Be Brave!!

I am a sucker for cute accessories, especially bracelets!! There is nothing better than finding a cute affordable accessory, except finding out that the bracelet that you want actually helps raise money for important causes.

That is how I felt when my friend Lori from SOBBS and Mom of an Angel, shared these beautiful bracelets called Bravelets with me.

Bravelets are made of 316L stainless steel (which means less staining and discoloring than silver), and genuine leather.  They have the words "Be Brave" inscribed on each one.  Today I will be focusing on the three options for Pregnancy and Infancy Loss.  However they do make others, to benefit almost every cause.

Bravelets were started when the owner of the company's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She wanted to make something that her family could wear to show their support, in the weeks up to her mastectomy.

"There are times in all of our lives where we need to be brave – whether for ourselves, for our family, for our friends, or even for a complete stranger.  Bravelets™ bracelets are more than just something to wear on your wrist.  They are a symbol of hope, strength and courage.  They are designed to help you be brave in the toughest of times. "

Since then their company has taken off.  They now make Bravelets for many causes, and let organizations set up fundraisers with them 

Their website is also wonderful, and has a section that allows you to share your stories of bravery.

Which brings me back to the Bravelets specifically for Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  Lori found these fabulous bracelets, and set up a fundraiser for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. 
There are three colors to choose from: Blue, Pink, and White.

 

Bravelets sell for $35 a piece, and if you buy them through this link $10 of every purchase will go to Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  Lori does so much for Pregnancy and Infant Loss, so you know that this money will make a huge difference.

These Bravelets are beautiful, and they will make you feel great wearing them.  I know I need a constant reminder to stay brave, I can't think of a better way to remind myself.  This is definitely on my Christmas wishlist. 

Exclusive Birthday Offers!!

Every single day I will share some more special offers just for Little Orso Readers.  These are from some of our favorite companies, and a fun way to help us celebrate our birthday!!

Today's offers are centered around Pregnancy and Infant Loss, because of it being Awareness Day, but all of you not touched by loss hold tight...the rest of the week has something for EVERYONE!!!


Here are today's special offers (they all go until the end of the week, unless otherwise specified)...
(Many will be 12% off promo codes because we suggested 12% to celebrate our 12 months)


**Small Bird Studios- 12% off of anything in the store, with code LITTLEORSO12 (good thru 10/20)  **


**The Midnight Orange -12% off, with code LITTLEORSO  (good thru 10/20)  **


**Miscarriage Blankets and More- 12% off of everything, with code BIRTHDAYORSO (good thru 10/20) **


**Baby Boards- 12% off, with promo code  BABYBOARDS12 (good thru 11/3)**


**I Will Hold You In My Heart Forever Baby Books-  $5 off of your order.  Email your order in to michelle@foreverheart.ca and mention Little Orso to get the discount (their site does not offer promo codes) (good thru 10/20)**


Don't wait too long these offers are only good for a limited time, and you will not find them anywhere else.  Thank you to all of the companies that took part in today's celebration!!


Stay tuned for our Giveaway!!!!

Looking Back at Year 1...

As I mentioned before, we will spend this week looking back at some of our most popular posts and features.  Since today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day, I figured I would start by looking at some of the great organizations that we featured this year.  Then share some exciting deals from companies that offer items for all of us that have been touched by loss
 ...and end the day with a really exciting item that any parent that has lost a child would be thrilled to win.

Usually giving gifts feels better than receiving them.  I have so much more fun shopping for the holidays, than I do opening my gifts.  I typically buy people something special, for celebrating my birthday with me.  I figured why should my Little Orso birthday be any different.  So I reached out to the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Organizations that we covered, and asked them what they wanted for our birthday.  They do so many amazing things, and offer so much comfort to so many. I wanted to help them for once. 

So here is a recap of some of our favorites, and ways that you can help them keep giving and helping.  Please share with anyone that you think may be able to help. 

*Tiny Heartbeats- this is an organizations that loans dopplers (the instrument used to listen to fetal heartbeats) out to parents that have suffered a previous loss.  To read more about Tiny Heartbeats, and how you can get a doppler sent out to you, click here!!  Tiny Heartbeats is looking for used dopplers, doppler gel, or financial donations.

*A Little Thunder- They supply local (Kansas) hospitals with amazing comfort boxes.  As fellow loss parents, they know how hard it is to leave the hospital with empty arms.  They wanted to make sure that other families had something to help them.  To read more about them click here.  They are actually holding an online auction today to raise money, please head over to their Facebook Page to join in.

*OC Walk To Remember-  This organization is special to our family.  They are the ones that hold our local walk, and they provide the memory boxes and cameras to local hospitals.  Without them, we would not have anything to remember our daughter with.  Our pictures and memory box are all because of them.  I can't even emphasize how important these items are to us.  They may be a local (Orange County, California) organization, but they make an impact beyond our area.  They often donate to national infant loss organizations, and offer support to everyone.  Their fundraising for the year ends today.  Please click here to help them!!

*Robby's Rabbits-  They provide stuffed bunnies for families that have lost a child.  The bunnies can help fill our empty arms. They give you something to hug, when you miss your child the most. To read more about them click here.  They are asking for stuffed bunnies (and other animals), and money to help with shipping.

* Barrett's Blankets- Provides hand knit blankets for families, so they have a baby blanket to remember their child with.  They are handmade, so that you can feel the love when you wrap them around yourself.  To learn more about them click here.  They need donations of yarn, supplies, money, and shipping supplies. Also contact them about knitting or crocheting blankets for them.

*Calvin's Hats-  No head is too small, when it comes to Calvin's Hats.  They provide families with hats for their babies.  These little hats give you a huge amount of love and healing.  To read about their hats click here.  They could use donations to help keep them knitting.

*Miscarriage Blankets and More-  They started as a way to give people that suffered a miscarriage a way to remember their child.  Typically they do not get anything physical to hold on to.  They offer handmade little blankets (according to the size of your baby), and other items.  To read more about them click here.  They also run Kaitlin's Angels, which provides memory boxes to hospitals.  Both organizations could use donations and supplies.

*Solace Foundation- They help connect you with the best form of support for your particular loss.  They also provide comfort packages to local hospitals.  To read more about them, click here.  They need small teddy bears, butterflies, angel keepsakes, hand made shawls, and money.



These are just a handful of the great Pregnancy and Infant Loss Organizations that we have featured and worked with this year.  To see the complete list of resources click here. (if you would like to have your organization added to our directory please email me)  It is our up to date Infant Loss Directory.  I started it as a way to help families that have suffered this horrible loss.  When I first lost my daughter, I searched everywhere for support or anything that could bring me comfort.  My hope is that this directory will help others find the support right away. 

The event that brings you into this community is horrible and tragic, but the community is fabulous and so filled with love.

Stay tuned for some special offers and a Giveaway...

Custom Ink

Last weekend we attended the OC Walk to Remember, in honor of our daughter.  Attending something like this is so bittersweet.  Part of you is thrilled to get a day to remember your child publicly, and celebrate their life.  Then the other part of you is pissed that you are part of "this", and that the life you are celebrating was cut so short.  I definitely was torn, which is why I was "off of my game". 

Typically I plan for things about 3-4 months in advance.  Most of my holiday shopping is finished in August, and I plan my outfits days in advance.  However my sadness kept me from planning for the walk.  I knew we needed shirts for "our team", and that we needed to register for the walk.  My husband and I were actually volunteers for the walk, and passed out flyers months before reminding people to register ahead of time.  Yet here we were a week before with no shirts ordered, and registering last minute.

I quickly registered us...that part was easy. 

However now I was on a search for a place that I could custom design shirts, and have them delivered in 5 days!!  Did a place like this even exist??

Luckily for us it did.  I stumbled on this wonderful user friendly site called Custom Ink.  They made it so easy to design your product (in our case shirts), and had a 24/7 chat line.  I quickly designed a shirt, and then called them to see if there was any possible way that we could get it in time for our walk.

The woman I spoke to was sympathetic to why we needed the shirts, and quickly helped us get them ordered.  She also personally checked each shirt to make sure they were done the exact way that we wanted them done.  She definitely was one of the best customer service people I had ever spoken to....and as you all know I shop online a lot!! ...and have worked in retail the majority of my life!!  So this is a huge compliment to her, and her company.  I made a point of letting her, and her company know this!! 

She was so efficient that when I got off the phone, I knew without a doubt that they would arrive in time and be perfect.  And that they did...they actually came 2 days early!! 

We were thrilled with how our shirts had turned out, and even got some compliments from other families on them.  The quality of the shirts really stood out, they were thick and soft.  Shirts like this typically end up flimsy and see thru :(  Ours were white, and did not require any undershirts.  They also held up perfectly in the wash.  I washed them before the walk and after, and none of the ink faded.  They look as good as new!!

When it comes to things for my kids I only want the best!!  Custom Ink is definitely the best when it comes to custom made products.  I can't wait to get more items made by them.  They offer a lot more than t-shirts!! Head over and check out everything that you can make!!

I only recommend the best things to my friends (you all are my friends), but when it comes to infant loss items I am even more picky.  I know how much more meaning each item holds...the product symbolizes so much more!!  Anything that represents your child (ren) has to be prefect!!  I can honestly recommend Custom Ink to everyone.  Especially to those creating items in memory of their loved ones.  I am confident that you will be as pleased as we were!

♥ Barrett's Blankets ♥

We figured we would start off Infant Loss Awareness Month, with a fabulous organization!!

Staci was 18 weeks pregnant, when she learned that her beautiful son had gone to heaven.  Her biggest regret was that she didn't get to take the blanket that her son was wrapped in home with her.  It would have given her a piece of him, something that touched her baby.  Something she could hold on to and cuddle with, when she missed him most. I was lucky enough to get my daughter's blanket, and even have a piece of it in my locket that I wear every single day.  I can not tell you how much comfort it brings me.  I grab my locket every time the pain starts to be too much.

Staci and her husband decided that they wanted every parent to have this comfort, something they unfortunately did not receive.  The love in this community blows my mind!!  These parent's first concern was comforting other parents.  That is what drew me to this organization. 

Staci of Barrett's Blankets

Barret's Blankets donates their beautiful handmade blankets to hospitals.  These blankets are given to families that have lost a child, so they can wrap their baby in them... and then take them home.  So beautiful:)  They also have started providing blankets for babies staying in NICU. 

You can also request a blanket for a child that you have lost in the past, by contacting them directly. These blankets may never get to be wrapped around your child, but hopefully they can be wrapped around you for comfort.

The blankets are all handmade with love, and Barrett's Blankets runs strictly on donations.  If you know how to knit or crochet and are interested in helping them make blankets, please contact them here.  Also they need supplies (yarn, shipping materials, money....), if you can help out please contact them.

Losing a child is so difficult, if you know someone that has lost a child or if you have, please check out this organization and our infant loss directory.  Being surrounded in support helps so much.  Also if you know of another great organization that you think I should share please email me directly. 

Let's work together to make infant loss no longer a taboo subject.  Together we can save babies, and comfort those that have lost a child!!

Get involved this October, and be inspired by organizations like Barrett's Blankets.  The smallest thing can make the biggest difference...

Robby's Rabbits ♥

I know I have covered a lot of infant loss organizations lately, but as I have mentioned before they will always come first.  You can shop any day, but helping a grieving family means so much more!! 

The best part about all of the organizations that I have covered lately, is that they are coming from you. I have asked for my readers to share any great infant loss (or any charity that affects children), so that I can feature them.  My email has been over flowing with great organizations.  Keep it up:)  I am amazed by how many amazing people have started organizations to give to this community.  It is a horrible community to be a part of , but made up of some of the greatest people in the world.

Today I am sharing another wonderful organization called Robby's Rabbits.  Robby's Rabbits was started in August of of 2011, by Robby's parents.  Robby was born in August of 2009, and sadly grew his wings after 4 days.  They started Robby's Rabbits on his 2nd Angelversary, and a year later they have sent out over 300 rabbits.

The idea of Robby's Rabbits, is to get a stuffed rabbit in the arms of every grieving family. Families that have lost a child, can request a rabbit here.  Make sure that you include the age of your child, because they try to match the size of your rabbit to your child. Each rabbit comes with a tag with this beautiful passage written on it,

" 'Real isn't how you are made', said the Skin Horse, 'It's a thing that happens to you.  When someone loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but Really loves you, then you become Real'. " The Velveteen Rabbit

The rabbit we received

The rabbits are free for these families, and this organization runs strictly on donations.  Not only do they collect rabbits, but they also collect other stuffed animals to donate to near by hospitals.  They have already touched so many with their rabbits.  As a fellow infant loss parent, I can't even describe how much receiving something like this means to us.  To have a little a piece of our child to hold on to, is the greatest gift that you can receive.

If you have lost a child, or know someone that has please visit Robby's Rabbits today.  Like I mentioned before they run on donations, so please consider giving to them today.  I can't tell you want a difference your donation will make.  When you open your mail and see something like this, it gives you a bit of hope.  It reminds you that your child existed and has not been forgotten...

Fairy Tales for Hope ♥

About a month ago a friend of mine sent me an email asking me if I had seen Fairy Tales For Hope, they sell fairy tale prints for stillbirth awareness?"  I immediately went over to the site and fell in love!!  It combines so many things that I love; fairy tales, reading, art, infant loss awareness, charity...

I knew right away that I had to order a print, and contact them about featuring them.  I ordered a "Three Bears" print, and sent them an email.  I immediately heard back from Sally, who was thrilled to have us feature them. She also mentioned how busy they are, and that some prints were actually already selling out!!  I figured I better squeeze them in to my schedule in the next few weeks.

So here they are Fairy Tales For Hope.  The organization was started by Sally and Simon Heppleston, who lost their daughter Hope in August of 2008.  They decided to sell fairy tale prints, because reading fairy tales was something that they had looked forward to doing with their daughter.  They have 31 different images to choose from (although by the time this post goes live some will be sold out), and they were all done by the talented artist Tonia Composto.  The proceeds go to Stillbirth Awareness, and research.

You do not have to be a Baby Loss Parent to appreciate these prints, or even a parent.  The prints are absolutely stunning.  I would have loved to have decorated my apartment in them, back in my "single days".  They are great for kids' rooms, dens, schools, doctors' offices, bookstores, clothing stores...basically every where!!  They are also very affordable, and they ship worldwide:)

Head over to their site and check them out today, they will not last long!! 

Barber Bracelets ♥

For some reason every time I look at Barber Bracelets I get teary eyed.  I think it is because of the empathy that Laura Barber, the owner, shows towards us infant loss moms.

Laura started making her bracelets, after a cub scout project with her son.  Her adorable bracelets are made out of paracord, yep the cords from parachutes.  Some how Laura has found a way to make them into something adorable and fashionable.  She also figured out how to add "awareness ribbons" to them:)

This is where I start getting emotional...Laura decided to start making special "Angel Bracelets", because she was inspired by Tricia Pyatt. Tricia is the founder of the fabulous Lil Angel Hankies, which we featured back in February.  Laura and Trcia have been friends since high school.

"She was a close friend when we were both in high school, and seeing how much she helped others was amazing. I haven't lost any pregnancies myself, but many women in my family have. I had no idea how much it would mean to the mothers to have a bracelet like this, but I'm glad if it helps them in any way."

Barber Bracelets are not only for infant loss parents, you can get them made for any cause.  Or you can just get them made in colors that you love.  They are also great for sports fans, your kids sports team, sororities... and since they are soft you can wear them around the clock.

Many of us have remembrance walks coming up, what a great way to show team unity, and remember why you are walking.  I am doing the OC Walk to Remember next month, and plan on getting these in the colors that we had done our daughter's nursery in.  It will be our way of showing everyone that we are walking for her...

I not only like what this company stands for, but I also think that they are right in touch with the current "arm full of bracelets" trend.  I see a lot of people sporting the 80's friendship bracelets (takes me right back to those days), however I like the idea of putting a modern twist on the trend with these:)

You can visit Barber Bracelets on their Facebook page, and to order a bracelet (s) head over to their website.


Barber Bracelets has offered to do a special giveaway for Little Orso fans.  One special fan will win the bracelet of their choice:)

To enter this giveaway you must do two things:

1.  Head over and "like" Barber Bracelets on Facebook.

2.  Leave a comment below letting us know what colors you want your bracelet to be:) I am going to paste Barber Bracelets color choices here to help you decide:)

Good luck!!  

A winner will be picked using random.org tomorrow (9/14) at midnight pst.

Solace Foundation- Infant Loss Resource ♥

One of my favorite parts of having my blog, is being able to share great infant loss resources with others.  I am very proud of my infant loss directory, and hope that with it I am able to help those that are grieving and searching.  Those first few days you just search and search for something to help you.  I pray that my list helps eliminate the need to search for support.  That is why I feature infant loss organizations every once in a while.  Sure I love to shop and share my great finds and tips, but giving comfort to those that can not shop for their children is just as important.

Today I am sharing a wonderful organization, that takes the infant loss directory idea to a whole other level.  They are called the Solace Foundation, and their goal is to offer comfort and support to bereaved parents.  They want to make sure that every parent suffering a loss (from neonatal- older child), is able to find information and support through their site.

My directory is only made up of great infant loss resources that I stumble upon, and have used myself.  They actually work full time to make sure that they include every great resource, and that there is something for everyone.  It is so impressive, especially considering that they only started the Solace Foundation in June of 2011. 

The foundation was started by two friends named Karen and Emily, who met in September of 2010 at a Share Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support meeting.  Both women lost their firstborn children, and wanted to do something to "channel their grief into something meaningful".


Besides their directory, they also send care packages to hospitals and doctor offices, provide memorial items for parents in the hospital, and my favorite item is their comfort shawls.

"Our absolute favorite thing in there is the comfort shawls; they are our way of giving the parents a big hug. It is important to us that the shawls are all handmade, but it's hard for just the 2 of us to make all of them. So we are always looking for crafty people who like to knit or crochet! More info on contacting us to be added or to volunteer can be found on our website"

They have been contacted by parents from all over the world, including Mexico and Australia.  Just last week they received their 501c3!!  These women are making great strides in the infant loss community.  If you have lost a child, or know someone that has please share the Solace Foundation with them.   You can reach them through their website  or through their Facebook page .  

Also as they mentioned above, they are always looking for people to help them make their shawls.  If you knit or sew, please consider helping them out....because in reality you will be hugging a family that needs that hug so bad!!

 

Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes- Guest Blogger ♥

Today I am sharing one of my good friends with you.  She is not only a beautiful person inside and out, but creates the most beautiful items.  If you are looking to decorate a nursery, child's room, or any room don't miss this post.  She has something for everyone, and every piece comes from the heart.

Without further ado, here is today's guest blogger and artist Antoinette Evola:)

I began painting and drawing as a very young child. Friends and family would always come to me to paint murals for them in their children’s rooms. I started painting murals in my own home. It was peaceful. It allowed me to escape into those paintings, and be part of a world I probably wouldn't be in otherwise.

In 2009, my husband and I were expecting our very first child together. Once we found out she was a girl the ideas for HER nursery were just out of this world. I had been on bed rest so all the painting for her had to wait until she was born. So instead I was creating sample canvas' to keep myself inspired.

It was on February 23,2010 that our worlds came crushing down on us. We learned our very much wanted, and loved baby girl had passed away. After she died I refused to paint. I didn't want to paint for anyone anymore. Something that once brought me so much peace would now be a reminder of what I was never able to finish for my very own princess.

Months passed and we were finally expecting our rainbow baby (pregnancy after loss), and unless you have experienced this type of tragedy and blessing, you can never really understand how stressful it can be. 

 

It came to a point where I needed to do *something* to calm my mind and soul. So I began painting...for him...for her....for myself, again. I knew I wouldn't be able to paint his murals as I wanted. But instead of "waiting" until he was born, I decided to paint my visions onto canvas' and frame them onto the walls. His theme was "Finding Nemo" because he was my very own "Nemo". In the movie the father loses all his children but Nemo and has to learn to not be afraid. He goes through many scary obstacles, but in the end he "just kept swimming" and that was what I was doing.

Many have asked me to sell my paintings. I never have. All the paintings I had ever done up until this point were always from my heart and given as gifts. Each painting I create carries a piece of my heart. I have never created any paintings that were identical. It would be impossible to do, but I refuse to do it. These paintings, these creations are my "babies" as well. Being a stay at home mom has been the most amazing experience of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. And so my love for my children has grew more than my inability to not sell my paintings. Once I did and I seen how much JOY it brought to these people's lives I knew it was my calling. It was then I realized, in a metaphorical way, my paintings were just like my daughter. Created be me, loved by me, with me for a short time, and now shared with the world. If it was my choice I'd have a house full of my canvas', but that won't let me be able to raise my son 

 

So now I am here, offering my "babies" to those who would love to adopt one. Artistic freedom is always great, but I can make someone else's visions come true. I'm inspired by pictures, scenery, Disney, cartoons, nature etc. I am able to duplicate almost anything I am given. Custom orders are welcomed and LOVED! Please message me at my FB page, Etsy shop or directly to my email antoinettestabile@msn.com. I look forward to meeting all of you and creating something special for your home.

Thank you to Little Orso for sharing our story. My children have brought out the best in me. Through having them I have been able to find myself.

Antoinette has announced that once she reaches 400 "likes" on her Butterfly Kisses and Rainbow Wishes Facebook page, that she will give away one surprise piece.  Head over and "like" her page today:)  I know I would love to win one!!  I am dying for a train or "wishbox":)

Jackson's Make a Memory Collection

As you know, I love to share great infant loss resources when I come across them. My hope is that by sharing these, I am helping out fellow grieving parents.

Recently a fellow Baby Loss Mom, reached out to me.  Her name is Courtney, and she lost her son Jackson 2 months ago.  Although she is pretty new to the loss community, she has already started contributing and helping other families.  Her main focus right now, is her Jackson's Make a Memory Collection.  This is a charity that she started to collect books for her local NICU.  When Jackson was in the NICU, she found a lot of comfort in reading to her son.  She wants other parents to have this opportunity available to them. 

Her organization has already collected over 207 books. They are planning on installing a shelf in Jackson's honor, later this month. 

If you are interested in donating books, please contact Courtney at courtney.fournier@rogers.com. They need continuous donations, because they want the parents to feel free to take the books home with them.  They not only give comfort in the NICU, but in some cases become a physical item to hold on to.

Courtney has started various other activities, to help raise money for Jackson's Make a Memory Collection.  She has an infant loss store on Etsy called Jack's Boutique.  One of the neat things that she offers is "Graffiti Art".  People that have lost their child love to see their name written in different ways and places...Courtney has found a new beautiful way to do that for other families.  She writes your child's name on various locations in nature.  No two names are done the same...

Recently she did her own candle lighting, on August 19th (Day of Hope).  People were able to send in their child(ren)'s names, and she wrote them on individual candles.  At dark she lit each one, and captured the event beautifully.

She plans on doing another candle lighting on October 15th (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day), and on all other major Infant Loss dates.  If you would like to have your child included in the next event, please contact her through her email address (seen above) or through her website.  A dollar donation is required, and will go to putting more books on their shelf.


Please take a moment out to read about all of Courtney's beautiful work.  Also consider making a donation, or starting something similar at your local NICU.  This is a great way to clean out your own library, and make a huge impact in someone else's life!!

Writing on the Wall ♥

As a baby loss parent, I like to shop for my daughter too.  To those of you that have not lost a child this may seem strange or sad.  However remembering my daughter, and doing little things to keep her "alive", is the greatest gift that I can give her...and myself!!  Even though she lives in heaven, she is still my daughter and will always be a part of our family and home.  We buy little items every once in a while, that remind us of her.  I am always searching for beautiful items that I can buy in honor of her, and I love sharing them with the rest of the infant loss community. 

A friend recently sent me a link for a site called Writing on the Wall.  They sell beautiful items with vinyl lettering, such as blocks, signs and boards. Most of the items have beautiful sayings or quotes on them.  However the reason that this site stood out above the rest, is because they have an entire section devoted to the baby loss community.  The owner of Writing on the Wall, Misty, is a fellow baby loss parent. She lost her sweet son Isaac in April of 2009.  She decided to make a baby board for Isaac, as a way of remembering him.

The sign gave her a lot of comfort, and made her happy every time that she saw it. Misty decided that she should offer these signs to other families that have lost a child. (she also offers them for living children- they would make a fantastic baby shower gift).  The boards are 100% custom made, and you can personalize them yourself.  Many people people have their child's name, and then have a quote written through them.

The baby boards typically sell for $15 + shipping.  However if you are a baby loss parent, she offers a discount on both the item and the shipping. (they are $17.50 total).  Misty dreams of being able to offer them for less, or even free.  That is why supporting small businesses like this is so important.  Please keep businesses like this, in mind when making your yearly donations or holding charity events.

I plan on buying two signs, one for my son and one for my daughter.  One of the hardest things about losing a child and then having another, is that you will never have a picture of your children together.  It brings a lot of comfort to be able to do things for both of them.  It bridges them together,and keeps your angel included.  I can't wait to see their two signs hanging together in my home.  It will give me a taste of what it feels like to see your children playing together.

Whether you are a baby loss parent or not, you should definitely head over and check out Writing on the Wall today.  There is definitely something for everyone!!


***For a list of other infant loss organizations and sites check out my Infant Loss Resource Page

A Heart To Hold ♥

In honor of our Infant Loss Resource Guide (please feel free to share our list, but please link back to Little Orso or credit us with the list..) finally being up and running, I decided to feature a wonderful infant loss resource!!

They are called a A Heart To Hold, and that is exactly what they give you.  They started this foundation in July 2011, after losing their son to stillbirth.  The day after Abi and her husband lost their son, they received a heart weighted to the exact weight he was at birth from another infant loss mother.

What people that have not lost a child do not realize, is that a mother's arms ache to hold their baby.  Our bodies do not know that we did not give birth to a live baby, so they do not understand why we are not holding our child.  It is not just an emotional thing, your body really does ache.  To have a pillow or stuffed animal to hold really helps...but to have something weighted the same as your child helps even more!!  They picked a heart as a symbol of hope and healing.

Their heart helped them so much, that they wanted to pass it forward to other families that have suffered this loss.

A Heart to Hold also offers workshops to comfort other grieving families, and they have a Hearts From Afar Program. (where you can make hearts from your home or set up your own workshop. 

For information on how to request a heart, please go to http://ahearttohold.com/contact-us. For information on how to make a heart, please see our calendar or go to http://ahearttohold.com/make-a-heart. If you would like to make a donation to their 501(c)3 organization, more information is available here; http://ahearttohold.com/donate-here.

They have received a ton of orders in the last few weeks, and are having a hard time keeping up with the price of postage. To help with these costs they are currently holding a fundraiser. They hope to raise $500 in the next two weeks. When they meet their goal, they will randomly select a winner to receive either a $25 Amazon giftcard or a heart.  This goal will help them send out 45 hearts.  Click here to make a donation, and enter yourself in the drawing.

Hayden's Helping Hands

The best part of doing this month long feature on infant loss, was learning about new resources that I did not know about.  I asked fellow BLMs (Baby Loss Moms) to share their favorites.  Places that helped them through their loss, things that inspired them, and people that made them not feel alone on this horrible journey.  What surprised me was what a huge impact the newer smaller organizations were making.  This just teaches you that the tiny drop in the bucket does make a huge difference.  If you have been thinking about starting something new, whether it is infant loss related or not DO IT!!  Because it is does make a difference!!

Today's feature (the last one of this special month) is an example of this.  They are a newer smaller organization, but more than one person shared them with me. They are called Hayden's Helping Hands, and they help infant loss families financially.  They are based out of Oregon, and started in December of 2010.  What most people that have not lost a child do not realize, is that we still have to go through labor to have our children.  We also are sent home from L&D with a bill just like that of a live baby's birth.  Obviously nothing hurts more than losing your child, but having a financial reminder doesn't help with the healing process.

Rebekka and her family started Hayden's Helping Hands, after losing their daughter at 32 weeks.

My wish is to not be defined by the great sadness that I feel but to be a better person because of the experience I have been given, no matter how unwelcome this experience is. This is possible and I wish it for all parents who experience child loss.

Hayden's Helping Hands has 6 board members, and they have already successfully become a non-profit.  Their goal is to help families in Oregon pay off their hospital bills.  In the short time they have been around, they have already helped so many families with this expense.
 
When a family bears the pain of having a stillborn, the confusion is endless, the anger is unforgiving, and their arms are empty but the medical bills still arrive in the mail. The purpose of Hayden's Helping Hands is to raise money through fundraising and sponsorships to pay for or help pay for those bills. This financial assistance is intended to be a preemptive strike to another round of heartache over unpaid bill collection efforts. The delivery medical expenses for a stillbirth can cost upward of $8,000 without insurance.

If you have lost a child and want to see if you qualify for help from Hayden's Helping Hands, or you want to contact them about starting something similar in your state, or to make a donation (or just to ask a question):

www.haydenshelpinghands.com
www.facebook.com/haydenshelpinghands
admin@haydenshelpinghands.com

SOBBS

 Today I am featuring SOBBS (Stories of Babies Born Still), and their amazing founder Lori.  Lori lost her son Zachary in March of 1986. Since then she has done so much to help other families that have lost a child, and to honor her son.

One of Lori's biggest contributions has been her SOBBS page on Facebook.  It is a place where people that have lost a child can come together and get support, and a place where they can openly talk about their babies.  There are over 2,000 active members, and the site has a library of helpful documents.  Lori has been active in donating help packets to hospitals, getting birth certificates for stillborn children, and offering support for mothers that have just lost a child and don't know where to turn. If you would like to join this group, please contact Lori on the sites below.  The group is private, and only for those that have lost children.

Recently Lori started offering two products, that any family that has lost a child, would want!!

The first one is her "Mom of an Angel" bracelet.  These bracelets are not just for moms!!  They have "Dad of an Angel (my husband wears his every single day!!); Sister...; Brother....; Grandparent...; etc...

The other item comes out next week, it is a book that Lori wrote about her experience with infant loss.  It is called "Wandering Purgatory".  Those that have read excerpts from it, say they can really relate to it.  Pre-order your copy here.  It is officially goes on sale on March 6th, the anniversary of her son's passing.

Excerpt from "Wandering Purgatory".....


"There we were holding hands, tears streaming down our cheeks when our son was placed in my arms for the first and only time.

The next moment I found myself looking into the sweetest little face I had ever seen, the face of an angel.

Now I lay me down to sleep.

My mind began to run through the popular children’s prayer.

Were they sure…absolutely, positively sure?

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

He looked as if he might just be asleep, eyelids outlined with golden colored eyelashes resting peacefully on tiny cheeks.

His tiny perfectly shaped little lips were dusty rose in color and were slightly parted as if waiting for a kiss.

If I should die before I wake.

He never got the chance to wake.

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Releasing Ted’s hand I suddenly had the need to unwrap the blanket.

I tugged at it gingerly at first, looking to the nurse for reassurance. Reassured, I pulled the cloth away.

I had to see my little boy.

I had to see all 10 fingers and all 10 toes.

I had to see that he was perfect in every way.

I had to see now because this was the only chance I was ever going to get.

I would never get to spend countless hours marveling at the simple perfection of my baby.

The thought was more than I could bear.

With tears streaming down my cheeks, I had to lay my head back against the pillow to catch my breath, because once again the heaviness in my chest threatened to choke the very life from me.

The nurse took this as a sign. A sign of all I could bear, she came forward, gathered my little miracle up and took him away.

It was the first time.

It was the last time.

It was the only time I saw my baby."


To check out everything that Lori has done, and products that she has to offer, visit one of her sites:

https://www.facebook.com/MomofanAngelwristbands
http://sobbs.goodsie.com/  

***They also accept donations.

 

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