Welcome New Photography Volunteer, Mindy!

Please help us welcome volunteer photographer, Mindy! She will be helping give the gift of photography to preemie and NICU families near Deer Park, TX!! 

Moments Photography

momentsphotography.myfotojournal.com
momentsphotographybyMM@yahoo.com

Service Area: Deer Park, TX
Hospitals: Bayshore Hospital (Pasadena) Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Clear Lake Regional Hospital Kindred Hospital Bay Area

About Mindy:

"I am a wife and full-time, working mom of two great kids who bring joy, love and laughter to my life every day. I am a Cajun girl at heart, born and raised in New oRleans, until I 'transplanted' to Houston in 1997. I often get the question "Do you ever go anywhere without your camera?" The answer...No! My camera and love for photography has become a huge part of who I am. I love capturing the special moments of life and there is nothing more special than bringing a sweet baby into this world. I hope to capture those very early moments of love and joy for the Moms and Dads who cannot bring their preemie babies home right away. I am very honored and excited to have been chosen as a Preemie Prints volunteer phtoographer and am looking forward to working with this organization."

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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. 

NICU Photo Shoot: Meet A Precious Miracle Named Sofia

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.

OUR NICU JOURNEY | FROM DAD

Joss (Johssuina) had a C-section on May 19th, three weeks before her due date. Sofia’s brain had been growing so much that it was putting a strain on the heart and the other organs of the body. The doctors were worried about the effect it would have on the baby and the mother.

The big day arrived and Joss and I were blessed to have a solid support group, not only in presence in our new home in Houston but also around the world. Our news about Sofia’s condition spread rather rapidly and there were people all over praying for our princess’ health.  Sofia was born and we were really excited about hearing her crying and breathing by herself.  Few minutes passed by for reality to strike us. Sofia started having difficulties to breath and the doctors confirmed in the delivery room that she was having her first seizures.  God gave us the strength to stay calm and follow doctors instructions and procedures.  Sofia was quickly taken to the NICU at the hospital as anticipated by the doctors, where she was intubated for breathing support and also put under medicine and testing for her seizures.  Sofia had a pretty good first day in the Nic-U! We were elated. We were able to transition her from the tube into the CPAP on a week period. We started posting pictures on Facebook and Sofi's international family (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, American, Canadian) all felt blessed and continue their praying for her and sending the little family of three positive thoughts and prayers. 

On my (Diego) birthday (May 22), we received the devastating results from the MRI.  It was confirmed then, Sofi has severe brain damage with a limited life expectancy. This is the message I (Diego) posted on Facebook: "Hello!!!. Yesterday was a long day. Doctors confirmed what we had already anticipated. The brain of Sofi is severely damaged and being the main organ has innumerable consequences. We are going to go on living the day and above all giving thanks to God for each day we provided to Sofi. Maybe the time is short, it may be long, we don't know, what we do know is that it will be perfect because it is God's time. We will continue give do our best to give Sofi the best quality of life possible and above all praying every day for that is on our side. We send you a big hug and we do not know how to thank you enough for accompanying us in this process. Let's pray together by Sofi. Is that God already is demonstrating his each in our own needs and that is the power of prayer and obedience to accept his will. We love you all very much. Hugs and kisses….Diego, Joss and Sofi"

Through Sofi’s heart aunt Cathy in Calgary, Alberta, we learned about a family that faced a difficult challenge with a critically ill baby at the Alberta Children's Hospital. They had mentioned to Cathy that one of the nicest things that happened during her six months there was that she mentioned to one of the nurses one day that they didn't even have a photo of her entire family and that afternoon a professional photographer arrived to do a family portrait session. They said that it meant the absolute world to them. So Cathy started immediately looking online and was thrilled to find your website. 

Karina (the photographer) came to the NICU of the Texas Children’s a few days after Cathy submitted the request online.  People say things happen for a reason, she came the same day we had a meeting with the palliative care team to discuss our options with Sofia’s case.  We can not describe the joy this experience brought to us.  There we were taking pictures of our family and forgetting about everything and just enjoying the moment we were having with our princess Sofi.  We can’t thank Cathy and Preemie Prints enough for bringing this joy to us. 

Almost a month has past by since Sofi was born and she is still with us.  She has tought us the value of time and live life every day as it would be the last. We are blessed God has chosen us to be Sofi’s guardians during her time in this world and will provide all the care and love that we have to make sure that time is precious.

The doctors are now talking about the possibility of taking her home under Hospice care.  We cant believe we may have the opportunity for her to see the room we have prepared for her.  Joss painted murals of trees and butterflies and such that we know she will love and enjoy!!!!. 

While Sofia's story will not likely have a happy ending for some, she is a story of love and unwavering faith. She represents the story of two parents who wanted a baby more than anything, and despite the ever-increasing odds, kept their faith and belief. It is the story of a family of three who love each other unconditionally and celebrate the time that they have together!

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Karina Johnson - Houston, TX

A note from Karina:

"This was a very special session. It's rare to walk into a session knowing everything counts. Every minute, every kiss, every sound, every single touch. Sofia's mom had specific images she wanted me to captivate with very special props like her pearls. After captivating intimate moments I even had a chance of capturing Sofia's parents giving her a bath which she enjoyed very much! Once we were all done photographing and cords were hooked up again, she let out a little cry…. I don't think she wanted to stop modeling for us ;)
It was such a precious time, I'm so glad I got to meet you baby Sofia."

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 photography session that took place in Houston, TX.

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

Welcome NICU Photography Volunteer: Alexandra in Idaho Falls, ID

Please help us welcome Preemie Prints NICU photography volunteer, Alexandra! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Idaho Falls, ID! 

Alexandra Taylor
Naturally Maternal

alexandra @ naturallymaternal.com

www.naturallymaternal.com

Service Area: Idaho Falls, ID

Hospitals: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Mountain View Hospital

About Alexandra:

"I jumped into the world of photography three years ago, I started a brand that attracted any and every kind of shoot. From those experiences, I realized that my true passion was within shoots celebrating motherhood and new life. As a mother of three (with one on the way) I have engulfed a good majority of my life in everything maternal. Thus, Naturally Maternal was born, a brand that celebrates all things motherhood. As an Idaho Falls maternity photographer, I currently service clients from their prenatal stages to baby's first year and everything in-between! Currently, one of my favorite session styles is the Fresh 48 session, a photo-documentary session that takes places specifically 48 hours after baby's birth, in the hospital, no posing or props necessary. Preemie Prints shoots call for the same atmosphere and raw emotions, an area where I thrive naturally. I can't think of a better way to share my gift other than to volunteer it and love being a part of this organization."

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.

Sweet Miracle Amelia Rose's NICU Photo Shoot with Merissa!

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 beautiful daughter's name is Amelia Rose, she was born April 6th at 25 weeks via emergency c section and she weighted 1lb 6 ounces. I had preeclampsia that's why she came so early. She has already went through a lot getting her PDA closed in her heart, shes a trooper, and the best feeling in the world is being able to see her whether it's in person or a forever keepsake. I appreciate all yall's help thank you.."

Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:

Merissa Martin, Forever Moments Photography - Houston, TX

A note from Merissa:

"Amelia is tiny but very alert! She was so easy to work with and her mother is the sweetest thing. The nurses were completely cooperative and helped me with whatever I needed! It was a privilege to be able to take pictures of sweet Amelia."

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 photography baby photo shoot that took place 

at Texas Children's in Houston TX.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families. We pray they are home with sweet baby Amelia very soon.

Sewing for NICU Babies In College Station

This past Thursday we held our monthly Preemie Prints Sew & Craft meeting at Scott & White Hospital in College Station. We had a wonderful turnout with new many new volunteers - thank you all for coming! I think we had about 5 sewing machines going and the rest of us were turning, stuffing, and hand sewing giraffes for babies in the NICU. These giraffes are a very special keepsake for NICU families and can also be used to transfer mom's scent to baby. You can tuck the giraffe close to your skin to absorb your scent. You can then leave the scented giraffe next to your baby for comfort when you are not there.

After our sewing meeting we made a large donation to the S&W NICU. We donated 18 positioning devices to be used in the babies developmental care. Babies born early need special attention to
support their growth. Developmental care means providing your baby with every opportunity for the best possible progress. Preemie Prints is happy to be a part of the developmental care of all babies in Bryan College Station who must be in the NICU through our donated NICU positioning devices. We have many programs but this one is so special because we know we are directly helping preemies and supporting their development. Our positioning device is a bead filled tube covered with soft fleece. Nurses gently shape it around the baby. When baby pushes against the tube, they can feel the beads moving back. This is similar to what a baby feels in your womb. This device also helps with warmth, holding wires, and positioning baby.

We also donated 25 NICU gift bundles for families containing a giraffe and a preemie hat! It was a wonderful meeting. Many of us are past NICU parents so we talked about our NICU journeys. A current NICU mom popped in to share a little about her journey and we had two NICU nurses from Scott & White stop in to thank us for what we do. You can join us the 1st Thursday of every month at one of our local hospitals. We meet on a rotating schedule at all three. Here is the current schedule.

July 3rd - The College Station Medical Center, Executive boardroom, 1st Floor
August 7th - St. Joseph's Hospital, Basement Room E/F
September 4th - Scott & White Hospital, Third Floor, Boardroom right outside of the NICU
October 2nd - The College Station Med, Executive boardroom, 1st Floor
November 6th - St. Joseph's Hospital, Basement Room E/F
December 4th - Scott & White - Christmas Party with NICU Family Support Group and local volunteers

Little Helpers

Hard at work

Scott & White NICU donation 2014

Welcome New Willingboro, NJ NICU Photography Volunteer

Please help us welcome Preemie Prints NICU photography volunteer, Anne! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Willingboro, NJ! 

Anne Knott

Luce delle Stelle Photography

lucedellestelle@hotmail.com

Service Area: Willingboro, NJ

Hospitals: Willingboro, NJ; JB MDL (Military)

About Anne:

"My name is Anne Knott, and I am the proud owner/photographer for Luce delle Stelle Photography. My career began with travel photography (my husband and family love to travel around the world). After becoming a military wife and breast cancer survivor, both at age 29, I realized just how important all the little moments are. While undergoing chemo, I cherished the photos I had of trips I had enjoyed, family who stood by my side, and friends I wanted to spend time with once I was finished with treatment. The comfort and encouragement I took from the images made me want to capture those precious moments even more, so I started Luce delle Stelle Photography as a way to help others remember both special occasions and the memories of everyday life. Volunteering as a photographer with Preemie Prints allows me to give back to those who are faced with the challenges of infants who are/have spent time in the NICU, making parents even more aware of just how precious every minute can be."

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.

Welcome New Volunteer Beth in Gahanna, OH!!

Please help us welcome Preemie Prints NICU photography volunteer, Beth! She will be helping give the gift of NICU photography to preemie and NICU families in Gahanna, Ohio! 

Beth Escudero

Beth Escudero Photography

www.facebook.com/escuderophotography

beth.escudero@yahoo.com

Service Area: Gahanna, OH

Hospitals: St Ann's, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Mt Caramel East

About Beth:

"Hi there!  I'm a natural light photographer in Gahanna, OH.  I'm married to my amazing husband Ezra, and we have an orange tabby named Zappers.  I've always had a passion for photography, and am beyond grateful for this opportunity!"

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.