Callie’s Cottage is a family-run business that was established in June 2014. Inspiration for this new adventure came from a very special little girl and her journey through Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). Our daughter, Callie Mae, was born at only 30 weeks and 1 day due to complications unknown. Although she weighed a tiny 3lb 7oz (1.56kg), right from her first cry you could tell she was strong. A
fter labour, while lying in recovery as the aesthetic wore off, I remember my husband bursting in telling me “she has my big toes!” It wasn’t until later that night that I could be wheeled into the NICU to see my daughter for the first time. Although it was through the glass in her crib, it is a moment I will treasure forever. One of the most amazing feelings was the first time I held Callie Mae, I honestly felt I would break her if I wasn’t careful! Each passing day was a blessing and slowly the CPAP and other tubes were removed as her little body worked hard. We came to appreciate very quickly that, although little, she was healthy. Each baby that passes through the NICU doors have their own story and we were grateful to see her smiling face everyday. Callie’s first outfit was a pretty blue dress made for a doll. It would be months before the other clothes we had purchased waiting for her at home would come close to fitting her. AfCalliePrem_2ter countless chats with other premmie parents and cares in waiting rooms, during feeding time in the Mother’s room or even sitting at the next crib over, we couldn’t help but notice the same questions being asked “Do you know any places to buy premmie clothes?” Many others, like us were finding it difficult to find clothes to fit our little miracle’s during the first few months and Callie’s Cottage aims to help address such questions. Callie Mae is now a very determined, energetic and fun loving 2 year old who still, has a habit of wanting to do things before her time. We often look back on this experience and reflect on the countless ways we were supported during our NICU journey and the ways that we could, in some small way, help others in the same situation. We hope that through Callie’s Cottage we are able to make a positive difference to your special little one through our quality clothing lines. Feel free to share your story with us, we would love to hear from NICU parents!
