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.

Three Reasons to Book a Mini Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

There are so many options when it comes to booking a photography session. Some things that factor into your choices are timing, finances, weather, utilization of the images. The list goes on. One great opportunity for both photographers and families is booking mini sessions. There are a number of reasons to choose to book a mini session, but below are three main reasons many families choose to book this particular type of session.

Mini sessions can be a great opportunity to try on your photographer for fit without a huge commitment. You want to ensure you and the photographer are comfortable with one another—if not, the discomfort can lead to images that aren’t of great quality photos that simply don’t feel genuine.

Once you’ve determined the relationship between yourself and your photographer, you will want to examine your budget. If finances are a little tight but you really want to prioritize photos, you can book a mini session, which is typically a less expensive option. Photographers tend to book back-to-back sessions in order to accomodate more families on a particular day. The session will be shorter (around 15 to 30 minutes) and usually does not allow for outfit changes. So they are quick and painless!

Finally, sometimes you’re just not looking for an abundance of images. You may even have a very specific image (e.g., special announcement, Christmas card, pregnancy announcement) that you are looking to capture and you don’t need a gallery of 100+ images. These special situations lend themselves perfectly to mini sessions because they usually yield fewer images in the final gallery.

This sweet girl definitely made the most of her mini session! What kinds of mini sessions would you like to see from me this year?! I have a few ideas in mind but I want to hear from you!

4 Tips for Successful Maternity Boudoir Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Boudoir photos—while they may not be the first, most traditional item on your pregnancy to-do list, I can assure you a maternity boudoir photography session is a priceless opportunity. When you are growing a baby, it may be challenging to want to bare your bump for more intimate photos, but these photos are an opportunity for me as a photographer to give you a different perspective on your blossoming, maternal beauty. In case you need some more convincing, I’ve put together a few tips for a successful boudoir experience.

First, not all boudoir photographers have the same vision or artistic slant. Search online for a photographer that uses light, poses, and outfits in a way that aligns with your taste. You may want more coverage and less skin or you may want more revealing images. Just make sure your photographer will accommodate that. Your photographer may even have a different level of comfort than you do!

Second, bring outfits that make you feel beautiful. The moment you try to put on something that you think you should be wearing but doesn’t fit your style and make you feel absolutely stunning, you are setting yourself up for an uncomfortable session. Different types of lacy bralettes can be found at places like Anthropologie or Francesca’s. A light kimono or sheer robe like this one is also a nice way to add a little bit of coverage.

Next, talk to me! Be an open book with your photographer. The more we can chat during your session, the better I can capture your vision and make you feel (and in turn, look) as comfortable as possible. Sometimes I am inspired by my client’s vision, so it doesn’t hurt to share your ideas.

Finally, print and enjoy theses photos! Pregnancy, while it can sometimes feel achingly long, is such a fleeting time. We don’t always take time to reflect on the beauty of it all. Plus, your husband might enjoy looking at these more than you!

Speaking of beauty, here are a few boudoir images from this stunning mama-to-be who has already introduced her new baby boy into the world!

How to Support and Encourage a Family with a Baby in the NICU | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

If you’ve ever had a friend or family member whose baby ends up in the NICU, you’ve probably felt scared, helpless, and at a loss on your role in this experience. While the NICU can be a scary place, it is also a place where milestones and joyous moments occur daily and where families are growing, loving, and learning as well. The good news is that there are plenty of great ways to support families in their NICU stays.

First, communicate with the family. Ask how they’re doing, how they’re coping, what they need or don’t need. Some families may just be completely overwhelmed and may prefer limited contact especially upon the initial admission or during periods where their baby may not be stable. Just be sensitive to where they are in their journey and all they’ve taken on.

Second, once families are seeing a little more clearly and ready to accept help or even visitors, never come empty-handed! While NICU families may not need tons of baby gear, one thing they do need is a little bit of TLC. You all, some NICU parents do not leave their child’s bedside for hours! With that being said, they sometimes skimp on sleep, meals, and self care. Do a little research on restaurants in or around the hospital and bring a meal or a gift card for a meal. Better yet, set up a meal train where people can bring meals to the hospital. Perhaps you could bring a cozy blanket to make the hospital more comfortable for them. A little pouch with some self-care items can go a long way, too!

Finally, just listen. Sometimes the NICU can seem like a world of unknowns. Each person wants to ask all of the questions so he or she find solutions for their loved ones. NICU families work with comprehensive healthcare teams, rounding multiple times each day. They’re tired of talking about problems and solutions. They may just want to talk about how they’re feeling, or they may just want to joke around and find light in their circumstances. So, don’t worry about having the right things to say. Just be present and lend an open ear—meet them in their grief, their excitement, their joy. Wherever it is, meet them there.

If you think your friend of family members may be suffering from postpartum mental health issues, like postpartum depression please refer them to a professional. NICU parents (moms and dads) are at a heightened risk for adverse mental health outcomes. Foundations local to Charlotte like Pierce’s Project offer simple ways to get started with a counseling program to make the NICU stay, and beyond, a bearable experience. Doctors are increasingly aware of these issues, but sometimes it takes a friend or family member to encourage the family to step away from the NICU for a moment to care for their mental well-being.

What have you gifted to a NICU parent? For NICU parents—what gift or experience during your NICU stay was most supportive?

Valentine's Day Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Charlotte, North Carolina has been upping their art game over the past decade! I love seeing new murals popping up around the city… and of course I love it even more if it’s easy to get to and as beautiful as Evelyn Henson’s Confetti Hearts Wall in South End - and it doesn’t hurt when it’s beside Jeni’s!

I had blast photographing families, couples, and children last year for my first annual Valentine’s Heart Wall portraits! I couldn’t let this year go by without taking the opportunity to have new families strike a pose in front of this wall.

Evan was my first subject and he didn’t disappoint! I got some cute smiles and he had fun standing on the red box! Each year, I try to keep these sessions simple, without a lot of props. I don’t want to distract from the heart wall’s fun colors and design, or from you!

Comment below and tell me your favorite images from this year’s sessions!

2020 Valentine’s Day Portraits

Confetti Hearts Wall

1930 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203

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

Jude

25 Weeks and 1 day

1 pound 13 ounces

“I found out I was expecting Jude on Dec. 14th, our second baby (we have an almost 4 year old daughter, Isla). We were over the moon and told Isla she was getting a baby brother for her birthday (I was due Aug 21 and her bday is Aug 27). Up until 24 weeks, I had a textbook pregnancy but at 24 weeks 0 days I was admitted to the hospital because of leaking fluid. Lots of tests later and I was put on bedrest due to cervical insufficiency. It turned out my water had not broken but my cervix had dilated. My team of OB's and maternal fetal medicine told me I would most likely deliver within 24-72 hours.

“I remember having a conversation with my OB the second night I was on bedrest. She told me I was in a very grave position but if I could make it to 25 weeks the difference in gestation and development would be huge. So then my goal became 25 weeks; at 24 weeks 3 days my water broke and once again I was told I'd deliver within 48 hours but it didn't happen. Unfortunately a few days later, I developed an infection and Jude was born a week and 1 day after I was admitted. I'd made it to 25 weeks!

“Like any preemie parent, my husband and I were terrified. We had no idea what the weeks and months ahead would hold and seeing our sweet baby hooked up to so many monitors and medical devices was heartbreaking. We visited daily and on day 10 I was finally able to hold him. We have kangarooed every day since except for two days around the time Jude developed an infection (urosepsis). Jude is truly a miracle and has impressed us every day of this journey. We are so very blessed to be his parents.”

Here are a few shots of the ‘little fighter’, Jude in his first home, the NICU. He eventually made it home with Mom, Dad, and sister Isla!

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

Caroline

27 weeks + 3 days

2 pounds 14 ounces

Caroline was born premature and spent a bit of time in the NICU. Her onesie is an ode to the incredible NICU nurses she met along the way. Caroline’s parents definitely have a magic touch and managed to take a temperature, change her diaper, and pose for some sweet family photos, all without waking the baby! She did give them the sweetest smirk though!

Look how tiny she looks in her daddy’s hands! She’s already got her parents wrapped around her little preemie fingers—and toes!

Erika | Indoor Studio Maternity Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Photographers have an eye for beauty in all things, but sometimes we come across a really easy subject. Not only is Erika a sweet, bubbly, pure ray of light with a big laugh to match that radiant smile you see in these photos, but she is also quite the model. She makes pregnancy look stylish, with such an element of comfort—I’m not talking about the messy bun and sweatpants kind of comfort, but an apparent ease. Do you get my drift?

Her indoor studio images are some of my favorites, as I was able to really focus on capturing her belly. She was about 30 weeks which is what I recommend for maternity photos, as many women have a prominent bump by this point, and comfort and mobility aren’t yet compromised. I want mamas to be as comfortable as possible because that is how we have a great session that leads to cohesive galleries with a lot of images!

One thing that adds to beautiful photos is the wardrobe. Erika had everything from a Calvin Klein bra and panty set to a body con turtleneck dress. The black dress really emphasized her silhouette, while the Calvin Klein set allowed for a fun, relaxed moment to bare her beautiful bump. Finally, her chunky, neutral knit created a casual, lifestyle-type photo opportunity—just her and her little one enjoying some quality time. With only three outfit changes, this gallery has such a diversity in the tone of the images. I aim to diversify your sessions, and I want you to end up with images that don’t all feel like they’re the same.

What is your favorite type of maternity session? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? Long gowns flowing in the wind or a more casual look? How about family or purely the bump?

Three Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Toddler | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Toddlers make all of the littlest holidays so much fun! If you’re at a loss for how to celebrate upcoming Valentine’s Day with your little one, I have a few ideas!

Crafts are always fun. Kids love scissors, glue, paint, stickers, and sparkles, of course! Depending on the level of messiness, I mean independence, you can do anything from assisting your child with turning their hand or prints into heart-shaped Valentines to putting some of their favorite treats in goody bags with personalized labels. For example, ‘You are the apple of my eye’ or ‘Orange you glad we are friends?’ Valentine’s Day treats don’t always have to be candy!

If crafts aren’t your thing (you can find the cutest store-bought Valentines at Target, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby these days), you can still celebrate Valentine’s Day by doing some fun activities around the house. One thing you can do is create a list of people (friends and family) and have your toddler say one thing they love about each person and then write it on the list. The answers are typically both heartwarming and hilarious.

Personalized gifts are my favorite because it gives you a memento to look back on as your children grow. Creating valentines with your child’s face and a little ode to their personality is always a great option. In South End Charlotte, there is a Confetti Hearts Wall mural created to enhance the beauty of Charlotte and to create more joy. Who doesn’t want to spread love, joy, and kindness during Valentine’s Day? You can head over and take a peek at some of my previous Valentine’s Day sessions! I’ll be sharing the ones from this year soon!

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day activities to do with toddlers?

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

Scarlett

22 weeks 2 days

13 pounds 12.8 ounces

Scarlett is quite the little fighter. She came into this world under one pound! Her story began as one of four quadruplets. She is the only one earth side, but her siblings—Oliver, Amelia, and Vivian—still remain a beautiful part of her family’s story. Recently, the peanut you see below has gained ‘big sister’ status to her little brother Christian, who has already had his newborn session as part of his Baby Plan membership.

Despite the hardships of a pregnancy with quadruplets that ended in preterm deliveries and spending quite some time in the NICU, Scarlett’s parents have a great sense of humor—I always enjoy my time with them. Below, Scarlett’s mother, a nurse, details her family’s journey through a pregnancy with multiples and their time in the NICU.

“We knew we would have trouble conceiving. I have PCOS as well as a bicornuate uterus. We did three rounds of IUI. Our last was successful and we were pregnant with quads. We found out we were pregnant in May. The pregnancy was moving along very easily. My husband and I were so excited, and our family and friends couldn’t even believe there were four. At my 21 week MFM appointment my water broke and the immediately sent me to the maternity unit where I stayed until the babies were delivered. It was a roller coaster from that point forward. I went into early labor and had to deliver one baby who we named Oliver. He passed away during the laboring process. We knew God had a bigger plan for him. We call him his sisters’ hero, he held on long enough to buy his sisters more time. The other three were able to hang on for another week. I ended up getting septic and had to have an emergency c-section to deliver the other three babies at 22 weeks and 2 days. One little girl we named Amelia passed away and his hanging out with her brother Oliver. The other two we named Scarlett and Vivian— sassy and feisty little girls keeping the nurses on their toes. This is not how we pictured this adventure in our lives going but we couldn’t have been in a better place. Everyone from the nurses, doctors, and support staff [were] the kindest most compassionate people we could have asked to have care for our family through this time.”

Below is a glimpse into Scarlett’s time in the NICU, on a ventilator. You also get to see a sweet moment of kangaroo care with her mother and some hand hugs with mom and dad.

Scarlett’s newborn session after NICU graduation—look how much she’s grown!

Scarlett’s spring session with the peach blossoms at Springs Farm — Scarlett is a big sister!

Scarlett turns ONE!

Baby brother Christian snoozes through his newborn session.

Meet Me at the Confetti Hearts Wall | Valentine's Day Mini Sessions | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer

Now Booking

Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions

Grab your Valentine and meet me at the Confetti Hearts Wall on January 29th!

Newborn Baby Girl Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

Jack | Baby Boy Newborn Portraits | Charlotte Newborn Photographer | Charlotte, NC | Krista Gantt Photography

Sarah | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

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.

Ways a Photographer Can Give Back | Charlotte, NC Photographer

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’re all thinking of how we can give of ourselves during this season. As a photographer I’ve had the most wonderful opportunity to partner with Pierce’s Project, an organization that supports NICU families both during their NICU stays and beyond, to offer free NICU portraits for families. Since I am both a NICU nurse and photographer, it’s been a gift to intertwine two of my passions in order to create an opportunity to give back.

For several years in a row, I donated my time to two annual March of Dimes Chef’s Auctions here in Charlotte. I spend most of my time donating to Pierce’s Project, including their family nights, Santa portraits, and the 2019 Oktoberfest. I was given the opportunity to display canvases of families I had photographed in the NICU at the event. After the event, I put up the canvases in the family waiting room at Novant. I am currently still donating sessions to local families with babies in the NICU at hospital here in Charlotte, which I started doing back in 2016. The opportunities are endless—get creative!

Here are three tips to get you thinking about for how you can give back as a photographer:

1. Look at the circles in which you’re already involved and offer free or low-cost photography. Does your church need updated head shots? Could the community animal shelter use your help photographing animals that need homes?

2. Think of special holiday events that you could photograph for little to no cost. Does your child’s school have an event you could photograph? Is there a holiday party or fundraising gala you could photograph?

3. Mentor an aspiring photographer. Do you know of an individual or small group to whom you could offer a few photography and/or editing sessions?

The Perks of Private Santa Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

A trip to see Santa is such a quintessential childhood experience; the visit brings such joy to little ones and their families. While Santa is pure magic for kids, there are so many factors of visiting Santa in a mall or larger setting that can make the experience less than ideal for families.

A private Santa portrait provides a special, individualized experience for each and every child. Families can plan around nap times and other activities and skip the long lines in order to enjoy a moment of togetherness and to soak in the holiday spirit.

Not only are the little ones able to see Santa; they are also able to visit with his better half—Mrs. Claus! This is an experience that is not offered very frequently, and it really brings the entire Santa experience to life.

Private sessions also allow for all kinds of special considerations. For example, a private setting can be more manageable for children with sensory processing challenges. Also, for children with weakened immune systems (like all of those sweet preemies I photograph) the private settings create a cleaner environment with fewer chances to leave Santa with any unwanted ‘gifts’. Even children on home ventilators are welcome, as I am comfortable working with all kinds of medical equipment.

My private Santa sessions begins with coffee, hot chocolate, and some sweet holiday treats. The aroma of WoodWick’s Frasier Fir candle fills my home studio, and creates a relaxing space for families to dwell while the children craft their wish lists. When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive, the little ones can jump right up—the shy littles are allowed plenty of time to warm up before sharing their wish list. All of these factors add up to create relaxed, authentic photographs for each family.

Below is a sneak peek of a few 2019 private sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tell me in the comments why you would choose a private Santa session over a visit to the mall! I’m interested to hear your thoughts!

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

Tatiana

25 Weeks

1 pound 10.8 ounces

“I couldn’t become pregnant with my husband so we were seen by doctors at REACH and the doctors were able to help me become pregnant with in vitro and we were so excited to finally have a baby!

My water broke at 24.5 weeks and was admitted to the hospital. Tatiana was born 4 days later at 25.2 weeks. She’s the light of our lives and we love her very much!

Being in the NICU is very difficult emotionally and physically, the best advise I can give is to take this journey one day at a time. God is in control, pray every day for your baby, the nurses and the doctors!”

This ‘little lady’ has endured a lot in her first 11 weeks of life, but she is growing and making new developments daily. Growing is hard work for preemies, and Tatianna snoozed through our session!

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

Immaleigha

28 weeks

2 pounds 3.5 ounces

‘When I found out I was expecting I was…in shock!’

Immaleigha’s mother was surprised by her pregnancy and had quite the bumpy road to Immaleigha’s premature arrival.

‘I was very scared but prayed my way through it all and baby girl is here…Life since birth feels great. Mommy mode instantly kicked in. I can’t believe I have a baby girl. What I always wanted’

While she had all that she’d always wanted, it was hard for Immaleigha’s mother to leave the hospital without her sweet baby girl. While in the NICU she gained some wonderful wisdom on life with a baby in intensive care: ‘I would tell other moms and dads to remain humble keep their faith, it is not over!’ Pictures of Immaleigha have helped her mother to cope with this experience. She loves being able to look back at photos to remind herself of her baby’s progress when the NICU journey feels challenging.

“I would tell other moms and dads to remain humble keep their faith, it is not over!”

Immaleigha might be tiny, but she is not lacking in accessories. Dressed in floral, adorned in bows, and she is even flaunting the tinyest purse! While the pregnancy and her early arrival may have been a surprise, these doting parents are clearly so in love with their little lady.

Emery and Nora | 32 Week Preemie Twins | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Emery and Nora

32 Weeks • 3 Pounds 7 Ounces

“Twins do not run in our families, so we were shocked to hear we were pregnant with spontaneous twin girls.

The pregnancy was going great with no complications until week 30. My blood pressure started to rise but the doctors kept telling us that everything looked great and we could expect to delivery closer to 36-38 weeks.

Week 32 hit and we learned I had severe preeclampsia and fluid on my lungs. When we went to the hospital we were told the goal was to stay pregnant for at least 2 more weeks, but as more tests were done, the goal changed to staying pregnant 2-3 days and ultimately our twins would be born immediately.

We had the twins via emergency c-section less than 24 hours after going to the nurse triage for what we thought was a simple checkup. It has been a hard road for me as the mom because my body clearly failed the girls and couldn’t carry them any longer, but thanks to our faith in the Lord and the greatest friends and family, we’ve stayed strong and are determined to bring home 2 healthy girls as soon they are ready!”

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

Piper

29 Weeks • 2 Pounds 11 Ounces

“I have always wanted to be a mom... I started babysitting when I was 12 years old and was a live-in nanny during the summers while I was in college.

I always thought it would be easy to get pregnant and that I would have a picture perfect pregnancy, delivery, etc. Well, I was certainly in for a surprise! It took us almost a year to get pregnant, then I had a pretty tough pregnancy and ended up going into pre-term labor at 25 weeks. I was in the hospital for 4 days (during Christmas) then was sent home on bed rest.

I was home for 3 weeks and went back into labor at 28 weeks and found out I was 2cm dilated when I got to the hospital. I was given another round of steroid shots and magnesium. We found out I had a partial abruption and the baby could come within hours. I was only 28 weeks and completely terrified! I accepted I was going to be in the hospital for the long haul and prayed my baby girl would hold on a little bit longer...

I ended up making it 6 more days in the hospital and then my daughter decided to make her debut. I had a c-section (the spinal did not work, so I unfortunately felt the entire thing- ouch!). Piper came out a fighter and has been powering through her NICU stay.

This has been an emotional rollercoaster, but each day gets better knowing we are closer to bringing her home!”