This NICU Went Above and Beyond Turning Their Tiny Patients Into Adorable Valentines

Published on 2/14/2017 at 11:50 AM

Emmalee Schaumburg Photography | March of Dimes

Holy cuteness, Batman. Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, MO, is at it again — in partnership with the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program — giving the families of the premature or sick babies holiday memories to celebrate and cherish, this time for Valentine's Day.

Each baby in the NICU was dressed up by the staff and volunteers in a sweet red and pink knit ensemble for the holiday and professional photographers who had babies in the NICU themselves took photos as keepsakes for all of the parents. Beyond the sweet photoshoots, the March of Dimes and Saint Luke's teamed up to also make footprint valentines for the parents, and parents wrote heartfelt love notes to their tiny sweethearts.

"Every day a child is in the NICU can be frightening and uncertain, but holidays are especially tough, as families miss the normal joys of celebrations at home," says Rebecca Keunen, March of Dimes NICU Family Support Coordinator. Thanks to this lovely program, these families are able to experience a teeny slice of normal within the chaos.

Scroll through to see the adorable photos and to read some of the love notes parents wrote to their little loves.

Sally Morrow Photography | March of Dimes

"Happy Valentine's Day, James!

You are the best Valentine we have ever received. We love you more than we could ever explain and can't wait for all the fun memories our little family is sure to create. Your four-legged sisters can't wait to get you home!

Love, Mom and Dad"

Emmalee Schaumburg Photography | March of Dimes

"Happy Valentine’s Day, Ellisyn!

You have been loved and prayed for and cheered on by our family, friends, and strangers. We are so proud of you and so thankful.

Love, Mom, Dad, Harper, and Weston"

"Dominic,

You are so very loved by your siblings . . . and of course Mommy and Daddy. You are the biggest blessing ever and we have been waiting for your arrival.

Love, Mommy and Daddy"

"Hey Baby Dre,

Mommy is so blessed to have you in my life! You weren't supposed to be here until March 1 . . . coming Jan. 18 was so unexpected. I won't forget that moment seeing your beautiful brown eyes! We can't wait to have you home to share all the love from your three older sisters, Daddy, and myself.

Love, Mommy Cinta"

"To our Sweet Valentines,

On this Valentine's Day, we are so fortunate and blessed to have not one, or two, but three tiny new valentines to love. We are so lucky to be your parents. We couldn't have ever imagined how strong our love for you could be. On your first Valentine's Day, may all this love help you to grow and keep getting stronger so we can all be together at our home soon!

Love, Mommy and Daddy XOXOXO"