"Merry" Mary Birch Project 2009

It has been a sweet experience to carry out our end-of-year service project at the Mary Birch NICU/PSCU. This year was no different and in many ways, more rewarding as we asked for help and were richly blessed with so many extra goodies and special handmade treasures, as well as funds to help with it all from YOU.

The project itself is such a feat to organize and coordinate... this year it proved even more difficult as the social workers weren't the easiest to work with. Due to the not-so-lovely Swine Flu, procedures and policies have changed quite a bit. My heart goes out to those families struggling through their trials and experiences especially this year. The moms stuck on bedrest for sometimes a month or more can't even see their children younger than 16 years old, as they're not welcomed past the reception area of the hospital with this ongoing epidemic.

I can't even imagine.

As if their experience wasn't tough enough already!

Most days, the only thing that kept me sane and upbeat was looking forward to the semiweekly visits with my three kids that were at home (My babies were in Utah with my mom). These baskets were extra special to those moms on strict bedrest this year. Even though we couldn't deliver them to the 4th floor as we have in years past, it was a blessing to spend hours putting it all together.

A Ginormous Thank You to ALL involved.

Truly, this year, it could not have been done quite as successfully without all of the love and care you helped put into this service.

I stand humbled, amazed, and impressed with all the lovely things you sent.

Erin donated luscious lotions for the PSCU moms

& Julie donated some magazines

Tina donated some boredom busters

Becky & fam hand made creative & darling journals for the ladies...

as well as a donation to help with other goodies

Ama crocheted darling sweaters & beanies fit for a NICU princess.

Trisha made chic burp cloths & gave gift cards for the coffee cart

Amy made yummy nursing/kangaroo hold/pumping covers

I made jewelry for all the NICU & PSCU moms and bling for the babies.

hand-stamped lovlieness (yes, another new hobby for me)

"every little girl needs some bling"

Kjristi whipped up some minky lovies

I made miniature quilts for the miniature babies:)

Brooke B. donated Mary Kay treats & baby beanies...

...and she also donated homemade succulent strawberry jam.

too bad my flash wigged out.

Lee & fam donated hand dipped chocolate pretzles galore!

Ama also crocheted around minky cozies for each of the babies

(Vivie is about to adopt one of them)

The McLaughlin girls helped make mini bows for the NICU baby girls

and we purchased all sorts of other goodies

from a most generous donation given by George & Char.

We are deeply grateful.

This is the letter that adorned the baskets:

As I was walking out of the hospital, I ran into Darling Dr. Daneshmand, my amazing Perinatologist, the one that delivered Viviana, and to whom we give credit to for knowing when to say when and saving her life as well as mine when I was in danger of being septic (the human side of that at least)...

We all adore Dr. Daneshmand. He couldn't be more loving and gracious. Recently, he started a foundation called Miracle Babies and asked me if I would be part of his organization. I'm thrilled to meet with him soon and perhaps be a part of blessing other families' lives year- round.

This service was priceless to many families...

For those that would like to know details, the social workers quickly jotted down some notes detailing the family dynamics of six of the ten whom received the baskets.

* PSCU 26 y/o single mom. Lives two hours away in Brawley. Separated from her 2 & 10 year old children, having a difficult time coping. She has limited support. Her income is also limited, and since she is on bedrest she cannot work. She has about four more weeks expected on bedrest and has already been hospitalized for two weeks.

*NICU family- mother was hospitalized in the ICU for 6 weeks & delivered her baby at 30 weeks. The father is unemployed because he had to care for his severly ill wife. The mom has improved and is now home, going back and forth to the NICU to visit their baby. They are under a great deal of financial stress.

*PSCU Patient is 30 weeks along and hospitalized until delivery. She has 2 & 4 year old sons at home. Her husband lost his job recently. The patient is having difficult time coping being away from her family.

* PSCU patient is on strict bedrest, 23 weeks pregnant with twins. She has multiple complications and is at great risk for preterm delivery. They recently moved here from Colorado and are overwhelmed and just trying to get through the days.

*PSCU patient is 23 weeks and will be hospitalized until she delivers. Her water ruptured at 18 weeks. She is very sweet and appreciative of any support.

*Baby Girl born at 25 weeks + 6 days. Father has to work two jobs. They have a two boys at home (one and six years old). Due to transportation problems and visitation policy, mom can only visit baby once a week on father's day off. They have no support system and financial difficulties. They are having a difficult time emotionally.