Every so often we come across situations that remind us that this world is a pretty rad place, full of pretty amazing people doing pretty incredible things. Things that have a ripple effect that goes wider than we ever realize. Recently, I was fortunate enough to have an experience that reminded me of all of this. I was scrolling through a local mom group when I came across an intriguing post. The poster was asking if there was interest in our community to create a ‘Buy Nothing’ group. For those unfamiliar with this concept, basically it’s a Facebook page where people can go to give items they no longer have use for, or receive items they might be in need of. For free. No monetary exchange. I love this idea. And so did a lot of other mama’s. And shortly thereafter a new Facebook page was born - The Gifting Village! Pretty soon people were meeting up and giving or receiving everything from toys and clothing, to books and small household items! How cool right?!

A few days into the group and I came across an interesting post where the request was being made for newborn items. The poster stated that she had recently met a woman who had quite unexpectedly learned that she would be taking home a newborn and that she was in need of a lot of newborn necessities as she had not had time to prepare. Well… you want to see community come together? Look no further than the Gifting Village! In no time at all there were floods of people offering everything from formula and diapers, to clothing and change pads! Someone even offered up a baby swing! All of that generosity spoke to me and made me wonder what I could do to help. Here was a brand new baby going home with a loving family who had made the life altering decision to become parents almost overnight. What an incredible sacrifice! I knew I wanted to help but I didn’t have any newborn items to give - after all, my kids are 8 and 10 years old already. But I DO spend a substantial amount of time with newborn babies and I knew that I had a gift to offer that most parents never turn down - a newborn session! So I quickly sent out a private message to the original poster and she connected me with the new mama and the rest is pretty much history!

How amazing it was to really see the village at work. And I’m not just talking about the Facebook page. I’m talking about the village that is a community rallying around someone in need in order to help one of our youngest and most vulnerable members. I am constantly reminded that it takes a village to raise a child, and this story really drove that message home. But it also takes some pretty amazing heroes too. I’m looking at all you foster mama’s and dad’s out there! Those who didn’t have to but chose to take a child (or sometimes MANY children) to make your families complete. Here’s to you!

Baby J came and spent the morning with me at the studio and my oh my - let me tell you… 100% adorable! Here is his story as told by his foster parents. But first, take a minute to swoon over this adorably handsome little man!

Here is baby J’s story as told by his foster parents:

I am sitting here writing you this email as I watch this little miracle sleep. Baby J came into this world on Jan 22, 2020 in the early morning. It was determined Baby J arrived 6 weeks premature. Baby J has had many struggles since birth, he was in the NICU until we were finally able to take him home on Jan 31, 2020.

Baby J continues to struggle with feeding, digestion and tremors...but we love him through it.

As a family, we decided to step up and take this peanut into our home and our lives weeks before he was born. Baby J has many siblings (6) which my friend has taken into her home, so she couldn't possibly take him in. My friend approached me and asked if we would consider loving and raising this bundle until his momma was well enough to do the same, and after many long discussions with my daughters (age 17&16) and my partner, we decided to make this happen. (Baby J would have likely been released to a hotel or shelter, as many children are unfortunately!).

You can imagine, the transition from raising my daughters to all of a sudden being "mom" to this helpless little man was challenging...I quickly realized how much I liked my sleep, and raising a baby with the issues Baby J has means sleep for us is almost non existent!

Baby J is nothing short of a miracle (even the pediatrician said the same).

I am a social work student, and my partner is on disability...so we don't have alot of money and we were under the impression that we would be supported by the agency in obtaining the stuff Baby J would need when he was released into our care. WE WERE WRONG! The agency has mostly left us to frantically fend for ourselves!

I bought quite a bit of clothes (0-3 months) for Baby J (before I was able to meet him)...turns out ALL the clothes I bought were WAY TO BIG!

Facebook Marketplace became my new best friend! I was constantly looking for premie clothes for Baby J because he was soooo small! I reached out to a wonderful lady by the name of Melainee, she had some premie sleepers for sale. My family and I spent everyday in the NICU spending time with Baby J. After talking with Melainee over messenger, I briefly told her the story and we arranged a time to meet.

We were at the NICU everyday spending time with Baby J, so in the evenings, I was exhausted...but I knew I had to pick up these few sleepers from Melainee (she was kind enough to invite me to her home).

Little did I know when I arrived at Melainees' that I would not only be walking out with sleepers but a whole lot more!! Melainee gifted Baby J a bunch of clothes, bottles, toys etc ( the back of my Jeep was FULL)...and she refused to accept any money for the stuff. Melainee and I talked for quite awhile about NICU babies and the challenges they face. Melainee offered to reach out to a Facebook group she belongs to called The Gifting Village in the hopes of helping me to obtain stuff for baby J. Melainee made a list of things a "new parent" would need, and reached out to the Gifting Village. Within days, Melainee messaged me and said she had many donations for us to pick up! My partner drove to her home and he was immediately overwhelmed! The amount of stuff that people so generously donated to this Baby was nothing short of amazing! Melainee showed a complete stranger an incredible kindness ( Which I will never forget, and be eternally grateful for)!

We have been overwhelmed with support from incredibly kind people. Through Melainee's post on the Gifting Village page, a wonderful woman (and remarkable photographer) reached out to me and offered to Photograph Baby J! I graciously accepted this offer and we spent almost 4 hours with Carolyn (Tiny Fox Photography) as she moulded this tiny peanut into the most amazing poses! Carolyn made us feel comfortable instantly and she was so great with Baby J!!

We can't thank you enough Melainee and Carolyn!! There really are no words that could describe the kindness you have shown us and this Baby!

We love you!!

Many thanks♥️