Angel’s story (from Team Angel on FB):

Angel was born prematurely weighing 1lb 7oz. Most of his small intestines were removed in the first weeks of life creating the need for an alternate form of IV nutrition called TPN. Angel was adopted by his parents when he was 3 years old. In July of 2008 at 8 years old he underwent a liver, small intestine and pancreas transplant as a result of liver failure from TPN. In October of 2009 his transplanted small intestine went into rejection and was removed 2 months later – requiring him to be on TPN again.

In the last 2 years, Angel has had some very good days, weeks, and months. But he has also seen days and months filled with pain and suffering.

At this time Angel is dealing with various complications from his first transplant as well as damage to the transplanted liver as a result of TPN. He has severe portal hypertension (blood pressure in/around the liver) that is requiring dilation of the vessels around the liver, painful ulcerative colitis of the large intestine resulting in loss of blood and requiring blood transfusions, a damaged heart, and failing kidneys.

February 4th, 2012, Angel went into full cardiac arrest and required CPR at our home. He had a virus and a cough and his immune compromised body could not handle it and went into septic shock. He was on the high frequency oscillating ventilator for a few days and in very critical condition. Within a few days he was moved to the “conventional” vent and extubated a few days later. He came through with what seems to be 100% mental status and is recovering but the crisis put his liver into end stage failure. He is listed with the highest possible score for transplant at this time. He will need the transplant in the next few months to survive.

Angel is a fighter. He has a lust for life and wakes each day with purpose and fervor. He is a kindhearted and fun little boy who is always happy. He is an imaginative boy who loves Star Wars (Clone Wars), video games, action figures, Praise/Worship music, and comedy. He loves to laugh and often uses laughter to relieve stressful situations.

Join us in this amazing little boy’s journey.

A friend has opened a P.O. Box for Angel. Anything you would like to send can be sent here:

Team Angel
P.O. Box 7239
Moreno Valley, California, USA
92552

or via PayPal:

I will donate all proceeds for mini-sessions to Team Angel. Please consider donating to Angel so that he can continue to live and thrive. Mini-sessions are $100 and includes five digital images of your choice.

This wonderful family flew in from Tennessee and California to spend Christmas in Burke, VA. Susie is the owner/proprietor of the Silas Burke house in Burke, VA and was gracious enough to allow us to take photos in and around her home. The interior is absolutely charming. Out of respect for her privacy, we limited the interior photos to her Christmas tree. Thank you for the history lesson, tea and cookies Susie! It was a pleasure!

Pete and Kris are a fellow Navy family my husband worked with years ago back in San Diego. We reconnected in Alexandria when they had their second daughter Madeline. I had the honor of reconnecting with them yet again on my recent trip back home to San Diego where they are oh-so-lucky to be stationed. They are expecting their 3rd baby girl in 2012. Many congratulations to them both on their growing family and gorgeous girls. =)

And well dressed, I might add. It was so wonderful to work with Erin, Brian and their family again. It’s been 8 months since I saw them last… Cooper was just 3 days old. My how time flies! He’s such a happy little guy too. Ella is such a sweet, doting big sister. She was also quite the star in DC. We were mobbed by a group of Chinese tourists. At first it was one Chinese lady snapping her photo, then there was a whole flurry of them. Ella was quite the novelty with her blonde hair and blue eyes. Her parents were gracious and Brian surprised me by talking to the ladies in Chinese. Impressive! I was a bit shell shocked by all the cameras that came out of nowhere. Hindsight, I wish I had snapped a photo of the crowd. Ah well. Now I know how celebrities feel when they get mobbed by the paparazzi. Erin’s parents and brother Brent were able to join us. So great to meet new faces!

I always love seeing how much these kids grow year after year. Listening to wee little Julia talking now just trips me out. And Carter is still all boy… ready to conquer pretty much anything. I managed to weasel a few photos out of him. And how did I not notice how perfect Tom and Kay’s teeth are? They should be models for an orthodontist’s office! Seriously… go look. =)

Malou and Brian are the proud parents of sweet Madeleine who is just one month shy of two. This was one of those sessions where I found myself falling in love with so many of the images, mostly because of the parent-child bond that shows through. This family has such a sweet connection. =) And I do believe Madeleine is the first toddler I’ve ever met in my entire life who says “yes” to everything instead of “no”.  And I’m a sucker for little voices like hers. The weather was absolutely perfect too. Cha-ching!

I had the most amazing weekend with this awesome family at their beach house in Lewes. Good food, good wine, GREAT company. Thank you again for the honor of photographing your fabulous family. Your incredible love for one another is a joy to witness! =) And a very happy birthday to Tricia… grandmother… mother… and a gorgeous person inside and out. No wonder your daughters turned out to be such incredibly warm and brilliant women!

Little Natalie was born last Friday to Nina and Richard. What a sweet, alert little girl she is. She had her eyes locked on her mama almost the entire time I was there. And dad is a goner. I love the telling look on a new dad’s face when they are just head over heals in love with their new babies. One week and she already has him under her spell.

Olivia is now a big sister to wee little Luke who made his debut just 6 weeks ago. I think they make an adorable duo. I foresee a lot of fun in their future. =) Thank you Pam and Matt for the honor of photographing your sweet babies.