Three months ago, I attended a networking meeting and learned about a non-profit, Nurses for Newborns. I was really interested in learning more so I invited the director to meet and discuss how we could work together. To start our working partnership we donated to the upcoming Night for Newborns at the Factory in Franklin. This night was a great success to raise money for this much needed service! We had a silent and live auction for the night. When the live auction painted portrait was auctioned we ended up giving two painted portraits raising double on the item! 

Madison's dad was one of the bid winners on the painted portrait, which I later learned that he had been a recipient of Nurses for Newborns when Madison came home from the hospital 6 years previous to our shoot. She was born at 27 weeks and only weighed 1lb 5oz! She then spent 98 days in the hospital. Nurses for Newborns came in when they were sent home to help them take care of their teeny baby girl. 

Fast Forward to our scheduled shoot, Madison came in full of smiles! This six year old was prepared with her princess dress! I had so much fun when she walked in the door telling me that with all these plants and rocks we must have lizards! I at that moment named her the Lizard Princess! We started with my assistant curling her hair, then getting dressed and photographing this cutie! She was amazingly fun! 

We had about 8 options of vintage and classic dresses for her to choose from for her additional poses and of course she chose the poofiest and most princess like dresses we had! She looked amazing and had so much fun! What an amazing Princess for the Day!

http://www.nursesfornewborns.org

"At Nurses for Newborns, we believe that every baby should be as safe and healthy as possible and their families strong and confident in their care.   Healthy pregnancy and infancy build the foundation for a lifetime of wellness. When babies are born too early or too small or in rough conditions, the dream of a healthy, vibrant life can be shattered before they have a chance to have a first birthday.

Nurses for Newborns was founded over 20 years ago by a nurse who was frequently called to the emergency room to re-admit babies who had completely preventable illness, many times near death. By providing registered nurses and using our proven program model of home visiting, we are literally saving babies’ lives and giving them a chance to grow. We provide services to babies who are born with medical problems, born to teen moms or to mothers with disabilities/mental health concerns, or who are born into families who do not have money for even basic necessities.

We currently serve families in eastern Missouri and mid-Tennessee. Families may receive services for up to 2 years and are not charged. Our work with families is strength-based and is designed to support and encourage expecting and new parents. In addition to medical care, we assist families whenever possible with donated materials needed for safe care, such as diapers, formula, baby food, clothing, bedding, and Pack ‘n Plays. We welcome hundreds of volunteers each year who help us manage the logistics of this work.

We are so grateful that you share this journey with us –one of hope and promise for families who need a helping hand at a very critical time in their lives. Together we can make a difference!"