Preemie Prints NICU Graduate Photo Shoot: Baby Patrick

Please enjoy these inspirational photos of a tiny NICU fighter and consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Our organization with our volunteers is blessed to be able to give this special gift to so many families. We thank our supporters and donors for allowing us to touch the lives of NICU families through our many support programs.

A note from Patrick's mom: 

"Patrick was born at 25 weeks and two days gestation weighing one pound two ounces after complications from severe preeclampsia. He spent 106 days in the NICU and battled sepsis, PDA ligation, pulmonary hemorrhage and PIE, hernia repair, just to name a few. Now he is 11 months old and is struggling with feeds due to an oral aversion."

Volunteer Photographer: Kristen Vest - Leander, TX

A note from our volunteer:

"I had the pleasure of meeting baby Patrick a few days ago and hearing about his incredible/miracle journey the first 100+ days of his life. What a PRECIOUS little boy- the love his mom has for him (and his sister, too) brings tears to my eyes. It's so real and strong. God had His hand on this little boy's life and has great plans for him. I wish nothing but the best to this sweet family and am so thankful to have met them."

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

www.preemieprints.org

Thank you Kristen for volunteering and sharing your 
beautiful gift with NICU families!

Inspiration For NICU Families

By Ashley Rae Barnes

It’s the little things that make life worth living,
It’s the little things that help us make it through.
I never knew how true those words were,
Until I first set my eyes on you.

... I feared because it was too early;
I cried because it was too soon.
Yet I underestimated
The strength in one as small as you.

You were born a fighter, a warrior;
You would not quit nor move on.
You strove, you fought, you tried,
Until your battle was won.

When hope might have faded,
When the trial seemed too great,
A tiny child, despite the odds,
Fought what was thought fate.

And a little baby triumphed,
A baby thought too small to live,
A baby knew that life
Is the most precious thing to give.

What Makes A Mother?

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.

"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true
"But God can you be a Mother,
When your baby's not with you?"

"Yes, you can," He replied
With confidence in His voice
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."

"I just don't understand this God
I want my baby to be here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.

"I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child's smile,
With all the other children and say...

'We go to Earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.

I feel so lucky to have a Mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much,
But I visit her every day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'

"So you see my dear sweet ones,
your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.

They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lesson's through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you.

So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
it's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start

Though some on earth may not realize,
you are a Mother.
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
and know that you are the best one!"

Remembering An Angel

I was so blessed to receive this beautiful poem (see "Our Angel" at the end of this post) from an amazing family who heartbreakingly just lost their precious baby girl. I asked her if it would be okay to share the poem with our Preemie Prints family, and she said absolutely. As soon as I read this my eyes filled with tears; it is beautiful. Although this little girl lived a very short life here on earth, she has touched many of our lives. As I visited with her mom up at the hospital, I got to know baby Damony and her mother's love. We were also blessed to provide this family with a priceless Preemie Prints photo shoot. Kassi Cooper was the volunteer photographer who met baby Damony. I know it was an extremely special day for both her and Damony's mom. As we talked yesterday, I let her know that we will always be here to support her family as they travel the difficult road ahead and that Damony will always be a part of our Preemie Prints family. I thank them for allowing us to share this beautiful poem with you and pictures of their beautiful daughter.

Baby Damony with her Preemie Prints bunny

Our Angel

When you first came and entered this world 

We were so happy and proud

Time to welcome our new baby girl.

When you first opened your eyes, we were so excited

because they sparkled like stars in the sky.

When you made your first movements, we were amazed a

feeling that cannot be explained.

The first time we touched you, it sent chills down my spine, 

I'll never forget the first time we heard you cry.

Your mother looked at me and it brought tears to my eyes.

That night I had a dream I saw many footprints off in the sand

Then I saw your uncle's and family holding your hand.

So as you take your journey to the heavens, your new home;

our Angel since birth you won't never walk alone.

You will be missed but never forgotten.

Damony our Princess we love you and the rest of the family too.

New NICU Photography Volunteers

Wendy Shears 

Remember When Photography

www.rememberwhenphotographyinc.com

wendy@rememberwhenphotographyinc.com

336-468-6473

Service Area:

Hamptonville, North Carolina

About Wendy:

"This is my way of sharing God's love. I have been conducting photography for 11 years and have been in my business for 6 years. I currently work with Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital to help raise money. I have also donated several Baby Portraits in the maternity ward. I specialize in babies and families."

Cassandra Chang
A Single Image Photography

www.asingleimage.com

www.facebook/ASingleImagePhotography

cassandra@asingleimage.com

Service area:

Orlando, Florida 

About Cassandra:

"I want to volunteer with Preemie Prints, because life doesn't always go as planned, but I truly believe we should be allowed to have memories to move forward. Most families I have met with a preemie have so many other fees that they can't always have pictures taken. So by working with Preemie Prints I can in good faith provide that to the families they serve."

We welcome our newest volunteer, Kelsey!

Kelsey Bigelow (from Photographers For)

Service Area: Denver and Boulder, Colorado

Kelsey Bigelow Photography

www.kelseybigelowphotography.com

facebook.com/kelseybigelowphotography

twitter.com/kelseybigelow

14300 Waterside Lane R-1

Broomfield, Co 80023

720-308-9662

bookings@kelseybigelowphotography.com

About Kelsey:

"When I first started my business, I met and photographed a baby name Jack who had Shaken Baby Syndrome. I know the importance and the value of photography, especially at life's difficult moments. I believe real is beautiful."

www.preemieprints.org

Pictures from April NICU H.O.P.E. Meeting - Brazos Valley

We had a great April meeting and a good time visiting about our preemie's progress. I'm so glad we can all meet for support! Next meeting will be be the second Friday in May from 6-8 pm at The College Station Medical Center. Past & present NICU families are invited to attend.

May 11, 2012 - NICU H.O.P.E. Meeting - Brazos Valley Chapter

Inspiration for the NICU

Preemie Prints NICU Graduate Photo Shoot: Baby Hudson & Ainsley, College Station, Tx

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give this amazing gift to so many families. Please enjoy these inspirational photos of two adorable NICU babies!

A note from the twins mom: 

"After years if trying to conceive, my husband and I were finally blessed to be pregnant with not one but two precious babies. A routine doctor visit at 19 weeks lead to immediate strict bedrest. Then came many scares and hospital stays. They tried to come again many times especially at 25 weeks so I was sent to St. Lukes in Hoston. After they grew some more we were able to come to St. Joseph's hospital in Bryan, TX. After leaving this hospital I was put back into the hospital at 32 weeks for several more complications. One evening my water broke and they were taken by emergency c-section after midnight at 33 weeks. We made it to 33 weeks, but Hudson was not able to breathe on his own. After 3 weeks in the NICU we were able to bring them home, together. NICU stays are difficult to say the least, but greatful for the care they were able to receive!"

Volunteer Photographer: Ashley Diamond Siegert - College Station, TX

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

www.preemieprints.org

NICU Graduate Shoot: Baby Berkley, College Station Texas

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give this amazing gift to so many families. Please enjoy these inspirational photos of two adorable NICU babies!

A note from the Berkley's mom: 

"Berkley was born at 35 wks 3 days & had to stay in the nicu for 10 days. Those were the longest 10 days of my life, knowing you just had a baby but had to leave her at the hospital. We had an awesome experience though at the College Station Med, couldn't have asked for better nurses!!"

Volunteer Photographer: Ashley Diamond Siegert - College Station, TX

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

www.preemieprints.org

Welcome New Photography Volunteers!

Melissa Latty

Bella Photography

All of DFW

I currently work as the Marketing and Public Relations Director for US Marine Corps Recruiting Station Fort Worth. It's usually a normal 9-5 job, but sometimes my schedule can get a little crazy. I also spend time working in Wichita Falls, Waco, Killeen, Sang Angelo and Abilene, but only for one or two days at time. I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2007 as a photographer and journalist. This is where my photography training came from. I don't do very much photography for the Marine Corps anymore, because my bigger mission is Marketing. This is why I decided to start Bella Photography. I named my business after my 16-month-old daughter, Isabella. Bella means beautiful in spanish so i thought it would be a nice play on words. The majority of my clients are family and friends and i believe in reflecting the personalities of the families i'm photographing in my pictures.

Preemie Prints NICU Photo Shoot Baby Jaun - Sugarland, Tx

Our organization with our volunteers, is so blessed to be able to give this amazing gift to so many families. Please enjoy these inspirational photos of two adorable NICU babies!

A note from the Juan's mom: 

"My baby boy was born at 33 weeks on March 16,2012. I was having complications from pre-eclampsia and had an emergency c-section. He was 3lbs, 30z. He has been in the nicu at Methodist sugarland eversince. His name is Juan Alejandro."

Volunteer Photographer: Sarah Alyse Pringle - Sugarland, TX

A note from our volunteer:

"This morning I had the privilege to join Maria in the NICU during her private time with her newborn son, Juan. Taking sweet Juan's pictures was beyond enjoyable. On March 16, Juan was born at 33 weeks and weighed 3 lbs and 3 oz. His mom, dad and three siblings are ready to have him home and shower him with love. "

And now the beautiful pictures. These pictures are property of Preemie Prints, our volunteer photographers, and our families. Please do not use for any purpose. 

www.preemieprints.org

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