
In September of 2015, I walked into the NICU at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza for the first time. Earlier that month I had been challenged at church to find a way to give back my time and talent in some way, and shortly after that challenge I saw a post on Facebook asking for photographers who might be interested in photographing preemies in the NICU…. As a mom to preemies myself (triplets, born at 33 weeks and 3 days in 2007) I knew I’d found my place! 10 years and countless beautiful moments later, and it’s time to share some stories and see where these precious kiddos are now.
After the NICU – The Stories
Mighty beings can start out in tiny packages! Here are the stories of some of the babies I’ve photographed over the last 10 years in Kansas City area NICUs (most at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza). I hope these serve as a source of encouragement to you!
Crew – 24 weeks, 3 days
Crew was photographed by me multiple times over his 145 day long NICU stay, and then I got to photograph him again for his one year session!
Crew’s mama was first able to hold him when he was 22 days old, and it’s a moment that really stands out in her mind, along with the day of discharge which she says felt like crossing a finish line but starting a marathon at the same time.
See more of Crew’s story
Crew is currently in Kindergarten and loving life! He’s active, loves sports (so far he’s tried soccer, baseball, and flag football), and is just the happiest kid with the biggest heart.
A word from his mom… “Always remember your strength. You know how to face incredibly tough situations with grace, strength, and love. You’ve already shown your kids what resilience and protection look like—they’ll feel secure knowing you’re there for them. You know your baby best.“


Abigail – 34 weeks
Abigail somewhat followed in her big brother’s footsteps, by arriving early (he was born at 24 weeks, 5 days). While her NICU stay was vastly different than his, it came with it’s own challenges. Abigail struggled with jaundice, feeding, and gaining weight. Her mama was determined to nurse her, so they balanced nursing, bottles, and tube feeds to an effort to both establish breast feeding but also to help Abigail gain weight.
After discharge, adapting as a family of four with a toddler and newborn in the house was challenging but also such a relief! They worked on nursing exclusively and ended up making it 11 months; Abigail gained so much weight that she earned the nickname Squish!
See more of Abigail’s story
Today Abigail is her mama’s mini me! She’s a little sassy, a little sweet, and oh-so-smart! Even though she’s not quite 3 yet, I was impressed with her chattiness & the hilarious things she was saying at her photo session. Her mom blames the NICU staff for both of her kids being social butterflies!
A word from Abigail’s mom… “Advocate for your baby! You are their constant. The NICU staff are all amazing and are so smart, but if you feeling something is off or want to consider another method of treatment, advocate for your baby! Skin to skin is one of the best things for both you as the parents but also for your baby. Do it as often as the staff and baby will allow you! Also, this too shall pass. Our times in the NICU with both kids were equally difficult but they do grow up and the stressors and complications may change, but this is just a chapter in your story. There’s so much more to be written in your family’s book!“
Everly M – 34 weeks
Everly’s early entrance into the world hasn’t held her back in the slightest! Born at 34 weeks, her mom still remembers the first time she went into the NICU to see her (about 12 hours after delivery). She looked so tiny, with tubes, monitors, and an IV in her scalp. She remembers thinking that for such a small human, she was the strongest person she had ever seen. Everly looked right at her mama and they held hands through the isolette opening. It was at the moment that her mom knew she was so strong and they would get through this.
During Everly’s 13 day NICU stay, her dad continued to work so that he could take his paternity leave once she was home, and her mom would make the 35 minute drive each day to Saint Luke’s to spend the full day in the NICU (8am until 7pm). When she was at home at night, she still was up every couple of hours so that she could pump, and she says leaving her each night felt so unnatural and was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
See more of Everly’s story
Today Everly is thriving, and you would never guess she was born early! She loves tee ball and aerial arts, and she’s so creative, loving all things arts and crafts. Everly is also very much into the movie Wicked and can sing every song by heart!
A word from Everly’s mom… “I know every single day with your child in the NICU can feel like an eternity. Watching your small baby there can feel so helpless and isolating. Just know your baby is so strong. They are resilient and will accomplish things you can’t even imagine. And one day, the NICU will just be a small stepping stone in their life.“

Share Your Child’s Story
If I photographed your baby in the NICU, I’d love to invite you into the studio for a complimentary session and a chance to share your story, sometime before September of 2025. Please fill out the interest form below to get the ball rolling! (No rush! We just need to get photos done by the end of summer!)
If you happen to be family to the handful of babies I photographed who didn’t live for long on this earth, I would be honored to share your story as well. If this is you, please just reach out to me directly via email or the general Contact form here on the website – we’ll tell your child’s story in a slightly different way. My heart still goes out to each and every one of you.