Asher | 25 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“We chose the name Asher because of it’s beautiful meaning: happy, blessed, and fortunate...which is exactly how we feel today!”

Asher was born at 25 weeks and 6 days at just 2 pound 6.9 ounces.  When we met, he was over 2 months old, and looking oh so healthy!  He was working on learning how to take bottles and was able to go home to be with his parents and big brother, Jackson, in February right after his due date.

Kerri and Nate's story wasn't easy though.  Jackson was conceived by IVF (in vitro fertilization) after a few years of infertility treatments and several rounds of IVF.  Asher was conceived using a frozen embryo - Isn't that amazing!?  Our medical advances are absolutely astonishing sometimes! 

All went well during Asher's time inside the womb, until Kerri was diagnosed with preeclampsia.  It eventually progressed and became so severe that Asher had to be delivered via emergency c-section.  He was born on November 4th and experienced a few hiccups along the way that complicated his stay in the NICU.  Today is he is looking stronger and stronger!

Avayah | 29 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

“She is a rainbow baby, as we had our first pregnancy end in miscarriage in May of 2016. ”

It was a pleasure meeting Avayah and her sweet family in the NICU.  She is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit and is working towards going home soon.  When I met Avayah, she was having a great day.  She handled her outfit changes very well, and was even able to come out of her bed to enjoy skin-to-skin time with her mom and dad.  I can tell she is going to do big things one day! 

Here is Avayah's birth story, as told by her mom:

"We found out we were expecting the end of July 2016! At 29 weeks gestation, I suddenly developed HELLP syndrome. My platelets became dangerously low at 16,000 and they had to perform an emergency c-section. She was therefore born on Saturday, 1/21/17 at 9:40 am. She was 2 pounds and 11 ounces of strength!  She is has increased her weight daily, and she is up to full feedings via her OG tube. She's such a great baby and is very chill. She loves skin to skin time and reading her stories. We are so blessed she continues to do so well and cannot wait to take her home."

Update on Sully | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Sully is growing up!  I can't believe this previous 28 weeker that I photographed last June is now 16 pounds!  He was just 2 pounds 6 ounces at birth, and here he is now!  He might just be my most handsome NICU baby!  If you missed his NICU portrait session, check it out here or click the button below.

“Sully is doing great. He is weighing in around 16lbs now. He is eating three meals a day, rolling over, sitting up, and trying his best to walk.”

I got to see Sully this fall at an event Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital where I was able to photograph him once again.  Pierce's Project hosted a Germ Free Santa Session for past NICU babies, and sweet little Sully showed up!  Can you even handle how cute he is in his little elf outfit?  His parents are going to have their work cut out for them when the girls start chasing him!  

Update on Lincoln | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Lincoln was the first NICU portrait session that I did almost a year ago!  I was so excited to share my gift of photography with a NICU family, and even more thrilled with the experience when I met his parents.  They are the sweetest couple and they were so appreciative of my complimentary services.  I love being able to incorporate my artistic craft with my love for the preemies and nursing career.

Here's an update from Lincoln's mom:

"Lincoln is 10 months (7 months adjusted) already. He's over 15 pounds. He's crawling around everywhere, sitting up on his own, and just recently pulling himself up to stand! It's so amazing to see him grow & develop. (He still receives PT once a week and speech once every other week.)  He is just full of personality and I'm so grateful to be his mommy. ❤"

Update on Rhett | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Rhett was born in July of 2016 at 28 weeks.  He weighed 1 pound 9 ounces.  I was lucky enough to photograph him during his stay in the NICU by offering his parents complimentary NICU portraits.  Pierce's Project arranged for Rhett's mom to have her hair and makeup done for the session, and she looked stunning!  (See Rhett's NICU session here.) . While I do follow many NICU patients on social media and could see that he is doing great, I caught up with Rhett's mom to request a personal update on Rhett's progress since going home.

“Rhett is doing so well! He is up to 12 pounds, rolls over, and is a total mama’s boy. He is a great eater and sleeper, and he loves being home with his parents and two dogs. He is thriving! He is so much fun and so happy! ”

Remembering Rigdon | 24 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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.

Enjoy Rigdon's sweet cheeks as you look at his discharge day photos!  He's one precious little nicu graduate! Click here to donate to Rigdon's family.

Landry Hope | 29 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

I met this sweet little lady for NICU portraits when she was a little over one month old.  I happened to run into one of her family members a few weeks prior, a girl who I just happened to know from my childhood.  When I saw her in the NICU, I was very confused as to why she was there.  Did she have a baby in the NICU?  I knew she had some health issues, but did I completely miss the fact that she was pregnant?  Well, I was relieved to find out that I had not been living under a rock after all.  This was not her baby.  She was just visiting.  Then she told me Landry's story.  I just knew I had to photograph this precious baby as soon as possible.

Here is Landry's story, as told by her dad.

"Landry Hope was born on November 15, 2016. Her gestational age was exactly 29 weeks. She weighed 2 pounds 11 ounces, and measured 15 inches in length. When the nurse asked us if we had settled on a name, we told her we had not. We knew we liked Landry for a girl because it is my mother-in-law's maiden name, but we had not settled on a middle name. We didn't even know if we were having a boy or a girl. So, we agreed on Landry and my wife, Marie, turned to me and said "what about Hope" for a middle name. She nailed it. We were full of hope that Landry would grow and things would be ok.

Tragically, my wife Marie, passed away one week after giving birth. The name Hope suddenly took on an entire new meaning for me and my entire family. We are incredibly grateful for the care that Landry received during her NICU stay. We were told that Landry would probably be in the NICU until somewhere around her due date of January 31st. Because of the incredible care she received in the NICU, she was able to come home on the 4th of January. She now weighs more than 7 pounds and is doing well."

{Request your own free NICU portraits HERE.}

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!

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!

27 Week Preemie | Charlotte, NC Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Ty

Born at 27 weeks 4 days, weighing 1 pound 8 ounces

“After approximately 5 years of trying with a couple losses, we eventually got pregnant with the assistance of IUI. On Mother’s Day of 2016, I found out I was pregnant.

After further appointments with REACH, it was determined that I was carrying twins. During the pregnancy around week 9, I lost one of the twins. I continued to have complications during the pregnancy with a subchorionic hematoma and hyperemesis. Following these issues, I was hospitalized at Presby Matthews for a week due to signs of preeclampsia and my placenta was not allowing proper blood flow to the baby. Following a week of observation I was released.

I spent a week back at home and was re-admitted to Presby Main a week later, at 27 weeks and 1 day. I received steroids during this time, my blood pressure continued to rise along with my liver values. The decision was made to deliver Ty by an emergency C-section on 10/22/16 at 0401 hrs.

During my stays at both Presby facilities, I can't say enough about the nurses and doctors. Everyone has been fabulous. Since Ty was born, it has been difficult traveling to and from the NICU but it is so worth it. The NICU Nurses and Doctors have been amazing and always keep us updated on Ty's progress.

It is stressful and there are "ups and downs" but you have to focus on the positives and keep cheering your baby on.”

27 Week Twins | Preemies | NICU Portrait Session | Charlotte, North Carolina

Let me introduce you to James and Ada!  They are my most recent twin friends : )  I'll be following them throughout their journey, but let me share their story with you...

Virginia found out she was pregnant with twins when she was only 7 weeks.  She and her husband were thrilled, but at 16 weeks discovered that their baby girl was not growing as well as doctors would like.  Doctors weren't even sure that Ada would make it any further into the pregnancy.

At 20 weeks, Virginia was admitted to the hospital with preeclampsia.  She stayed for 2 weeks and then was later released with the understanding that she would be on modified bed rest to allow Ada and James more time to grow.  

At 24 weeks, Virginia was admitted again for elevated liver enzymes and also found out that there was limited blood flow through the umbilical cord to Ada.  After discussing several options, Virginia and her husband decided to do what was best for her babies...She would receive two rounds of steroids and then deliver the twins.

At 27 weeks gestation, the twins were born.  James weighed less than two pounds and Ada weighed less than one pound.  It was a whirlwind for Virginia but she is so thankful that they are safe and growing now.  James is breathing on his own with bubble CPAP and Ada is still needing support breathing so she is intubated on a ventilator.  Although these babies have a long way to go, I'm excited to follow them and see their progress!  Take a look at these little guys below!

Queen City Quints | 27 Week Quintuplets | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Coming soon to a blog near you!  I can't wait to share with you the Queen City Quints!

Rhett | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Courtney and her husband tried for some time to have a baby.  When they found out they were pregnant, they "were over the moon excited!"  Courtney felt great throughout the pregnancy.  She eventually started having issues with elevated blood pressure, that evolved into severe preeclampsia.  On Sunday, July 17th, Courtney experienced a placental abruption and sweet little Rhett was delivered by c-section on July 20th.  He weighed just 1 pound 6 ounces.

Here is the rest of Rhett's story, as told by his mom: 

"We were so relieved to hear him cry when he was born. The whole experience was so surreal. The doctors and nurses took Rhett into the NICU right after delivery before I could even see him. Once he was stable and I was out of recovery, my husband and I went to the NICU where I finally got to see my newborn.

He was perfect and beautiful, but so tiny. I was terrified. The beeps of the machines, all the wires and lights... It was so scary.

He has been making steady progress and is already 8 weeks old.  He is breathing mostly on his own and weights 3 and a half pounds already. He's growing stronger everyday!

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself its all going to be ok, he will grow fast and even though it doesn't seem like it, this wont last forever."

Jaxson | 25 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

You might have seen Jaxson floating around on my Facebook page.  Well he has given his mom run for her money!  Jaxson was born on July 7th at just 25 weeks, weighting 1 pound 4 ounces.  He was originally due on October 17th, but his mom was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and Jaxson had to be delivered via c-section.  

When I came to visit him, he was spending some time on bubble CPAP but he is now back on the ventilator letting his body rest while his lungs grow a little.  He made it to 3 pounds 6 ounces and is now 33 weeks and 3 days.  (Yes, we count days in the NICU!)  According to the nurses, Jaxson is getting quite spunky in his old age.  :)  Take a look!

Kaden | 27 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

This sweet little guy decided to come a little early!  Meet my new friend, Kaden!  He was due in August but decided to come in May at just 27 weeks.  His birth weight was 1 pound and 11 ounces, and he was only 11 inches long!  Kaden's mom found out that she was expecting in January and did not expect to go into labor so early.  She was so scared, just like most other NICU moms.  Can you relate?  What kind of feelings did you have when you found out that your baby was going to be delivered sooner than expected?  

This is what WebMD says most babies are doing at 27 weeks.  Kaden decided he didn't want to have anything to do with all of those "normal baby" things - he was so excited to see his mommy that he just couldn't wait any longer!  

Scroll through to see what his life is like in the NICU...

Dreya | 27 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

This is Dreya!  She was born at 27 weeks weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces.  She interrupted a family vacation at the beach to come into this world a little early!  Mom had to stay on bedrest for a week, and eventually had to deliver Dreya due to placental abruption.

Dreya came out crying despite being only 27 weeks! She didn't require oxygen for too long, and when I visited her, she was eating a bottle on her own.  That's right - no feeding tube!  She is now at home growing big and strong, alongside her three older brothers.

Sully | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Sully's story is a beautiful one!  His mom was told years ago that she was unable to have children.  Well that changed last winter.  Sully's parents found out they were expecting on the night before Christmas Eve.  As his dad said, "What a wonderful Christmas Miracle!"

Sully surprised his mom and dad with an early entrance into this big world.  He decided to come earthside early in May at just 28 weeks and 2 pounds 6 ounces.  He's not the smallest baby I've seen, but to most - that is so so tiny!  He has spent the majority of his time on CPAP, which you'll see in the images below.  He's working on feeding and getting out of the NICU.  His parents cannot wait to have him back home with them!  Here is a glimpse into the neonatal intensive care unit and all that comes with it...

Lilly | 29 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Lincoln | 28 Weeks | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina NICU Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

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“My husband and I always knew we wanted to have a family. It took us longer than expected to get pregnant. We were ecstatic when we found out we were going to have a baby!

I had a normal healthy pregnancy until February 6th when I woke up in a puddle of my amniotic fluid. I was only 21 weeks and 5 days pregnant. We went to the hospital where I stayed on bedrest for 47 days. I went into labor when Lincoln was 28 weeks old. He weighed 1 pound 15.8 ounces, and he was 13.25 inches long at delivery.

He is so precious and strong. We are so fortunate to have him in our lives. ”

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When I first walked in the family room at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, I knew Lincoln is very very loved.  His mom and dad were just beaming with excitement for me to meet him.  Despite his early delivery, he is doing well and growing.  His parents are so thankful for my donation of NICU portraits, but I'm so thankful to have met such sweet parents like them.  They are so kind and gracious, and both full of joy for their new baby boy!  I cannot wait to see how big and handsome their sweet boy gets!

Make sure to check out the gift Lincoln's mom received from her best friend!  She received it while on bedrest after her water broke at just 21 weeks.  The necklace is called the "giving key" and given to someone who needs it.  Once they meet someone who needs the key more than they do, they pass it along to that person to help them through their journey.  What a beautiful gift!  I might have shed a tear when she told me the story!  One of Lincoln's photos was even published on the cover of a journal.  Click here to see it!

Here are some images of Lincoln's first ever portrait session...