We found out we were expecting our second baby when Lindy was eight months old. We were so excited for a baby boy and for Lindy to be so close in age to her little brother. For the next several months, we watched our perfectly healthy boy grow and grow, and at our thirty-six week appointment, we found out that although Laken was totally healthy, he would be arriving in just five days, due to me having preeclampsia. 

With so much excitement, we finished the last touches on Laken’s room. We had just moved into a new house in the same neighborhood as our family. 

On February 26th, around 11:30 pm, I took one last bump photo and went into Laken’s room to make sure everything was ready to bring him home. “You’ll see this room soon,” I said while rubbing my belly. That door remained shut for the next eight months. 

The car seat base was installed. The nursery was ready. The bassinet was set up next to our bed. The cupboards were full of freshly washed bottles and other necessities. We were excited to wear our matching family outfits for our “fresh 48” photos in the hospital. We were ready. My, how ready we were! 

Labor was normal. Hearing Laken’s heart beat and constant movement on the monitors was music to my ears. On February 28th, at 2:48 am, Laken was born. We have chosen to keep a lot of the details surrounding the trauma of Laken’s birth private; but what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives turned into one of the absolute darkest in a matter of seconds. It has been two years and my body still won’t fully allow me to relive those moments. As I write this, my heart is racing and I can feel my mind screaming at me to stop. So, I can only summarize Laken’s birthday by saying this: 

Laken entered Heaven, and medically, we do not understand why. But the details of that trauma really do not matter. Those moments are not what define his life.

Shortly after our first Angels in the Outfield game, we found out that Baby Deehring #3 was on her way. Logan Elise was born on New Year’s Eve 2024. Elise means “God’s promise,” which is exactly who she is. God never once left our side, and from a devastating tragedy that was not—again, I say not—from Him, He blessed us with Laken’s baby sister. We miss Laken every single day, and know we always will. But we are so honored to be his mommy and daddy.

No Foot Too Small has given us comfort, love, and support in ways we can never repay. That is why we are passionate about raising funds for their mission: celebrating angels, uniting families, and building birthing and bereavement suites nationwide.

Please join our team. You can share our page, come to the game on May 3rd, or make a donation to Laken’s Lineup—knowing you are helping families who are walking the heartbreaking journey of loving a baby who lives in Heaven.

We love you all! Let's play ball! 

– Laken’s #1 fans,
Daddy, Mommy, Lindy, and LoLo

We're excited to come together to participate in 2026 Cedar Rapids Angels in the Outfield, a fundraiser supporting No Foot Too Small. Our collective passion for this cause drives us, and we need your support to make a difference! Every donation—big or small—helps us reach our fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
• Spread the Word: Share our fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you so much for your support! We couldn’t do this without you!