Our NICU gift drive pictures...

[nkbapbt]

So as many of you lovely ladies know I hosted a gift drive for the NICU where Lakai spent 5 months during the beginning of his life...

We had so many donations (and so much of my own money spent) that we were able to donate to 48 babies (every baby in the NICU) one item of clothing, a toy, a baby related item and Christmas tree decoration..

I also hand wrote each Christmas card and put a typed letter regarding Lakai's journey in the NICU and his life and outcome at home.

Here are some pictures from the event...

All the gifts waiting to be sealed...

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The gifts all closed and labelled to which baby they would be suitable for (boy/girl/unisex/preemie/micro preemie)

https://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs195.snc3/20268_221614821637_523391637_3602594_4617108_n.jpg

Hand written Christmas card to each family...

https://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs195.snc3/20268_221614751637_523391637_3602589_1239017_n.jpg

Loaded up on the dolly ready to go...thank goodness for having a dolly in the house....

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At the hospital...a quick pic in front of the lobby Christmas tree...

https://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs175.snc3/20268_221614871637_523391637_3602602_4739616_n.jpg

Dropping them off to the NICU social worker, Val and Jan the discharge nurse we love so much...

And me and Lakai...

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Lakai being held by one of his primary nurses, Katherine...I have to say this: He is a very cuddly and snugly baby with some people he really knows. But I could NOT believe his reaction to her, he hugged her and loved on her. I swear to GOD (something I NEVER do) he remembered her some how. He was utterly taken and smitten with her.

https://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs195.snc3/20268_221614891637_523391637_3602606_111764_n.jpg

 

[sma1588]

hi hun, i just wanted to say i love what you have done. i bet you just made all those other momies days. they probly werent expecting such a nice thought from some1 else while they are having such a hard time. i love to see when people do such nice things for others

 

[nkbapbt]

When we were in the NICU someone did it for us. And it truly meant the world to us, it wasn't about the item we got it was the fact they made us feel "normal" like its Christmas and we should celebrate.

I planned to only give to the baby who is in Lakai's old room, but it just snowballed into something so much bigger. And Im so glad it did.

It honestly feels amazing to have done it.

I plan to keep it going yearly and make it bigger every year. I want to do a 'sponsor a NICU family' in need who maybe cannot afford to pull off a Christmas and donate them everything from a Christmas dinner, presents and a tree.

I swear having Lakai has made me into such a better person, I owe it ALL to him.

 

[nkbapbt]

Here's what the typed letter said that each gift had with it.....

Merry Christmas!

My name is Lakai Kraft or as most people call me "Baby Batman" (inside joke you can check out my Facebook fan page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Batman) it explains why!

Anyways, I just wanted to tell you a little about my NICU journey and myself. I was born 16 weeks early on November 2, 2008, weighing in at a mere 1.63 lbs. A few days into my stay in the NICU I was given an ultrasound to check to make sure I did not have any bleeds on my brain. However sadly it showed I have a Grade IV IVH, which is as bad as it gets. My mom and Dad were told a lot of negative things during this time, talk of developmental delays, learning issues and more.
My parents pushed for me and over the next few months I had heart surgery to close my PDA, which resulted in my left vocal cord being paralyzed, which also lead me to the g-tube because I am unable to swallow without aspirating some of the liquid into my lungs. I also had to have laser eye surgery to correct my ROP and also for my double hernia.
After 5 long months they finally let me come home and it’s been sheer happiness and joy ever since.
I am now a year old actual and ten months corrected, and thriving! I have met every one of my milestones on time or before even some full term babies do. I am crawling, standing, clapping, smiling, jumping, playing, smart and smiley little man.
There are NO signs of any kind of delays or cerebral palsy (that was one of the worst case scenario regarding my bleed)!
Basically what I am trying to say is, the NICU can be a very scary and emotionally trying roller coaster. Some days it may feel like there is no end in sight or those outcomes will only be the very worst. I would like to think (and my parents do!) that I am living proof that anything can happen! Even miracles!
I hope you enjoy your presents; my Mommy helped me to put together this gift drive for the NICU, where many special people donated these wonderful gifts.
So stay strong and celebrate each moment that is a step in the right direction, home!
Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year
Love Baby Batman

 

[Jemma_x]

What youve done is amazing, i bet all the families will be so grateful

 

[nkbapbt]

Thank you. =)

 

[DonnaBallona]

That is just wonderful!

I would have loved loved LOVED to have seen Lakai's story when Brooke was first admitted. . .Our SCBU unit had photo after photo after photo on the wall in the corridor adjoining the rooms, and I used to gaze at all the bouncing babies who had left to be at home when I was pushed past and wondered when it would be our turn.

Lakai is truly an inspiration-I am 24 weeks pregnant tomorrow and thinking of him helps me cling onto the fact that our next baby wont be so small and fragile. Every day inside is a bonus.

Well Done you. . . Its fabulous what you've done. happy, happy christmas. xx

 

[sma1588]

good job hun. your a strong women and lakai (sp?) is a strong little guy to. mow that you have had that great gift of love given to you and ppl made you feel comfortable i hope that some or even just 1 person can pass that on

 

[embojet]

That is just wonderful!

I would have loved loved LOVED to have seen Lakai's story when Brooke was first admitted. . .Our SCBU unit had photo after photo after photo on the wall in the corridor adjoining the rooms, and I used to gaze at all the bouncing babies who had left to be at home when I was pushed past and wondered when it would be our turn.

Lakai is truly an inspiration-I am 24 weeks pregnant tomorrow and thinking of him helps me cling onto the fact that our next baby wont be so small and fragile. Every day inside is a bonus.

Well Done you. . . Its fabulous what you've done. happy, happy christmas. xx

24 weeks OMG where has that time gone!!!

 

[embojet]

You are SO amazing! I bet the NICU Mummies must have been so touched, I know I would have been. Big to you and Lakai, hope you have a fantastic Christmas.

 

[amazed]

What a great thing to do it must mean so much to them xx

 

[CazH]

wow you two are amazing what a gift for the mummys and daddya at such a emotional time, Happy New Year to you and family xx