Life as a medical mom, personal style, thrifting, plants, and family.

Real Life, Lockhart Style

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Meet Rayel...

In April 2020, I became a mother to our sweet son, Arden. Though medical motherhood and disability parenting hasn't been easy, it has given me a sense of confidence and pushed me to share the real me with the world. I love being creative, sharing my outfits and inspiration, decorating my home for real life, and talking about our trials and tribulations as parents of a wonderfully made, medically complex little boy.

Our Little Family: Rayel, Brodi, & Arden

The Lockharts live on an acreage in Northern Alberta, Canada. Brodi works outside the home as a physiotherapist, and Rayel is a teacher, but is currently full-time caregiver and stay-at-home-mom for Arden.

I believe that every day that we are here should be celebrated and cherished. I strive to live a simple life filled with everything that creates happiness and fulfillment for me. Life comes with hardships, but every challenge presents us with an opportunity to grow and persevere. The universe never gives us more than we can handle. All seasons of life are important. It's up to you to see the beauty in every moment.

RAYEL LOCKHART

I want to hear from you!

Update: Arden, Spring, Easter, & Next Steps

April 6, 2021

Spring seems to have signaled change in the air! The sun is regularly shining through our windows and it’s definitely caused me to feel uplifted. Spending time with our little family has brought me so much joy, and I feel a sense of hope for…

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We All Just Want to be Seen: Perspective, Kindness, and Empathy

March 31, 2021

I’ve been thinking about the quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” This quote has been around for many years, and I regularly see it pop up on pinterest or social media posts. It’s not new to…

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Arden is 11 Months Old

March 29, 2021

Time is incredible. It seems like just yesterday we brought home our little man, and now we’ve already watched him thrive at home for 3.5 months!  Of course, Arden still faces challenges every day. Being a trach-vented baby is no easy feat, and the restrictions…

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The Photo Albums will Have to Wait

March 25, 2021

Since we arrived home in December, I’ve been trying to get myself to organize our photos in order to create albums for Arden. I would love to be able to do an album outlining his time in hospital, and everything he overcame to make it…

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Update: Arden no Longer Requires Heart Medication!

March 23, 2021

Yesterday I spoke with Arden’s cardiologist at the Stollery, and his most recent holter monitor looked great! There were no signs of ectopic atrial tachycardia. She is confident that he is no longer experiencing those irregular spikes in heart rate. Therefore, as of yesterday, he…

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My Mental Health: When the Hard Days Come, Keep Moving Forward

I like to think that as a whole we’ve adjusted well after making it home with Arden. Our life has changed drastically, and a lot of aspects are very different than what we are accustomed to. I can’t just drive to the grocery store when…

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Living in the Living Room

March 20, 2021

The past couple days, I feel like I’ve hardly left our living room. It’s where we usually situate Arden and it allows access for all of his toys and equipment. I honestly think he’s trying to sprout an eighth tooth! For 3 days now, he’s…

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Books that Nourish my Soul

March 18, 2021

I was recently asked if there are any books that help me stay positive when times are tough. Although I don’t have a lot of actual self-help style books in my book shelf, I still have books that I come back to again and again.…

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2021

Arden and I had so much fun doing this little St. Pattie’s photoshoot! Okay, maybe it was just me that had all the fun…but Arden was a willing participant! “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness walk through…

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My Easy Everyday Makeup Routine

March 16, 2021

Lately I squeeze in as much sleep as possible until I have to get up and get ready before our night caregiver leaves at 8AM. Here is my go-to easy everyday makeup routine. I start with KVD Lock-It foundation. This foundation is very matte, and…

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