A little back story…Elie was born at just 29 weeks. These photos were taken once he was a bit older and home from the hospital. Jacqueline has a blog Inside the Calgary NICU which provides resources and advice to parents with babies in the Calgary NICU and for any parent with a preemie.

What is the best part about being a Mom?
Elie’s birth was so surreal. I wasn’t able to hold him for a few days and in the first few weeks I was only allowed to hold him an hour a day, sometimes not even that long. But from the very start I had the most overwhelming sense to protect and love him. I wasn’t expecting to love him right away as much as I did and that has been the best part.

Why did you want photos taken of your family?
Life happens so fast and between his hospitalization and losing my father, I’ve been reminded that we cannot take anything for granted. I wanted photos to always remind us of how delicate life can be. When he’s older we’ll be able to look back at those gorgeous photos and remember how grateful we were to have him home with us.

What’s your favourite photo from our session and why?
My favourite photo from that day is the one with Elie and me where our faces are pressed against each other. We both look completely at ease and in sync.

What has been the funniest moment you’ve experienced as a parent?
When he had only been home for a few weeks, I had a bathing incident. I was washing his head and had him sitting on my knees leaning over a big bowl (he was only 5 lbs by the time he was 8 weeks old). It would only take me a minute to wash his face and head so I had already taken his diaper off. I felt something on my legs and looked down to discover he had poohed all over my legs! So funny and gross at the same time.

Lastly, when you look back on our session what do you remember most about that day?
Pride. Virginia, you were able to take such amazing photos and capture the awesomeness of his arrival. I remember beaming with pride when you were posing him for the naked sleeping photos, realizing that he was such a beautiful little monkey.

Angela is playing tomorrow night at the Ironwood at 8pm with Amy Theissen. Please come out and support Canadian talent!

To see Angela’s upcoming shows and to listen to some of her songs visit her website.

Hi Shan! Give us 5 vital stats on YOU:

1. I was personally trained by Dana Obleman, the founder of Sleep Sense, on my journey to become a Certified Sleep Sense Consultant.
2. I am the first Sleep Sense consultant in Alberta.
3. My 3 children are healthy, happy and of course well rested. I am one proud mommy!
4. My favorite place to be is in my own bed. It is the coziest place in the world.
5. I feel sleep is extremely important. It ranks right up there with exercise and nutrition in my books.

Tell us all about your business:

Jammy Time Sleep Solutions is a sleep consulting service. I create customized sleep plans to get your child sleeping through the night and taking long, restful naps during the day. My expertise is working with families in a one on one setting. I also facilitate group seminars where participants create a personalized sleep plan for their child.

What led you to starting your business? What drives you?

Sleep is very important to me. Moms and dads with young children feel that being sleep deprived just comes with the territory. That is just not true. It is my job to educate people on the importance of sleep in creating a happy, healthy family. I then ensure they have the tools and support to get their children sleeping through the night and making bedtime enjoyable for everyone. There is nothing better than helping moms, dads and their little ones get a good night’s sleep. I feel like I have the best job in the world.

How can you help my blog readers?

If you have a child that is keeping you up in the night, then look no further.I work with newborns to children around the age of 6.

Where can we find you, call you, email you?

Jammy Time Sleep Solutions. www.jammytime.com 403-374-1250 shan@jammytime.com

Any last words?

Rest assured, your sleepless nights are numbered!

**If you own a local business related to pregnancy, babies or families in the Calgary and surrounding area and would like to be featured on the Sweet Ginger Photography blog please contact me for details!