Friday, August 29, 2014

Robert's 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. 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
“Robert Elijah Brooks was born on August 3, 2014 at 1:28pm and weighing 7lb8oz and 21.5 inches long. He was not a preemie, however, a few days before birth he had his first bowel movement and therefore at birth dealt with meconium aspiration and digestion. He also was stuck in the birth canal for a while and had severe scalp edema, which has luckily cleared up and his head looks like a perfect baby head now. He spent 4 days in the NICU receiving antibiotics and fluids via IV as they were concerned about infection (when he was born his poor hands and feet were green from the meconium being in his system). He was also monitored for oxygen output and we are fortunate he did not have problems with his lungs and was only on oxygen for the first day. He also had fetal pyelectasis, which on its own would have not made him a NICU baby but with all of his other birth trauma, his urine output greatly suffered in his first few days. Luckily after 3 days he really took a turn and "started to act like a healthy newborn" according to the nurses. He is thriving and doing well, it was probably harder on mommy than him. I was very sad when they said his Apgar score meant he probably wouldn't have survived without intervention and wonder if there was anything I should have done differently. However, we are very grateful now that he is a happy and healthy baby.
Throughout my pregnancy, which was very smooth and uncomplicated, I never imagined I would spend 4 days watching my precious baby being monitored and hooked up to IVs in the NICU. While we were saddened that he had to endure this, we were very grateful to the wonderful nurses in the NICU center. With their help, I was able to start breastfeeding my baby on his second day and help him build strength for being discharged into the real world. It is never easy to see your baby hooked up to cords and with needles in his little precious hands, but we were glad that he was getting the best care and that when we were discharged we could be certain that he was as healthy as can be. Between the amazing neonatologist, the wonderful nurses and the support of our family we were able to stay strong for our little on and he was able to fight and transition into the world with great expectations. I advise all parents that have to go through a NICU journey to stay strong and trust the care of the professionals but also do not be afraid to ask as many questions as make you feel comfortable, it is your precious baby and no question is too silly regarding their care.”







A Note From Larry:
The shoot went great!  It turned out that I knew this couple from church, but I didn't realize that till I got there.  I didn't know the mom, who I'd been emailing with to arrange the session.  But when I got there I realized that the dad graduated high school with one of our sons.  Small world indeed!   Robert (the baby) did great and slept wonderfully for the first half of the session, then was wide-eyed for many shots which is always really cute.







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 photography session that took place near College Station, TX.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Welcome New Photography Volunteer, Renee!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Renee! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Illinois. 

Renee Zimmers
Renee Zimmers Photography

Service Area: Bloomington, Normal
HospitalsOSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Advocate BroMem Medical center, Children's Hospital of Illinois

About Renee:
"I am a lifestyle photography. I love to capture the true emotions and the magic moments. I want to help other to preserve memories that can be shared with family and friends for years to come."


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. 

Welcome New Texas Photography Volunteer, Jessica!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Jessica! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Texas. 

Jessica Castillo
JC Images

Service Area: Waco / Temple / Belton
Hospitals: Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, Providence, Scott & White

About Jessica:
"Hello! My name is Jesscia Castillo and I am the photographer of JC Images out of Waco, TX. I have been in business for 4 years and find joy in capturing God's gift to us, babies! I am a mother to 2 beautiful boys that have totally changed my life. I look forward to capturing your little blessing. Thank to Preemie Prints for allowing me to volunteer my services, it is an honor."


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. 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Welcome New Volunteer Photographer, Deneen!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Deneen! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Ohio. 

Deneen  D Koehler
Simply Deneen Photography

Service Area: Cleveland, Fairview Park
Hospitals: Fairview Hospital, Metro Health Medical Center

About Deneen:
"My name is Deneen and I own Simply Deneen Photography just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I have been a photographer for over 10 years. I am a mom to 5! My oldest is 10 and my youngest is 4 months old. My 4 month old spent some time in the NICU and I treasure the photos I took of her - I have them in her room as a reminder of how far she has come. After spending time in the NICU and not being able to come home with y baby girl, I wanted to see how I could help others."


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. 

Welcome New Photography Volunteer, Clarissa!

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

Clarissa Reilley
Wildberry Snapshots

Service Area: Puyallup
Hospitals: Mary Bridge CHildren's Hospital, Madigan Army Medical Center

About Clarissa:
"Hi! I'm an Army Wife located in Puyallup, WA. For the past 7 years photography has been a hobby for me and I'm looking forward to taking it to the next level. I'll be specializing in newborn, child, family and maternity, lifestyle and portrait photography. Both of my children were NICU babies. I'm very excited to be able to provide families with a service I wish I had known about."


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. 



Monday, August 25, 2014

Lovable Lyla's NICU 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. 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
"Lyla Rae was born May 2nd at 26 weeks gestation. Original due date was Aug 8th. Born a little on the small side..she weighed 1 pound 4 ounces, 11 and 3/4 inches long. She was born via emergency c-section due to placental abruption. Suffers from severe BPD (lung disorder) and has battled two bouts of pneumonia to date. 

Lyla loves doing kangaroo care. She is very feisty and expressive with her facial expressions. Likes to have her hands by her face and fighting her way out of being "swaddled".

After being on a conventional ventilator for 5 days...She was transferred from Grant Medical Center's NICU on May 7th to be put on a special ventilator called an oscillator at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The switch prevented me from holding her until she was 20 days old. 

Thanks to phenomenal nurses, I was able to hold her while she was still on the Oscillator. After being told no, because it had never been done before. They were impressed by how well things went. The following day I held her again and they took pictures and video to put on Nationwide Children's Hospital's website and share in conferences about kangaroo care. They are currently working to get her off the vent and onto c-pap. She really hates the breathing tube and has extubated herself several times. They have started her on steroids to help her premature lungs and they seem to be helping. 

I have started going to the parent support group for NICU parents. Doing so has allowed me to connect with other parents and develop several friendships. It is good to know that others are looking out for Lyla when I am not there. It also helps to know that it always could be worse and it is exciting to celebrate with parents who are taking their baby home. It gives me hope that my turn will come soon. 

It is easy to feel isolated during this roller coaster ride of being a NICU parent. 3 things I would tell other parents to remember are:

1. You are not alone, so don't isolate yourself. Reach out to others and also take advantage of hospital resources. Ask about a parent support group.

2. Your baby is not like every other baby. Every baby and every journey is unique. Remember that you are the parent and best advocate for our child. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Be involved in every way possible in your child's care. This creates many bonding opportunities that you may miss.

3. Take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to cry! Remember to laugh. Keeping it all inside is not good. Try to establish at least a minimal routine. Get sleep, eat, take a shower, go fo a walk, and find joy."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Beth Escudero, Beth Escudero Photography -  Columbus, OH



 A note from Beth:
I photographed baby girl Lyla at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH.  Lyla had a little bit of a rough time the week before I came.  They tried to move her from a ventilator to a c-pap, but she only lasted one hour and had to go back on the vent.  She was also on some medicine that made her a bit groggy.  

All that being said, Lyla is a sweet little girl and a fighter!  And her mother, Ally is beyond in love with her!  It was such a sweet time to watch Ally with Lyla.  Ally herself was a preemie and the blue dress Lyla is wearing in one of the photos was actually one of Ally's dresses!






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 photography session that took place near Columbus, OH.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.

Sweet Alyssa's 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. 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
"My baby was born at 29 weeks and 5 days due to preeclampsia and high blood pressure she weighed 2 pounds, 5.4 ounces and was 14 inches. Her name is Alyssa. She is so precious, I am blessed! 

Never give up, your baby will be out of there soon. Gotta take it day by day. You will have good days and bad days; always stay positive."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Sabrina Vega, Sabrina Lee Photography -  Modesto, CA






 A note from Sabrina:
I had the opportunity to photograph this little angel. She is a little over two months and so so great after being born at just 29 weeks. She has two big brothers who adore her. I can not wait to see this little fighter grow.





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 photography session that took place near Modesto, CA.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.