Welcome to the Sweet Pea Project's Blog, part of the Sweet Pea Project's effort to create a supportive and compassionate community for those of us affected by the death of a child. Here you will find updates on the Sweet Pea Project, as well as anything going on in the world that relates to childloss. If you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to see discussed here, I'd love to hear it. Please make sure you stop by the official website, www.sweetpeaproject.org and feel free to email me for any reason at anytime at Stephanie@sweetpeaproject.org.
peace, Stephanie Cole (Madeline's Mom)

Sunday, April 1, 2012

2nd Annual Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic Presented by Beittel-Becker Pediatrics

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic Presented by Beittel-Becker Pediatrics, Sweet Pea Project's community event for children who have lost a brother or sister during pregnancy or infancy. The death of a baby can be very difficult on a child. They witness their parents wrestling with overwhelming grief, and struggle with their own feelings of sadness and confusion. These children deserve a day just to be carefree children, playing with their parents in the sunshine and having fun, and that is what our annual picnic is all about.

Parents are invited to bring their surviving and subsequent children to Lititz Springs Park in Lititz, PA on Saturday, June 30th from 4pm-7pm to play, eat, and enjoy each other's company. The highlight for this year's picnic will surely be the concert by the award-winning, childrens' favorite: Steven Courtney & the Suitcase Musicians! Just like last year, there will be tons of awesome prizes, bubble and parachute playtime with Gymboree of Lancaster and a craft table where kids can express themselves through art, make beaded necklaces with their sibling's name, and plant flowers.  Doug Hilton Photography will be capturing candid shots throughout the event and Krisha Martzall Photography will be shooting free family portraits in the park. This year's picnic will also include a bounce house from 3 Monkeys Inflatables, live animal demonstrations by Bob the Critter Guy, Kids Yoga with Michelle Newman, balloon animals from Tony the Balunguy, and much more. Bring your favorite picnic blanket or plop down at a picnic table to enjoy a delicious picnic dinner, courtesy of Freeze & Frizz, SEI's Catering and Grand Central Bagel. Be sure to save room for dessert! Couture Cupcakes will once again be providing cupcakes, and there will be plenty of cookies and cake, too!

This event (and all of the food and entertainment) is entirely free, but registration is required. Please reserve your family's spot at www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic/registration no later than May 25. And don't forget to order your Sweet Pea Picnic T-shirts!

The idea for the Sweet Pea Sisters & Brothers Picnic came about after Beth Gauthier and Nicole Jackson joined the board of directors in 2010. Both had older children who grieved along side of them when their sons were stillborn and each have had another baby since then. Though support groups exist for parents, very little is offered for children. Sweet Pea Project is excited to be able to reach out to these children through this annual picnic, in honor of Mark and Max.

For more information about the picnic (and to view a video from last year's event) please visit www.sweetpeaproject.org/picnic. Please contact Beth@sweetpeaproject.org with any questions. Thank you and we hope to see you in June!

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