Some of our good friends in Nashville told me about this nonprofit organization a few months ago called Preemie Prints. Their mission is to support and share hope with preemie, NICU, and angel (those who have had a pregnancy or infant loss) families through a variety of outreach programs. Those programs include the gift of NICU & NICU graduate photography nationwide, all done through volunteer photographers. Knowing several people who have dealt with the struggle of the NICU with their babies, I was thrilled to find this organization to volunteer my services with. My first assignment was with a family in Marietta a few weeks ago.

When the request came to me, this note was sent along from Ryland’s mom, Carrie: “I came down with a condition called the HELLP syndrome. I had to have an emergency C-section at 30 weeks gestation. I was scared for my baby because he was so young and little. He is doing good and gaining weight like crazy. He is currently a little over 4 weeks old (34 weeks gestation). He now weighs 3lbs 7oz! He was put in a crib today!! I have hope that he will come home soon. It has been a long road and we still have a long road ahead of us, but I know he will be fine!”

I so enjoyed getting to know Ryland and his parents, Carrie and Jacob, and I had the best time photographing their little angel. I hope these photos bring them joy for years to come as little Ryland continues to grow!