Walter's Bears Story

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Walter's Bears was created in memory of a special little baby. My son, Walter Ernest Ford Jr., “Baby Walter”.

Baby Walter was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 at 11 weeks gestation. Many babies who receive this diagnosis do not make it through the pregnancy. Trisomy 18 causes many complications and is considered to be extremely life-limiting.   

He was born at 31.5 weeks. After 15 hours of intense medical treatment and around the clock care, Baby Walter peacefully gained his wings while his Mommy and Daddy held him.   

Although Baby Walter is no longer here on earth, his heartbeat is. At a 13-week ultrasound appointment, I learned that I could have his heartbeat recorded. I feel so very blessed that I still have his heartbeat with me.  

In his memory I want to educate other mothers-to-be, to record their unborn baby's heartbeat. After searching the web for what types of keepsakes were available for recording a baby's heartbeat, I couldn't find anything that was special enough. I was looking for that perfect keepsake that I would really enjoy and appreciate for years to come. I decided to design a classic looking jointed teddy bear that was also super soft. After searching throughout the US for a manufacturer and finding none, I decided to work with a factory overseas that supplies some of the top stuffed plush brands in the US. Soon afterwards, I designed the corduroy heart pillows, with the recorders inside.

Shortly after the first bears arrived, I began creating recordable bears. I loved my bear, but wanted something more substantial to hold and cuddle. Deciding to weight the bear to match Walter's weight, 2 lb. 3.6 oz., was exactly what I needed.  Knowing that the first days and weeks after losing a baby are the most traumatic, Walter's Bears normally ship within 1-3 business days. 

Walter's Bears is Baby Walter's Legacy.   

Though his life on earth was short his purpose was not. His memory will continue to bring Peace and Comfort to those who have lost loved ones and allow others to create lifelong memories through recordable keepsakes and weighted teddy bears.  

Thank you for reading Walter's story.

~ Christine