To be honest with you, teen fathers are quite under underrepresented in my project. I tried really hard to recruit dads, on many occasions, but I just didn't get enough to volunteer. I'm curious about this and this is definitely something that can be explored in the future.

Shanne Sowards supports teen fathers through a non-profit here in Portland called Squires. They offer mentoring, parenting classes, and resources for young dads. Shanne has been a huge support to my project, he's invited me to come and speak about Illuminating Family at Squires on many occasions. I met Jerome at an event that Squires was a part of and I think I made a big nudge of myself, I really, really wanted Jerome to be a part of my project.

We met on a crappy, cold, and rainy day. Those kinds of winter days don't stop my photo shoots. The rain is just a shvitz, no big deal. Jerome is a single dad with two kids. Anaja is 8 years old. She was born two days before Jerome's 15th birthday. My impression of Anaja is that she is a lovely, helpful, sweet and kind little girl. I loved her as soon as I met her. She's my kind of kid. Jerome's 2.5 year old little boy, Xi'ohn, was having a tough day. He had a snotty nose and I don't think he was feeling very well. After torturing Xi'ohn at the park for a while, we made our way to Madrona Hill, a cafe we used to walk to all the time when we lived at the Greeley house.

We gave Xi'ohn a cinnamon roll muffin and that cheered him up. We battled his nose, though.

Jerome is an awesome barber, you can check out his super cool cuts on Instagram, click here: smooovkutz.

You will get to meet this sweet and beautiful family at the opening! I can't wait! I bet Anaja and Mayim will hit it off!

See you at the Paragon Gallery on May 17th! 4:00-7:00 PM. 815 N Killingsworth St. There will be food and drinks. Bring your kids, mine will be there!

Love, Eden