Atkinson, a lifelong crocheter, has been crafting the NICU babies' Halloween costumes ever since. "It's a really special thing for me," Atkinson says. This sentiment captures the emotional significance of her work, as it brings joy not only to the babies but also to the families during a difficult time.
Every year, the NICU team brainstorms a theme for the babies' Halloween costumes. This year's theme was Disney, with costumes including Ariel from "The Little Mermaid," Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch," Simba from "The Lion King" and plenty of other beloved characters. The theme selection fosters a sense of community and excitement among the staff and families.
"Everybody donated their time," Braun says. "People will come in on their day off or stay after so that everything looks perfect for the baby." This quote highlights the dedication and teamwork among the NICU staff, emphasizing their commitment to creating magical moments for families.
Atkinson starts making the tiny Halloween costumes in August - long before many of the October NICU babies are even born. This year, Atkinson was still crocheting costumes down to the very last second: three NICU babies were born the night before the Halloween photo shoot. This illustrates her dedication and the meticulous planning required for the event.
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