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His Middle Name and The Preemie Project

1/20/2013

Good day to all of the friends and family of His Middle Name, both old and new. I hope all of you are savoring these last few hours of the weekend, and gearing up for what I like to believe is the beginning of Spring. Okay, I know I may be way too early on the take off to even think about Spring when it's January, but this winter-loving girl cannot wait for the change in season. Maybe it was the gentle reminder at church this morning that Easter is only 10 weeks away or that I am feeling very restricted in my winter clothing, but either way, I'm ready for Spring! Not feeling my eagerness to spring forward? Well, I have just the thing to help get you into the spirit of the season!
His Middle Name is teaming up with the Preemie Project to support their newest endeavor, an Easter donation for babies still in the NICU. The Preemie Project offers support to families who have a child in the NICU, babies born with special health care needs or those who have experienced a loss due to those challenges. Started in 2005, The Preemie Project offers support in so many unique ways - from hand crafting booties and newborn caps for babies in the NICU, providing gift baskets of newborn care items to help make the home transition easier, to bereavement packages and support, this site covers it all! Because they are a non-profit organization, The Preemie Project achieves all of this through the support of a devoted group of local and national volunteers. That's where your help is needed!
The first ever holiday donation drive that The Preemie Project is hosting has been created with a very specific vision in mind: Easter! They are making and collecting hats, booties and blankets with a spring or Easter theme to help bring some cheer to the parents of preemies in the NICU. These items can be crocheted/handmade, store bought or gently used, but they should be clean and in great condition. If you're like me, you're probably imagining how wonderfully adorable these babies will look dressed as the cutest chicks and bunnies of the season! In the coming weeks I will be reaching out to family, friends and businesses to help spread the buzz about such a wonderful event, because the more donations received means the more NICUs can be supported. Won't you help spread the word?
If you are handy with a sewing machine or needle, please feel free to make something for this wonderful drive, but be sure to follow the crafting guidelines here and here. If you have little ones yourself, you may have blankets, hats that you used as photo props or newborn blankets, gowns and booties that your baby has outgrown or never used. Please consider donating these items. I personally plan on making a few items myself, as I have already donated all of my son's preemie clothing, baby blankets and baby items to our NICU in Philadelphia. If you are moved in any way to donate, you can mail all items to the following address:

You can also follow The Preemie Project on Pinterest, and visit their Easter/Spring Inspiration board here:

Feel ready for spring yet? Thought so. Go preemies go!

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2013: The Year of Commitment

1/15/2013

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Did you ever hear the saying, "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other"? Funny, and probably true, but I wouldn't know from experience. I wouldn't know because I have never, not even once, made a New Year's resolution. And not because the dust doesn't need to be knocked off of my boots, because I certainly have things I could work on; things that need tweaking. Simply put, I have never made a New Year's resolution because I've resigned myself to the certitude that I'm a constant work in progress. Yes, that's right - I fear the yellow caution tape won't be coming off for some time. Maybe ever. But aren't we all a work in progress? Isn't the way we see the world and walk in it constantly changing, or is that just an excuse? Maybe my fear of New Year's resolutions comes from my great fear of failure. Maybe it's the procrastinator in me that whispers, "you still have time." Well, not this year ... I am taking action!
When I started His Middle Name, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what it was and couldn't glimpse what it would become. The only thing I knew was that it was an endeavor anchored deep in hope; the hope that maybe my experience would resonate with another mother, another family. I didn't expect the resounding response from so many women and parents that had braved their way through their own storm - pregnancy complications, infertility, loss and the premature birth of a child (or two!). There were so many of us! It was amazing to me that the strong and tested had found something true in His Middle Name, and in turn, were helping me heal as well. In almost two years time, His Middle Name has become a small family of support and promotion. And as 2012 gave way to a new year, I questioned myself about what would be the next step. How would I propel team His Middle Name forward?
With the passing of my grandfather just a few short days ago, the realization of just how precious our time is became apparent. My "Poppa" was the patriarch of our family: an honored soldier, a devoted friend, a loving husband of 66 years, a wonderful father to 11 children and a grandfather and great-grandfather to many. He set the standard in our family for what it meant to live a fulfilled and purposeful life, as he was a continuous example of how to give of oneself, work hard and be passionate about all aspects of life. As I reflected on such a genuine and beautiful life, I thought about how I spent my own time and what I could do better. His Middle Name is a true labor of love for me, but with that said, I've always been a bit intimidated by what taking the next step would actually mean. I'm still a little unsure about how I'm going to accomplish my vision for His Middle Name in 2013 while working full time, being a mommy to one brilliant (and incredibly fast two year old) and still have dinner on the table by 6PM. But here is my promise, my very first New Year's resolution: I am committing to giving you - the fans and friends of His Middle Name - my very best. That means more blog posts, more education initiatives, more give aways on Facebook and more reasons to celebrate! My plans are anything but small, but I believe that good things will come to pass if I have faith and work hard to make 2013 the most successful year yet. All I ask is for your continued support and to spread the word about His Middle Name. Here's to another year of advocating and educating!

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His Middle Name and The Preemie Project

2013: The Year of Commitment

I’m a southern gal to the core who lives for my family, has a serious weakness for chocolate, a penchant for anything that can be monogrammed and loves to craft and sew. Thank you for your interest and welcome to His Middle Name!

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