Santa (Jim Freisthaler of Sidney) made his annual trek to the Berry Women's Center to spread joy to parents coping with premature deliveries.
Included in his visits to nearly 50 babies in the neonatal intensive care unit were several sets of twins. When he reached Laura Miracle's room, he encountered something special -- Nolan and Hank Miracle.
"My husband told me, when were dating, that all the children would named after baseball players," Laura Miracle said, noting that their oldest child, a daughter, carries the middle name Rose, after you know who of Cincinnati Redlegs fame.
"So, he got his wish," she said. "I just think that's kind of cute. He was determined and got his wish."
Mom dressed Nolan -- named after fireball right-hander Nolan Ryan of Angels and Astros fame -- and Hank -- named after Hammerin' Hank Aaron of Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves fame -- as reindeer for their first encounter with St. Nick.
Nolan and Hank were delivered by C-section on Dec. 10, she said, and she's hoping to take them home before Christmas.
But, she said, "this is the best place they need to be."
As stressful as premature deliveries can be, Julie Scanlon, RN nurse manager of the NICU, said many of the babies in the NICU will not be home in time for Christmas. Some have been in the unit for three months or more, she said.
"That's why our staff schedules Mr. Claus to visit MVH. It is amazing what this small gesture can do for parents who were not expecting a premature baby," Scanlon said.
So amazing that Hank talked a bit, his mother said.
Who knows what the little Bambino said to the Jolly Old Elf, but Hank's mom said, "I'm glad all my children got to see Santa."
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