Gifting for Valentines

Gifting seems to be part of most peoples' routines for Valentines Day. In fact, CNN says that they expect $18.6 million to be spent before Valentines Day. That is a whole lot of money!

This year our family is working on a special donation for Valentines Day and want to invite you to help us. As a family we are getting ready to participate in our local March of Dimes event. March of Dimes is a special organization who's mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality

The Kerr Babies

As you may know, at the Kerr house we have three children that were born prematurely. This can make a huge difference in the start of a child's life but we know from experience that this rough start can be ok when your child has the right help and we want every child to have that chance. 

This Valentines we would like to invite you to join us in our march to help babies. If you are local you can join our team and walk with us on May 31, 2014. If you are not local, or can't walk that day, we would invite you to support this amazing cause with a donation. This year our goal is to raise $5,000 for the cause so head on over and help get us going today!

Baby D is Here

We thought we would share that Baby D joined our family this morning (5/11). He is in NICU but we are hopeful that he will be moved to the regular nursery later today. I may not be directly available but please make sure you are entering all of our great giveaways (see list on right). More photos soon!

New Mom’s Guide to Baby Massage

I loved this article over at Hip Chick's Guide to PMS, Pregnancy, & Babies. We have done quite a bit of Baby Massage with C to help in his therapy and I believe it has helped a lot. Anyway, if you are interested in some great tips and techniques make sure you check out her article HERE.

Tips & Tricks: NICU

For my Child Development class this semester we had to find information on a topic of our choice. As I look toward having Baby D I am concerned about spending time in NICU. Last time I did not handle it very well at all, mostly because I was not prepared. So, here are some tips I want to share with all of you. I hope none of you ever need to use them! At the bottom are some tips for those of you who have friends with children in NICU. I hope these are helpful!

A.

P.S. If you do know someone who has a baby in NICU or you have a baby in NICU make sure you check our our preemie blankets. They are sized to fit in your baby's NICU crib and I will personalize them with your baby's name if you ask. New colors are now in stock or if I don't have what you want I can get it, these blankets are priority and I try to ship them within 2 days.

Tips for Surviving NICU

• When your baby is in NICU:
  • Take pictures and video for family who can not visit.
  • Get to know the NICU staff.
    • The same nurses are usually assigned to your baby so get to know them. They are willing and wanting to help you in any way they can.
    • Talk to the Doctors. They are there to answer your questions.
  • Ask questions! The more you know about the care of your baby now the better prepared you will be to take them home.
  • Visit at least once a day.
    • Even when you are feeling at your worst it will help not hinder.
    • Try to create privacy for you and your baby.
    • Do as much for your baby during visits as you can.
    • Try to schedule your visits during feeding and bathing time if possible.
    • Hold your baby whenever possible. It is good for both of you.
  • Take care of yourself.
    • Act as if you have a new baby at home and let those around you provide meals, support and babysitters.
    • Watch for signs of PPD as it is more common in NICU moms.
    • Make sure you eat so you can care for your baby.
    • Find a support group if possible. Even if it is just one other NICU mom they can provide the most help and support because they really understand.
  • Celebrate when your baby comes home!
• If someone you know has a baby in NICU:
  • Do not compare their needs to a full term baby.
    • And do not compare experiences with other hospitalizations.
  • Do not judge the parents reactions.
  • Do not say call me. Find something to help with and do it.
    • Help right then if parents ask, that means they needed it a long time ago.
  • Do not initiate conversations about the what ifs.
    • Do not ask when the baby is coming home.
  • Support NICU moms who are pumping for their babies. This is much harder to maintain then actual breastfeeding.
  • Babysit older children free of charge so mom can visit her baby or nap.
  • Listen carefully when hearing about the babys progress so you can refer back in future conversations.
  • Offer encouragement.
  • Offer a hug.
  • Be aware of older siblings feelings. Know that they are suffering too.