Birthday Delivery

       First, I would like to thank all  the wonderful people that have become and important part of  "Team Oh Hats”. For your support, prayers, stitches of love and contributions. Who are they - the TEAM to Owen: Dad, Grama Carpenter, Grama Douglas, Grama Letwinski, Aunt Amy, Aunt Leslie, Aunt Chelle, Great Aunts Thelma and Katherine and some of Mommy & Dad's great, new friends and extended family -  Aunty Carrie, Kim (James and Bri), Jessie, Cindy, Kathy, Charlotte, Donna, Marlene, Karen and Margie via Erin. Oh and his mommy too!

That is who we are to an amazing little angel-bean. That and many many more that pray for our family and this project thank you. Gee, I hope I didn't miss anyone? 



"OGC" Thanks Aunt Amy, Marlene & Jessie for these sweet hats! 

      Second, I’d like to apologize for not being a better blogger. I’ve written a little bit each day since last Tuesday; it’s been an emotional week and I realize I am way behind on updating.

     Owen received lots of great Birthday wishes via my LLB blog, FB, Carepages, E-mail, voice-mail, phone calls and cards. It has made us very happy that so many embraced this special day making it positive and joyous. In case you just stumbled here Owens Birthday was March 8th , and though he is not here with us to celebrate his first birthday we still wanted to honor his life – to celebrate the hope, love and joy he brought to our life, and so many others. Gordy and I ventured to Helen Devos Children Hospital to deliver Oh Hats and were meet by some very special ladies...Owens’ nurses!  We were lucky to get to visit with  three out of five of his primary’s, plus his Great Aunt Cookie! It felt good to be surrounded by those that spent so much time with Owen and us. It made the day a little more bearable. There where lot’s of tears but smiles too!

     My goal was to deliver 104 white hats hearted with an initial A - Z. Twenty Six in Newborn & Preemie sizes, a set each for little boy's and girl's.  I fell a little short on time hearting the hats. It turned out to be alot sewing for one peson, but I really wanted to heart each hat personally.  At first  I was really upset with myself than logic (and Gordy) set-in.  I’m still working on the last set of (26) hats; preemie size for little sweet pea girls. I hope to have them completed and delivered next week. Plus I have lots of extra's to heart that I will deliver through-out the year. We ended up delivering 78 hats for Owens birthday.

Next year when friends and family offer to lend a helping hand hearting I will gladly except! Yes, I have decided to make this an annual labor- of-love. I hope you will continue to follow my (our)  progress as we remember and celebrate Owen.

Much Love ~ Chole

Here are a few more pic's of delivered hats - Oh the cuteness



Thank You Jessie



Thank You Amy

Thank You Mom C.

Thank You Aunt Thelma & Kathy

Hey one by me!

Thanks Mom

Wait for it...............
     As the saying goes a picture paints a thousand words, but before I post pictures I have to tell you a funny story. So I was talking to my mother the other day and she said, " I'm sending you a package, though I wish I where there to see your expression" My response...OK maybe I'll show you all then tell....

 Oh the suspense I know...I mean I really knew

 Scream!!! I was, I really was....

 Oh my, do I ever love this sweet little bunny hat. It's just like Owens. OK it's all white and for a preemie, but still, I just adore it and can not wait for another family to ooddle over it like I did with O's! Here are the rest of my wonderful love-package I got from my mom for our project. Four sweet little micro-preemie hats; check out the baseball cap! I have yet to start  hearting preemie size hat's. I'm still trying to finish up the newborn ones.Time is a ticking.

Oh back to my response, Mom "I'm sending you a package, though I wish I where there to see your expression". Me, " Mom did you make a bunny hat!!!!!!" My mother was not impressed with my telepathic abilities - nope not one bit. So I ruined the surprise by guessing - but she caved by trying not to admit it. Mom I love you but you are a REALLY bad liar. Must be where I get it from. Not sure if you want me to share this note, but, well I think Owen is pretty amazing too.....

A Very Thankful Hat Count   

     Just popping in real quick for a update on my weekend donations and to send out some big THANK YOU'S. I promise to post more pic's later for I'm super busy hearting a heap of hat's right now. This past week I received a mix of 46, yes 46, newborn to 0-3 month size hats. We received lot's of love in stitches from the East-MI this weekend much thanks to the following wonderful ladies: Karen, Donna, Marlene,Thelma, Cindy, Charlotte, and Kathy. I also received 11 more preemie sized hats from my mom and Margie (Erin's mom) Go West-MI. I have hot streaming tears -  you know the ones that pour from your heart. This bring's our hat count to......

44 Newborn Size 

42 0-3 Month Size

44 Preemie Sizes

What ever will I do with the extras? I will heart  them (omitting the letter) and send them with our "Original Alphabet Goal". All sizes are welcome, my hope is that these little sweet pea and sugar bean's in the NICU will go home and grow into some of these bigger size hats. Owen was actually considred a "Big Boy" for the NICU weighing in at 5 lb 13 oz. and often he was too big for alot of the hats donated. So don't fret if you think a hat is too big - babies come in all sizes :) Besides, I reserve the right to fret so you don't need.

I pray these hat's will fill a need to the NICU families that recieve them; be it as simple as a smile or the warmth of knowing as challenging days are faced there have been others that have walked in their shoes and we are praying for them and their baby. It's a small token I know, and some may be reading this wondering why it was such a big deal - it's just a hat. Well for us it was a big deal, so thank you to the knitter that made our son's first beanie. It meant so much to us that you (who-ever you are)  took the time to fill a need. Our need to celebrate our son's life and to have him welcomed into this world - thank you for our hat your thoughtful and loving gesture has inspired me and many others.

I would also like to thank our friend Kim (J & lil' B too) from Grow with Me Gifts for posting our link on her FB page in spreading our cause. Oh Hats recieved 148 visits in a single night. Being a NICU parent can be scary and wearing , but you also meet some really teriffic people (some you already know) that walk a path that crooked lay. We thank you for reaching out to us during our NICU rollercoaster ride and your continued support - for filling a need.

OK I got to get to hearting....

Hearts and Rockets Love Ya to the Moon ~ Owens' Momma

Meet Olive & Michael

     As the days grow closer to March 8th I'm getting a little worried about reaching our goal. I worry about my lack-luster crocheting skills, so much so that I have yet to attempt knitting. I worry that the hat's I crochet will fit awkward or that I haven't placed the heart in the right place, or that the hearts will come un-stitched and fall off in the wash someday - or that the fabric or thread will bleed and render the hat like most of my own laundry PINK (or blue, purple). Hey, I'm creative not domestic. But most of all I worry that I won't have 104 hat's finished in time. Really, these are the things I worry about - a little ridiculous I know. Especially, with all the help received I have little to worry about. So I ignore these worries and continue forth finding gratitude in my grief for the many that continue to reach out to us through this project.

      I've spent the last few days trying to catch-up on "hearting" the hats I have on hand. Hand stitching each heart is the method I'm sticking to. It takes much much longer than using my sewing machine, but I'm happier with the outcome - and it gives me less time to worry about things that shouldn't be on my radar.

     With all my fretting I have somehow managed to design my own hat. Completely and totally by accident.  I have a tendency to pull my stitches too tight, so my hats are often not even.  My mother suggested I practice stitches by making pot-holders, straight even row after row after row - boring. I'm learning to relax, or attempting to in more ways than one. So here you have my latest and I think greatest Oh Hat creation, meet Olive and Michael or Othello and Magnus (<-- that one's for Gord), Opal and Micah the possibilities are endless. What do you think of them; it's hip-to-be square, right?

Prayer, Love, Service

Another parcel arrived via post last week. I was having one of those hum-drum type of days. A funk I am all too fimiliar with. On my drive home I prayed that I would find some relief in my latest labor of love; crochet a hat or two.

Arriving home it was the same routine: push the button, garage door open, enter huge SUV in little parking area. Park, adjust park again.  Run to the mail box (thankful for short drive) with out slipping brrrrrrr. Fast, ran back to the garage (Gordy tells me this doesn't count for cardio). Push the button (I have to hold the button ugh) shut garage door...still shutting. Boots off, turn-up heat, decide on dinner (or left-overs)  pull-up a chair open mail..................  then look what we got:

My evening was looking up. Five " perfectly preemie"  hats arrived from a very special lady. I have never met her, but,  I know she is special because I know her daughter. These hats were knitted by a the mother of one of Owens primary nurses, Erin. Much love and thanks to these two amazing women!

This helps to bring the hat count to: 13 Sweet Pea Girly Preemie

                                                        20 Bubby Boy Preemie

                                                        15 Little Lady Newborn + sizes

                                                        25 Dapper lil Dudes Newborn + sizes

With just over a month to go I think we will reach if not exceed our goal. I've decided all hats over my goal will also get hearts added, but I'll omit the letter. This way it can go to any baby in need of a stocking cap. Warm snuggly and made with lots of love and prayers - Oh Hats!

"Prayer in action is love, love in action is service."
— Mother Teresa

Lovely Threads

Take a look-see what I was gifted from my very best friend, Carrie. She is so generous and "caring" - it's in her name. Two rolls of yarn to make more hats with! I've been busy trying to reach my goal of 104 hats and I am very touched by those of you  that have chosen to walk alongside me during this journey. Be it through yarn, stitches, prayers or words of encouragement.

Here are a few hats I crochet with the donated yarn. Yes, they are very teeny. I think that's the question I get asked the most, "How do you know what size to knit/crochet?" Babies come in all sizes and the great thing about knitted hats is they have room to grow and stretch a bit. When I choose a pattern (usually  preemie or newborn pattern)  I always make three and will adjust my hook size for each one, that way I get a good range in size.  

First Heart Hat

     I finally started to add hearts to Owen's Heart Hats. In my craft room the alphabet starts with the letter "O". I am still trying to decide the best way to stitch the hearts on, any suggestions? I hand stiched the "O" then used my sewing machine to apply it to the hat. I'm not very satified with the edging, but I think once it's washed it will fray a bit and curl in;lending a unique hand-made look (fingers-crossed).

This hat was knitted by Owen's Aunt Amy - so adorable!



Practice Makes Perfect

After several failed attempts of making an "easy" crochet baby beanie my sister-in-law came to the rescue while she was up visiting for the holidays. I'm usually pretty patient when learning something new, but I'm a bit embarrassed to admit those stitches got the best of me. I was so frustrated that something that seemed so easy was coming by so difficult. Thank you Leslie for setting me on the right track, for your patient teachings, sharing of knowledge and laughter (Amy too). I crochet about 1 1/2 hats a night now; though they are often unraveled by the next day I'm getting there. I am finding the more I do the less pointy, crooked and laughable they become. I'm even trying some new patterns!

                                                              Sisterly Love

 I am so blessed to have such talented, loving and generous big sisters! I received a big envelope from Ohio with six more crochet white beanies from Owens Aunt Leslie, they are so cute! I can tell alot of love went into them; makes me want to crochet better.  

More love was received the day after Christmas. We stopped in to

 see family on our way home and I got another goodie bag filled with more stitches of prayer and love. Owens Aunt Amy knitted these sweet little hats. She is so gifted.I really need to start adding the heart appliques before I get too far behind, and so you all can see what the finished hats will look like.

We have now recevied our first Alphabet; 26 hats and counting!

My knitting skills are a bit rusty, but I knew that going in. That is why I've signed up for a class. In the

meantime I thought I'd try my hand at crocheting. Our moms inspired me with the oh so cute hats they've

sent me.So far I have mastered the following stitches: chain, slip, single, half double, double and the treble with the aid of " I Taught Myself Crochet" booklet by Boye. Easy peasy, well that's until I tried to working in rounds. Following a preemie hat pattern not so easy, but not so bad for my first either. It' s a bit lopsided and more like a micro-preemie hat but it's a keeper. Meaning I'll be keeping this one in lieu of giving. Much practice is needed, but I will get there.

I got another package in the mail from my mom a few days ago. the ruffle hat is adorable. I need to get going on my heart applique, don't want to get behind. Thanks mom!

Oh Hats !

Hats from the Heart

Ta'da! The first white hat, a little news boy style hat crochet by my mom. She did it without a pattern. Great job mom, do you think you can do it again?

Much love, from mom Carpenter. Check out these great hats they are the cutest :)

Oh hats,  I heart them. Thanks moms! Now I just have to add the hearts.

The Ties that Bind

So I’ve been keeping my little project a secret for some time. Lot’s of ideas floating around in this busy mind of mine. Alas, the time has come to stop thinking and start doing. Stop worrying about what others will think and do this for me,for us -  heal. Healing in what ever capacity I feel necessary. Bringing purpose to Owens life and keeping his memory alive in the process.
The first person I shared Oh Hats with was Gord. I love him so. “That’s a great idea, can you knit”, he asked smiling. Ummm not so much, it’s been a while my GiGi taught me ages ago.The next person I shared with is my mom – yes I’m surprised she wasn’t the first too! She of coarse thought it was a marvelous idea – she’s my mom so she pretty much thinks (or at least makes me feel) that everything I do is the greatest thing since sliced bread.Then my step-mum and my in-laws……
My sister-in-law was so excited she picked out a pattern and started knitting it on the spot. My heart just swelled. She told me, “Whenever I make something for someone else I think about and pray for that person with every stitch”. The  ball has been set into motion, it’s happening. Owen you are the tie that binds us all. Each knit and purl is all because of your beautiful life. Each heart these little hats warm, every smile, every “Oh” is all because of your heart.

{About Oh Hats Project}

In honoring Owen's life and reaching out to others this project was born.

Owens first piece of clothing was a blue and white hand knit hat one of the nurses picked for him. For the first few weeks of his life this was all he could wear.This little beanie became a staple in his wardrobe as future surgeries restricted clothing.

It is my hope to donate 104 pure white hand knitted hats on Owen's 1st Birthday, March 8th 2010. Each hat will be appliqued with a heart and a letter by me.

Why 104? Oh that's easy, Owen blessed us for four months and there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Still not adding up huh, here goes:

26 White Preemie Hats for sweet lil' girls

26 White Preemie Hats for feisty lil' boys
26 White Newborn Hats for the little ladies
26 White Newborn Hats for the dapper dudes

And there you have it, 104. Gee, I'm sure glad I have that degree in accounting.

Want to learn more about Oh Hats Project, how to help out,or follow my progress (I'm learning how to knit) check out the tabs at the top.