'Baby shower' at Harmony House
Two new “serenity babies” are now making their home at Harmony House in Motley, thanks to the generosity of the Motley Lions and the Munger, Tervonen and McDonald families.
“They just arrived today and everybody is so excited,” said Michele Henifin, Resident Service Outreach Coordinator for all four Harmony House units.
Henifin went on to say that following a previous article in the Staples World about the need for a ‘serenity baby’ at Harmony House, the donors stepped forward to make it possible.
“Their names are on the adoption certificate,” Henifin said.
The serenity babies are from Loving Hearts Nursery in St. Joseph, handmade by the owners of the company, Daryl and Cindy Lindbloom.
“They are so life-like,” Henifin said of the dolls. She noted that they have real skin tones and warm up when they are held.
In celebration of the arrival of the serenity babies, the residents and staff at Harmony House held a baby shower, complete with balloons, cake and ice cream; and gifts for the babies.
“Part of the financial donations went toward the bassinets and other baby supplies,” Henifin said.
During the party, the residents took turns holding the babies and offered suggestions for names. In the end, they decided to name the boy Bobby Eddie; and the girl, Sarah Cassandra.
“What a good baby he is,” Mary Munger said after rocking Bobby for while. “He is so well behaved,” she added.
Fellow resident Marion Braith noted that Sarah Cassandra would most likely need some extra attention her first week at Harmony House. “I will be glad to take the night shift,” she said.
Harmony House is a division of Horizon Health and has memory care assisted living residences in Little Falls, Pierz, Brainerd and Motley. According to a news release, “Researchers have reported significant improvement in the behavior of people with dementia when dolls were introduced to them as a choice. This type of therapy has proven to be an effective approach in reducing negative and challenging behaviors.”
