Clovers for Collins

Those of you that read my blog frequently might remember my posting about my friend Nikki. The two of us, along with 27 other women, met because we were expecting babies at the same time, and we forged a friendship and lasting emotional bond. We are all very close. None of us knew how badly she would be needing our support and love. She had a baby boy about a week after Anna was born, but he only lived for 37 hours due to a very rare lung condition that could not be detected during pregnancy. If you would like to read a brief version of Nikki's story about her baby boy, Collins, you can find it here. His mother has a symbol for him, something to hold on to, something to remind her of her baby boy. It's a clover.

Within our little community of mothers, we decided that we wanted to do something in memory of Collins. What could be a more appropriate time than the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday? This is where you guys come in.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization is a non-profit group of photographers that work nationwide within hospitals, serving grieving families. They provide a private portrait session and retouched photos at no charge, as an outreach to those that have lost a baby. This can do so much for the healing process, and NILMDTS is an extremely worthy cause to support.

We have recently launched a Clovers for Collins Facebook page. For a $5 donation, you can choose from several clovers, handmade by the girls in our group. Each one is unique, and there is a lot of love put into them all. Every penny of our profits will be donated to NILMDTS in Collins' memory. Please, please consider making a donation today, and spread the word to others. This is something we have put our whole hearts into, and it is so meaningful.

If you have children, please give them extra hugs and kisses.

Photobomb! 2-27-12

 It's great that Anna has big brothers to show her how to play with toys.

It's also great that Nicholas manages to rip the knee in every pair of pants he has.

1-27-12

Zoe wanted to wear my "married hat" when she woke up one morning.

 So (once I figured out what she was talking about), I dug my veil out of the closet and let her play with it.

2-1-12

Apparently, the cabinet doors weren't secure enough.

Adventures in Childproofing: The Zoe Edition.

2-1-12

It must be wedding season.

Ethan, the child bride. His intended? Nicholas. 

(The wedding was eventually cancelled due to irreconcilable differences.)

2-2-12

Noodle monster!

2-8-12

Watching for Daddy.

2-12-12

Anna hates baby food, and when she didn't eat it, Zoe volunteered to finish it for her.

2-12-12

Don't turn your back, Mommy, or Anna will get the wipes.

 2-16-12

Bad behavior = the boys don't get to play the Wii.

Ethan's solution, combined with a mini guilt trip: draw a picture of himself and Nicky playing the Wii, add a few tears, and Mommy will change her mind. 

Didn't work.

2-16-12

Ethan, as Batgirl.

Oh, the blackmail just keeps rolling in...

2-17-12

Anna loved my Spanish rice.

So did her hair.

2-21-12

I didn't realize how long Anna's hair was until I did this!

2-21-12