Akron Children’s tiniest Swifties celebrate their NICU era

7-week-old Mable Mae sports a sparkly purple dress chosen by her mom since it’s her dad’s favorite color in honor of Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl.

The countdown to Taylor Swift’s new album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has fans around the world buzzing. Now, some of Akron Children’s tiniest patients are joining the celebration in their own adorable way.

From sparkling dresses to football jerseys, the babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) became “Tiny Swifties” for a day, with photos and videos capturing not only their “Style,” but also the hope and joy families feel as they celebrate milestones big and small on their NICU journey.

4-day-old Chase wears a Travis Kelce jersey and a personalized friendship bracelet with his name.

Chase’s twin sister, Claire, proves you’re never too small to sparkle.

Babies take center stage

“This was a special way for us to blend pop culture fun with an inspiring reminder of the resilience and strength of our NICU babies and their families,” said Marybeth Fry, NICU family care coordinator, who made the costumes.

“We hope this photo shoot gives our NICU families a joyful memory during what can be a stressful and emotional journey,” said Ann Rochat, NICU nurse and hardcore Swiftie. “Our census and acuity are extremely high this week, so bringing a little joy to the unit is something we all need right now.”

(Left) NICU nurse Madelyn Williams made sure to get in on the fun in her Taylor Swift gear. (Lower right) True-blue Swifties, NICU nurses Ann and Sadie in their Showgirl Era. (Top right) Cookies made by Ann using Taylor Swift’s chai sugar cookie recipe.

Creating memories

For families, the shoot created keepsakes to treasure. Twins Chase and Claire, born at 31 weeks, dressed up as Taylor and Travis for their first-ever photo shoot. Baby Carter, born at 25 weeks, wore his personalized bracelet – a full-circle moment since his original due date, his mom’s birthday, and Taylor’s birthday all fall on Dec. 13.

Ann has been promoting this celebration across the unit through her role on the Rewards & Recognition Committee, which is dedicated to bringing joy and fun to staff. Together with co-lead Gracie Thompson, she has helped organize everything from a Christmas in July celebration (complete with cookie contests, a raffle and scavenger hunts) to an upcoming chili cook-off.

20-day-old Carter, pictured with his parents Alysha and Matt, was originally due on Dec. 13, which also happens to be his mom and Taylor Swift’s birthdays!

Swifties at heart

A longtime Swiftie who has been to 5 of her concerts, Ann’s favorite album is “The Tortured Poets Department” and favorite song is “Bejeweled.” She recently took her 22-year-old daughter to the Eras Tour in Cincinnati. She also used Taylor’s chai sugar cookie recipe for the cookies she made for the celebration.

In addition to Ann and Marybeth, nurse manager Sofyia Lizhnyak made each baby a tiny, personalized friendship bracelet. Fellow nurse Sadie Oswitch proudly donned her Taylor merch for the photo shoot, sharing, “Memory-making activities like this can bring some sunshine and fun to lengthy and stressful NICU stays.” A true-blue Swiftie, Sadie has attended 3 of Taylor’s tours and counts “Karma” as her favorite song.

Ann said she enjoys planning events like this that strengthen the bond among staff, families and the department’s tiniest patients. “It’s a chance to celebrate resilience, create connections and remind everyone that even in challenging times, our NICU babies show us what it means to be ‘Fearless,'” she said.