Elliot's not going to be able to wear clothes until after he recovers from his surgery and is off breathing support. They expect him to spend the first 3-4 weeks of his life practically naked?! No, that just won't do!
I've been mulling over this idea for a couple weeks now, but I wasn't sure how to get it started.
So, here it goes: I challenge you to help me collect hats for Elliot.
How? Together, we can scour the web for cute preemie or newborn sized hats. If you find any, leave me the link in a comment or email. Or, if you are crafty and would like to sew/knit a few, I'd love it! :) Also, if you feel so inclined to donate hats, that would be great too!
I'll probably post new hats every week. And once Elliot is born, his daily NICU updates will always feature pictures of him in his hats.
The Goal: I'd like to eventually have a hat for every day that Elliot spends in the NICU. That might sound like an impossible goal but, hey, who knows? It could happen.
Here is the very first hat of the collection. I got it from Sally Ann's. I couldn't be happier. It's cute, well-made, and it shipped mere days after I ordered it. In fact, I'll probably order some more in different colors!
This is such a cute idea.
ReplyDeleteI would love to knit a hat for Elliot. Do yo have any idea the average circumference of a premie head? I realize they are all different but I want to make sure I don't make a hat that is way too small. I have a cute hat pattern that I'm working on right now for a toddler that gives the hat tiny little animal ears. I think I can modify the pattern to fit a teeny tiny guy.
ReplyDeleteBreAnna- If you could make a hat for Elliot, that would be awesome! I'd really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI looked up preemie-newborn hat circumferences. Sounds like most preemie hats are about 8" circumference and 4.5-5" in length. A full term hat is normally about 10.5" around with a length of 6-6.5 inches. This is for a crocheted hat, though, not sure if that matters?
Hope that helps!
:)
That is very helpful, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Jess! My daughter was recently at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital NICU for 12 days. They have a ton of cute, handmade hats there that fit preemies perfectly. I'm sure that you will be able to add to your collection at the hospital!
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely darling idea. I'll definitely be on the lookout for some cute hats for Elliot!
ReplyDeleteI think that since it's already snowing there, you should do a snowman one!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/36440498/lil-snowman-baby-beanie-and-booties-set?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=snowman+newborn+hats+baby+boy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title
it sayd she makes them upon order and can do a Preemie size
can't wait to see all the hats!
Toby & Laura- that's the same NICU our Elliot will be in :) We saw the baskets full of hats! I'll have to pick a couple for the collection once he's born.
ReplyDeleteDana- that's TOO CUTE! And you're right- it definitely fits with Northern MI weather (especially in November or December, when he'll be born).
What a cute idea! Here's a list of knit and crochet patterns for hats in sizes that range from preemie to toddler :) The website has a list of circumferences somewhere as well!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bevscountrycottage.com/baby-hats-booties.html
if we want to donate a hat where should we send it?
ReplyDeletehmmm?! :)
hey Jess! i've been following your blog for a few weeks now, and I think it's such an interesting and great story. I'll be praying for you and baby Elliot in the upcoming weeks. I'm actually an RN in a level III NICU in NJ. are you going to be about 31 weeks next week??
ReplyDeleteHi Laurie- that would be such an amazing (and difficult, at times!) job.
ReplyDeleteI'll be 31 weeks next week, yes. I know that's not TERRIBLY early and that babies are born earlier all the time, but I just feel like Elliot already has enough up against him- I'd rather not add prematurity to the list!
Thankyou for the prayers :) we appreciate them!
Stopping by from (This is Mommyhood) I absolutely love the name of your blog! (Beatles fan)
ReplyDeleteI love the hat idea... how sweet and cute. I can't believe he won't be able to wear clothes for a few weeks.
:(
Good luck with your little guy. I'm a new follower and will be grabbing your button to add to my collection.
:)
oh and Trina- email me and I can send you an address :) I'd rather not post it for all the world to read!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for considering it!!
Awww, such a sweet idea! As the mother of my own sweet little Eliot (thanks for the comment on my blog!), I will be thinking good, positive, healthy thoughts for your sweetlittle Elliot.
ReplyDeleteMy Eliot has this hat:
http://www.stellamaternity.com/pan143.html
It is adorable and fit for a little newborn king.
I love the blog, and of course your little guy's name. :)
What a marvelous idea! I'd like to put your graphic (Operation Hats for Elliot) on my blog (M Family Chronicles @ Tumblr), to pass the word along -- if that's okay?
ReplyDeleteIf not, I understand. I'll try to keep my eye out for hats for your little bundle!
Yes, feel free to take the image :) And if anyone one else wants to- that's great!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea, Jess.
ReplyDeleteThis store has a lot of cute ones with little sayings on them like "I <3 my nurse." :)
http://www.preemiestore.com/Itty-Bitty-Baby-Blue-I-love-My-Nurse-Hat--fits-2-5-lbs-_p_4982.html
Aww I think its an adorable idea for Elliot! I will try to find a hat for elliot!!
ReplyDelete