When Danya was in the NICU it was so hard to see her laying in her warming bed without any clothes on, while at home she had a closet full of clothes. We knew the moment she turned a corner toward healing and health. That moment came when we arrived for our daily visit and Danya was wearing a sleeper. She was so cute all dressed up and looked so ready to be snuggled, which I was more than ready to do. For Danya's first birthday I decided to collect sleepers and hats so that other moms could have that same joy. We wanted to pass on the gift we were given.
This year after meeting with the representative of the NICU we have decided to do it again this year, we are also collecting some other items as well.
Last year we collected 20 sleepers and a few little hats. I learned some of the benefits of the gift we gave last year. For some of the parents it is hard to allow themselves to bond with their baby because when they are so little and connected to what seems like hundreds of cords they really don't seem like a baby, but when the nurses are able to put a sleeper on the baby it changes the perspective a little and parents find it very comforting. Their baby no longer looks like a patient but they now look like the baby they've been waiting for. So thank you again for the gifts you gave last year. This year we are hoping to collect even more. Here is a list of items we are collecting this year:
Sleepers -preferably with snaps so that the monitor cords can come out. Justborn, newborn, and preemie sizes
Booties- or newborn socks perhaps with a fun design.
Hats- simple newborn hats
Onesies - If you can sew and want to sew up some teeny onesies let me know and I will get you a pattern. Otherwise newborn or preemie onesies from the store.
Headbands - Just a little something to make the adorable little girls look even more adorable.
Remember the NICU is a very sterile environment so a little color is a wonderful thing. I am so excited to share Jesus with these families in this way. If you want to include a little note of encouragement or a drawing by your kids for the baby who will be getting your gift please do. We want these families to feel the love of others near and far wrapped in these gifts.
Please consider helping us give an amazing gift to the mothers of the Kapiolani NICU this year.
Are you looking for items that are new or used? My daughter was 4lbs 15oz at birth - so I do have some used preemie sleepers, onesies, hats & booties..
ReplyDeleteEmail me at: nicoleasamona@yahoo.com
The clothing has to be washed several times before it is put on the babies so gently used is totally fine. We are totally grateful for any and all gifts toward this project.
ReplyDeletehi, i have preemie and new born clothing that is very gently used..my son was just discharged from the NICU in December 2009, we would love to be able to donate...where do i send them to or can i take down to the NICU? please let me know.
ReplyDeletesusan and alex
Susan and Alex, There is a mailing address on the sidebar of the blog for where to send it. The NICU staff loves to see and get updates of graduates, but they do prefer that we collect all the outfits together and get them organized and such so that they can be laundered at the hospital at one time. Also, we are always interested in how the outfit your little one received impacted you. Our donors love to hear how they've made a difference.
ReplyDeleteLaura