Text message from Leah to our family thread on February 21st, 2025:
Welcome to this world, baby Levi!
Levi James Nixon Fitzgerald came safely into the world today at 5:30 pm on Feb 21, 2025 weighing 7lbs 14 oz.
He is just the sweetest. And a champion nurser already! 😍
Levi means “Joined in Harmony” which feels like something we all need more of these days— people coming together in unity to create a more peaceful world, and a hope that Levi can be part of that more peaceful world. 😭
(James is his great-grandpa’s name, and Kelsey’s middle name too.)
He’s my second “rainbow baby” but really, any baby I have just seems like such an absolute miracle. 🙏
Grateful for the kindness of the doctors and nurses that have taken care of us.
Now I can’t wait to go home and see Ellie with her new baby brother 😍
A note from Grace:
Welcome to our family baby Levi! I can’t tell you how relieved I am that he’s here and that Leah and baby are happy and healthy.
When Leah was in the ICU after her accident, she underwent SO many intense surgeries. Throughout all of them, the doctors were very careful that her reproductive organs stayed safe and untouched. Leah had always dreamed of being a mother…and while so many other dreams and desires needed to shift after her paralysis, knowing that she could still conceive and give birth gave her buoyancy and hope during an unimaginably hard season.
Of course pregnancy and childbirth can be unpredictable and tough on even completely mobile and healthy people; so when a spinal cord injury factors in, it’s an additional wildcard.
But HALLELUJAH, Leah (and her medical team) did it and now the baby snuggles can begin!
When Leah was a brand new mom to Ellie (who is now 3.5 years old), a friend of mine was also a new mother. She told me, “Whenever I am having a rough day, I think of Leah navigating all of this while paralyzed and in a wheelchair – it really keeps me in check!”
One of the many incredible things about Leah is that she is just NOT a complainer. She usually views things as challenges to help her grow instead of hardships to moan about. I really try to stay positive and with a growth mindset but I’ve got to admit…sometimes I just want to whine. 😅
Even though Leah has pretty much scrubbed herself of the “complaint gene,” I know that a little encouragement can go a long way – particularly as Leah and her husband Kelsey adjust from being parents of 1 to 2! So if you have a few extra moments and want to offer them some extra cheer in the comments, I know that would mean so much.
I'll basically be running Tiny and Snail on my own for the next few months (minus Carolyn and team who do an amazing job packaging your orders and Gretchen who's helping with some customer service!) -- please be patient with me getting back to emails. 😅
We love you, Levi! We love you, Leah!
120 comments
Congratulations on your new little one! I love to hear the meaning of chosen names and Levi is a special baby boy with a rich heritage. Enjoy the slowness of the baby snuggles and catching naps when you can and the magic of seeing Ellie grow up before your very eyes as she takes on the role of big sister.
”The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.“
Numbers 6:24-26
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So happy for you all and thrilled to hear Levi is here and you are all doing well. Sending lots of love! –an adoring customer and letter writer
What magic for you and Kelsey! I only know you through your cards, which touch my heart, and then the recipients of the cards I send. Tiny and snail- are such a gift to so many. What an amazing road you have traveled and shared in your artwork. I believe Ellie and Levi are so blessed to have you as parents. As you began this path of humanity with Levi – you are in my prayers.
Welcome Levi! Congratulations Leah, Kelsey and Ellie! This is such an exciting time for you and we thank you for sharing it with us, all your card friends. Rest up and enjoy all the casseroles and baked goods people bring by.
Congratulations Leah and family with the addition of baby Levi! When my second son was born, I wasn’t sure how the dynamic of our family would change. While life got busier, it was so cool to see how our oldest interacted with his new baby brother. The family felt so much more complete! Wishing you all the best!