Update on Melany and Anna - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[chocolatechip]

Hey ladies, I don't think there's any way to do this without Melany maybe seeing this, but I was thinking that since Anna will be in the hospital for the next month, and they're not at their home, and it's going to be a more complicated life for this little one than was hoped, it would be nice to send a little care package their way. Not sure what might be the most appreciated things right now, but firespiritmelody suggested maybe a few little gift cards (Starbucks, Target, that sort of thing)? I'd be interested to know if anyone has any good ideas or wants to chip in in any way (I'd just like to send her a little something to let her know we're all thinking of them). She didn't do the birth beads, did she? Maybe we could do a little something like that? Post here or PM me if you have any thoughts. :)

(And I'm in Seattle, so I can get something to her easily enough, by mail or by car)

[cabbitdancer]

I like this idea. Let me know what I can do.

[cocoanib]

chocolatechip, that's a wonderful idea.

Maybe we could send or paypal you money and you could get a variety of gift cards for the family???

[spughy]

That's a great idea.  I'd be more than happy to chip in.  What stores are close by the hospital and would have things that they'd want/need?

[sunshinelove]

Aww, she is precious, Melany. I love her little tongue and full cheeks . Your mom sounds a lot like my mom . She cant stand silence so she keeps yapping and yapping even if no one is really listening to her. She also likes to make believe what people are feeling and thinking, but she usually does this behind their backs. She's very annoying. I hope you get some rest, dont feel bad if you need to cry, you're going through an awful lot right now

[LDoulaSteph]

Originally Posted by chocolatechip 

Hey ladies, I don't think there's any way to do this without Melany maybe seeing this, but I was thinking that since Anna will be in the hospital for the next month, and they're not at their home, and it's going to be a more complicated life for this little one than was hoped, it would be nice to send a little care package their way. Not sure what might be the most appreciated things right now, but firespiritmelody suggested maybe a few little gift cards (Starbucks, Target, that sort of thing)? I'd be interested to know if anyone has any good ideas or wants to chip in in any way (I'd just like to send her a little something to let her know we're all thinking of them). She didn't do the birth beads, did she? Maybe we could do a little something like that? Post here or PM me if you have any thoughts. :)

(And I'm in Seattle, so I can get something to her easily enough, by mail or by car)

Hi! I haven't posted much in here so I don't "know" Melany at all but I can say as someone with experience living in a hospital for sick kids with my first DD a care package is a GREAT idea!! Some of my friends sent me one to the hospital and it was so very much appreciated. From what I remember it contained:

Starbucks gift card

a few other gift cards for food at the hospital

a little stuffed animal for DD (we hadn't brought much like that becuase it was emergency)

a super comfy long sleeve shirt for me from PINK at VS. Just a cozy cotton shirt (this was my personal favourite)

gum or mints

a little unscented hand lotion

They were all things that I hadn't thought of while I was alternating between crying and pumping and sitting beside DD in ICU. Is there somewhere I can send a few bucks to help out?? I would love to send a little money to contribute.

[scruffy too]

I'd be happy to contribute.  I feel so helpless yet desperately want to do *anything* to ease any part of her stress.  I agree that G.Certs to businesses close by is a good idea.  Does the hospital charge for parking?  Does she need calling cards?  (Trying to think what my friend recently did for a friend of hers in a similar situation...)

[SlimP]

ChocChip, beautiful idea, count me in

[RainGardenMama]

I'd like to contribute, as well, absolutely. And the idea of helping one of our sisters has me tearful and sniffly.
Thinking of you and your family often, Melany.

[jodieanneanton]

Melany- you are at the top of my prayer list.

[jodieanneanton]

chocolate chip, great idea... I am going to pm you some of my ideas.

[delilahbeau]

I would be happy to contribute, where are they staying while they are in the hospital?

[chocolatechip]

Ladies, you are awesome. I have some ideas, and will send a PM to those who've said they're interested in a minute. If anyone else wants in, just let me know.

ETA: Actually, I'm going to wait to see Jodie's ideas too, and might not be able to get a PM out until Monday, since I have a friend arriving shortly for a quick weekend visit. BUT, I will then give you all my suggestions, and paypal info and address. :)

Delilahbeau, I'm not sure, but I was looking through the hospital's page, and it says that parents can be with their child any time, and there is usually a setup for at least one parent to stay overnights. But Melany's family is also nearby, so I don't know if they're making use of that too.

Edited by chocolatechip - 3/2/13 at 10:58am

[veganyogamomma]

I would love to contribute as well!

[LightForest]

Count me in!

My DD was only in the NICU for a week, but here are some thoughts on what I wish I'd had at the time...

• something to read! i spent tons of time sitting by the baby's isolette when i wasn't allowed to hold her or anything. i remember having one old issue of Mothering magazine that i read cover to cover! (electronics were not allowed in our NICU - if they're allowed for Melany then she may appreciate an iTunes gift certificate or something like that...)
• postpartum comfort items: sitz spray or balm... anything portable to help with healing (though melany's over a week postpartum now so maybe this isn't as much of an issue?)
• comfort items for pumping: some type of all natural nipple cream would have been lovely
• a sweater. seriously, it was over 100F outside every day, but they cranked the AC like crazy in the NICU. to the extent that i feared for my baby's comfort once she was moved from an isolette to an open crib!
• lotion is a great idea - you're having to scrub your hands down AND use the gel cleanser stuff constantly, which really dries things out.
• maybe some lip balm
• some type of soothing herbal tea, or maybe a mother's milk tea.
• nutritionally dense foods -- protein bars, trail mix, etc: we were not allowed food or drink in the actual NICU so i would run from baby to the kitchen area to cram down the most nutritionally dense foods possible in the shortest amount of time.
• gift certificates to restaurants (or stores) are a great idea IF those restaurants are really really accessible to the hospital. i just couldn't bring myself to leave my baby's side, so i remember going "out" for food ONE evening, to get a chocolate frosty from Wendy's (literally next door to the hospital), to celebrate some good news on her recovery. i wonder if we could get a gift cert for the hospital gift shop (assuming it sells magazines and snacks at the very least)?

[SamSarah]

Is there someone in a position to set up the pay pal option like COCANIB suggestions - that would be stupendously easy.   I would be happy to contribute. 

Sending grounded thoughts to you - Your mother sounds like my mother - it's really, really hard to stay grounded when someone else is trying to conduct your emotional well being for you. 

[hikingfortruth]

Chocolatechip, count me in. Pm.

[MPsSweetie]

Praying for you and your family!!!

[Melany]

I got to hold her for about an hour for the first time since carrying her into the pediatrician's office on Monday.

[delilahbeau]

Oh Melany....she is beautiful. Sending love your way.