Meet the Maker

Hi, my name is Melanie, and I’m a mom who’s looking to share the light with other families like mine. My whole life I felt like I had destiny, but I didn’t know what or where it would manifest itself. As I grew through life I started to lose my direction and my inspiration. Met my husband Cody in 2005, got married and had our son, Grady, who was the highlight of my life, but he was growing up and didn’t need me quite as much.

In 2015, Cody and I found out we were expecting again. Through a normal, uneventful—even routine pregnancy, our Gretchen came into the world in a whirlwind. We came home just two days after her birth. Her big, beautiful eyes seemed to look into my soul and pry open a door I myself didn’t even know was closed.

At her first appointment, the doctor told us he suspected a genetic abnormality in Gretchen’s makeup. We went straight to the lab for blood-work and waited the 8 days to get the results, a diagnosis of Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome.

In the past decade she has continued to be my inspiration. Grady is a senior and Gretchen is beginning a new chapter at Bridge Academy in the 5th grade. When I founded Lost Valley Design, it was to share the light my child has brought into our life with others. I am blessed that my children have an amazing love for one another, and their connection is magical to observe.

Lost Valley Design will allow me time, space and energy to watch my children grow. As many of you know, the schedules of therapies, doctor’s visit and consultations with specialists are never ending. Today, Grady is in the 6th grade and Gretchen is in preschool and keeping all of us on our toes!

I want to share all those warm fuzzies and inspiration that my kids give me with the world. I want other families to feel special, feel blessed like I do, even if it’s just with words on a t-shirt.