NICU babies receive early Christmas present from Tri-Cities royalty

Holding her small chubby-cheeked, head full of hair, little baby boy, Katy Kurtz from Boardman, Oregon, says it was a blessing to be leaving the hospital Saturday.

"We were hoping we could have him come home on Thanksgiving but I'm just excited to have him come home for Christmas, it will be a great Christmas present. It is the best one I could ask for," says Kurtz.

Her baby, Kaladin Kurtz was born at 28-weeks and they have spent 66 days in the hospital. He was one of several babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kadlec hospital in Richland, WA, who received a surprise visit from Miss Tri-Cities, Tayler Plunkett.

"I found out that the NICU accepts baby hat donations, so I started making them with a lot of my spare yarn that I have," says Plunkett.

Punkett crocheted 15 small stocking caps to give to those at the hospital, thanks to her grandmother's teachings. She was also able to meet a few of the families and give them her stocking caps in person.

For those interested in making a donation or finding out ways you can help the Kadlec Foundation, you can call 509-942-2661.