July 12, 2012

Pictures of Hope. Meet Baby Ry-Ry.

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poh participating photographer web

I met Baby Ry-Ry (the name his big sister calls him) and his family through my affiliation with Pictures of Hope, an organization that shares the gift of photography with families who have babies in neonatal care units.  I never fail to be awed and humbled by people's willingness to allow me into a very vulnerable part of their history, to photographically document their time in NICU.  A time that is filled with fears, hopes, pain, prayers, victories, set-backs, sacrifice, love, and lots of waiting.  It's my desire to authentically capture this fragile time with its plethora of tiny details:  the multiple tubes that deliver life-sustaining fluids, medicines, and oxygen.  The amazing, caring nurses that the family will remember forever with gratitude in their hearts.  The darkness.  The quiet.  The tiny cotton diaper wraps that Ry-Ry is big enough to finally fit into.  The electronic data that continuously informs with immediate feedback.  The tiny toes and fingers and bright, alert eyes.  The darling weekly placards made by grandma, announcing Ry-Ry's new milestone age.  The cuddles.  The LOVE.  

Thank you, A Family, for the honor of witnessing your love.  I will be praying for Ry-Ry's continued growth, strength, and ever-improving lung function. No need to pray for any additional cuteness or preciousness - he has those qualities in spades! 

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Orange County Newborn & Baby Photographer

9 comments:

Tracy P. said...

What a gift, Susan. You understand holy ground when you see it. Photography is nothing without reverence. You are the epitome of both. Praying for Baby Ry-Ry and strength for his weary family.

Unknown said...

I am so glad you were a part of this. The baby is incredibly sweet. I will pray for his family tonight.

stacey said...

Absolutely LOVED this, Susan. I think it's so amazing that you are a part of this. What a gift for these parents!!

And I LOVE that you captured that nurse. Way to go. :)

Melissa Brown said...

Beautiful... This brought tears to my eyes as it reminded me of friends who received the same service, and now those pictures are a priceless treasure. What a kind and important gift to give someone. God bless this family and tiny one with health and strength!

Anonymous said...

I can't think of any hospital session that I've ever seen that has absolutely gripped my heart the way this one does. What a beautifully photographed story. Absolutely perfect. :)

Tracey said...

Oh how I would love to do this! These photos are so precious!

Anonymous said...

40 years ago our baby girl spent a month in the NICU and we have no photographic memories of that time at all. The service you are providing is from the heart and I'm here to tell you, it is a gift. Our baby girl now has a daugter and son of her own and documents every moment of their lives it seems. And I smile.

Lynda Murtha

Skeller said...

Thank you, all, for your very kind words. These sessions are as big a blessing to me as to the NICU families themselves. They are a reminder that life is fragile and miraculous. That medicine & medical devices are amazing. That families love. Deeply. And what a celebration as I get to see these little ones grow. thrive. celebrate birthdays ...

Ashjohnson42 said...

I jumped to this blog month because my twins were born 7/11/12 and i was just curious what you posted. My twins spent 3 long weeks in the NICU and anytime I see NICU pics I get sooo emotional and my heart melts. Very nice that this family got those moments recorded with good pictures. Its an unforgettable time.