Hello Ayden

Say hello to Ayden! Our newest addition to our family. There’s not a lot of chance in a lifetime where I can tell my client that “We just had a baby!” to postpone and reschedule shoots and meetings. And to no surprise my lack of blog and Facebook updates.

Ayden was born on May 9th, 2013 at 9:10pm. He was weighted at 7 lbs and 3/4 oz.

Doesn’t matter how many parenting books I read, nothing can prepare us for this experience. If you ask me what’s it like being a father for the very first time? There’s one thing I will share: When I first held Ayden into my arms, I can not believe God entrusted this precious child and believe that I am capable to raise this child. Me? Really? I am beyond humble by this experience.

I am still somewhat in awe and speechless that we’ve been given this precious gift. So I’ll stop writing, and let the pictures do the talking.

Peace Arch Hospital overlooking Mount Baker.

Ayden was born with cleft lip. We found out shortly after the first ultrasound, the doctor called us at home — usually it’t not good news. Not knowing too much about cleft lip/cleft palate, Ellie googled it and we were shocked to the core. Now looking back, even if you search for “mosquito bites,” you’ll probably end up with the scariest and the deadliest mosquito bites search results. But we are so blessed, situated in Canada with the most amazing health care professionals, we were quickly connected with BC Women’s & BC Children’s hospital — we are in the best hands.

Ayden was originally diagnosed with both cleft lip and palate, but by the 3rd + 4th ultrasound, the doctor can’t seem to find the cleft palate. If you ask any doctor, that’s a miracle. For there’s only a very small time window for the palate to be developed, and that window has been closed even before the first ultrasound.