- All images and content copyright © 2002-2011 First Day Photo, Inc.
VIDEO
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
In April of 2002, we received news that no expectant parents should ever have to hear – that our unborn baby boy had a condition that was incompatible with life. That some time in the very near future, be it weeks or months down the line, our baby would die.
Though few had heard of it, we chose a care model called Perinatal Hospice (http://www.perinatalhospice.org) and continued our pregnancy until it’s natural conclusion. For us, that was our due date.
On September 6, 2002, we said hello and goodbye to our firstborn son, Eli. Though he was with us for only 29 minutes on this earth, we celebrate our 40 weeks and 29 minutes with him in our lives. One of the ways we did that was through the hundreds of photographs we took. After all, we wouldn’t have a lifetime of pictures. 29 minutes. That’s all.
From our grief and our joy, First Day Photo was born. We wanted to create a newborn portrait experience that was nothing like anyone had ever seen in a hospital. And, we have.
A natural extension of our experience as Eli’s parents and as newborn photographers was to offer to create these photographic memories for other families whose lives were touched by this unique brand of grief.
This is where Maddux Haggard enters the story. His brief life (and incredible photos) inspired his mom, Cheryl, and his photographer, Sandy Púc, to create a foundation that is nothing less than a movement.
I am so humbled to be able to serve with many other photographers across the nation as a volunteer for this amazing foundation called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Through their work, each year thousands of bereaved families receive a free gift of professional portraits from a photographer in their community.
Please, grab a box of tissues and take a few minutes to watch this piece from NBC’s Today Show. I had the blessing of photographing this amazing family and their little girl, Olivia. It encapsulates what this organization is really about. And, if Olivia’s story touches you like it did us, you may just feel compelled to donate (or become a volunteer photographer) to the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation and help them continue their important work in the lives of families whose babies’ lives are all too brief.
Blessings,
Jessica Person
Founder and CEO, First Day Photo
CLICK HERE to watch the clip on YouTube.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE...
Minneapolis NBC affiliate KARE TV hosted First Day Photo CEO Jessica Person in their studio to talk about hospital baby photos and tips for great do-it-yourself baby portraits.
CLICK HERE to watch the KARE TV clip.
Today SHOW