NICU Survival Kits: Part I

A couple weeks ago, we mentioned that we have a new project in the works which you, our faithful blog readers, have been contributing to without your knowledge. What you did not know is that you have been contributing money, real dollars and cents, to our new project since this summer!

You may have noticed that our blog started running advertisements earlier this year. We hope that these advertisements have not been too much of a bother, but I think you will be pleased with the results.

Everyday, as you log on to 4tunate to see what our little rascals have been up to, our advertisers (ie: Google Adsense and BlogHer) are keeping track of how many hits our site is getting. (By the way, we just reached 100,000 page views since June – UNBELIEVABLE! Who knew? Thanks for visiting!) As a result of these page views and clicks on their ads, they pay us for hosting them on our blog. As the weeks and months have gone by, this money has slowly accumulated to a point that we were finally able to fund the start of our project, “NICU Survival Kits“.

We are really excited about this opportunity; getting people on board, reaching others with our story, being able to encourage other parents that are faced with the uncertainty of the NICU, and where it may all lead. Right now, for a variety of reasons (time, funds, resources, etc.) it’s still in the “preemie stages”. However, we have already delivered 3 kits!

There’s sooooo much to tell you about, but it would be too long of a post, and besides my Colts are getting embarrassed and need me….

Coming soon:

  • What’s in the NICU Kit?
  • Who’s received a NICU Kit?
  • What’s next?

Sooooo what are your initial thoughts? We’d love your input!

28 thoughts on "NICU Survival Kits: Part I"

  1. Anonymous says:

    What a great idea! And from a family who’s been through it all…and lived to help others through! I think this is a great project…and a great ministry as well! I thought it probably had something to do with the ads on your page–way to give back!!
    Have a great week!

    Emily Fay 🙂

  2. Melissa :) says:

    You are obviously going to get a lot of views with your darling boys- it’s a great idea to use the money you get from those views to fund a project that is close to your heart and will help other families. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your NICU Kits.

  3. Your Colts are being embarressed? More like they are embaressing us! Holding my breath for the next few minutes…Go CHARGERS!!

  4. Gretchen says:

    Dear girl, you never cease to amaze me.

    This is outstanding. I cannot tell you how much I cherish your family. I have absolute confidence that you are totally focused Godward, using all things he puts in your path and hand to help the weak, and point others to Christ.

    You are preaching the gospel every day with your faithful life-lived message!

    Love you, friend!
    ~Gret

  5. Sheena says:

    Awesome idea! Makes me want to come by and check the site more often. 😀

  6. J Myer says:

    Hi all,
    I just love reading your blog. I’m always impressed with your faithfulness, uplifting spirit, and desire to help others. You guys are awesome.
    Well we will definitely be praying about the boys and RSV. In the mean time, please feel free to let me know if you need any help. I’m not around little ones very often and have already had my flu shot, so I should be pretty good to go one helping out. I think Mandy might too?!? Just an idea. I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to talk either of us into spending time with four adorable little boys. 🙂 Please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d love to see ’em.
    In Christ,
    Julia

  7. Andria says:

    I don’t know how you do it? God blessed you with such beautiful lives and children and you, in turn, give to others… What a blessing you are and what a difference you’ll make to those parents and babies in the NICU. I’m touched. I’m anxious to hear more about it and I’m glad my addiction to your blog is helping!

  8. Joy says:

    As a recipient of the NICU Kit I have to tell you what an amazing gift it is!!! I never would have thought of bringing half of the stuff you put in the kit, and its just so encouraging to receive something from people who know how difficult the NICU journey can be. You guys are absolutely amazing and such an example to me and Aaron. Thanks so much for all you have done for us!!!

    P.S. Jen – doesn’t look like today is the day. 🙁 I’m glad for the girl’s sake, but at this point if I hear Sumners say 34 weeks one more time I’m gonna lose it! 🙂

  9. Joy says:

    P.S. I just saw your comment on my blog…um, there are only 2 brownies left because I’ve eaten almost all of them! 🙂

    And, one of these days I want to chat with you about RSV and what your plans are for the season. I sure hope all has worked out with the insurance company and coverage!

  10. Anonymous says:

    Amen! What an amazing family, and I agree, you never cease to amaze me, either. There is no doubt how God lives in your lives and you spread the joy to others so abundantly. Thanks for sharing your family stories, the boys are adorable and so blessed to have parents like you’ll, and to be blessed to have the upbringing they will have. No doubt they will be a shining light in God’s image also. I was fortunate enough to not have a NICU experience, but the encouragement you give those who will be experiencing it is amazing. Your friend in East Texas, Pam.

    PS – I was pulling for the Colts last night!

  11. Have been following your blog for just a short time now. How can we help? Do we need to click on a link or just comming onto your page??? I think its an awesome idea to reach out with kindness and to offer some sort of understanding to parents who are in a place where you have been. I know the unknown can be scarry. Love reading about your busy lives and praying for another family.

    Blessings,
    The Dovel House

  12. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful idea! We had twins in the NICU for 2 months and now I just jump at the chance to help anyone I know going through the same trial. It is hard though, with two little ones at home to give time and so a NICU Kit would be perfect. Looking forward to hearing your ideas, Jenny

  13. Anonymous says:

    Bravo! You guys are amazing. You are raising four toddlers but still find a way to make a strong contribution to the world. As a NICU survivor – I was 2 1/2 months early weighing in at 2 lb 3oz – I am sure whatever you are doing to ease the stress felt by parents means a great deal. God bless you both!

  14. Anonymous says:

    Sounds like a great idea. My daughter was in the NICU and it was the worse thing as a parent that I have went through. Offering a bit of comfort to those parents is a great thing.

  15. Simply amazing! I saw that you gave Joy one and can’t wait to hear more about the kits. Maybe my MOMs group in our area can do something like it too (hope you don’t mind me running with your idea…I’ll give you all the credit!). Our twins were only in the NICU 10 days, but it seemed lots longer. Can’t wait to hear more! Good luck!

  16. Sarah Reaves says:

    “A-W-E….S-O-M-E, awesome, awesome…TOTALLY! (Remember that cheer! HA!) Great project idea!!!Anyway just left Nicole at Clarian West. Todd was in LAS VEGAS and she went into Labor. He made it in the nick of time…as I was leaving they were getting her ready to push! I’ll keep you posted on baby Rogers’ arrival…he’s 37 weeks…so should be an easy one! 🙂

  17. Casey's trio says:

    I can’t wait to hear more about your project! As a mom to triplets born at 25.1 weeks, I know that any support provided from other families who have “been in your shoes” means so much. You all are awesome!

  18. Meredith says:

    I definitely blog stalk and love your site! I have to echo what many others have already said. Impressive!! I also had a baby in the NICU earlier this year and wanted to find a way to give back to the many families that would unfortunately have to down the same road. I was just so overwhelmed and could not think of the best way. I am impressed with your ability to multi-task and complete such a tremendous gift to families in need of support. I would love to hear what you are doing in hopes that maybe I could do something similar in my area. (W.TX) I look forward to reading more! Good luck!!

  19. I think its a fantasic idea!!!!!! I wish i was closer 🙂 You guys are doing such a great job with the kids and all the other tasks you take on.
    Casey Gerwer
    http://gerwerbabies.blogspot.com/

  20. Anonymous says:

    I want to help! What a wonderful idea. What else can I do?? That time in NICU is so hard for the moms and dads, we are thrilled to do something to make that easier in any way.
    TW

  21. Sarah Reaves says:

    Baby Boy Rogers was born on 11-12-07 at 10:28pm (a mere 18 minutes after daddy arrived from the airport via taxi sans luggage!) weighing in at 6 lbs, 10oz and 20 inches long. YEAH!!!!

  22. Anonymous says:

    That is so like you guys to give back to others. God bless you for touching so many lives. I can’t think of anything scarier than having your kid in the NICU, especially as a first-time parent. I am sure they will be such a blessing and reassurance to families during a vulnerable time.

    God bless,
    Amanda S

  23. Laura says:

    Great idea! We give out NICU survival kits at our NICU and special ones to the moms on bedrest. I would love to hear what you include and compare! Great to give back!

  24. Liz Dixon says:

    That is something that is so needed. What a hard, emotional time, so much to learn, to handle. And no one really prepares you for the true challanges, or the reality of the problems they may face. Wonderful idea. God bless you on your journey to share with other NICU parents.-Liz (Fellow Quad Mom)

  25. Diane Hayes says:

    As a NICU nurse in Chicago, I thank you for all you are doing! God’s blessings to you and your family.

  26. jami says:

    What a wonderful idea!!! I love your site! 🙂

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