28 weeks

Immaleigha | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Immaleigha

28 weeks

2 pounds 3.5 ounces

‘When I found out I was expecting I was…in shock!’

Immaleigha’s mother was surprised by her pregnancy and had quite the bumpy road to Immaleigha’s premature arrival.

‘I was very scared but prayed my way through it all and baby girl is here…Life since birth feels great. Mommy mode instantly kicked in. I can’t believe I have a baby girl. What I always wanted’

While she had all that she’d always wanted, it was hard for Immaleigha’s mother to leave the hospital without her sweet baby girl. While in the NICU she gained some wonderful wisdom on life with a baby in intensive care: ‘I would tell other moms and dads to remain humble keep their faith, it is not over!’ Pictures of Immaleigha have helped her mother to cope with this experience. She loves being able to look back at photos to remind herself of her baby’s progress when the NICU journey feels challenging.

I would tell other moms and dads to remain humble keep their faith, it is not over!

Immaleigha might be tiny, but she is not lacking in accessories. Dressed in floral, adorned in bows, and she is even flaunting the tinyest purse! While the pregnancy and her early arrival may have been a surprise, these doting parents are clearly so in love with their little lady.

Update on Sully | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Sully is growing up!  I can't believe this previous 28 weeker that I photographed last June is now 16 pounds!  He was just 2 pounds 6 ounces at birth, and here he is now!  He might just be my most handsome NICU baby!  If you missed his NICU portrait session, check it out here or click the button below.

Sully is doing great. He is weighing in around 16lbs now. He is eating three meals a day, rolling over, sitting up, and trying his best to walk.

I got to see Sully this fall at an event Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital where I was able to photograph him once again.  Pierce's Project hosted a Germ Free Santa Session for past NICU babies, and sweet little Sully showed up!  Can you even handle how cute he is in his little elf outfit?  His parents are going to have their work cut out for them when the girls start chasing him!  

Update on Lincoln | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Lincoln was the first NICU portrait session that I did almost a year ago!  I was so excited to share my gift of photography with a NICU family, and even more thrilled with the experience when I met his parents.  They are the sweetest couple and they were so appreciative of my complimentary services.  I love being able to incorporate my artistic craft with my love for the preemies and nursing career.

Here's an update from Lincoln's mom:

"Lincoln is 10 months (7 months adjusted) already. He's over 15 pounds. He's crawling around everywhere, sitting up on his own, and just recently pulling himself up to stand! It's so amazing to see him grow & develop. (He still receives PT once a week and speech once every other week.)  He is just full of personality and I'm so grateful to be his mommy. ❤"

Update on Rhett | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Rhett was born in July of 2016 at 28 weeks.  He weighed 1 pound 9 ounces.  I was lucky enough to photograph him during his stay in the NICU by offering his parents complimentary NICU portraits.  Pierce's Project arranged for Rhett's mom to have her hair and makeup done for the session, and she looked stunning!  (See Rhett's NICU session here.) . While I do follow many NICU patients on social media and could see that he is doing great, I caught up with Rhett's mom to request a personal update on Rhett's progress since going home.

Rhett is doing so well! He is up to 12 pounds, rolls over, and is a total mama’s boy. He is a great eater and sleeper, and he loves being home with his parents and two dogs. He is thriving! He is so much fun and so happy!