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.

See more of Abigail’s story

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!

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.

See more of Everly’s story

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.

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.

See more of Owen’s story

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.

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.

See more of Olson’s story

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.

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!”

Zoey – 29 weeks, 6 days

She may have made an early entrance, at 29 weeks and 6 days gestation, but little Zoey came out ready to fight. While there were many scary moments in her 57 day long NICU stay, like dealing with sepsis, needing picc lines, blood transfusions, and more, Zoey overcame. Her parents are especially grateful to the nursing team for always explaining things and putting them at ease.

Sam – 28 weeks

While the way we celebrate some holidays in the NICU (like Halloween, pictured here in Sam’s NICU photo) is special and memorable, there is one moment that will forever stand out in the mind of Sam’s mom… On her own birthday, while she was holding Sam, he took his first unassisted breath. Not only was it the best birthday gift ever, but it’s a moment she will treasure forever.

See more of Sam’s story

Sam was healthy and strong enough for discharge 2 weeks before Christmas, which brought a mixture of excitement and nerves. Bringing a baby home from the NICU is more stressful than you realize, because parents now have to settle into a routine without all of the support and help given in the NICU. At the same time, his parents say it was so nice to snuggle Sam freely and introduce him to all of the family and friends who hadn’t met him yet.

Today Sam is an active, fearless 18 month old! He’s learning words (his first was “uh oh!”), loves to climb, and routinely chooses to go down slides head first!

A word from Sam’s mom… “The NICU taught me that very few people feel brave while acting bravely. The NICU is a scary place where both babies and their families are asked to do really hard things. You and your baby show up every day to do those hard things, even when you’re scared, and that makes you so brave!“

Elijah – 29 weeks, 2 days

Elijah’s story brings a unique twist… his mama works is a nurse in the Saint Luke’s NICU and has very likely cared for many of the babies I have photographed! Elijah was born weighing just 2 pounds 3.4 ounces, and he was nowhere near the smallest of the babies they care for in the NICU. Because his mom works there, she said it didn’t really feel like he was her baby until the first time she got to hold him (at 3 days old). That first time he was placed on her chest for skin to skin time not only really put into perspective just how tiny he was but also that she was not a nurse in this situation but MOM.

See more of Elijah’s story

After getting Elijah home, she absolutely loved getting to just snuggle and enjoy those “newborn” days at home on the couch! They continue the routine set in the NICU, and they found him to be such a sweet, calm baby and a great sleeper.

A couple of weeks after discharge they did discover he developed a milk protein allergy and some severe reflux. After months of doctors appointments, procedures, an NG tube at home and an elimination diet (dairy, soy, and wheat), Elijah is finally taking his bottles again and free of the NG tube!

A word from Elijah’s mom… “It doesn’t matter if your baby is in the NICU for a few days or several months, having your baby in the NICU is traumatic. Take it day by day and celebrate the small victories. You will make it through and it’ll be so worth it in the end. You are so much stronger than you know.”

Elnora – 28 weeks

Elnora (Nora) made her entrance at just 28 weeks gestation, and like many preemies she was not able to be immediately held by her parents. Her mom said that holding Nora for the first time was a moment she will never forget! She also says that Nora’s nurse Liz was so kind, helpful, encouraging and all around amazing throughout their entire stay at Saint Luke’s.

See more of Nora’s story

Those 95 days in the NICU felt so long to her parents! When the day finally came for discharge her mom remembers being so thankful but also so nervous. Nora was sent home with a heart monitor, and it felt like her parents were always sleeping with one ear and eye open for those scary Bradys that she would eventually outgrow. Her mom was so thankful that the NICU staff had prepared them so well for the moments they might need to intervene!

Looking at Nora now you would never know she was a 28-weeker. She loves playing with babies with her sister, roller skating, going camping and taking float trips with her family. She also has a love for gymnastics!

A word from Nora’s mom: “Although we don’t know why our babies were brought into this world early, it is truly amazing to witness God knitting these tiny but mighty miracles together outside of their mother’s womb with the help of science and technology. Celebrate EVERY milestone, no matter how big or small.“

Isabella – 24 weeks

At a routine pregnancy exam, Isabella’s mom was sent to Saint Luke’s for observation. The very next day, Isabella was suddenly in distress, resulting in an immediate rush to the OR for delivery at just 24 weeks.

See more of Isabella’s story

While not all of Isabella’s 121 days of NICU time was spent at Saint Luke’s, she did spend her first 8 weeks of life there before being transferred to Children’s Mercy. During their time at Saint Luke’s, her mom remembers the care she received from Ashley, of the March of Dimes. Her checking in and bringing by little gifts made Isabella’s mom and the other parents in the unit feel so cared for and special. Thank you, Ashley!

Kaisley – 29 weeks

While a subchorionic hemorrhage can often resolve on its own, sometimes extra precautions and steps are needed. Kaisley’s mama first endured a modified bedrest at home, then moved to a hospitalized bedrest at 27 weeks for closer monitoring, before finally delivering just 29 weeks into her pregnancy.

See more of Kaisley’s story

On the third day of Kaisley’s life, her parents were finally able to hold her for the first time; that date just happened to be January 1st. What an amazing way to start a new year! Her mom reflected on how wonderful and supportive the entire staff was, not just to Kaisley but to her parents too.

Two and a half years later Kaisley is a big sister, full of sass and energy, and loves singing and dancing around!

A word from Kaisley’s mom: “While the days are long and seem endless while you’re going through them, before you know it you’ll get to take your sweet little one home! And the people who helped care for them will always have such a special place in your heart!“

Everly R – 30 weeks, 5 days

When your baby arrives 10 weeks sooner than expected, a lot of worrying and wondering happens… How long will my baby be in the NICU? Will they experience long lasting or even lifelong effects of their prematurity? How do I juggle all of this?

Do you know what else happens though? You find yourself surrounded and cared for, and when you look for them, you see all of the sweet little moments and memories adding up!

See more of Everly R’s story

Everly’s mom looks back on the many sweet memories they had in the NICU and wasn’t sure she could choose just one, but finally decided watching her husband feed Everly for the first time really ranks up there. She remembers thinking that this bonding moment also signified her daughter was getting closer to coming home. At Day 49 Everly was finally discharged and they adjusted quickly to life at home. While she was a little delayed in some of her motor milestones, she spent her first three years enrolled in First Steps and was caught up in no time.

Today Everly is smart, kind, funny, and talented. She excels in school, loves dancing and riding horses, has the sweetest group of friends, and has big dreams of being a veterinarian someday.

A word from Everly’s mom… “The days are long and hard, and while it doesn’t seem possible, you’ll look back on these days with so many happy memories. Take all the videos! The strength you will gain as a parent is unmatched. I would not give back my bonus weeks with our daughter for anything. So incredibly grateful for all we were given and for the opportunities to connect with current families.“

Paxton – 25 weeks

25 weeks along in a pregnancy is typically when moms are searching out and booking their maternity and newborn photographer. 25 weeks along in a pregnancy is when parents are creating registries and getting excited for baby showers.

At just 25 weeks along in her pregnancy, Paxton’s mama was instead delivering her baby, nearly 4 months ahead of schedule.

See more of Paxton’s story

Looking at and interacting with Paxton now, you would never guess the first 3 months of his life was spent in the NICU at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza. His mom still remembers the excitement of his going home day; Paxton’s discharge happened to fall over the night shift and the entire team was so excited because they aren’t typically on shift when the babies go home! The weeks that followed were a whirlwind, but his mom says they had an amazing care team that surrounded them then and continues to be a support today.

Today Paxton is doing amazingly well. He loves helping on their farm and being outside, and I will wholeheartedly agree with his mama when she says he is a great friend and doesn’t know a stranger!

A word from Paxton’s mom… “This journey is hard, harder than anyone who hasn’t walked it can truly understand. But you’re doing it. One breath, one visit, one pump session, one prayer at a time. Lean on those who get it (especially the care team). Let yourself cry. Celebrate the smallest victories. And remember: this chapter may be tough, but it’s not forever. You and your baby are making memories that you’ll never forget.”