Sarah

24 Weeks

1 pound 6.6 ounces

I was able to photograph Sarah on her day of discharge. In the NICU, we call this ‘graduation day’, which is why you see Sarah sporting the sweetest pink graduation cap.

Sarah is also pictured with her journey beads. The journey beads symbolize Sarah’s strength and endurance through the triumps and trials of the NICU. More specifically, each bead represents a procedure Sarah endured. Do you see all of those beads? That is a testament to the strength of Sarah and her family through their NICU journey.

While you see these bright-eyed photos of a family at the end of their NICU journey, Sarah’s mother beautifully recapped the start of Sarah’s life as a 24-week preemie and provided some words of wisdom for other NICU families.

Our journey to parenthood has been a very difficult one. Last October we found out that we were pregnant after 5 years of trying. We had been through a few years of fertility treatment and were finally able to complete an IUI cycle. When we got the positive test, we just held each other and laughed and cried tears of joy. We were both cautiously ecstatic as we knew this was only the beginning of a long road to a healthy baby in our arms. At our 18 week ultrasound we found out we were having a little girl but we also found out that my cervix was a little short. We started treatment for that and went back a week later, but they did not want to do anything additional just yet. We went back again one week later at 20 weeks and had to have an emergency rescue cerclage that day. I was counting down every day to that 24 week mark because I knew that gave my baby a chance at life. Everything seemed to be going well until my water broke in a bloody mess at 22 weeks & 6 days. I was devastated because I thought for sure that the baby we had always dreamed of was going to die.
She was born at 24 weeks on the dot amidst chaos as her daddy almost didn't make it to the hospital to see her be born and the NICU team was running into the doorway as I pushed her out into the world. Her birthday was nothing like we imagined it would be...it was exciting and we were full of joy but it was all overshadowed by immense and overwhelming fear and anxiety knowing that her odds were not very good at having a quality life, if she lived at all. It was the best and worst day of our life all rolled into one.
Her NICU stay has been our most difficult journey yet. She has battled with her lungs, she has had pneumonia twice, she had sepsis twice. There were a few times that we were told, it's up to her if she makes it or not now, there's nothing more we can do. There were a few days where we really didn't know if she was going to make it. It has been full of tears and heartache. But it has also been full of little wins, and triumphs, and joy/pride in watching her grow. She is a true miracle from God....our baby girl was meant to be here and she has fought to stay here.
Over this whole journey the biggest thing I would want other parents to know is to take it one day at a time. My husband and I have made this our new life motto...and that is how we survived. ONE DAY AT A TIME. Focus on today's challenges/worries/joys and don't get overwhelmed by the unknowns of the future. Doctors don't know everything, there is no exact science in how things will turn out for your baby. Your baby is a fighter...and you have to learn to be one too. You have to be there for your baby and advocate because at the end of the day that is the best way for you to care for them during their time in the NICU...advocate and be there for your baby. You will know them better than anybody and it is important that they have that voice in their care.

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It was in May of 2016 that I received an email from Liz. She requested NICU portraits of her micro-preemie, Rigdon. He was already 12 weeks old, and Liz was feeling mom guilt for not contacting me sooner. She received my information in a Pierce's Project welcome bag she received when Rigdon was first admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at just 24 weeks and 6 days. She never felt like it was the right time to have me come take his photos, but now she was upset that she missed so many opportunities to catch him at his tiniest. Would I still come and photograph her baby? Of course I would. We set up an appointment and I sent some additional information to Liz. And then, crickets.

I didn't hear from Liz. I was concerned, but knowing the roller coaster that is the NICU, I didn't want to pry. I gave her space and reached out to her the night before our scheduled appointment. Liz responded and told me that Rigdon had a rough week. He had to have eye surgery and was having a rough recovery. He was also scheduled to have a tracheostomy and feeding tube placed the next week, so it was just not a good time.

Four months later, I met Liz in the NICU while I was photographing the Queen City Quints. I immediately recognized her name and was surprised to see her still in the NICU. I got an email the next day asking if I could come and photograph sweet Rigdon.

I chose to photograph Rigdon on his discharge day, which I thought was the perfect day for NICU portraits. I knew there would be a lot of people in and out, but I underestimated just how many. Rigdon was one loved boy! I've posted his discharge day photos below.

Today, Rigdon would have been 1 year old. I wish I could tell you that his journey after being discharged was an easy one, but he spent much of his time in the pediatric intensive care unit. Liz and Alan are spending today celebrating Rigdon's life and remembering the special times they had with him while he was here. They're even spending today visiting the hospitals where Rigdon spent most of his life, bringing gifts to those who cared for him. Their generosity during this devastating time is certainly inspiring!

Just a few days before Rigdon passed away, Liz and Alan received the news that they are expecting another baby boy. I was elated when I heard the news, but also knew that they must be feeling such mixed emotions, celebrating new life while grieving the loss of another. Just in the short time I've known Liz, I've seen her strength and I know that she is more than capable to face the challenge. I think this new baby is God's way of helping Liz and Alan prepare for their next stage in life. Liz's motto throughout Rigdon's journey was "We can do hard things." While I don't know where that comes from, I certainly hope this is the hardest thing they have to endure.