Hold My Hand

I was leaping out of my comfort zone entering one of my most personal and emotional images into the National Geographic 2013 photo contest. My remarkable friends trusted me enough to be in the BC Womens Hospitals NICU just days out of having an emergency C-section at 28 weeks, resulting in their precious teenie treasure Westley Wade. They not only trusted me to be in the room, but allowed me to photograph some of their most intimate and personal moments. I entered this photo of Westley because in the moment of taking this photo, everything was so unclear. The amazing doctors had just told the brand new parents that their not even 2 pound baby boy could potentially need heart surgery depending on test results. I took a few steps back and tried to give them a bit of space, emotional. Nervous, and admittedly a little terrified about what that meant. As I watched over the incubator that was busy with wires and cords and growing Shannon and Ryans miracle baby in it, they looked down at his incredibly tiny body with a million thoughts and feelings racing through their veins. Everything was unclear. Then, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen happened… This tiny little miracle man Westley shot his little hand straight up at them. "I'm here!!! I'm ok!!! It will all be ok!!!" I instantly burst into tears, clutching my camera to my chest…. then I suddenly remembered… "I'm a photographer!" I brought the camera to my face and this is the result.

I am blown away at the response from so many people about this photo, but having my photo chosen by National Geographic editors as a top pick, will always remain a key moment in my photographic career. It is such an honour. I have seen the photo on Huffington Post and following as well…. kinda wild to see it go so far and reach so many! Relevant MagazineYahooMSNThe AtlanticTwisted Sifter

The winners of the contest will be announced some time in December. Do you love this photo? If yes… please head over (CLICK HERE CLICK HERE) and show your love here and "like" it. I don't think the votes really count for anything, however… it certainly looks good if there is a peoples choice winner. In an age when there is so much doubt, uncertainty and confusion. It certainly is a beautiful reminder from the tinest little body with the most enormous spirit that truly anything is possible. Hope is a beautiful thing.

Endless gratitude to Shannon and Ryan for allowing me into such intimate moments with them. Love you all so much. The very best part of this story… is this, is Westley Wade these days (below). Happiest little West Coast baby in the world.

Love for the Lims

On a Monday just over 2 weeks ago at about 2:00 in the afternoon a snake slithered right over my foot. I don't particularly love snakes, but my dear pregnant friend Shannon can't stand them. Instantly I thought "what's wrong with Shannon". At the exact same time, Shannons regularly scheduled Dr's appointment at BC Womens hospital in Vancouver for high blood pressure was going downhill fast.

What was supposed to be a check up, ended up being a "check in". She was being prepped for a possible emergency delivery of her 27 week old baby. When I hadn't heard from her, I knew something wasn't right. Finally she said they were "fine". Fine being the universal code word for seriously NOT FINE. She had developed pre eclampsia and the baby was doing great, but her health was rapidly declining. The only cure for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. The specialists determined that delivering the baby that night wasn't necessary and decided to keep her under their watchful eyes. She would send texts of how "fine" she was. Her swollen feet and the blue sky. On a "hall pass" she'd say. She was there for almost a week. Everything was great. Until Friday, when I didn't hear from her again. I texted her husband Ryan. "Whats going on". Then Shannon texts back "We are ok. Everything is good. But yes, we are having this baby tonight." I think it's safe to say that the rest of the night for a few of us, became a blur. What do you mean everything's ok???? What do you mean you are having a baby tonight? One text she sent me had the word FINE in it 3 times. WHEN SOMEONE SAYS THE WORD FINE 3 TIMES IN ONE SENTENCE, EVERYTHING IS MOST CERTAINLY NOT FINE. Woah. I want to print out our messages from Monday until today. Some of them terrifying, some happy, some sad, some crazy, some down right unbelievable. What a wild and scary ride.

The good news??? On June 15 2013 I became an auntie to Westley Wade Lim. He was due September 5 2013. He was 28 weeks old when born, and he weighed a whopping 2 pounds. Everyone is doing great now, Shannon has returned back to good health and was released from the hospital to a nearby hotel {with Ryan}. Westley is a little fighter and is slowly but surely gaining weight and getting stronger daily. Shannon and Ryan are loving getting to know him, and are already amazing parents. Westley wade is just over a week old and is the sweetest little being ever. I am in awe of the power of the human spirit and of how seriously inspiring Shannon continues to be throughout this all. She is seriously the most positive ray of sunshine there is. Everyone in the BC Womens Hospita {which is amazing by the way} is in love with her attitude and her amazing ability to smile throughout some of the toughest circumstances life can offer you. She looks at it like, she 'gets to' watch her baby grow on the outside, where other women have to wait the full 40 weeks to meet their babe. She is never negative about things. Even when she totally could be. She takes deep breaths, feels it all and just moves through it. I am humbled by her strength, courage and devotion. Her husband Ryan is nothing short of amazing either. He has been at her side, taking it all in. Providing the much needed love and support. They have gotten this far together and we are all in awe of how amazing they all are as a family, already. Westley has chosen the right parents.

They will undoubtedly be in Vancouver for a while. No idea how long, but as Westley is so little, it may be a long while. Their road ahead of them will be long, they are going to need help and support. A few people have contacted me looking for ideas and ways to help out the Lims in this crazy time for them. The expenses that come with having a baby in the NICU for an extended period of time are a bit out of control. The idea is to help ease the financial strain from them, so they can focus on getting that baby home to Campbell River. They need to focus all of their love and energy on themselves right now, and Westley. Of course... I have an idea.

Shannon and Ryan

Sunday JULY 7 2013. From 9am-12 I will photograph YOU. and YOUR PEOPLE for donations to The Lims. How will it work??? Just show up at between 9am and 12 across from the Driftwood Restaurant in Oyster River (Campbell River). Line up {i hope there will be enough people for a line up} and have cash or cheque donation ready. I will photograph you and your children, parents, siblings, mom, dogs, friends. Whatever! I will NOT be doing extended family photo sessions. The sessions will be brief {but awesome} lasting anywhere from 5-10 minutes each. In the days following I'll work on your images and upload them all into an online gallery where you will be able to download your images and have forever. I love the idea that you will be helping out an amazing family, and in return getting photos of your own loving bunch. A total love fest. Win, win for everyone. You in???? **** PLEASE FEEL FREE TO STALK MY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE INFO ON 'LOVE FOR THE LIMS'. IF FOR SOME REASON THE LOCATION HAS TO BE CHANGED I WILL POST IT ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE ONLY***** I can't wait to take their first family photos OUT of the hospital. These are a few images of the love stricken family from Shannons iPhone. xo So much love.

Elliot Patrick

Our son is here.Elliot Patrick arrived safely February 15th 2013 at 9:16am. He weighed 10 pounds 8 ounces and measured 23 inches long. Today he is 11 days new. So loved. So precious. I've heard a lot about "isn't the second one so much easier". To be honest... not really. I don't find it easy. I find it sweet. I find it challenging, just like the first time (in different ways). I feel just as raw, exposed and vulnerable. I feel like it may not be so much "unknown" as with Maisie... but I'm miles from SuperMom. I was so grateful to have Bryce home for the first week, and now with him back at work, we're working at settling into our own rhythms as a family and getting to know how it all works as a family of four. Here are a few images of our newly complete family of 4 (well Frank is 5, but my anxiety levels weren't ready for him in the photo shoot too). However, don't let the following images deceive you..... I actually still look 3-5 months pregnant (well hidden here). Feeling fragile, feeling like my body has just been through a battle. Feeling a little on the tender side (emotionally and physically). I cry at any and everything. Seriously. Tears galore. Of course, throughout it all... I am still, always, incredibly grateful. Just felt the need to add a disclaimer to all. The photos reflect the deep satisfaction and love I feel... even when we all don't look like this all the time. Beyond words, beyond expectations, just really feeling the deepest sense of gratitude for my little precious beings. Thank you all for the kind words and support and love. Some times... even in the middle of the night, while smelling my sweet baby boys little head of blonde hair... I just can't believe how beautiful life is.

As always, thank you so much to Shannon, for helping us capture these fleeting moments in time, in our life. A part of our story. Seriously grateful. oxxo I am your photo slave for life. oxxo

Heart Melting Sweetness

There really are no words for a session like this. Baby Madden turned on the charm... big time. Welcome to the world little friend. May all of your days bring this kind of sweetness. ox (remember their fabulous maternity session?)