Jaycari | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“On August 17, 2020, we found out we were expecting another sweet baby boy on 4/26/21. We were thrilled to be expanding our family and promoting our 10 year old son to a big brother. Throughout my pregnancy, I was labeled to be a high risk pregnancy considering I would be giving birth at the age of 35. However, with each exam I took, I passed them with flying colors. As each month passed by, I impatiently waited to feel our baby move for our son to experience feeling his baby brother. I only felt butterflies here and there the entire time which seemed odd. As I got closer to the third trimester, I felt like something was off since I was still not feeling my baby move as much as I should be and my belly looked smaller than I expected. As I went to each  check up, I kept being told that everything was progressing as it should, so I told myself that these thoughts I was having were all in my head. 

A little after 7 months, I decided to get checked by my OBGYN to be certain nothing was wrong as by now I should be feeling obvious kicks. I was seen immediately and failed the stress test at the office. I went from thinking it was going to be a quick confirmation that it was all in my head, to being sent to labor and delivery for further analysis. Once all the tests were complete, we were told the scariest thing any parent could hear. Due to a placental deficiency, our baby was not getting the necessary fluids and nutrients he needed. He was at the 3rd percentile growth rate and had a 80-90% survival rate. Although he was 28 weeks and 3 days, he was measuring around 26 weeks and only weighing 1 lb and 5 ounces. All I could think of at the moment was “did I do something wrong?” “was this my fault?”. The doctor reassured me that this was internal and not anything I could have controlled. 

We delivered our baby boy the next day via C-Section and immediately began our NICU Journey. No one could have ever prepared us for what was to come. You end up having so many emotions and thoughts while you are trying to transition to your new reality. You feel robbed from your last trimester, no more short hospital stay and leaving with your baby, no more maternity pictures, no more baby shower, not being able to hear your baby’s first cry due to needing an oxygen tube, not being able to touch or hold your baby due to how fragile a preemie can be and needing to be in an incubator, not being able to kiss your baby from having to wear a mask and not being able to see your baby’s face from all the tubes. You just feel overwhelmed, scared, and end up in complete shock. 

During our stay, everything sounded terrifying and your baby goes through the toughest challenges with delays in lung growth, heart PDAs, nutrition goals for proper weight gain, ensuring there are no brain bleeds, their stomach is digesting as it should, their vision is maturing as it should, getting hernia surgeries, and learning to bottle feed. 

After 104 long days in the NICU, our son now weighs 6 lbs 11.9 ounces, has learned to breath without a ventilator and only needs low flow oxygen, his stomach now digests food as it should, his heart PDA has closed, he began bottle feeding, has had his hernia surgery and his eyes are very close to maturing. We are so proud of our son Jaycari Jace Jordan for being the biggest warrior! He is the strongest tiny human I know and he continues to amaze us each day. We are grateful for all the outstanding nurses and specialists that have made our sons stay easier and look forward to finally hearing that special word - “Discharge”.  To all the preemie moms and dads out there, you will get through this! Trust your little warrior, they are stronger than we could have ever imagined. “

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! ”