First Born Program Manager Ellen Ben-Naim, left, with Home Visitor Susan Williams. Photo by Melanie Dawald

First Born Program News:

The First Born Program of Los Alamos distributed baby gifts Saturday, Dec. 19 to member families.

Each of the 70 families received a beautiful handcrafted wooden toy and a previously loved book. The babies were delighted to choose which book and toy to take home. The gift bag also included cookies baked by Borrow a Baker.

Though the morning was quite cold for a drive up outdoor event, the joyful smiles brought warmth and good cheer. One parent exclaimed, “Wow, this is amazing! I feel like our family just got a big hug from the community. We will treasure these gifts.”

The Albuquerque Woodworkers Association created and donated the wooden toys. Some of toys included quilts provided by Pinon Quilters and Thimbleweeds Quilters and dolls made by the Sandia Doll Club. The Mesa Public Library Friends of the Library Bookstore donated the board books. The First Born Program is grateful for all of the generous donations.

The First Born Program of Los Alamos is a free and voluntary home visiting program for all first time families in Los Alamos. The program is relationship‐centered and curriculum‐based. Families who participate receive support, information about pregnancy,early childhood development, health, nutrition and safety and learn fun activities to help build brain development and learning.

Through weekly home visits, families identify personal goals, recognize challenges and opportunities for growth and build a healthy, loving, playful relationship with their child. For more information, visit www.firstbornla.org or email welcome@firstbornla.org.