Lennox | 34 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“We first learned that we were expecting Lennox in October 2020. Excited doesn’t even describe the feeling! He was due June 22, 2021 but because of decreased fetal movement the doctors made the call to induce me at 34 weeks. Thank goodness they did because nine hours into my induction my placenta detached from the uterine wall and I was rushed to the OR for an emergency c-section. The peace of mind I have now knowing that Lennox is doing so well and coming home soon makes the whole experience one to remember!”

Ketcher | 34 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Ketcher

34 weeks

Recently I was able to capture a big day for Ketcher, a 34-week preemie—his graduation day! During our scheduled session, Ketcher was being discharged home with his family. While his parents were thrilled to get home, they were also familiar with the ins and outs of the NICU because Ketcher’s big sis, Avayah spent some time in the NICU not too long ago. Discharge can bring feelings of overwhelm, excitement, and even fear, but this family was just bursting with joy! Just look at those radiant smiles!

After his big sister Avayah graduated from her time in the NICU, mom and dad signed her up for a baby plan, and it has been so much fun to watch her grow! I look forward to doing the same with Ketcher as we move beyond his NICU days and into his baby plan.

While I love photographing these cute little babes, it has been an absolute treat to be able to photograph their entire family. I even had the privilege of taking maternity boudoir photos for Ketcher’s mama before her little man was born. Talk about stunning!

As a NICU nurse I love capturing NICU moments, but as a photographer I adore getting to know and to photograph families through each of their adventures. Life is full of seasons, each one unique and each one fleeting. In these images, time stands still.