For Grayton's Birthday Celebration, some friends are hosting a party and we are gathering goodies for CDH babies and their families while they're in the NICU. Here's the letter/invitation I sent out. (hope y'all all approve)
On May 9th, 2008 Grayton Karleigh Creekbaum was born to Travis and Leigh Creekbaum, as well as a host of family and friends. At birth, she was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Although she was only with us for 44 days, the lives she touched in the short period of time will forever be changed. In celebration of her birthday, we'd love for you to join us as we celebrate her life by gathering (unwrapped) goodies to benefit CDH babies who are "stationed" at Children's Hospital of Birmingham fighting for their life.
While Grayton was at Children's, the smallest attention to detail of their baby and her surrounds (anything that made where she was seem the least bit "normal" and, thus, distracted away from the machines and tubes all around her) had a huge impact on Travis and Leigh. Things such as pretty blankets (rather than the hospital administered ones), bows in her hair, personalized trinkets hanging down from her isolet always put a smile on their faces. We'd like to gather these types of things to take to the NICU in memory of Grayton for other parents who are helplessly watching their babies fight for their life. Many of these parents don't live in Birmingham and are staying in an extended hotels or the Ronald McDonald house while their baby is in the care of doctors and nurses.
Suggestions from nurses at Children's and CDH moms:
Newborn mittens
Booties for newborns
Small crosses – ceramic, pewter, etc. to hang from the bed warmer
Flannel Blankets (such as the ones by Gerber in packs of 4)
Newborn hats
Boudreaux's Butt Paste or Desitin
small stuffed animals
knitted blankets, booties or hats
gas cards for the parents
washing detergent
any monetary gift card
gift cards to restaurants near the hospital such as Burger King, IHOP, Jim 'n Nick's
At the shower/party we are going to make chandeliers for the babies' isolets to hang down from their warmers so when the baby opens her eyes, she will have some "jewels" to watch. We'll provide all of the supplies to make them; you just come and enjoy yourself! Afterwards, Travis and Leigh are going to take the loot to NICU and each item will be tagged "In Memory of Grayton Creekbaum".
I'll post pictures later!
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