Memory Boxes

When we left the NICU both times we lost the boys, we were given beautiful memory boxes, each filled with adorable and sweet little things to keep in honor of our boys.  At the time, it was hard to look through them and I eventually did when we came home from the hospital.  Since then, I can't open them.  I haven't even gone through the boys' things again since we came home.  I'm really hoping that come their birthday, I can bring myself to do it.  I'm also hoping that in honor of their birthday I can donate boxes back to the NICU in their names as well as Kristy's girls' names.

I have so many projects going right now and a lot of stuff going on in my life.  The biggest thing I'm trying to do is get myself organized.  I have so wonderfully been connected with a couple of students at the local university who have committed to helping us with this project as well as joining us for the walk/race event at the hospital.  I'm hoping they will be able to help provide us with a lot of the items we will need, but if anyone who reads this blog is interested in helping out, please e-mail me!  I'd love to include you in this project in some way!

I've backburnered Teeny Tears for a bit, but am still determined to get going on that.  I have all the materials, I just have to DO it.  I'm thinking it will be a really good winter project, but I'd also still really like to have a weekend of making them.  I also have the prayer flag project...I think that will be part of my projects for tomorrow morning.  I'm going to go sew some other items, so I'm thinking the prayer flags will be another one of those projects.  I just have to find the right materials locally.

Anyhow...memory boxes...here's the list of items that I am going to include:

The box (duh)
Remembering Heart (this is a little porcelain heart that has a smaller one in it.  The small one gets tied to the baby and mom and dad get to keep the larger one)
A small teddy bear
A journal with a pen
Forget-Me-Not seeds

I'm also asking family and friends to help me make some small stretchy hats and small blankets to include in each box.  These should all be gender neutral, so please send away if you're crafty!

The other items that I'd like to see included are disposable cameras and a small frame as well as a Certificate of Life, but those are my optional items if I don't have the money to purchase.

Here's hoping I can compile at least 20 for the boys' birthday and another 20 or so for the girls' birthday!  I'm really hoping!!  So many projects...so little time...