Photo Section

The day that Jeff and I met on the beaches of San Diego. That day made me a believer in love at first sight.

By far the most significant part of our wedding day was having my brother (Ryan) and the rest of the family together for one of the last days of his life.

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My brother gave the warmest and longest hugs that made you feel how much he cared. He later said that my wedding day “was the best day of his life.”

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We were so excited when we learned that we were having a little girl, and we immediately went to work on the perfect nursery plan.

Ryland’s arrival was one of the happiest days of my life. Becoming a mother was one of my biggest dreams.

Jeff has always been a very involved, hands-on, and loving father. From the very beginning, he has wanted to be present for every milestone or fall.

Meeting Jenn and Gianna came at a perfect time. Ryland and Gianna quickly became friends and continue to share an unbreakable bond.

We knew the day of Ryland’s cochlear implant surgery would be difficult, but we also knew we made the right choice.

The day Ryland was “turned on” came with much anticipation, and eventually Ryland grew to love the new sensation of hearing.

Visiting Jeff at the firehouse was one of Ryland’s favorite outings, but our visits became less frequent as Ryland progressed through transition.

Image provided courtesy of Advanced Bionics. Photograph by Gilles Mingasson.

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa on their ranch was always something Ryland looked forward to.

You can see the sadness in Ryland’s eyes, at age 2, when we forced her to wear feminine costumes.

Ryland would try every tactic to avoid wearing dresses, and I would often have to “coach” her for weeks leading up to an event.

Ryland loved to dress up as a cowboy, not a cowgirl, as often as possible.

Santa provided Ryland with her favorite Toy Story Christmas gifts this year.

Whenever Ryland was given an option for face painting, she continuously chose superheroes or dangerous animals.

Ryland and Gianna always got along great during playdates.

The highlight of Ryland’s fifth birthday at Disneyland was when both she and Gianna were chosen to go onstage for the light saber battle with Darth Vader.

Ryland was so excited to share her life with a little sister.

Ryland and my mother-in-law, Peg, the day after Brynley arrived.

Though we agreed on mostly boy clothes for the day-to-day, there continued to be a struggle on big holidays, like the Easter after Brynley was born.

Both Ryland and Brynley’s baby showers were canceled due to preterm labor and bed rest, so my mom finally had the chance to shower us after Brynley arrived.

Ryland on her first day of transitional kindergarten. She often zipped her sweatshirt up to cover any shirts she didn’t like.

From the moment Brynley arrived home from the hospital, Ryland began talking to her like an equal and coaching her on how to be a good person.

For many transgender kids, Halloween can be their favorite holiday. Ryland chose to be Iron Man, and ended up meeting a boy with the same name and costume.

Jeff went out and bought a matching purple assistant-coach shirt so that Ryland wouldn’t feel uncomfortable playing in her uniform.

Though Ryland hadn’t transitioned yet, most of our friends and family knew of her desire to only play with those items typically considered to be for a boy.

Ryland’s very first professional boy haircut brought out an entirely different child.

Ryland was so excited when he was able to get his hair cut at Jeff’s barbershop.

Our first nuclear-family vacation was monumental and pivotal on our journey. The simple tasks of cooking meals together made us remember the pleasures in life and removed us from the chaos of back home.

Ryland and his teacher Mrs. Dodds, who was his protector and second Mama Bear when I released him into the gates of school.

From the very beginning, Ryland has always drawn himself as a boy within any self- or family portraits.

Once Ryland transitioned, we signed him up for the boy’s soccer team. He was so much happier playing against some of the boys from his kindergarten class.

Jeff, Grandpa Rand, Uncle Jay, Uncle Scott, Connor, and Ryland posing for a “guys only” picture at the Nicky Awards in San Diego.

Ryland is coloring a book sent by one of the many kind supporters who have sent emails, letters, and even care packages to our family.

Ryland and his sister posing for a picture on the San Diego sands where it all began.

The perfected baseball stance that I love so much. It warms my heart to see him fitting in and playing with all of the other boys in the league.

A child shaving kit (no blade, of course) was clearly one of Ryland’s favorite gifts for Christmas this year.

Our dearest friend Macie’s wedding was incredibly special, as she honored Ryland by asking him to be her ring-bearer. Kristina Chartier Photography

Our joyful family, after navigating down some difficult roads and finding peace through love, understanding, and acceptance. Vikki Dinh Photography