and going on long walks. She faced her declining health with courageous optimism, sharing and receiving hugs with everyone.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions in Peggy's name to Alzheimers Association, Utah Chapter (801.265.1944).

A special thanks to Danville Services for their home care support, especially to Julia and Claudia, the best caregivers in the world. And many thanks to Inspiration Hospice for their kindness through Peggy's final weeks.

Our 2012 Christmas Letter

2012.  What a year for the Bakers!

As most of you know, the first half of this year Melissa was pregnant with our second child.  At the routine 20-wk ultrasound we learned our baby had the deadliest of heart defects:  Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).  We were devastated and beyond overwhelmed.

Over the next 4 months with amazing support from multiple medical teams, we examined all of the details and made the hardest choice we have ever faced.  We finally felt at peace when we decided to bring our son home after his birth.  

Lukas Benjamin Baker was born on the 4th of July—our little firecracker.   Though short, his life was happy and filled with love.  He spent time in the sunshine and felt breezes on his face.  He saw the stars, heard the crickets, and got a lecture from his older sister.  He built block towers with daddy and sang lullabies with mommy.  Over 90 people visited and held him and he looked each one in the eye—changing their hearts with his broken one.  We smiled and laughed and cuddled him endlessly.  We were a happy family of four for 2 ½ perfect days.  

Lukas died peacefully in our arms in the dark hours of early morning on July 7th, just moments after receiving his Name and Blessing ordinance.  In the deep pain of that farewell, as our family gathered, the sun came up, slowly filling our home with light.  It was beautiful.

While Lukas has been center stage this year, we’ve had other noteworthy experiences:

• We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in Midway, Utah where we honeymooned.
• Jonathan celebrated his 10 year anniversary working at L-3 Communications.
• Melissa took up a small part-time accounting job near home. 
• Chelsea celebrated her 3rd birthday—lighting candles, singing, and eating cupcakes at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  She’s not spoiled, right?  :)
• We vacationed in:  Rexburg, Idaho; St George, Utah; Jeremy Ranch, Utah; & Ririe, Idaho.
• Jonathan got a new ride:  a 2006 Ford Focus we bought in April.  No more carpooling!
• Melissa exploded the canning this year, bottling 26 quarts each of peaches and tomatoes. 
• Chelsea started “Mommy Preschool” and begs for it multiple times every day. 
• We hosted a big Halloween party and Chelsea chose at the last minute to ditch the girlie fairy costume for the stuffed pumpkin suit.  She keeps us laughing!

While our hearts are still grieving, they are also overflowing with gratitude.  We feel blessed and buoyed by your many prayers and loving service on our behalf.  You have carried us through the darkest of storms, and God has slowly filled our lives with light again.  In this season of lights and presents our thoughts are turned to the gift of His Son.  We celebrate His birth.  We study His life.  And we are humbled by His death that will one day grant life again to our son.  We will be a family again, forever.  Life truly is beautiful.

This year we wish you a tender and peaceful holiday season.  In the joy of your celebration, may you feel of our love and deep appreciation.

With love,

Jonathan, Melissa, Chelsea & Lukas Baker