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.“
Owen – 31 weeks
Owen’s mama was admitted to the hospital at just 26 weeks, due to preeclampsia. With an extended hospitalization and lots of monitoring meant she was able to hang on all the way to week 31, when Owen finally made his appearance. Throughout all of their time at the hospital, Owen’s parents were so appreciative of the photos taken by myself and another volunteer photographer. They said those photos gave a little sense of normalcy in a very un-normal time.
After discharging from the St Luke’s NICU, Owen continued to struggle with his health a bit. In addition to being on a cardiac monitor at home, he was also diagnosed with failure to thrive and his care was transferred to the Children’s Mercy neonatal clinic for weekly check-ins.
See more of Owen’s story
Today Owen is doing great! While he still has a lot of GI issues and is underweight, medication is helping to stimulate his appetite. Being slightly smaller still isn’t slowing Owen down though – he loves rock climbing and figure skating! He also is a total scientist/engineer and is constantly taking things apart, learning how things work, and watching YouTube videos about inventors.
A word from Owen’s mom… “I know it seems impossible, but there will come a day when you can hold, feed, and love your baby without all the wires, and monitors and having to follow the NICU schedule.. The NICU is so hard, but your baby is getting stronger and they will be in your arms and in your home soon! Just keeping showing up, being there for them. Remember, in the NICU, every tiny thing matters.”
Olson – 34 weeks
Olson tried to make his entrance at just 23 weeks, when his mom’s water broke. Thanks to quick action and close monitoring during an 11 week stay in antepartum, they were able to hold off on delivering him until 34 weeks. While any NICU stay is fraught with difficult moments, Olson’s parents are so grateful for the bright spots and people involved in them!
Olson was born with one of his legs bent backwards, and Marcy and the OT team worked closely with them to give Olson the therapies he needed. His mom says she could not have gotten through their days without Marcy and Alex, because they continually reminded her that she’s a good mom and things just take time.
His parents also had a special shout out for March of Dimes coordinator Ashley, and her part in the day Olson’s big sister was finally able to meet her baby brother. One of the best memories though? When they walked into Olson’s room one day and realized he wasn’t on oxygen support anymore. She initially thought it was a fluke, but when she and her husband realized he was truly breathing room air they both cried.
See more of Olson’s story
Olson’s graduation day from the NICU was special and exciting, with the Saint Luke’s staff even including his big sister in all that they could. Bringing him home felt like making their family whole again, and they continue to celebrate that day each year as a family birthday of sorts.
She admits to struggling with some pretty intense postpartum anxiety, given all she had been through, and she hardly slept when he first came home because she was so afraid something would happen. Eventually though, they found their groove and now look at Olson! He’s an active toddler, who fully keeps them on their toes. He has some minor GI issues and a moderate peanut allergy, but he’s packed full of spunk, is absolutely hilarious, and he and his sister are fully obsessed with each other.
A word from Olson’s mom… “It DOES get better. Each day is a step forward. The staff are so passionate about what they do and it shows every day. Welcome to a club none of us wanted but fiercely protect and support. Your little one’s story will make you more resilient. Take the time for you, go home. Shower. Spend time with your other kids (if you have them), your partner. We made dates out of our trips to see him. You’ve got this!”
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.