Hello,

My name is Shannan Wilson and both of my children were unexpectedly born early. Kendall at 34 weeks and my second child, Breck at 30 weeks. I gained a new appreciation for the needs of parents and caregivers of fragile newborns in the NICU after spending so much time with both of my babies in the NICU During this uncertain and extremely difficult time, I kept journals and wrote poetry as a way to channel my emotions. It was really stressful with my son because just 19 months prior I was in the NICU with my daughter. I knew all that could go wrong when a baby is born early.

At the time, our NICU was one large room with many babies. The hospital has since been torn down and rebuilt. In that close environment with other parents and the amazing NICU nurses, I was inspired by the resilience I saw and the strength of these little babies. I created The Littlest Peanut--a simple way for caregivers to record milestones and journal special moments that are specific to NICU babies.

I donate a portion of the sales and many cases of books to NICU's around the world. It's a way for my husband and I to give back and to thank the the NICU doctors and nurses for all that they do.

Kendall is now 12 and Breck is now 10. I thank God everyday that they are healthy and here with me. I know not all parents are able to take their little ones home and I know that many of them go home with long term complications. Thank you Today Show for bringing awareness to the amazing NICU's, parents and babies that fight for lives everyday.

Shannan Wilson

shannan@thelittlestpeanut.com

www.thelittlepeanut.com