This whole pregnancy has been filled with unexpected events and as much as we have tried to plan ahead of time, there are still many things that are uncertain. The traditional, typical needs of a family with a new baby will not be our needs; we will not be the family at home with a healthy baby, although we hope that someday we can get to that point. I will provide as much information as we have now, with the understanding that we will update the info as it comes available and as our needs change.
What we know we can use:
· Gas cards – we will have to make trips back and forth to St. Luke’s and Children’s Mercy several times a day and the gas will add up.
· Non-perishable food and snacks - for at least the first week we will be in the NICU, so easily portable food that we can take with us will be appreciated. Things like Progresso Soup, dried fruit and nuts, packets of instant oatmeal, etc. would be appreciated. Also, apparently Children’s Mercy has one of the best cafeterias around, so money for a hot meal there would also be appreciated.
· Frozen casseroles/dinners – we are not sure when we will be at home, but are planning on spending one meal a day (probably dinner) at home as a family. Food that can go from freezer to oven would be appreciated. We even bought a full-size freezer to put in our garage for this very purpose.
· Clark care/play dates - Brian’s parents are going to try and come up for at least part of that first week to stay with Clark, but if we have to be in the hospital for longer than a week then we could use some help in watching Clark so Brian can be at the hospital too. Also, even if we get to come home, it is likely that Boston will be more susceptible to infection and thus not able to have a lot of visitors or leave the house. I am sure Clark will not like being cooped up and so play dates would be appreciated.
· Rides to the hospital – this is a “we hope not” request, but if Sarah has to have a c-section then she will not be able to drive for a couple of weeks. Because she wants to spend a lot of time with Boston, we would appreciate having some people to call on for rides.
· Gifts – because we don’t know when we will get to use any clothes or diapers, we are asking people to hold off on these gifts for now. I looked online for ideas and several websites suggested: books to read to baby, books and music for Mom and Dad to get through long bedside vigils, toys for the older siblings, photo frames to put by baby’s warmer in the NICU, movie tickets (for a break for Mom and Dad), gift cards to Wal-Mart and Target for necessities, etc.
· Congratulations – we plan on celebrating Boston’s birth with all of our hearts and invite you to join us. He is our little boy and we are going to shower him with love and affection from the moment he is born. Cards, emails, balloons, flowers, etc., will all be appreciated as you join us in celebrating Boston’s arrival.
· Prayer - once Boston arrives I am anticipating having an abundance of prayer request and praise reports to pass along. We will keep the blog updated with the specific prayer needs that we have and would love for you to target your prayers in kind.
A few more things:
Updates – we know that you will want to know how Boston is doing and how we are dealing with things, but we do not anticipate being able to make, take, or return many phone calls, especially since cell phones are not allowed in the NICU. We will try to update the blog regularly and will rely on you to check it if you want information. Please understand that we appreciate and acknowledge your interest, but have been told we will not likely have the time to respond personally to every call or email.
Visitors – we rely on you for support and comfort. We have been told that parents are divided on the issue of visitors in the NICU. We know the NICU has strict rules on who can visit and when and that some parents are overwhelmed by visitors. When we have a better idea of what is going on we will let you know. Also, we know that anyone who visits needs to be very healthy, so keep that in mind.
Homecoming – we are hoping that our homecoming will be as soon as possible. We were told that coming home with a new baby is cause for celebration and a time for renewed interest from others, a time for gifts and dinner, visits and help.
Paranoia – we were also advised to let people know that we may be overprotective of Boston if he has to spend much time in the hospital. In case we are cautious of other people holding him, don’t get out much, or decline to attend crowded events, please understand that we are doing so with Boston’s health in mind and hopefully it will pass as he grows in strength and health.
If you are willing to help with Clark care, rides, or meals once we get home, please email us at ihearttheprestons@gmail.com and we will contact you when we know more.
Donations and gifts can be mailed to us or dropped off at 14630 W. 85th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 66215. Please specify what you would like it to be used for, unless it is food, in which case we can figure it out on our own :).
We can't tell you how much we appreciate all of your prayer and support. It is what gets us through.
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