A Study of 13

Being a girl...

This is Alexys. She is 13 years old, but looks much older on most days. I remember this time well. It is fantastically confusing coming into awareness as a young lady and realizing your power, or lack thereof, depending on your station. Thirteen was a reckless, angry time for me. To say I was cranky is a polite understatement. It's like saying the splinter under your nail is kind of annoying. My mother's recollection of this time is unfortunate, but not compared to my own memory. In my mind I am a sullen, emotional mess... on a good day. On a bad day I was downright rotten and made sure those around me knew it. This young lady is as sweet as pie. I'm sure she has her days but I've known her for a while and I can attest to her kind heart. I believe I was kind as well back then, in my youth. I had a great deal of empathy, I just had no idea what to do with my feelings. I just FELT SO MUCH all the time, and it was all so new. I felt my little girl-ness slipping away, and no matter how many times I returned to Anne of Green Gables or the Secret Garden (my talismans of childhood) I couldn't stop the teen years from coming. A tsunami of hormonal energy on my fragile ego. I was not ready to be whistled at or flirted with. I wanted to play but was strangely compelled to test the waters of adulthood.

I took Alexys's portrait because she still has such fresh newness in her. She is still sweet and just arriving... I love these photos of her, and I hope her adult self loves them as well someday.

It's a Girl

On this International Women's Day, I am delighted to share this precious tiny new girl, Elizabeth. This is a wonderful time to be a girl. This little one's mom is a smart, successful, beautiful woman who was also raised by one (yes, I've gotten to meet grandma too). This generation of girls is unstoppable and I cannot wait to see what my daughter and her peers are able to accomplish. Now more than ever, girls can work wherever they want, love whomever they want and be whatever kind of person they are inspired to be. We still have far to go. I still have plenty of beefs about equality and gender roles, but I'll save that rant for another day.

I am proud to be a woman. I delight in my femininity. My body has grown and nourished two tiny humans and I have had the privilege of attending university and travelling and doing all the things I want to do. I have never felt limited by being a woman, quite the opposite. I am also keenly aware that I am a LUCKY girl. As a canadian, I'm already among the wealthy and free. I was also raised to know my worth, and I will raise my daughter to know hers. 

 This tiny girl, with her sweet grin reminds me of my own newborns... So fresh and new and trusting of their world. When I was giving birth to my daughter, I had a moment of connection: I felt connected in a very real way to all mothers, everywhere. I felt their love for their children and a common fierce desire to protect them. That feeling has stayed with me. My wish is that all mothers have the tools and the ability to care for their families and give them the life they deserve. 

Girls and women worldwide continue to fight for respect, equality and freedom. I firmly believe that educating and empowering women is the key to ending the cycle of poverty and inequality that many still struggle with. On this day, it is worth exploring how you can support one of these movements. All little girls deserve to know how amazing they are and what they are capable of. 

Check out: Because I'm a Girl

Click "read more" to see more of lovely Elizabeth

Jack made me a mummy

These are somewhat dated favourites of my beautiful boy. I share these because they capture my Jack exactly the way I wanted to. The wild curl falling towards his big blue eyes, a tiny bit of toddler chubbiness and his sweetness. Sweet like candy, this boy... 

Just 6 months later he is all arms and legs, lean and fast. His baby fat is gone and he uses a potty. It all happens so quickly. You can never have too many photos.