A midwife's daughter.

There are certain people in your life that you would do just about anything for, at any time. The mother of this beautiful young lady is someone who could call me at 2am for a favor and I would likely get up and do it! Vanessa's momma was our amazing midwife throughout our journey bringing Maisie Lu into the world. There is a reason she is legendary around here. She just rocks. Ask anyone.

According to Wikipedia "Midwifery is a health care profession in which providers offer care to childbearing women during pregnancy, labour and birth, and during the postpartum period. They also care for the newborn and assist the mother with breast feeding." What it doesn't say about a midwife, and specifically our midwife is that they are magnificent. It doesn't say that you have countless hour long regular visits with them. That when you enter their office they close the door, and are all yours. It doesn't say that they look at you with caring, non judging, open hearts and listen to your crazy irrational hormonal rants offering support, love and always make you feel less crazy. It doesn't say that when you unsure, they make you sure. When you are scared, they ease your fears. When you are obsessing, they bring you back to sanity. When you are 55 pounds heavier than you've ever been in your life and notice the beginnings of stretch marks and are visibly shaken "Sheila... what are these!!!!" They smile at you and say "Honey, those are your badges of honor". They miss out on their home cooked Easter Dinner to deliver your baby. Sheila is a legend around these parts, and it's because she makes you feel normal, even when there is no possible way that you are.

While photographing her daughter on Monday, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Grateful that like any incredible working momma, she chooses to spend her time away from her family, leading women through their birthing experiences. Her pager went off while we were shooting, and Vanessa asked a question about the page. It was so normal, and I couldn't help but think about all of the times Sheila's pager has gone off, and how many times it has affected her daily life with her family. I know midwifery is a career choice, I know Sheila chose it. But, I am so deeply grateful that she did. If she hadn't, I wouldn't have the incredible memories of the beautiful birth of Maisie. Grateful. I kept looking at her beautiful daughter, feeling grateful that she lovingly shares her amazing mother with so many of us women who love her so much.

Being a working mom is difficult. There's the mommy guilt. Ughhh. The mommy guilt. For some crazy reason, you always have this feeling that you need to be doing more. That you might be doing something wrong, making bad choices, not reading enough stories, not teaching them sign language enough, not feeding them enough, not loving them enough. So add that all to actually not being there for every single moment, because you are working and watch out... a whole other level of mommy guilt opens up. I have always thought that in order for Maisie to get the best of me, she needed to have ME. Part of me, is my passion for photography. I need to create, it's not a want. (well, and I also don't get a maternity leave) It's a need. Like water, air. When not creating, my soul tends to feel all shrinky. And nobody likes a shrinky soul. Maisie certainly deserves more than just a bit of me. I hope that Maisie will always understand that. I hope that one day, someone may write to her... what I'm about to write to Vanessa.

Vanessa, you are beautiful! I know I speak for MANY women when I say THANK YOU, for sharing your beautiful mom with all of us. She has changed the lives of so many of us, made us feel strong in moments of weakness. Made us feel powerful in moments of doubt. Made us feel safe in moments of fear and uncertainty. Your mom, is truly remarkable. She is relied on in more ways that just showing up to work. We rely on her expertise, her knowledge, her strength, her wisdom, her care, and her heart. Your mom is absolutely amazing. She touches the lives of so many people, daily and we are all so grateful to know her. I'm sure you already are, but you should be so proud to have a mom who is so loved, by so many people. Thank you Vanessa, for sharing her with all of us. Honestly, it means more than you may ever know. We are all cheering you on in your upcoming journey. May it bring you a wealth of experience and joy.

Sheila, you are remarkable... and so is your daughter. With so much love.

Sweet baby boy.

Just needed to share this adorable baby boy, his sweet family and a few of my favorite images as they start off their life journey together, as a family. The outdoor images, were created in a spot incredibly near to their hearts and everything about the session, just felt right.

Welcome to the world little man, you are surrounded with love. Loving awesome parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and most importantly fabulous cousins! May your journey be full of adventure, passion and all of your hearts desires.

Tristane and Rob

It didn't happen like I thought it would. But it was exactly as it was supposed to be. In my mind, the timeline was different. It was controlled, with everything just in the right spot. With Bryce and I watching, waiting. In my mind, Maisie would take her first steps in a cute outfit, while I was taking photos, or better yet... with my arms outstretched to her. From Bryce, to me... she would wobble and then walk to us. It wasn't like that. I was surrounded by people I didn't know, in an unfamiliar place, the teacher said "a lot of kids take their first steps here at strong start". I was thinking, I hope Maisie doesn't. Then, as if answering and defying my thoughts... she took three steps. My jaw dropped. Literally. I sat staring in disbelief. The teacher "oh my gosh, oh my gosh". Me, a blank look on my face, and eyes wet. In shock. It didn't happen like I had planned it, like I wished it to be, but it was exactly as it was supposed to be. (Yes, still in disbelief that apparently my not yet 11 month old is walking)

Photographing weddings are like that too. You can plan, you can obsess, you can put everything into place. But they have a life of their own. Hard to control, you just have to move with them. I had never been to any of the venues, locations... or hadn't even spoken with Tristane before the wedding. But we just let it all unfold in front of us. Letting go of control, moving with the day, letting the images take form. This past Saturday with Tristane and Rob in Vancouver everything was exactly as it was supposed to be, and I love the results.

I first met Tristane's family in 2007 when her sister Martha was married to Tom at Strathcona Park Lodge, near Campbell River. Martha and Tom's wedding resulted in one of my favorite images ever... see post here. So you can imagine how happy and excited I was to be able to be a part of another amazing wedding with this amazing family.

A wedding story is best told with images. It was an honor.

So that I can feel the rain.

I don't just think about this once and a while. I think about it, every single time it rains. Living in Campbell River, it rains often. I think about this often.

This afternoon I was in town with Maisie. It was pouring rain. We were in raincoats, walking from store to store. Me, enjoying my baby. Her laughing at the rain. Us, happily going about our day. Looking around I didn't see one umbrella, in the pouring rain. Not. One. Umbrella. When we got home and Maisie had been lovingly put down for her afternoon nap, I updated my facebook status to "I absolutely, TOTALLY love that when it POURS RAIN in Campbell River, NOBODY uses an umbrella. Now that's West Coast." Immediately after I heard the song "Gravedigger" echoing in my head.

Every time it rains, I think about this song. A Dave Matthews Band song "Gravedigger"

"Gravedigger, when you dig my grave, could you make it shallow so that I can feel the rain." How amazing are those lyrics. I think about them often. There was no other choice, but to grab my camera and go outside, in the pouring rain.

I think about it when I'm bundling up against the elements to brave a storm outside. I'll be running from the car to the grocery store, and literally stop, turn my face to the sky, and let the rain fall on my smiling face.

There are not many certainties in life. There are so many variables. One thing is absolutely certain. Life is impermanent. I am not going to be here forever. I will not always be able to feel the rain on my face. So, when I get the chance... I best turn my face to the heavens and smile.

Life is beautiful, always.