Shae Castagno Raleigh Hairstylist

September is NICU Awareness Month, which honestly wasn’t something I ever thought I’d be talking about. Another NICU family mentioned it to me, and it got me thinking about how you really just never know what life is going to hand you.

The NICU was never part of my plan. We were preparing for a home birth, and then Casey decided he had other plans. He arrived at 33 weeks and, thankfully, was a pretty healthy little guy. He just needed a little more time to grow and learn how to do all the things babies do.

We spent four weeks in the NICU. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced, but I also felt so much peace throughout our time there. There were definitely moments of sadness and fear, but they never ruled our experience.

A huge part of that peace came from Casey’s nurses. They cared for him so well, always took the time to talk with us, and made sure we understood what was going on. Knowing he was in good hands eased so much of my anxiety. I could step away, get some rest, or just breathe without constantly worrying about him.

Looking back, I can see how much this experience changed me. I wanted to plan every detail of bringing our baby into the world, and God gently reminded me that I was never really in control. I just needed to trust Him. And through every unexpected turn, I felt that we were going to be okay.

Today, Casey is home, healthy, growing, and getting bigger and cuter by the day. We feel so incredibly blessed that he just needed a little more time and that we got to bring our boy home.

To all the NICU parents, and especially those who reached out to me with encouragement and love, thank you. Your words meant more than you know. And to everyone who showed up, sat with me, or checked in on me during that time, I’ll never forget it.

And to the nurses who cared for our boy, thank you will never feel like enough. You loved on him when we couldn’t always be right beside him, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Our NICU journey wasn’t what we planned, but it’s a part of our story that I’ll always carry with me.

A little reintroduction because apparently I’m a yapper

I’m so excited to share more of what I’m learning, loving, creating, and figuring out along the way 🫶🏼

See you in October! 🍂

I’m so grateful for all the love and support while I’ve been soaking up this time with my little guy. I can’t wait to catch up and fill you in on all things baby.

My new schedule will be Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9–3, and my books are officially back open online!

If you don’t see a time that works for you, please reach out. I may be able to squeeze you in. And if my new schedule doesn’t work for you, no worries! I know plenty of VERY talented ladies at Reverie who would be happy to take care of you. Just let me know and I’ll match you up!

I can’t wait to see you! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

📸 Bekah & Jesse • VA & NC Photographer

Settling into life at home with our little guy and soaking up this season.

Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed for us, checked in, brought us food, loved on us, and supported our little family these last few weeks. It has meant more than I can put into words.

We’re doing well, finding our rhythm, and taking it one day at a time. Feeling very grateful for this sweet, exhausting, beautiful little season. 🥹

Cheers to the next chapter, Ella!! 🥹🫶🏼

So proud of you and so excited to see all the amazing things you will accomplish!!!

Some bunny is on the way 🐰

Baby Castagno, coming this August.

I’ve been a little quiet over here, just soaking in this season, but I’m so excited to finally share this with you.

Feeling really grateful for what’s ahead and can’t wait to bring you along for this next chapter!