little angel addyson…pictures of hope

Eydie Nelson on June 30, 2011

sweet baby addyson was born on march 29th at just over one pound…she is a little miracle and i am happy to report that she is now over five pounds and hopefully going home to her mom and dad soon.  my pictures of hope photography sessions are nothing but humbling.  i love every minute i spend with these wonderful families and their precious babies.  each story is amazing and miraculous and i leave feeling incredibly blessed to have met the families i have the opportunity to take photos for.  marissa, addyson’s mom was such a sweetheart.  and, while i was at the hospital, she showed me photos of addyson just after she was born.  she told me that she had just finished nursing school and that at one point (before addyson came)  she had considered being a nurse in the NICU, but that she didn’t feel she could ever have a heart strong enough.  she then looked at me with a smile and told me that she is not reconsidering as she knows she could not only be a good nurse, but a great support system to the families that are in the NICU.  i hope she moves forward with this because i think she would be the most wonderful nurse in this setting.  she just had this ease about her …the way she touched and looked at her baby girl warmed my heart.  when i left, she put addyson down in her bed and told her that she would be right back and that she loved her…so sweet.  god bless you sweet baby addyson.  continue to grow strong, beautiful girl.  marissa, i am so happy you found me.

The Pictures of Hope Foundation, a national charitable organization, benefiting families in the neonatal intensive care unit {NICU}.  The pictures of hope foundation {POH} is comprised of professional photographers from all over the united states, that provides an opportunity for professional photographers to give back to their community.  Members of Pictures of Hope, offer complimentary, documentary-style photography services to families with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration and unfortunately, at times grief.  Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road.  Pictures of Hope provides you with invaluable photographs of your sweet one that you will cherish forever.

At the request of the parents, a photographer will come to your NICU room and photograph your baby using the available light in your room.  Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization, there are no fees for the services provided by our participating members.

pictures of hope…sweet elizabeth

Eydie Nelson on January 28, 2011

i love these sessions…and have worked with nothing but exceptional families and parents.  these babies are true blessings…when i look into their beautiful, sweet eyes, i know how differently it could have been.  sweet baby elizabeth is doing so well and is getting so close to going home to her two big brothers and one sister…i am thinking she is going to get a lot of love and attention.:)  keeping growing strong miss elizabeth…you are a sweet pea, little one.

little miracles…pictures of hope

Eydie Nelson on December 9, 2010

in the heart of the holiday season, i find it is so easy to get caught up  in the commercialization of Christmas…the gift buying, the decorations, the holiday cards…all of the things that seem to take over our lives during the month of december. and, not that all of these things are not wonderful because they are, but have you just stopped during this busy time to think about the true meaning of Christmas in the birth of  baby Jesus?  as i sit here writing this post, i am humbled by these sweet, little miracles which are the most special gift from above.  all three of these babies decided to come into the world early. they are so small, so innocent and are true blessings.  it is these little blessings which are one reminder to me of the true meaning of Christmas.  and, as you continue to prepare for the beautiful day of Christ’s birthday, take a deep breath, look at all the blessings in your life and hold them close to your heart. to the hedin and oswald familes…i truly loved meeting you all and your little ones.  i was moved with how much love filled both hospital rooms.  thank you for allowing me into your lives for just a bit to meet your sweet ones…i pray they all continue to grow strong so they can be home soon.

baby brayden…

babies reagan and eden…

benjamin thomas…perfection

Eydie Nelson on August 4, 2010

this little love is very dear to my heart…he belongs to one of my dearest friends and i am so happy he is here and is doing so well.  he decided that he wanted to come into the world a bit early…two months early and only weighed a little over three pounds.  he is a strong little guy and came home a few weeks ago.  i was honored to photograph him and only wished i could have stayed for days and days to catch up with his mamma.  🙂  i talk to her so often over email, but don’t get to see her and her sweet family often enough in person.  what a beautiful addition to the most wonderful family.  lots of love to you all and congratulations on your little ben.  he is perfect.

pictures of hope and perfect sweetness…

Eydie Nelson on July 16, 2010

the story of shelby is beautiful…it began in montana where shelby’s parents were living before shelby was born.  shelby’s mom had experienced a tough pregnancy up to this point and at 22 weeks, with the guidance of her doctor, she was advised that she needed to be closer to a hospital that could handle a premature baby.  she traveled to sioux falls, south dakota where her mom and dad were residing.  shelby decided to come into the world on april 13th. she was 23 weeks and only one pound.  on june 1st, shelby’s doctors decided shelby needed to be transported to minneapolis to have heart surgery. it is here in minnesota where little shelby will stay for awhile.  her daddy has since found a job here so their family could all be together.  she has been a very strong little angel over the last 3 months and is now 37 weeks. taking photos for this little sweetness was the most rewarding session i have had in my photography career.  shelby has already endured so much in her little life.  and, her mom and dad…are an inspiration to everyone who knows them.  the strength it must take…and, the sacrifices they have made.  God must have known they could endure it all because they are doing the most wonderful job. it was a joy for me to meet shelby’s mommy…her family’s story has touched me forever.  i have been keeping up on shelby’s journey and this particular journal excerpt by shelby’s mommy moved me so much…here is a little bit of it.

i am just sitting next to my baby while she is sleeping…i love to just watch her and tell her how much we love her and that mommy is here and will do whatever it takes to make her feel better.  when i have her in my arms i finally feel at peace.  it gets to be a time when we both get to heal together… by suzanne ullom

as parents, we can feel the love in this reading, but it takes on a whole new meaning.  as i am typing, tears were going pitter patter on my keyboard.  and, as you see the photos below you will be moved by emotion as you see this perfect little baby girl who is growing stronger and stronger by the day.

dear God, may you continue to watch over and protect sweet baby shelby…amen.

i also had to share the most wonderful story of katy the angel…you will see her below.  angel katy is 45-50 years old…literally.  she originally belonged to michael.  michael was born with downs syndrome.  he had many heart surgeries and at the age of 30 passed away. before he died he passed the little angel doll to his mom’s older sister.  michael said it was his time to meet his real angel so he wanted katy to watch over other people here on earth.  katy has been over the US, europe and even iraq with a soldier. her keeper is now alec who was born with a heart defect.  alec is now 13 years old and has had several heart surgeries.  he heard about shelby from his grandma and wanted angel katy to visit shelby.  and, so it is here next to baby shelby that katy the angel sits.  so incredibly heart warming…

Pictures of Hope Foundation, a national charitable organization, benefiting families in the neonatal intensive care unit {NICU}.  The pictures of hope foundation {POH} is comprised of professional photographers from all over the united states, that provides an opportunity for professional photographers to give back to their community.  Members of Pictures of Hope, offer complimentary, documentary-style photography services to families with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Time spent in the NICU is often an unexpected journey for families, a journey full of overwhelming emotions…sadness, confusion, hope, celebration and unfortunately, at times grief.  Throughout this roller coaster of emotions, many parents do not consider the importance of documenting these moments in their lives nor do they think about how much they will truly cherish these images years down the road.  Pictures of Hope provides you with invaluable photographs of your sweet one that you will cherish forever.

At the request of the parents, a photographer will come to your NICU room and photograph your baby using the available light in your room.  Pictures of Hope is a charitable organization, there are no fees for the services provided by our participating members.

For more information,  visit www.picturesof hopefoundation.org or feel free to contact me directly!