Showered with Love

In April, the Bellaire Young Mothers dedicated their annual spring baby shower to Love Bug Bundles for the second time. The "Rub-a-Dub-Dub" Baby Shower built on last year's successful infant bath tub drive, providing an exciting opportunity to help mothers and their newborns start their lives together in positive ways.

As all mothers know, bonding with your newborn is essential. Daily activities such as bath time provide some of the greatest opportunities to focus on a new little one. You will never know just how much you give a mother when you take away some of the worry.

This year's drive raised 27 infant bath tubs, as well as a collection of bath time amenities and wash cloths.

Thanks again to all the Bellaire Young Mothers for being a moms who care about other moms!

Why It Matters

Today I was packing bundles for the June 4 baby shower at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón. In the past, I have worked away late at night after the little ones are fast asleep, but this afternoon my 2-year-old son, Micah, was by my side. For months, he has been aware of the piles of infant bath tubs, diapers, clothing, and blankets growing in our house. We have talked about how these are for little babies like his new sister, Isabel. I realized that I could transform his natural interest into involvement, so I invited him to help me pack the Love Bug Bundles. What a moment. My inspiration and the original love bug is now helping bring necessities to other little love bugs.

Micah loved every minute of the process. Every time he placed an item in a bundle, he pointed to "Micah's" belongings. He even proudly showed me "Micah's" childproofing lock that keeps him out of our armoire. When I think of all of you who donated these baby items, I hope you know that nothing is too small to matter. A childproofing lock brings peace of mind in our home. And it will in anyone else's home. The blanket swaddling my baby girl brings her comfort and security. And it will to any little baby.

For the May 25 shower at Spring Branch Family Clinic, we delivered 12 Love Bug Bundles filled with infant bath tubs, receiving blankets, onesies, wash cloths, childproofing items, ice packs, and nursing cream. For the June 4 shower at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón, we will be delivering 9 bundles.

Thank you again for all you do to make our work possible. Every little thing matters.

April Showers!

We just delivered 16 love bug bundles for our baby showers at Lee High School (April 8) and Magnolia (April 9). The bundles include 1 onesie, 1 receiving blanket, a set of 4 wash cloths, 1 childproofing kit, and 2 breastfeeding amenities. Plus, we are delighted to now include 1 infant bath tub...a great way to help mothers keep infants safe and bond during bath time.

Recent Showers

Just a quick update on recent happenings...

August 24
Spring Branch
17 mothers received Love Bug Bundles containing:
· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 bib or 1 hat
· 1 set of outlet covers and cabinet lock

September 4
Magnolia
12 mothers received Love Bug Bundles containing:
· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 set of wash cloths
· 1 breastfeeding amenity

Today's a Big Day

This has been an exciting two weeks for Love Bug Bundles! We...
...acquired our first major corporate sponsor, Lansinoh
...began accepting online donations
...hosted our seventh community baby shower (at Spring Branch Family Development Center)
...(and today!) surpassed our 2009 goal of delivering 100 Love Bug Bundles to mothers in need

We have come a long way! In 2008, the inaugural year of the program, we primarily worked on setting goals, building relationships, and delivering a modest 100 essential baby items. Since March 2009, which marked our second year, we have partnered with Houston's Healthy Family Initiatives and the Community Doula Program to host monthly baby showers for young Houston-area mothers in need.

In the first six months of working with the Community Doula Program, we have delivered 112 Love Bug Bundles, exceeding our goal for the entire year in half the time! Our program has been funded entirely through private donations. We cannot thank our individual donors enough for their compassionate giving.

We are especially grateful for our recent corporate sponsorship from Lansinoh, which will allow us to include quality breastfeeding products in our bundles. Hopefully, this is just the beginning!

Check back for more photos soon!

Upcoming Showers:
August 24 @ Spring Branch
September 4 @ Magnolia

Happy!

I am HAPPY to give you a June update on Love Bug Bundles. So much has been happening this month because of support from wonderful people like you. Every dollar, newborn item, and word of encouragement truly means A LOT!

Here are just a few reasons I am HAPPY!

1. Baby Steps
We are beginning the process of forming a non-profit corporation and establishing 501c(3) status. We have a long way to go (…create a board, prepare financials, etc.), but we are one step closer because of the advice of a long-time friend who happens to have experience with pro bono non-profit legal assistance.

2. Baby Talk
Recently, I have heard from fantastic friends who just want to know how they can help. I am honored and humbled by such selfless generosity...can’t wait to see how each of you will become a part of the Love Bug family! Here are some things we currently need:
• Flannel receiving blankets
• Newborn clothing in neutral colors
• Nursing wraps
• Lanolin cream

3. Baby Bundles
We hosted two baby showers this week at Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón and Spring Branch Family Development Center. Marissa and Karla of Community Doula Program have added décor, cake, and giveaways that make the baby showers bigger and better than ever. I continue to teach the 5 S’s from Happiest Baby on the Block and breastfeeding tips. Love Bug was able to contribute 39 bundles, which each contained a newborn clothing item, a receiving blanket, a set of wash cloths, and a breastfeeding amenity. Love Bug also provided a table full of gently used baby boy and baby girl clothing where mothers could “shop” for a few additional items.

4. Baby Dreams
We have a summer project! We want to provide nursing wraps to mothers. Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift that a mother can give to her child, but mothers often supplement with formula when in public. Blankets are good options for privacy, but they often fall when babies wiggle or mothers adjust. With a little fabric and creativity, we hope to offer mothers a simple nursing wrap that can help preserve the mother’s modesty and foster exclusive breastfeeding.

Have a HAPPY summer (and stay in touch)!

Love Bug Milestone: 56 Bundles!

As a new mother, I pay a lot of attention to milestones. Well, today we passed the halfway mark toward the goal of delivering 100 Love Bug Bundles in 2009! We have delivered 56 bundles containing a total of 263 items.

I especially thank the sweet, generous, and supportive donors who gave in honor of Mother’s Day!

Today we hosted a baby shower at the Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón. Marisa taught first aid for infant CPR and choking, and I taught the 5 S’s and demonstrated swaddling. Afterward, the mothers played a fun version of hot potato...tossing a diaper to reggaeton music…SO FUN!

The 20 bundles this month included:
· 1 newborn clothing item
· 1 pack of wash cloths or 1 bib
· 1 set of outlet covers and cabinet lock
· 1 bottle of lavender lotion

First Aid for Infant CPR and Choking

Swaddling Demonstration

Reggaeton Hot Potato

April Bundles

Thank you to those special, generous, supportive, compassionate people in my life who quietly gave to Love Bug Bundles in March and April. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.

In April, I attended a Community Doula Program baby shower at the Spring Branch Family Development Center. Nine expectant moms received bundles filled with a blanket, a newborn outfit, a toy, a wash cloth, and a breastfeeding amenity. At the baby shower, I gave a lesson on the 5 S's and tips for successful breastfeeding. Not only did the mothers feel valued, but they also felt empowered.

Our next baby showers are planned for May 14 and July 1.

Begin to Understand

We can imagine the needs of others and imagine the cause. Imagine blame. We can even imagine a solution. However, not until you take time to listen to those in need and witness their humanity can you truly begin to understand.

Last week, I participated in my first two baby showers (Lee High School and Magnolia Clinic of El Centro de Corazón) with the Community Doula Program of the Healthy Family Initiatives. The generosity of family and friends helped make it possible to give 27 Love Bug Bundles, 24 postpartum items, and six door prizes to expectant mothers in need. The March baby shower bundles included:

· 1 receiving blanket
· 1 newborn or three-month outfit
· 1 bib or 1 hat
· 1 pair of socks or 2 wash cloths

~

Shoot for the moon...Even if you miss, you'll land among stars.

-Brian Littrell