Cora's Story

Today I am featuring a mom that lost her beautiful daughter Cora, to CHD (Congenital Heart Defects).  Everyday she shares her story through blogging , Facebook, and now through her just released book.

Kristine brought her daughter Cora home from the hospital, with a clean bill of health. About a week later, she passed away suddenly during a feeding. Kristine and her family were devastated.  Since then she has blogged and shared important information with other families, in hopes that she can save other children from this horrible fate.

Please take some time out of your day to read about this beautiful little girl, and educate yourself on CHD.

Here are Kristine's blogs:

(these two are aimed towards families that have lost a child)
www.corasstory.org
healafterloss.com

(these are grassroots campaigns aimed at helping children with heart defects)
www.operationhealinghearts.org
www.pulseoxadvocacy.com


If you would like to read Kristine's ebook click here.  However please respect Kristine's wishes:
The book is free. You are free to share it, distribute it and link to it, with some caveats, you may not change any of it, you may not claim it as yours and you may not charge for it. 

 

Impact of Congenital Heart Disease

(this information is taken directly from www.corasstory.org)

• Congenital Heart Diseases are also known as congenital heart defects. Over 30 known congenital heart defects exist.
• Often the abbreviation, "CHD" is used to refer to congenital heart disease.
• CHD is also the most prevalent birth defect, according to the March of Dimes.
• About 1 in 100 babies are thought to be born with the birth defect in the United States. Different organizations use a different number, I've seen it as high as 1 in 70.

How do you know if your baby is one of the 1 in 100?

• Some CHDs are picked up in utero by a regular ultrasound.
• Others can be picked up by a Level II ultrasound.
• Some say a fetal echocardiogram should be conducted on every mother and child to test baby hearts.
• Others want an echocardiogram, test that uses sound waves to get a picture of the heart, for every newborn.
• Right now, Cora and I lobby for a pulse oximetry test on every baby. This test is cheap, quick, non-invasive and should be standard in newborn screening. A couple of groups are working on making this test standard. 
• If you're pregnant, use the Earth Mama, Angel Baby birth plan creator, it includes getting the pulse oximetry test for your newborn and reminds you to do so after birth.
• Some CHDs can't be detected by known methods. So much more research is needed. Spreading awareness leads to more research funding.

What can you do?

• Until pulse oximetry tests are standard. You can tell mothers and fathers to ask their doctor to run a pulse ox on their newborn between 24 to 48 hours of age.
• I developed this flyer for pregnant woman, for you look at and pack in your hospital bag.
• Spread the word. Awareness means more support for much needed research funding. Awareness means less mothers and fathers will find out about CHD from the coroner.

Project Sweet Pea

Project Sweet Pea is a non-profit organization run by volunteers, who through personal experience, have become passionate about providing comfort to families that need support.  These families usually have a child in an intensive care unit, or have lost a child to infant loss. The Co founders of Project Sweet Pea, Stephanie, Corin, and Kate, have all lost children.  Through their losses, they met and became friends in an online support group.  These friendships eventually developed into a program, which now helps those that are going through situations similar to theirs.

Project Sweet Pea was started in July of 2009, since then they have helped over 4000 families.  They comfort families with their custom made memory boxes. Through their own losses, they discovered which items would bring the most comfort to the families. The memory boxes are hand painted, and filled with timeless keepsakes. They give families something precious to hold on to, and a place to safely store their angel's memories. Their memory boxes are free; any bereaved family can request one.

 

"Every time I put a memory box together, I am brushing Shannon's hair, I am giving her a bath. I am doing everything I don't get to do through creating these beautiful memory boxes." - Kate Crawford

ProjectSweet Pea is also known for hosting a balloon release (rumored to be the largest one to date), and a candle lighting on October 15th (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day)

They are currently holding a t-shirt fundraiser.  The funds go to a wonderful cause, and the shirts are absolutely beautiful.  They have a t shirt for everyone who has been touched by an angel.  Head over and check the t shirts out today!!  Click here to be taken directly to the fundraiser.

To learn more about Project Sweet Pea, you can contact them at:

www.projectsweetpeas.com

info@projectsweetpeas.com

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSweetPeas

I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever - A Baby Book for Little Angels

When I lost my daughter I decided to finish her baby book.  I remember sitting there in tears, realizing that there were so many things that I could never fill in.  Instead of being a beautiful memory, like it is for a live child, for me it was a way to "rub in" everything that we would never get to experience with her.  I remember wondering if I was the only one that wanted to make a baby book for a child that barely lived, and if other families that had lost their child struggled with this too.

Then one day I saw a wonderful post in a support group...a baby book made specifically for our angels!!  At the time Michelle, the creator, was still developing it.  By June 2010, they were released!!  Finally there was  way for us to remember the life they did live, instead of using a book that emphasized all the life they missed out on!!

Michelle had been working on her baby book for her daughter, when she had a moment like I did.  She realized that she wanted one for her son Tyler, that she had lost in March of 2006 (to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome ).  During my mat [maternity] leave with my youngest daughter I began filling out her baby book and when I put it back on the shelf I was devastated that I did not have a book for my son. Wanting to have a proper baby book for him that would serve as a memorial of his short life, I decided to create and self-publish. "I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever - A Baby Book for Little Angels". 

Her book is used by many now, including hospital bereavement groups and support groups.

Having been through the grief of losing a baby I know more than anything that people want to talk about this precious baby that was a major part of their life. Bereavement professionals who have looked at my book feel that it helps mother's with the grief process and I have had a lot of positive feedback as well.

You can order your own baby book at their website: http://www.foreverheart.ca/

You can also learn more about them at http://www.facebook.com/foreverheartbabybook

Forever Heart Publishing (Michelle's company) has also been nice enough to offer Little Orso readers a special deal.  If you mention "Little Orso" at checkout (put it in the company field) you will receive a 10% rebate on your book.  They will refund 10% off your purchase back to you through Paypal. (their cart will not allow them to do promo code at checkout)

***Also if you get a moment check out the the Bereaved Parent Network, started by Michelle's father on LinkedIn. It is for parents and family members to be able to share resources, and connect with bereavement professionals.

Payton’s Precious Memories

Payton's Precious Memories was started by a dear friend of mine named Deanna.  Deanna lost her beautiful daughter Payton in July 2003, and soon after she started Payton's Precious Memories.

I knew I wanted a special ornament to hang on the tree each year in her memory and just could not find the perfect one, so I made my own.  I began making more for family and close friends and before I knew it I had made hundreds.  I know Payton was only here for a short time, but the impact she made on my life has changed me forever!

Each ornament is hand painted, and no two are alike.  You can also put in any special request that you have, such as a quote or phrase that reminds you of your angel.  Deanna also has a few beautiful examples on her site. 

The ornaments started out as an item to hang on your Christmas tree, but many of us keep them out year round.  They are so gorgeous, and there isn't really anything on them that limits them to Christmas.  They look beautiful hanging on a lamp or sitting on a shelf.

Payton's Precious Memories has offered Little Orso Readers a special deal (until the end of February).  Any ornament ordered right now (even with a bow), will be $10.  They are usually $12 without a bow, and $15 with a bow.

To order your special ornament head over to their Facebook site:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paytons-Precious-Memories/181639794348?sk=info

Or you can contact them at shoey@embarqmail.com.

A Little Thunder!!!

Today I am featuring a smaller organization. They are small in the sense of location, not in terms of work or determination.  I had debated featuring non-national organizations, but there are so many local organizations that are making a huge impact in their area with the potential of going national.

This "little one" is called A Little Thunder.  They donate comfort boxes to The University of Kansas Hospital.  The owners of A Little Thunder, Ryan and Pam Bryson, lost their son Isaac there in March of 2011.  They are a newer local organization, but their determination and presence has already gotten them noticed in a big way within the infant loss community.  They are working on getting their 501 (c) 3 (it would make them a non profit), and planning on opening a shop on their site too.

Leaving the hospital with empty arms after the birth of a child is so painful. There is an ache that only a mom who has experienced this can even remotely comprehend. Pam's arms still sometimes ache when she thinks about holding her sweet Isaac.

Losing a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss is a tragic and shocking life-changing experience. A family's world has just been turned upside down. Having experienced both multiple miscarriages and stillbirth, we felt a great need to offer some kind of comfort to the families (moms and dads) who leave the hospital with empty arms. Our Comfort Boxes will provide some very basic comforts to fill the empty aching arms.

A Little Thunder will be holding an online auction starting February 28, 2012...check here for details on how you can take part!!  They have a lot of great infant loss items included, so this is a great way to buy something special to honor an angel and to support a wonderful organization!!  Hurry the auction only goes until March 4, 2012!!

You can reach A Little Thunder at:

Website: http://www.alittlethunder.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Thunder/

Angel Wings Memorial Boutique

The Angel Wings Memorial Boutique is owned and run by Lea, the mother of four including an angel named Nicholas. Nicholas was born asleep in November 2008, soon after Lea started a blog in honor of him.  She figured it was a place that she could speak to her son; a place where her other kids could eventually read about their brother; and a place where she could reach out to others that had suffered this horrible loss. Soon after starting her blog, she decided to open the Angel Wings Memorial Boutique.

In the difficult time following Nicholas' death, a beautiful friend gave us a pair of sweet, delicate Angel Wings which now hang gently over his picture and footprint frame. They are a continuous reminder that we have our very own Guardian Angel watching over us.

I am now offering this simple comfort to other grieving parents. It is a small gesture from my heart to yours ... from our Angel to your Angel.


Each set of wings is hand made, and they are made with love and honor.  Grieving parents can contact the boutique and receive a personalized photo, your photo added to the Angel Wings Memorial Boutique Blog, and a pair of handcrafted wings.  All they ask for is a small donation of $10, to cover the postage and handling.



You can reach the Angel Wings Memorial Boutique at:

http://angelwingsmemorialboutique.blogspot.com

Here is the page to make a request for wings: Request wings





Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Angel-Wings-Memorial-Boutique/

Tiny Heartbeats ♥

Today I am featuring a non profit organization that helps families, with their rainbow pregnancies.  A rainbow pregnancy is any pregnancy after the loss of a child.

Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

Tiny Heartbeats was started by Dana and Joe Kern, after they lost their son Ethan in June of 2007. Dana was 27 weeks pregnant, when she stopped feeling Ethan move. It was impossible to make sense of anything, but I knew that I had to do something, and I knew that I could never survive another pregnancy without a doppler. I started looking into them and came to realize that they were quite expensive. Even rentals were pricey. I decided to start a non profit so that I could make them accessible to anyone who had lost a baby. 

They named their organization Tiny Heartbeats, because her husband had kept saying, " Ethan's tiny heart just stopped beating."  They thought Tiny Heartbeats was a fitting name.



They started out with 4 dopplers, that they offered to lend out to her support group. However news traveled quickly, and now they are up to 80 dopplers and shipping internationally.  To rent a doppler you must be at least 12 weeks pregnant, have had a previous loss or are in a high risk pregnancy, a doctor's prescription, and a 1 page liability release. They ship the dopplers, batteries and gel. The only cost is for shipment back to them when you are done with it.

They are a non profit, and run strictly on donations.  All of the donations go to the supplies and shipping.

This organization keeps my son's memory alive. Every day I get emails and thank you notes, and they keep me going and keep Ethan's legacy alive. I also am blessed now to have 2 toddlers who were born after my loss. I could not have gotten through either of those pregnancies without a doppler, and I work hard to eliminate our waiting list as much as possible so that we can help anyone who needs us. 

You can reach Tiny Heartbeats at:

Website: www.tinyheartbeats.org. 

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/tinyheartbeats.org. 

Email: dana.kern@yahoo.com.

*** Please make sure that you consult your doctor before renting a doppler from Tiny Heartbeats, or any other organization!!!!

The Midnight Orange

The Midnight Orange carries the most breathtaking sculptures I have ever seen. You don't have to have experienced a loss to be moved by the owner D.Antonia's work.  Her work is not only for infant loss, but many of us find comfort in it.  She also has been very generous with the infant loss community, and has taken part in many events.

D. Antonia has not lost a child herself, but her work comes from a similar place.  When she was 8 years old, she lost a close friend named Christopher.  His death made a huge impact on her life, and through connecting with his mother she realized the need for "Legacy".  
 

Sculpting the ever-present bond between parents and children who touch the stars too soon is truly my heart's work and daily I startle at the extreme honor of being so blessed to be able to do this. My goal was to create something for parents to display for others which would then evoke conversation. I really wanted to be able to create some tangible way for parents to show others that it is okay to talk about their children and for my sculptures to be a “starting place”.  In my heart of hearts I pray that people see these pieces and realize that despite the overwhelming pain in losing a child, there is healing for parents to simply know people remember.

I feel like my words can not accurately describe the beauty of her work, so I suggest heading over and checking it out for yourself.

You can view and purchase her work at the following places:
Etsy Store- http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMidnightOrange
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Midnight-Orange/

Miscarriage Blankets and More...

Today's feature is about the compassion that Angel Moms feel for each other.

Tiffanie, the owner of Miscarriage Blankets and More, lost her own daughter in February of 2008.  After coming home from her own heart wrenching loss, she started to feel sorrow for friends that had recently experienced miscarriages. It bothered me how little they had to remember their wee ones. I had a dress, a blanket, a whole box of things the hospital gave me. They had nothing. So I made my first miscarriage blankets then. One was for a 4 week loss the other for a 12 week. Seeing how it helped them I wanted to help more people and I started selling them on ebay. I've since left ebay, added to my wares and started a website.

Her Miscarriage Blankets give families something to hold on to, when they have nothing else. When you lose a child, the few items that you have to remember them by are like treasures. For many these blankets are visuals for how tiny or big their bean was at the time of loss.  

The blankets are all handmade, and you can pick the color or colors that remind you of your angel.  Tifannie also offers other items that can go along with your blanket, such as a matching hat, a date or name dangle, a memory box for your blanket.  Her prices are very reasonable, and a portion of every purchase goes to charity.  When she isn't making blankets, she also makes memory boxes and hats to donate to local hospitals.  She actually takes one day off a week to make them:)

As if that was not enough, she recently started a second website called Kaitlin's Angels, named after her daughter, where she gives things away like her beautiful memory boxes.  Keep an eye on this site for special events and giveaways!!

You can contact Miscarriage Blankets and More at:

Store Website:http://miscarriageblankets.blogspot.com/

Store FB Page:http://www.facebook.com/MiscarriageBlankets

E-mail: mblankets@gmail.com

Happy Valentines Day!! ♥

For Valentines Day I figured we should feature someone with a huge heart...Kandis Tubb!!

Kandis makes beautiful angel pins, and runs a local chapter of Threads of Love (Threads of Love is a non-profit sewing organization providing handmade memory keepsake items for families facing the loss of a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.).  Her chapter is called Isaiah's Chapter, after her son that she lost to Stillbirth in October 2008.   

A very dear friend introduced me to a Charity called “Threads of Love” and I was instantly intrigued by the generosity of its members. I then found myself at a crossroads; I could either decide to mope about what had happened or I could get up and do something to try to derive some good from my sad situation. I decided that I would bring honor to Isaiah and do wonderful things in his name. In my heart I had this overwhelming feeling of certainty that I was destined to help this cause.

Kandis makes hats, blankets, burial gowns, and memory boxes.  Her chapter is one of the few that makes memory boxes.  She decorates them beautifully, knowing oh so well how important they are to the families that receive them.  If you are lucky enough to receive one from your hospital, it is usually the one thing that you leave the hospital with. Our mission is to show parents love and compassion at a time when their personal pain is hard to endure and let them know that they are never alone. 

You can reach out to Kandis regarding Isaiah's Chapter- Threads of Love at:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isaiahs-Chapter-Threads-of-Love
or by email at Isaiahs_threads_of_love@yahoo.com

To get in touch with a local Thread of Love visit their site: http://www.threadsoflove.org/



Kandis also recently started a business, that has become an instant hit with Angel Moms...it is called Angel Baby Pins.

Angel Baby Pins are for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one, or anyone wanting to bring attention to a specific disease or ailment. . The pins are handmade, and always hold the awareness ribbon of your cause of choice.  You can request a specific hair color, dress color, and the color of the baby's blanket (if it is an infant loss pin).  You can also add multiple babies, for those that have more than one angel.

I recently got a pin to remember my daughter by, and they are even more beautiful in person!!  They are made completely of ribbon, and the craftsmanship is so beautiful and tiny.  It is amazing what she does with ribbon!!

To help console the aching hearts of those dealing with loss and sickness. To give families something to remember their loved ones with ♥ and to raise awareness!

 If you have a walk or an event coming up, I would recommend getting some for your team members.  They are a wonderful alternative to the plain ribbons that people wear for awareness.  The will definitely bring attention to you.  I pinned mine to a curtain in my bedroom, so I always have my angel watching over us:)

To order an angel pin, visit their Facebook page here.
or you can reach them by email at angelbabypins@yahoo.com

Molly Bears ♥

Two years ago today, I gave birth to my beautiful angel.  A few days later I was discharged from the hospital with empty arms.  My arms and heart hurt so much, that I never thought that I would recover. 

Then the universe brought a wonderful woman into my life.  Her name is Bridget, and she had also just lost her daughter.  We became close friends, and she not only offered me words of support but told me about her new charity.  When Bridget had lost her daughter Molly, a close friend had made her a weighted bear to hug and hold.  Bridget decided that other families needed something to hug too.  That was when she started Molly Bears (named after her beautiful daughter).

Molly Bears makes weighted bears, for families that have lost their babies.  The bears are weighted to your baby's birth weight. They personalize them with little details to remind you of your baby.  At first Bridget was making these bears on her own, and paying for them with her own money.  However word of her bears got out, and Molly Bears became too big for Bridget to do it alone.  She started recruiting friends, family, and other Angel Parents to help out.  There is now a team of "bear artists", and they have recently become a non-profit organization.  Their waiting list is never empty, and their Facebook page is constantly updating with pictures of baby bears heading out to bring some comfort to families with empty arms.  They run strictly on donation, and send their bears all over the world.

If you have lost a child check out their website, and sign up today.  Also suggest to friends and family to make a donation to them in your child's name.  We all need to stick together to make sure this company can continue their beautiful mission.

My bear has brought me so much love and comfort...I don't think I would have made it through the last two years without her. Thank you Molly Bears for giving us something to fill our arms and hearts!!

This is my son (rainbow baby) and my bear.  Pictures and moments like this would not be possible without Bridget and Molly Bears...

Website- http://www.mollybears.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/MollyBears

Bugaboo Jewelry ♥

I am so excited about our feature today.  Not only will I we be sharing a great business, but we also will be doing a giveaway!!!

Bugaboo Jewelry is owned and run by a mother named Kristi. She decided to start making infant loss jewelry, after losing her son Alex at 37 weeks to a cord accident. No one should have to walk this path alone and I am committed to supporting families through the tragic loss of a precious child. I will never see my son grow up to be the man I know he could have been. So I create these beautiful mementos for families who have walked and continue to walk this journey of grief in my quest to preserve my own son’s memory and make sense of his life and death. It is his legacy… 

Kristi carries items that help you carry your child with you everyday. Many of my close friends have been comforted by Kristi and Bugaboo Jewelry.  They proudly wear her pendants, lockets, bracelets etc..  Each one has a special touch, whether it is a footprint, butterfly, quote... There are also personalized pieces to choose from, where you can have your angel's name engraved or their picture incorporated into the piece. 

Her stuff is absolutely beautiful, which is why I am so excited to announce that Kristi has donated a special piece to us. 

 A Hand Stamped 6 petal Copper Bloom pendant that is slightly domed and stamped with "Angel Baby". And a Swarovski white pearl dangles in the center of the bloom.

To be entered in the giveaway to win this pendant, you must do two things:

1. Go to Bugaboo's Facebook page and "like" them (this way you can hear about special offers and promotions)-  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bugaboo-Jewelry/

2. Go to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LittleOrso) and post a comment under the Bugaboo Giveaway post.  Let us know why you would love the pendant!!!

We will randomly pick one of the comments tonight at 10pm pst.  Winners will be posted on our Facebook account and our Twitter account.  If you are the winner please email us at buckley@littleorso.com, with your address. Please only one entry per person!!

Treasure Beans and Tiny Dream Shop

Today I am featuring the woman behind both Treasure Beans and the Tiny Dream Shop!!  Casey and her husband lost their daughter Aurora Teagan to stillbirth, in April of 2008. Soon after Casey started painting pebbles in honor of her daughter, and other families that had lost their children.  The pebbles portray the dreams and dedications of bereaved families in honor of their precious, loved-ones. Colorful scenes in tiny detail and traditional symbols are incorporated onto these beach-pebbles, creating a lasting and unique keepsake for these families who seek peace as they journey through grief.  She actually painted one for my daughter in February 2010, and has it in her beautiful treasure garden:)  You can order your own pebble at Treasure Beans.  You will be amazed at the beautiful images that she has painted on these pebbles!!

Recently Casey started Tiny Dream Shop, where she makes the most gorgeous teeny tiny sculptures. From tiny teddybears, to butterflies, to babies in flower pots; each one is more adorable than the next.  And they all bring a tear and smile to the recipient. Tiny Dream Shop puts the dreams of your heart, that may not be reachable; in the palm of your hand. Featured items are miniature and micro miniature mommies and babies inspired by loss, sadness, hope and wishes. 

Casey is an extremely talented  and giving person. She gives you a piece of art to remember your loved one with, in a beautiful way. I recommend checking out everything that she does. There will definitely be something that will touch your heart.  Casey also started a ministry called Project Love-Gift, where people can bond through sharing their losses and charity.  It works in a "pay it forward way", where gifts are given within the baby loss community through contests and giveaways.  The gifts are just that, and do not cost a thing.  They are meant to bring some hope and healing.

For more information on Casey's work & ministries, please visit www.treasurebeans.com or email her at contact@treasurebeans.com

 She can also be found on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TreasureBeansPebbleworks www.facebook.com/TinyDreamShop and www.facebook.com/ProjectLoveGift.

Lisa' s Hawaiian Names

Lisa's Hawaiian Names is run by a dear friend of mine. 

She writes names, specials dates, meanings, etc... in the sand.  Her names in the sand have been a huge comfort to those that have lost a child.  When you lose a child, one of the greatest things someone can do for you is use your child's name. Hearing or seeing your child's name means so much!!  It shows they are not forgotten, and gives us something to physically hold on to. Unlike parents of living children, we usually do not have too many pictures of our children.  Lisa's pictures help give us something else to remember our child by. 

I have been writing about all of the other charities and businesses, but Lisa wrote her own story.  She did it so beautifully, I thought I would just share that!!

Hello friends, my name is Lisa and I have a blog titled Lisa’s Hawaiian Names and a Facebook page titled Lisa’s Hawaiian. I focus on writing names, special dates, words or hearts in the sand at sunset and day time. I also offer Island Keeper jars to hold sand from the spot the name or word was drawn. My photos are taken in Hawaii and the Oceanside, California area.

I honor all requests In celebration of…In memory of…and everything in between. I add shells, candles, fresh flowers or lei’s, and American flags if desired. At this time, my 3 biggest areas are for the child loss community, the military community and the wedding community.


Photography and customization of photos on the sand began out of the deaths of my Dad and our babies. My husband and I experienced infertility, the early loss of our identical twins and the late gestation loss of Zachary. We then had a baby who was born 11 weeks premature and spent 2 months in the Neonatal ICU before starting his active, healthy life.

The first 2 years after our losses, we donated beautiful ivory memory boxes to the labor and delivery department and NICU in memory of our babies. We also donated new cameras for the staff and journals for the families.


The ocean photos began when I picked flowers from my Dad’s home on Maui after his memorial. My sister and I placed those flowers on the beach at sunset and drew the name “Dad” in the sand. We drew hearts, we wrote our names and we wrote, “Miss you, My Dad.” The photos were spectacular to us and looking at them continues to bring us contentment where hurt and sadness had lived. There was something so healing and powerful in seeing those photos.

All “Post Pals” families and military families’ photo requests are fully donated, in loving memory of our babies.


Helping families in the baby through adult child loss community, military families and everyone in between is a passion of mine, along with helping to celebrate the beautiful joys in life too. Customized photography at the beach is one way to do both and help others. There is something magical about seeing a name written in the sand at sunset, or a bunch of white rose petals thrown on the sand with a drawn heart. The drawn heart represents something unique to a person and can bring a sense of peace and joy.


I would like to invite you to visit me on my page where we can remember those we miss and celebrate life’s journeys too ~ 

You can contact Lisa, about writing your loved ones name in the sand at:

www.lisashawaiiannames.blogspot.com 
or her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisas-Hawaiian/196146250410722

Small Bird Studios

Today I am featuring a special person and business...Franchesca Cox and her Small Bird Studio!!

Franchesca is actually the woman responsible for Little Orso's new look:) 

She is the mother of two, one daughter in Heaven and a son on Earth.  A few months after losing her daughter Jenna Belle, she started blogging.  

Our stories were all different, but our heartache was the same. Blogging became a much needed outlet to share our daughter, and grieve her loss, while connecting with others who had been there. 

 Franchesca also started playing around with blog design, and taught herself to be a blog designer. Six months later she opened her Small Bird Studios, it is named after her daughter.  She has designed over 250 blogs for people, and offers a discount to parents blogging about loss. She also donates a portion of her proceeds to charities such as March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald House, and Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

Besides designing blogs for others, she actually has one of the best blogs on the internet.  I actually shared an amazing post that she did on infant loss, on our Facebook last night.  Check it out, and check out her blog design.  She does amazing work, and helps so many people in the process!!

Website: http://blogdesigninspire.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbirdstudio

Blog: http://smallbirdstudios.com

Belle's Creative Crafts

Today I am featuring an amazing Etsy store, that carries items that cater to mom's that have lost a child.

The name of the store is Belle's Creative Crafts, and is run by Danielle.  She is the mother of 5 (4 on Earth and 1 in heaven).  A few of her close friends and family members lost babies, around the same time that she lost her child to miscarriage.  Danielle felt like she needed to do something to help everyone find a way to remember their children. I just felt like I needed to give these wonderfully strong women a little something to remember these tiny babies that they could hold in their hearts but not in their arms.  

This is when she started making her beautiful jewelry.  She makes pea pods with angel wings, crosses, doves, etc...all symbols of children that have left this world too soon.  You can order her items at her Etsy store, Belle's Creative Crafts, or you can visit her Facebook page www.facebook.com/creativemommy.belle.bowtique.creations.  
You can email her directly about personalized orders at creativemomto3peas@yahoo.com.

She also donates her items to a wonderful service, started by a close friend of hers, called The Rainbow Sisters.  They provide bereavement doula services to families that have suffered a loss.

Check out Belle's Creative Crafts today.  They have so many special items that can help you find a beautiful way to remember your child, or the child of a friend with.

Little Orso Giveaway!!

Congratulations to Jen Fischer for winning Little Orso's first ever giveaway!!

Jen, keep your eyes open for a special Melissa and Doug surprise coming your way:)

We plan to have another giveaway next week...stay tuned!!! 

Make sure to follow us, so you have a chance of winning:)

Ian's Elephants

Today's charity, is another relatively new one.  It is called Ian's Elephants!!

Started in June 2011, Ian's Elephants is a tribute to the founder Becky's son Ian, who passed away at 15 weeks gestation.  They send out care packages, to any family that has lost a child to miscarriage or stillbirth.  Their care packages includes an adorable stuffed elephant.

When a mother elephant loses her baby, the other elephants stand in a circle around her and allow her all the time she needs to grieve and mourn. They don't hurry her along, or push her to abandon the body. They gently touch her with their trunks, a silent show of unwavering support.

Not only do the elephants have a beautiful symbolic meaning, but most parents that have lost a child have arms that feel very empty:(  Having something that they can grab and hug when they think of their child is a great gift!!


You can reach Ian's Elephants at:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Ians.Elephants?sk=info
Email- ianselephants@yahoo.com
or their site http://littleianselephants.blogspot.com/

Calvin's Hats

Today's charity has been sending hats to families since 2009...

They are called Calvin's Hats, and are run by beautiful woman named Annie.  Here is their story straight from Annie (there is no way that I could tell it as well as she does):

Calvin's Mommy, and I have been very good friends for a number of years.  I had the privilege of working with "Teacher Jenna" and seeing her incredible gift with children.  I got to hear about this guy named John that she had met at school (including how good he looked in a uniform) and experienced the joy of watching the two of them get married. 

I can tell you exactly where I was the evening she called and told me that she was pregnant (store parking lot).  I don't think this was necessarily the timing of their original plan, but Jenna was so happy.  I  had to do what I do best... shop.  Gender didn't matter- this child needed clothes.  Stat!  I remember being so excited to send her a little gift to acknowledge this little person growing inside her.

There were a few bumps in the beginning of the pregnancy that were worrisome, but it all seemed to straighten itself out with time.  I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the cute little baby bump- we had plenty of conversations about how she would carry a baby and what her tummy would like like.  Knowing how great my dear friend is with kids, I couldn't wait to see her with one of her own.


 The 20 week ultrasound time FINALLY came (I had plenty more shopping to accomplish).  I waited all day for the phone call or text message.  I can also tell you exactly where I was when the call came (pulling into a coffee shop drive thru).   I received a call from her parents- not exactly what I was expecting.  If I remember correctly, it was her dad.  He said the ultrasound looked abnormal and they were waiting to be referred to a specialist... and that Jenna knew I was expecting a phone call but she just wasn't up to talking at that point.


I remember Jenna telling me that she wanted a doctor to give her a very black and white answer as to what needed to happen next.  The doctor did just that- even referring to it as a "black and white" situation.  Calvin was diagnosed with Alobar Holoprosencephaly- a diagnosis that no parent should ever have to hear, say, or know how to spell.  Calvin's brain had stopped developing early in the pregnancy.


Calvin was delivered on April 17, 2008, at 22 weeks gestation.  I wish I still had the text she sent me that afternoon- it brought me joy and pain at the exact same time.  "He's here and he's perfect.  They let me hold him as long as I wanted."


This was a new experience for me.  I'm the "fixer."  My job is to make everything better.  In this situation, there was absolutely nothing that I could fix.  The only thing I knew to do was to walk beside my best friend in a journey that broke my heart... and had a life long impact on hers.


In February of 2009, Jenna shared Calvin's things with me.  It was one of those moments that I'm so thankful for because I had the chance to see inside of her heart a bit more.  I saw an unopened letter written to him, his gorgeous pictures, his blanket, a hat from the hospital... and that's where Calvin's Hats started.
 
The hat given to them by the hospital was way too big for his tiny head.  Jenna said, "I couldn't even give him clothes that fit right. It just seems like another way that I failed."
 
I didn't have a clue how to make a tiny hat- but I knew the perfect person to ask.  Sarah DuVal, another dear friend, had been making adorable infant hats for years.  Calvin's Hats started with a blue hat made by Sarah that was just the right size for Calvin's little head.

Three years later, and Calvin's Hats is sending out hundreds of hats each month to those that are too small for the standard hospital hat. (typically babies lost to miscarriage or stillbirth before week 30).  They are run strictly on donation, and send their hats to hospitals and families all over the world at no charge.  As someone who has lost a child, I can't tell you how much something as small as having a hat for your baby means.  We are robbed of the beautiful delivery experience that someone with a living child gets.  The little things like the name on the crib, the take home outfit, blankets etc.. are stolen from us.  These just become reminders that are child is not here, and what we are missing out on (and will miss out on).  To get a part of that experience means so much.  I am so happy to be able to share such a wonderful charity with you all today.

You can reach Calvin's Hats at 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/calvinshats?sk=info

Email-calvins.hats@gmail.comcalvins.hats@gmail.com

Website-www.calvinshats.com

Phone- (503)510-0417

February ♥

Two years ago this month, I gave birth to a daughter that God had other plans for.  She now watches over us from heaven...

In honor of my daughter, and all other babies lost too soon, I will be partnering up with the OC Walk to Remember and featuring businesses and charities that cater to families that have lost a child. Each day in February I will feature another business or charity.

Although you may not have suffered this loss personally, approximately 1 out of 160 pregnancies will end in stillbirth alone. [March Of Dimes] Someone you know may have suffered the loss of a child, and hopefully these posts will help you comfort your friend or family member.

I have decided to start by featuring a new charity that just started in December 2011, Lil Angel Hankies.  Despite only being a month old, this charity has already touched so many families.

Lil Angels Hankies is run and owned by Tricia, the mother of 6 kids (2 on Earth and 4 in Heaven).  Her company offers a personalized handkerchief to any family that has lost a child or children.  She personalizes them by embroidering your child's name and a date. (most choose their child's angelversary- the day that they went to heaven).  She also lets you pick the thread color. 

Tricia decided to start this company after a close friend of hers lost her baby.  She wanted to give her something tangible to remember her baby by. She gave her a handkerchief, embroidered with her baby's name. I incorporate my losses with every hanky I embroider, because I feel a strong connection to the mothers I am making them for. I feel very passionate about what I do. When we lose a grandfather, or aunt or brother or sister, etc, we typically have tangible memories. We have shirts they wore, or blankets they used, or memories that we made together. With infant loss, especially when the infant was miscarried or stillborn, we have no tangible memory. These hankies give the mother something to hold onto... something tangible.

Lil Angel Hankies is run strictly by donation.  The handkerchiefs are free to every family that has lost a child. 

To reach Lil Angels Hankies you can visit them at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lilangelshankies or by email at: lilangelshankies@hotmail.com.  


If you are interested in donating to Lil Angels Hankies, please visit their Facebook page.  They have a list of items that they need.