Thursday, May 29, 2014

Tak's Preemie Prints NICU Grad Shoot With Erin!

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational story & photos. Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.



We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints 
will help families heal and remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.


A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"We never thought in a million years we would have a premature baby! I was a healthy, happy, glowing pregnant women loving every kick, waddle and my ever growing belly. We planned for an all natural doula assisted birth, with one of the best OB's in the country-Everything was going perfectly, until 33+6 I started to get uncomfortable, I vomited up for the FIRST time and thought I had pulled a muscle-luckily my 34 week routine office visit was the next day-I told my OB about me throwing up, and how I pulled a muscle and this end of pregnancy stuff is no joke-non of this sat right with her so she ordered blood work and a 24 hour urine test. On the drive home she calls and tells me I need to head back to have an emergency c section-I have HELLP Syndrome, my liver and kidney's were only functioning at 10%, the pulled muscle was actually my liver swelling about to explode. My body was failing me, and creating an unsafe home for our unborn baby-I was c sectioned a few short hours later. My son and I are lucky to be alive, I spent 8 days in the hospital recovering and was on blood pressure meds for the next 3 months. Without the fast actions of my OB I am confident we wouldn't be alive. Hellp is so rare nurses and other Drs would come in to my room just to meet me-and I was (I say was because this experience has been very humbling) to stubborn to believe my body was failing. Tak is now a happy healthy 4.5 month old and I am now a SAHM loving watching him grow."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Erin Sricharoon, Captured By Grace Photography - Los Angeles, CA

A note from Erin:
"I had so much fun with this family. Tak is blessed to be born to parents whose love for each other and their son just radiates. It is clear to see that Tak is a fighter who is growing stronger each day. During our session he showed just how strong by sitting up on his own longer than he ever has before. It is hard to believe he was once premature and fighting for life. At 6 months old he is full of light, curiosity and is ready to explore the world around him. I am privileged to know this amazing family and to provide NICU graduation pictures!"





Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families, 
and organization please do not use for any purpose. 
____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions. 

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate baby photo shoot that took place near Los Angeles, CA.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

Sweet Baby Leah's NICU Grad Shoot With Joy!


Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational story & photos. Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.



We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints 
will help families heal and remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.


A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"Leah Grace was born June 8th, 2013. She weighed 4 lbs 13 oz, 17 3/4 inches long and arrived at 34 weeks by c section at 3:42 am. For us she's our little miracle baby. We struggled with infertility never knowing if we would ever become parents. Many prayers were answered with our pregnancy and Leah's entrance into this world. We still are amazed with our precious gift from God and quite grateful; she is a pure joy and delight in our hearts.

We had been under monitoring for Gestational Diabetes and BP began to rise as well as cramping in 2 weeks prior to delivery. On June 7th around 1:30 in the morning my water broke at 34 weeks. Leah was delivered by C Section June 8th. We were able to gaze into each others faces for a few moments before she was taken to the NICU. They needed to help with her breathing, eating and Bilirubin. One by one she overcame those obstacles as well as a cranio scare after nurses were concerned about her head shape while in the NICU. Again she overcame that as well. 

It can be a scary experience but you really see what strong fighters they are and you are touched by those around you, dedicated staff and even complete strangers who have supported your sweet child in some way during their stay in the NICU. The whole experience changes you and makes you want to find a way to repay that kindness."



Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Joy Holdmeier Photography - St. Louis, MO


A note from Joy:
"It was a pleasure meeting little Leah and her family for her photo shoot. You can see how truly grateful they are for their little girl. They had prayed to God for her for 4 years. Although she was born early, she is now a happy and healthy little girl who was full of smiles!"




Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families, 
and organization please do not use for any purpose. 
____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions. 

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate baby photo shoot that took place near St Louis. MO.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Welcome Boward County, FL Volunteer Jessica Marie Photography!

Please help us welcome Preemie Prints NICU photography volunteer, Jessica! Jessica will be helping give the gift of photography to preemie and NICU families in Fort Lauderdale and all around Broward County, Florida!

Jessica Marie Photography

Service Area: Broward County
Hospitals: Memorial Hospital - Miramar, Memorial Hospital - West, Memorial Hospital - Regional/Joe DiMaggio

About Jessica:
"I love being able to capture the essence of newborns to preserve the memory of how tiny they once were. As your children grow, you lose sight of how small they once were...until you hold a new again! I don't remember my babies being that small and I wish I had a photography to capture those beautiful moments for our family."





Learn more about Preemie Prints at www.preemieprints.org
____________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. 

We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions.


Friday, May 23, 2014

Baby Girl Preemie Birth Announcement

For a small donation we've designed a birth announcement that can be customized for your baby! It's a great way to support our mission and have a beautiful birth announcement to send out. Although this file has been specifically designed as a preemie birth announcement, it can be formatted for a any baby as well. Just let us know your needs. Send details for the birth announcement and picture to amber @ preemieprints.org. Within 24-48 hrs you will receive a print ready file. More designs (including announcements for our little boys) will be available soon.

The donation of $12.00 to help support Preemie Prints can be made on the right side of the website >>>>

Thank you so much for your support!




Thursday, May 22, 2014

Preemie Prints NICU Photo Shoot: Sweet Gabriel

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational story & photos. Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. Read more about our mission at the bottom of this post! 

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints 
will help families remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"Our NICU journey started when I was 19 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with Placenta Percreta. Knowing I would deliver premature because of this condition my husband and I spent hours researching the best hospitals to treat my condition as well as have the best NICU. Our son was born at 33 weeks 2 days when I went into premature labor. It was unexpected. I was to deliver via a scheduled cesarean hysterectomy a week later. Such uncertain, scary times. I was put under general anesthesia and missed my son's first cries. I was put in ICU for 24 hours, at that time I was able to see my son via Family Vision and ask his nurse a ton of questions! Monitors, IV's, CPAP, leads, the noises and people coming and going in his room. Such an overwhelming experience. But soon the fog from my head cleared and my son thrived daily and I was able to hold my small 4lb 12oz son. A week later a volunteer from Preemie Prints came and gave me and my husband such beautiful, everlasting memories. Since I will no longer have children, these times, once understood, can be beautiful and full of experience. I'm thankful to be able to relate to NICU parents. I'm thankful for Preemie Prints who, selflessly, gave me a gift that can never be replaced and most certainly never forgotten. 

Forever grateful, 
Dawn and Roger

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Megan Matula - Houston, TX

A note from Megan:

 "I just finished my session with the Barankski family. What a wonderful family! I was a bit nervous for my first Preemie Prints session, but this family was great. The session went wonderfully. Baby Gabriel was a little tired from the staff and nurses working with him before our session, but he was still the perfect little model. I am so happy to be able to capture these memories, but even happier that these photos will soon be just memories for this family. Baby Gabriel should be going home very soon. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization!"













Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families, 
and organization please do not use for any purpose. 
____________________________________________

Preemie Prints support programs include NICU photography, preemie photography, and NICU graduate photography. Through this program we give the gift of photography at no charge for a NICU family. Other Preemie Prints support programs include the gift of handmade items, the gift of angel gifts for parent experiencing a loss, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to support parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. 

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 75 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 375 NICU family sessions. 

This was a Preemie Prints NICU photo shoot that took place in Houston, TX.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.





Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Holland's Preemie Prints NICU Grad Photo Shoot!

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational story & photos. Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Preemie Prints support programs include NICU photography and NICU graduate photography (the gift of photography at no charge for a NICU family), the gift of handmade items, group events and meetings, information, and prayer support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints 
will help families remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"I found out we were expecting at four weeks. During week 5, I began battling hyperemesis gravidarum which led to multiple hospitalizations and a picc line for a zofran pump and iv fluids 24/7. As the hyperemesis began to lift in week 18, my blood pressure began to creep up gradually which led to preeclampsia.  My daughter, Holland, was born January 15th at 25 weeks exactly weighing 1 pound 6 ounces.  On April 14th, one day shy of her 3 month birthday, we brought our girl home!"

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Jessica Brannon - Nashville, TN

A note from Jessica:

 “What amazing parents!  You can feel the love when you walk into their home.  I was welcomed with open arms and friendly smiles.  Baby Holland is a DOLL!  And has such a great little personality already!  She was very attentive while awake, watching us as we moved around and changed her outfits.  After a short time she fell asleep where I was able to capture some adorable memories for the loving parents.  I wish them the best and hope to be able to stay in contact over the years to see how Holland grows.  I am so happy that I was allowed to join Preemie Prints, to give families, like the Townes, photographs they can cherish for a lifetime.”








Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families, and organization please
do not use for any purpose. 
____________________________________________

Preemie Prints support programs include NICU photography, preemie photography, and NICU graduate photography. Through this program we give the gift of photography at no charge for a NICU family. Other Preemie Prints support programs include the gift of handmade items, the gift of angel gifts for parent experiencing a loss, group events and meetings, information, and email support. Our mission is to support parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families. 

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 75 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 375 NICU family sessions. 

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate baby photo shoot that took place near Nashville, TN.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Welcome, Sarah! Preemie Prints Photography Volunteer

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Sarah! Sarah will be helping give the gift of photography to preemie and NICU families in Missouri!! 

Sarah Whipple Photography

Service Area: St. Louis
Hospitals: Children's Cardinal Glennon, St. Mary's Good Samaritan

About Sarah:
"I started taking pictures of my daughter in 2010. A year later my husband and I decided I should do it professionaly. I have love every second of it. A friend with twin preemie approached me about volunteering in this organization. I'm excited to start session. With every session I accept, I will pray for the family and their babies."


Welcome Tacoma, WA Preemie Prints Photography Volunteer, Tara!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Tara! Tara will be helping give the gift of photography to preemie and NICU families in Washington!! 

Tara Giles Photography

Service Area: Tacoma, WA; Puyallup, WA
Hospitals: Mary Bridge Childrens, Madigan, Tacoma General, St Joseph Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital

About Tara:
"My name is Tara Giles. I am a lifestyles photographer located in Puyallup, WA (about an hour south of Seattle). I have a 10 year old son and am currently pregnant with my second child. I can't imagine the emotional struggle of having a baby born prematurely and being cared for in the NICU. I would love to help your family heal by providing pictures as a keepsake you can treasure, and share with your family and friends when you wouldn't otherwise have the chance for a newborn session."



Thursday, May 8, 2014

Meet Maddox - A Preemie Prints NICU Grad Photo Shoot

Please enjoy Preemie Prints' families inspirational story & photos. Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. Preemie Prints support programs include NICU photography and NICU graduate photography (the gift of photography at no charge for a NICU family), the gift of handmade items, group events and meetings, information, and prayer support. Our mission is to connect parents and let them know they are not alone. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints 
will help families remember how strong 
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"Our little guy is Maddox, born Jan 4th at 33 weeks 2 days. He weighed 3 pounds 13 ounces and was 16.5 inches long. I developed severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. I went to my 32 week appt and had regular lab work done. We were only home about an hour before we received the phone call that changed our lives forever. My body was beginning to fail and I had to get to the hospital ASAP. I spent 4 days on bed rest before my blood pressure skyrocketed and I had to be induced. After over 24 hours in labor, Maddox was born via c-section. He was whisked off to the NICU where he would spend the first 26 days of his life. I was in recovery where I hemorrhaged about 2 hours later. I was sent to the OR (operating room) again. I almost didn't make it. I wasn't able to meet Maddox for over 24 hours due to my unstable state. I'm so lucky that we are both here today.

Never in a million years would I have thought we would be parents to a preemie. Before this whole ordeal, my life seemed uncomplicated. I had a great career, a house, and wonderful husband. I was a very detailed perfectionist. I had a sense of being in control of everything. This experience has definitely changed who I am. I enjoy the little things in life, don't take people/things for granted and now believe I am one heck of a strong person. I have also learned that no matter what life hands you, you are so much stronger than you think you are. 

Maddox was born perfect, just very tiny. His lungs were a bit underdeveloped even though I received the steroid shots while pregnant. He spent a few days on CPAP and aside from his apnea/brachyadia episodes, we had a fairly good NICU stay. It just took him a while to learn how to suck/swallow/breath while he ate. The hardest thing that no parent should ever have to go through is asking permission to hold your child and being told no. That was the first time I actually felt my heart break. To not be able to hold something that you were forced to have ripped from your body is very difficult. I spent countless hours crying, journaling and praying while I sat next to the tiniest human I have ever seen in real life. 

You're not the only one who has gone through this journey. There are so many support groups/people to help people get through this trying time in life. See out help if you need it. My favorite thing that helped me was writing in my journal. If I was able to get my feelings out ofmy head and onto paper, it helped me heal. It was my therapy and still it. My favorite quote that help me: 


"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about" -Haruki Murakami

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Shannon Amberg - Tomah, WI

A note from Shannon:

"Meeting the Fawcett Family and photographing Maddox was such a pleasure. Hearing Maddox’s story and about his mother’s experience giving birth to a preemie was humbling and very special. I have no doubt this family has some guardian angels watching over them. Maddox did fantastic too, spending some time wide awake and babbling, chowing down on a bottle, and then snuggling in for a sweet wee nap. I felt fortunate to be able to get photos of all of it! It was my sincere honor to come into this family’s home and capture some sweet moments for them. I can only hope they enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed the experience of serving them. xo"













These images belong to our volunteer photographers, families, and organization please do not use for any purpose. 

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 75 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 375 NICU family sessions. 

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate baby photo shoot that took place near Tomah Wisconsin. 
We're thankful to the family for sharing their memories with our NICU community.