Alexandr'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. 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 son is Alexandr Julius. He was born at 33+6 and spent a little under a month in the NICU. He was 3lbs 6oz and 17.5 inches long. He never needed respiratory assistance and came into this world crying like a champ. He has grown so well and is doing wonderful now. He saved my life and his own by letting the doctors know something was wrong. He has IUGR and GERD. I have what is believed to be Chronic Kidney Disease, which caused my placenta to calcify.

We gave him a strong name and it's a good thing because he's such a fighter. When I was pregnant with Alex he was constantly doing things ahead of his time. Rolling, kicking, we heard his heartbeat at only five weeks along. I started saying he was in a hurry. Boy was I right. I had no idea how right. After quite a few issues and some complications relating to protein and blood in my urine along with bad swelling, and a few times in and out of the hospital I became high risk. They started me on three appointments a week, one of which was an ultrasound and one an NST. At the very first high risk NST we went to, at thirty-three weeks pregnant I went into the hospital for the last time. Alexandr was showing the doctors something was wrong. He began having heart decelerations. I was immediately sent to labor and delivery for monitoring and the problems persisted until the next morning. On February 27th, at 9:40 am Alexandr came into this world screaming. We found out my placenta had calcified, it was rated at 48 weeks. They believe I have Chronic Kidney Disease and we are still dealing with the aftermath of his birth in my health. I was told that if he had not shown the doctors a problem, it is likely I would have gone into preterm labor and he would not have made it, and it is also likely that I would not have either. He truly is my hero preemie. He saved both of our lives. He was three pounds six ounces, and seventeen and a half inches long. I was so heartbroken that he had to stay in the NICU and I sat many a night in the hospital listening to other moms and their babies in their rooms knowing mine would not be leaving with me. Alexandr made great strides, his first day in this world I convinced the NICU to let me try to bottle feed him, and though they said he likely wouldn't eat, he took a whole 4ml from me. He was only on TPN for one day, and spent one night under bilirubin lights. He had two brady spells one evening that were attributed to reflux. Other than that he spent him time growing and feeding. He learned how to eat and then began holding his own temp. Finally he was moved to an open-air crib. We spent Saint Patrick's Day in the hospital with him and on March 18th 2014 Alexandr came home. He has GERD and we've battled with it off an on but with some formula switching and lots of love he seems to be doing fine. He is growing wonderful and has been on the regular growth charts since 4 months old. He amazes me every day. He is crawling, talking, and trying to walk now. That's our Alex, always in a hurry. For any other parents facing the NICU life my advice to you is breath. It will be OKAY. Remember, your child is in good hands with the NICU staff and it's okay to take a break. Keep yourself healthy and take this time to mourn the loss of what was normal, prepare for your child to come home, and keep yourself healthy, emotionally and physically. Hold your babies tight when you can hold them, kangaroo often, and become good friends with your NICU staff. Call, call often, call if you feel nervous, just call. Your NICU staff is used to it. Your baby will be home and the NICU will be a distant memory in the review mirror of life.”

A Note From Lisa:

“Alexandr is the epitome of the phrase "preemie power."  Nothing gets this kid down.  The love between the family was contagious.  I loved watching how they adore each other.  Alexandr was so caught up in his momma's necklace and leaves!  Such a treasure and a joy to work with.”

Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families, 

and organization please do not use for any purpose. 

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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 Kansas City, MO.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.