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Love Beyond Wires | A NICU Journey
As I walked the familiar halls of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles NICU, I thought of all the hundred’s of families fighting on behalf of their children. I took in the characteristic “hospital” smell and knew behind every door a battle was being waged. Brave children were undergoing surgeries and procedures, parents were uttering prayers and holding their little ones close, doctors and nurses were bringing all their skills and knowledge to the fight. Where many would see a tangle of tubes and wires, machines and bandages, others see a child to be loved and a struggle worth engaging in. NICU parents are intimately aware of this. So often their babies are…
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The Tiny Footprints Project | Newborn Images for the Littlest Ones
Imagine the anticipation of a new precious life entering the world. The months of dreaming of how birth will be, what they will look like minutes old, how friends and family will surround the new family. Then imagine how quickly it can all change. Suddenly, the baby is here too early or is born with a medical complication and now those first moments are spent in the NICU with tubes and machines as constant companions. This is the experience for so many families and yet their desire to celebrate and document a new life remains the same. This is where The Tiny Footprints Project steps in. “The Tiny Footprints Project…
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NICU Photo Session at UCLA Santa Monica | Baby Kadence
Kadence refers to the movement of music which is exactly what this little one embodies. She was so full of life and movement the entire time I was there. She was always stretching, reaching and expanding to fill up her space. Even in the womb her mom shared that she was always moving and dancing. I cannot wait to watch this little one on stage someday. This little one is also blessed with amazing parents. I had a hard time keeping up with her dad as he bolted from the elevator towards the NICU. He went straight to her and immediately locked eyes on his little girl. I absolutely love…
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Day In the Life NICU Photo Session at UCLA Santa Monica | Skye, Ericka and Jada
“And though she be but little, she is fierce”. – Shakespeare This quote describes tiny Miss Skye Ryder perfectly and I know exactly where she gets her fierceness from, her beautiful momma! Seriously, this woman is amazing. Ericka is one of those people you meet and know instantly you will be friends with. She is tough and determined, qualities reflected by her little one. Just read their story written by Skye’s mother below and you will know exactly what I mean. Skye is actually a triplet. I became naturally pregnant with triplets. Her 2 siblings passed away in my 2nd trimester. I was diagnosed with a short cervix requiring an emergency…
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NICU Family Portrait Session Loma Linda Children’s Hospital | Jay, Julie and Penny
One of the most breathtaking experiences of my life was being present for the birth of my precious niece. From the moment she was born we smothered her with kissed, counted toes and fingers, sang lullabies and rocked her to sleep. Every moment was so special and so unique. She was in our arms every moment she could be. As an aunt and future mom I cannot imagine being unable to hold my baby during the first moments of their life and yet that is just what happened to Julie and Jay when they welcomed their first baby, Penny, into the world. Born premature, weighting just over 1 pound, she was quickly…
