The Layne Twins' NICU Grad Session in Navasota, TX

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

"After 2 weeks of in-hospital bed rest experience, I had a set of twins at 32 weeks 5 days on 2/21/14. Andrew Lowell was born 2/21/14 at 7:21pm by emergency c-section. He weighed 4 lbs 3 oz. His sister, Madison Louise, was delivered at 7:22, weighing 3 lbs 15 oz.

My twin pregnancy was pretty uneventful up until my regular check-up at my 28 week appointment. I learned at this appointment that my cervix was shortening and I was dilated to 1cm. Of course, bed rest was ordered at home. My next check-up was the following week. I had dilated to 3cm and was 50% effaced. I was sent to labor and delivery. The doctors decided to give me the steroid shots to mature the babies lungs, in the event I went into labor. I was released back to home bed rest. The following weekly visit proved to be more eventful. I was now at 5cm and 60% effaced, so back to L&D I went. This time I didn't get to go home. I spent 2 weeks on hospital bed rest to keep these babies in as long as possible. I was admitted at 30 weeks 5 days. The neonatologist and NICU staff visited me often to tell me what I should expect if the babies were born at any given time. I was always so well informed and knew they would be well taken care of when they decided to make an entrance. That day came on 2/21/14. At 32 weeks 5 days gestation, Andrew and Madison decided to make their appearance. They were so small. Andrew was 4 lbs 3 oz and Madison was 3 lbs 15 oz. The babies were whisked away to NICU where I would meet them again a day later. Although I had been explained and was prepared for a lengthy NICU stay, nothing prepared me for what I experienced over the next 48 days. There were ups and downs. Two-steps forward, one-step back. Each day brought something new. Some were new challenges, some triumphs. Andrew proved to be the champ (despite the whimpy white boy stigma). It seemed as though he was just trucking along to gain weight, regulate his temp, and learn to eat. Madison on the other hand required more medical intervention. She was intubated for a time and received 2 transfusions. It took her a full month to wean from oxygen assistance. Everyday I sat bedside listening to monitors and bells, checking temps, weighing diapers, and listening to the sounds of the NICU. Some would say it was too stressful to handle, and you could see the uneasiness of guests when alarms would sound. It became my life. I joked that I would need to record the sounds of the NICU to take home so the babies would sleep. That was no joke, they came home and I noticed they would sleep better with noise and one bouncers songs that were pitched and toned like the alarms in NICU.
48 days after my babies were born I brought them home. I actually miss the NICU staff, as they became my family and surrogate parents to the twins. I trusted each and every one of them with my precious children's lives. They were the other moms and dads to my babies. Nobody can truly prepare for the emotional part of being a NICU parent. It takes a physical and emotional toll. However, the NICU family will forever be close to my heart."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Ashley Siegert, Fig-Mint Photography - Navasota, TX

 

 

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 Navasota, TX.

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

The Houston Triplets' NICU Session in Houston, TX

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 darling triplet boys were born within one minute of each other at 9:15am on March 19, 2014. They were eager to see the world at 25 weeks gestation, and arrived at less than 2 lbs each. I count my lucky stars every day that I received the best health care possible that kept my babies baking as long as they did and delivered them safely. Baby A tried to arrive too early at 20 weeks, though modern medicine, luck, and hospital bed rest convinced him to stay put a little longer.

My boys are termed 'micro preemies' born at 25 weeks gestation. They were under 2 lbs at birth. Arriving so early, there were still many developmental areas that were not yet ready for the 'outside world'. Visually, we could see that the babies skins was still translucent and fragile. Their backs of their ears had not yet separated from their scalps (lack of cartilage) and their tiny, tiny fingers could even reach around my pinky finger. They had very little muscle and no fat, so looked extremely fragile. The wonderful NICU at the Women's Hospital of Texas, applied their expertise to give my kids the nutrition and O2 that they needed, even though their bodies were not ready to take it the 'normal' way. Feeding began via the umbilical, then moved intravenously, and eventually through a tube through the mouth to the stomach (or intestine). Breathing began with a tube to the lungs, and now, at 3.5 month old, the boys are receiving pressurized, oxygen enriched air though the nose. Thought at some point, two of my boys were at 100% O2 requirements plus nitric oxide, with the assistance of a ventilator to inflate and elate their lungs, they are now getting quite close to being weaned off the pressure and O2.

A good comparison for the 3.5 month journey is that it has been like the most crazy roller coaster that you have ever been on, while blindfolded, with no end in sight. For the first 2 months, it was never known what was around the corner. Some days were great days with no issues, then all of a sudden things would turn, with immediate intervention required. My kids have gone through PDAs surgeries, surgeries to repair perforated intestines, needles to the eyes (for ROP). multiple blood transfusions, steroids, antibiotic and other treatments for infections, pneumonia, low heart rates, high blood pressure, low sugars,etc . Sometimes hard decisions had to be made to choose a path forward that carries its own risks and developmental impact uncertainties. Though there was definitely a long, difficult path, we are now approaching calm waters. I am very happy to see how strong and resilient my little troopers have been and how advanced and amazingly 'right' modern medicine has been. My boys have responded superbly to all the pokes, prods, and medicinal interventions that they have had to deal with. They are now all over 6 lbs at their gestational due date of 40 weeks. They are doing very well, considering their super-early arrival. They still have some breathing progress to make, reflux issues to overcome and eyes and hearing development to monitor, but overall, they are happy, calm, super-cute little troopers.

I am amazed at how proactive the specialist at the NICU have been, and how diligently they monitor, and how quickly and effectively they have responded to the surprises that my troopers have presented."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Karina Johnson, Karina Johnson Photography - Houston, TX

 A note from Karina:

I enjoyed meeting these little guys, they are so precious. After hearing their stories I was amazed at how far they have come, even though they are little they are really tough! They are little rays of sunshine, my day was definitely brighter after meeting them. :) 

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 Houston, TX.

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

 

Welcome Photography Volunteer, Sabrina!

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

Sabrina Vega
Sabrina Lee Photography

facebook.com/sabrinaleephotograhpy
sabrinaleephotography@ymail.com

Service Area: Modesta
Hospitals: Doctors Hospital, Sutter, Kaiser

About Sabrina:

"I've been a photographer for 5 years now. I recently had a 31 weeker and I want to give families the opportunity to have those treasured moments forever."

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, Samantha! New Volunteer Photographer

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

Samantha West
Samantha Lynn Photography

samanthalynnphotography.blogspot.com
samanthalynnwest@gmail.com

Service Area: Decatur, Springfield, Champaign
Hospitals: Decatur Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, all hospitals in Springfield and Champaign

About Samantha:

"I have officially been doing photography for one year, but I have been taking pictures for most of my life. I am so excited and blessed to have this opportunity because of the number of friends I have that have had premature babies and because of my love of babies."

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. 

The Nagappa Triplets' NICU Grad Session in Houston, TX

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

"Triplet boys born on 10/11/13. Delivered at 31 weeks and 3 days. Baby A is Neil Eshwar Nagappa born at 8:18 pm and weighed 3.8 lbs. Baby B is Ryan Krish Nagappa born at 8:19 pm and weighed 3.11 lbs. Baby C is Jai Aiden Nagappa born at 8:20 pm and weighed 3.13 lbs. The staff in the NICU have been wonderful, supportive and understanding."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Merissa Belin, Forever Moments Photography - Houston, TX

 A note from Merissa:

Here are the Triplet boys! They were the cutest! They all looked so much alike but their personalities were so far from each other! A pleasure to work with :)

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 Houston, TX.

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

Kaelee's NICU Grad Session in Houston, TX

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

"Despite being born at just 34 weeks our sassy little Kaelee made quite the entrance. She was a small 3lbs 11oz but her father and I knew from the time we heard her yelling that we gave birth to a child full of life. Things started out great during her NICU stay until she reached her full feed amount. Her belly was getting very distended and what seemed to be full of air that was unable to pass. After numerous tests while at College Station Medical Center with no results the choice was made to transfer her by private jet to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. At that time I was able to fly their with her for the comfort of her father and I. While the atmosphere was welcoming at TCH it was hard for myself and Kaelee being so far away from family. During our stay there she had countless tests done and visits with doctors and specialist and still the cause of her distended belly was unknown. Luckily it ended up going down and staying that way and Kaelee was finally released on a sunny August 22, 2013. Today she is a 10 month old walking ball of sunshine. Her journey started out rough but she didn't let that get in her way. She is everything to her dad and I."  -Megan

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

 Photographer is Mindy McRee , Moments Photography, Houston, TX

 A note from Moments Photography:

It was a joy meeting Kaelee and her parents. They are a very sweet family and it was clear that Kaelee is their world. Despite being born at just 34 weeks, at a tiny 3lbs 11oz, Kaelee is now a healthy, happy almost 1 year old toddler. Kaelee is walking like a champ and I enjoyed every moment following her around the park. I was blessed to have the opportunity to get to know this family.

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 Houston, TX.

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

Welcome Photography Volunteer, Autumn!

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

Autumn Dailey
Autumn Dailey Photography

adaileyphotography@gmail.com

Service Area: Spring & The Woodlands
Hospitals: St. Lukes & Memorial Hermann

About Stacy:

"This organization has a special place in my heart since my son was also a preemie. I would be honored to provide this gift to families. I can relate on so many levels with the families. My passion is photographing children, because their innocent minds inspire me."

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.