Just For Baby JD

The day has been set for the baby shower—February 5, birth of baby JD is undetermined yet.  There will be a time set soon for granddaughter’s time to deliver. It is best JD stays in his home for now and as long as he can.

 Little JD has a defect: but, it’s so marvelous that doctors already know what that defect is and how they will proceed after his birth.  JD has CDH Disease. We had never heard of this disease; according to our study of CDH, we found that 1 out of 2500 babies are born with this.  

This baby has so many prayer warriors praying for him—his little life has already touched many.  Each doctor visit shows improvement even before he has his first breathe outside the womb! Prayers do work!!

JD’s photos show a cute little face!  

Always excited to see each development of his growth! You may ask—-“what does JD stand for”? The parents haven’t decided the name yet, just that they want to call him JD!!  We have given them many suggestions, of course. In the meantime,  as the parents zero in on a name, We are happy to call this sweet baby JD! 

Now, to my quest—since JD will be in NICU for some time, mom is asking for things he can use while there—blankets, socks, hats, mittens—I’m ready with my yarn and needles!!  Research here I come!  I’ve never knit for NICU babies.  I was excited to think I could use some of my handspun!  NOT!  Babies need acrylic!! Drats! I hate working with that yarn—but, I WILL—just for JD and his fellow NICU friends!  

I found some soft baby yarn, acrylic, of course! 

A green and blue—thinking hats, maybe, socks—I can knit so many for him.  I have found several patterns—this knitting will be quick—so tiny in my hands.

Then—I found Knots for Love—there is a list of approved yarns and a notice—Don’t send hats!!

 It seems hospital NICU units receive plenty of hats.  Makes sense to me—easy to knit and quick to finish!

Ok—regroup! What is suggested--make blankets—more research to find the perfect pattern. 

Why blankets?

Parents sleep with the blankets before placing them on these precious new lives so their scent is on the blanket when it is then provided and lovingly placed onto the baby in the NICU incubator by a Nurse -- and the baby can receive both warm from the blanket and the parents even though they cannot yet be with her or him.

 Ensure the blanket is no smaller than 30” x 24”.

✅ Use yarns on our Required Yarn List to knit or crochet a blanket made from any soft, cozy, lightweight yarn.  

✅ Remember, these tiny preemie babies that sometimes weigh only 1lb will be wrapped in your blankets.

✅ Do not choose a lacy pattern because little fingers, toes, and tubes can get caught in blankets with holes.

So, My fingers are busy with yarn to produce this love blanket for little JD!  And as I knit, I say prayers for his well-being and great healing.