We had Leanna the first week my son was admitted to the cardiac NICU following his birth, due to his HLHS diagnosis at our 20-week scan. We are hopefully being discharged within the next 3 days (thank you, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital!!), but I know, 30 years from now, when I talk about my son at his wedding or to his children, I will remember Leanna. The night before "E's" first open heart surgery, I was visibly distressed and upset. I had brought in a monogrammed outfit we had for him and laid it on his bedside. Leanna proposed bath time followed by a full photoshoot in his outfit! She was patient while she slowly untangled all of his wires and mindfully hid them so they wouldn’t be visible in his photos. They came out so beautiful. Being a NICU parent is hectic. I knew it would be difficult but the worry paired with exhaustion, anxiousness…the list can go on and on. Being away from your baby to care for yourself so you can be in the best mindset possible to care for them is indescribable. Going home with empty arms after carrying your son for 9 months is hard. These photos of him got me through his surgery day and the nights it has been so difficult to wake myself up and pump for him while we’re separated. In the earlier part of his recovery, when things were uncertain, the images of my son were a source of comfort and peace. I am forever grateful for the photos I have and for Leanna. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.