Update on Sebastian | 22 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Remember Sebastian?  He was born at just 22 weeks and 4 days and spent a significant amount of time in the NICU.  I photographed him when he was exactly one month old and 26 weeks 4 days, corrected.  He recently got discharged from the hospital and is now home hanging out with his mom.  I asked Sebastian's mom for an update and here is what she had to say:

“If I could just match his sleep pattern along with these doctor appointments, I would be perfect. I’m so happy he’s home. I watch him like a hawk and every time he grunts I take an extra peek.

I know that Sebastian is blessed to be a 22 weeker and only be sent home on vitamins, and that’s pretty much unheard. I want other moms to be hopefully that they’ll be just as fortunate. ”

Sebastian | 22 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

I had the pleasure of meeting Sebastian when he was exactly one month old, He only spent 22 weeks and 4 days in his mom's womb before he decided to come out and see what's outside of her belly.  He actually decided to start making his way out as early as 18 weeks.  At his ultrasound, his mom was happy to find out that he was a boy.  Moments later, she was told that she was already dilated 1 centimeter.  She knew she was in for a difficult time!

On September 26, a "small, sweet, and perfect" boy was born.  Sebastian is loved by so many, including his grandmother seen in the photos below.  His mom wanted him to have these photos to be reminded of how strong he is.  She says, "I want to show him these pictures to remind him that he can accomplish anything.  He is my saving grace and my reason to continue fighting my own issues."

I'm excited to say that Sebastian (a 22 week preemie!) has been discharged home from the hospital!  He went home last week and is oh so handsome!  I'm excited to see how this preemie proves just how strong he is.  He has come such a long way, and I know his mother is so proud to have him as her own.  Big things are ahead for Sebastian!

Callan | In-Home Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

My sweet friends, Megan and Davis, had their second baby!  You may look at these images and be very confused... Callan looks just like their first baby, Colton!  He is a cutie and I cannot believe the resemblance!  Megan posts photos of her boys side by side on social media, and it is remarkable how much these two brothers look alike!  Take a look at some of Colton's birth and newborn photos taken back in October of 2014. I am always learning and studying the art of photography and lighting, and you can definitely see my progress when you compare sessions.

I got to bring my husband, Michael, along for this session. When our friends have babies, I always convince him into coming along with me because he needs to see baby and congratulate the parents, right?  Plus, I need a heavy lifter to carry all of my equipment.

We spent the day with this new family of four and really enjoyed watching Colton interact with his new baby brother.  Callan was super chill during his entire session.  I think he's going to be a really good sleeper with Colton as a big brother.  That boy is full of energy!  He is so so sweet though!  I can't wait to see what Callan's personality is like when he gets to be Colton's age.  

Update on 27 Week Twin Preemies, Ada and James | NICU Portrait Session | Charlotte, North Carolina

Remember my sweet twin friends, James and Ada?  Well, Ada finally made it out of the NICU to be home with her brother!  These photos were from our last session together, when she was 3 and a half months old.  She just had to show off her Christmas outfit!  She is such a sweet babe!

27 Week Preemie Twin Ada Smiling in Christmas Outfit

Here is an update from Ada's mom:  

"Ada came home on January 2 (after 110 days in the NICU) weighing 5 pounds 13 oz.  She now weighs 6 pounds 8 oz. She came home on a small amount of oxygen. She is becoming a better eater, taking bottles more quickly and efficiently.  She is enjoying lots of naps since being home in a calmer environment. She loves being snuggled and talked to and will stare at your face the entire time you are speaking. She can lift her head a little and turn it when you hold her on your chest. She also loves to grasp your finger or objects placed in her hand. She sleeps fairly well through the night between feedings but is an early bird who loves to wake up around 6 am.

James came home November 23 (after 70 days in the NICU) weighing 5 pounds 12 oz. He now weighs 11 pounds 1 oz!  He is changing so much every day. He is starting to look at you when you speak to him. He smiles socially, and he can lift his head and turn it during tummy time. He is starting to make "baby sounds" such as cooing when he is talked to. He is fascinated by high contrasts in color which means that our dark colored ceiling fan mesmerizes him. He sleeps extremely well from one feeding to the next during the night."

I am so excited to watch both of these preemies grow strong and develop personalities.  These parents are so sweet and I have truly enjoyed getting to know them!

Will | Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Jeannie is a sweet friend I met at the hospital - she works in a neighboring unit. When I met with her for her consultation, we hit it off from the start.  I mentioned that l hadn't been floated to work in her unit in quite some time.  In fact, we had never officially met in person until the consultation.  We had never crossed paths at work.  To my surprise, the very next day, I was floated to her unit!  I even gave report to her that night at the end of my shift, transferring the care of my babies to her.  By the end of her shift, she was into labor.  

Will was a few weeks early and spent some time in the NICU for respiratory issues, but was able to make it home in time for his newborn session, which was 2 days before his due date.  

Will's session went great and his parents were so warm and welcoming.  They even offered me some coffee!  I don't always get to drink it because I'm busy working with the babies, but I certainly appreciate the gesture!  I absolutely loved working with this family and their sweet boy!