Where to start? Today is a good day! Rose made a squeaking NOISE when we got her up for her cuddle. I’ve been holding her for an hour and it’s divine!
Andrew held her for first time last night. It was heartwarming to hear the huge smile in his voice when he called to tell me.
A shadow ominously present over all this though.. I was told this morning that one of the tumour markers is up. Means they need to get Haematologists and Oncologists involved in her care. I’m putting this worry in the May Never Happen basket for now.
Now for my idea. Was just sitting here feeling the horror of my first day in NICU all over again through the mother of a baby just newly admitted and trying to think how to reach out to her and help her and thought:
The Rose O’Brien NICU Library
So if you have a favourite children’s book (who doesn’t?) post a comment here so that we don’t double up and send it to me at home. I’ll paste the Letter to New NICU Mom letter in front and cover them a la Margaret Coffey and set up a small NICU library. Also feel free to add your own message before you send. Jen & Ben – we already have one from you – thank you (Guess How Much I Love You).
Please don’t feel pressured to do this. I know my powers of emotional blackmail are currently at their peak but I don’t mean to invoke them here. Just do if the idea appeals and the means are available to you.
One of the easiest ways to let your baby hear your voice in the first few weeks is reading to them. I was fortunate enough to have San on the case. She brought me some beautiful stories to read to Rose (and Kalea even lent her latest favourite to the cause – perfect choice – Pippi Longstocking). Reading to Rose gave me a lot of comfort. I’m sure she benefits from hearing my voice reading to her too.
Now I’m about to read Rose my favourite children’s book: Grandmother Lucy Goes for a Picnic. That’ll be our contribution.
Have a good day!! We definitely are xoxo
Rose Eir 
Great idea. Mine is Peter Pan. Bit big though and just recently read this one. “I like you” by Sandol Stoddard Warburg.
” I like you and I know why.
I like you because you are a good person to like.
When I think something is important
you think it’s important too
We have good ideas
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I’m funny and you think I’m funny too
Sometimes we don’t say a word
We snurkle under fences
We spy secret places
If I am a goofus on the roofus hollering my head off
You are one to
I like you because I don’t know why
But everything that happens is nicer with you
Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was no place particular in January
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again”
Yay, a sound from the gorgeous Rose! That is absolutely fabulous news. I’m so very glad she is able to use those vocal chords. Yippee for Rose and all of you. Beautiful to hear of cuddles … sincerely heartwarming to picture it and imagine the warmth of her in your and Andrews arms.
Great idea – Cinderella it shall be from me.
I’m so thankful for the wonderful news that I am crying tears of joy for you my dear friend. xx
Thrilled to know that you’ve heard from Rose – that’s fantastic. Our contribution to the library will be ‘Goodnight Moon’ – the Rose O’Brien NICU Library is a really wonderful idea. Lots of love. xx
Such wonderful news Jane and a special moment for Andrew! Great idea, my heart goes out to anyone entering the NICU and I’d like to repeat Guess How Much I Love You…
That’s such wonderful news that she’s making noises. Little girls love to chat, Jane! And they love cuddles with their dad, what a special moment for both of them.
I ams so impressed with your idea for the library. Such a positive idea and how wonderful that you’re able to recognise other people’s needs and want to help them. Very special.
We would like to offer, ‘Winnie-The-Pooh’. A beautiful, heartwarming book about love and friendship and written with the most gorgeous language.
Brilliant idea Jane! Ideas are great, but you’re always so amazing at making them happen. Rose is lucky to have such a thoughtful and proactive mum.
I’ve sent a trio of Harry (AKA the dirty dog) books. Purely because they’re the ones I remember most from my childhood. Not incredibly long, but nice little stories nonetheless. 🙂
I have been smiling all day at the thought of Rose’s squeak and the two of you holding her close….it is so wonderful and I hope you soak up the good day. The library is brilliant – Magic Beach will come from the Whites. xxx
Things are looking for Rosé. Sharon and I send Koala Lou by Mem Fox. It seems the most appropriate book during this special time. Well done Jane and all our love to you and Andrew.
Love this idea. We will send ‘Up and Down’ a la the most wondrous book giver in the world
X
That is such fabulous news Jane, Tuesdays seem to be momentous days in Rose’s life so far. She’s such a little fighter, you must be so proud of her. Jack and the Flumflum tree will be coming your way from us. Well done you making a positive difference, you’re an inspiration. With love, Lx
So so happy to read today’s post & to be able to contribute in such a positive way. You really are a brilliant ‘ideas’ girl.. but you so make them happen too.
‘Rumble in the Jungle’ it shall be from us!
What a wonderful idea Jane! I’d like to contribute “Time for Bed” by Mem Fox. It comes in a set of 4 books so they’ll also be “Snug as a Hug” “Can I Cuddle the Moon” and “Twinkle” to add to the library.So pleased I can do something to help! Chantelle
That must have been music to your ears Jane. How lovely. I told Nisha that Baby Rose made a sound and she said “That means she’ll be able to sing!”.
I think the library idea is fantastic and I would like to add “Mole’s Babies” and “How to Catch a Star” to the collection.
You’ll have to get a postal address to us so we know where to post them.
Son x
Hi Jane, such lovely news about Rose’s squeak! She is truly amazing. Dwight and I will send you Possum Magic as it is one of my favourite children’s books. Xxoo
Hi Jane, We are glad things are moving in the right direction. As many others have said Rose is very lucky to have such a devoted mother. Big hugs and best wishes to you and Andrew from Canada. Thanks for keeping us so well up to date. Charlie’s (and my) current favourite book is The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, so we would like to add that to your fantastic library idea. Please let me know the best postal address. Lots of love Phil, Sasha and Charlie xx
Love, love, love the library idea Jane! I was telling Charli about it and she would like to donate “Just You and Me” by Sam McBratney xxxx
Hi Jane,
I love this fantastic idea. I am sending Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Your cousins loved this book and I loved reading it to them. Sending this with much love and hugs to all of you. xxxx