NICU Family Advisory Council

This has been on our minds: How can we give back? What can we do to help families experiencing the roller-coaster ride of the NICU? How can we bring parents hope?

When we were in the hospital with Ayla & Zoey it was scary, overwhelming, sad, happy..... we went through varying array of emotions; up, down, up, down......like a jump rope! It would have been comforting to have been able to talk to other parents who had been through the same or similar situation, to know we weren't alone. Because, well.....we didn't know a lot of things- it was like walking into a totally different world. Kinda like having a micro-preemie- we had no idea babies came so incredibly small and the many unique challenges they would face. I recall thinking: "Our babies are a micro-what??"

So during our stay we (mostly Ryan because he's super friendly) began to reach out to other parents inside the NICU and we made several great friends along the way. Then we learned of the St. Luke's Family Advisory Council and got excited.

We liked the idea of volunteering for the St. Luke's Family Advisory Council and also joined the Parent Mentoring Program for those families currently experiencing the NICU journey. It's the least we could do. The NICU is scary and there is so much going on when you have a baby (or two or three) who may be there a while or for a short time- it's overwhelming.

The FAC is made up of parents who have been there, all with a different experience. We visit the NICU and talk to parents, answer their questions, offer insight, be a shoulder to cry on and share experiences. Ryan and I have been "unofficial" parent mentors a few times but now we'll have an actual 'badge' and a cool t-shirt.....whoo-hoo! We are excited to be able to give back and help anyway we can!

This Council is also a great tool for the doctors, nursing staff and hospital administrators- they learn what it's like from a parent's point of view. Our ideas and suggestions are valued and where applicable, changes are made.

Ryan likes to boast that the reason the mothers pumping rooms inside the NICU now have a double-sink is because he filled out a comment card suggesting so and it was sent to the FAC meeting and implemented. Ta-da! Double sinks were installed shorty thereafter. It's ideas and suggestions such as those (from parents) that St. Luke's values.

After all, who knows better how to make a place more comfy than a parent?

We believe Miss Zoey would approve, no?

Thanks for the Memories

Me- when I was itty-bitty and cute!

Ayla- when she is itty-bitty and cute!

Do you see the resemblance?

Why blog? To be honest, I didn't ever want to be a "blogger" but slowly began getting into it as relatives and friends did. Eh, it was a way to keep the people's updated of our happenings and keep up with theirs without having to actually talk to them. Is that bad?

After Ayla & Zoey were born, blogging became a communication avenue to keep family and friends updated on their progress. It became a norm. Eventually, this blog morphed into a semi-online journal for our family and in a strange twisted way, a little bit like cheap therapy on occasion...... and you're reading it so don't say I didn't warn you! haa haa ha

My point? Today I heard it again: "Heidi, you are a hard person to get to know." This from a co-worker whom had been with the company for over a year. A year and they don't know me? That kinda made me sad.....I truly am not a snob- really!

By default, I am a private person (a little on the shy side) and because of that, people have a hard time getting close to me. Plus I like to listen- you can learn A LOT from being quiet and just listening. Yet I've heard on more than one occasion that I am 'difficult person to get to know'......what is so weird about that? Emotions are scary and it's much easier to eat chocolate than deal with fickle emotions, right? Not according to my chirocracker. He says I internalize stress which is making my neck issues worse on top of having a twisted pelvis. He laughed when I told him, "So fix it. I get an adjustment and move on, right?" No, I am not stubborn- wherever would that idea come from??

Anyway, for those of you who wonder how to get past my outward spiny exterior....just smile. That was easy...whew! 'Nuff said.

Talented

Ryan is very talented- he has an amazing ability to think and picture in 3-D....he can fix just about anything and builds beautiful wooden pieces. If any of you have seen our entertainment stand then you know what I mean!

This is his latest creation; a custom Jewelry Cabinet for yours truly!

Front View (pardon the crooked shot)

Side View with doors closed. I had requested doors so that my stuff doesn't get soooo dusty (and so little Ayla couldn't access the goods when she's old enough to figure out how to open stuff)...

Side view with doors open....

Front view. There are 3 rows of pegs and hooks along the doors for my bracelets. Plenty of room to grow! haa haa

I LOVE it!

...and yes, I do realize that I have a lot of necklaces...can't help it...I go through phases....and I wear all of them, I swear!!

Dear Zoey

Dear Zoey,
Today is a special day- a day we will always remember. The weather is about the same as it was a year ago- bleak, looks like rain/snow, kinda cold....we miss you. We placed pretty purple flowers on your site in honor.

A year has past already- seems long ago yet only yesterday. It's difficult when we think of Ayla growing up without her little sister (although you were the biggest!) but we know you are with Ayla in spirit, helping her along the way. Thank you. You are perfect in every way; our beautiful little angel. Save a spot for us up there, okay? Oh, and put in a good word or two please...... we've heard about those wonderful mansions in Heaven!

We're happy that you do not have to experience this earthly life and it's challenges and diversities. You were needed elsewhere; we know you are busy on the other side preparing the earth. It is sad that you are not here but we know we'll see you again..... and when we do, it will be awesome... a fabulous party!


In honor of your passing we try to do something nice on the 8th, a Random Act of Kindness. That was your aunt Jodi's idea- she's cool like that. Not just on the 8th but throughout the days too. Little things that make a difference and bring a smile to somebody else. We know you would have liked that. We love and miss you Zoey-munkin!
We found a poem for you sweet girl;

~Mention my Child~
by Elizabeth Dent

Go ahead and mention my child
the one who died you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further,
the depth of my pain doesn't show.
Don't worry about making me cry.
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing the tears
that I try to hide.
I'm hurt when you just keep silent,
pretending she didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my child,
knowing that she has been missed.
You ask me how I am doing,
I say "pretty good" or "fine".
But healing is something ongoing.
I feel it will take a lifetime.

Beautiful Zoey- we brought you a lovely purple flower and butterfly balloon....

It was raining and cold so Ayla had to say "hello" from the car.....
We miss you!

Hip Chicks

Who says you can't have fun at work?!

Being a Food Broker may not be the most exciting career but it DOES have it's perks....like dressing up as a cool 'Hippie Chick' for the day to kick off a manufacturer promotion, singing and dancing to 70's songs while making a fool of yourself in front of 50+ sales associates....all in the name of F-U-N!!

I really do love my job- honest! The other hippie in the photo is my work partner-in-crime, she's a hoot! You can't really see in the picture but we're wearing tie-dye accessories, peace necklaces, peace symbol rub-on tattoos and other "hippie" stuff. The GIANT microphones we're holding were for the awesome karokee singing. It was epic.

Peace out peoples.......

How to deny Reality.....

I saw a sign that read, "I reject your reality and substitute my own."

It brought a smile as I thought about it on the drive from work. It reminded me of how at times, I felt like falling asleep at my computer some days.....just lay my head down and zzzzzzz.... because reality can be cranky and a bit of escapism from time to time is necessary. Ahhhhh Calgon, take me away! Oh, and since I've had kids I can fall asleep almost instantly- weird!

Not that I would rather stick my head in the dirt but occasionally, wouldn't it be fun? I enjoy life too much to live in complete denial.

Just food for thought......it's been a long day.....and I couldn't think of anything exciting to blog about. Maybe next time!