In Kingston, Ontario, just before a surrogate mother gave birth to their son, a midwife shouted, “shirts off,” prompting new fathers Frank Nelson and BJ Barone to prepare for skin-to-skin bonding with their baby. Lindsay Foster, the photographer, was capturing this moment as a heartfelt gift for the couple’s surrogate, Kathy Frepette. Even before the surrogate, Foster documented the emotional moment when Milo was first held by his fathers.

In the photographs, a shirtless Nelson, 44, cradles Milo against his chest, while Barone, 34, wraps an arm around both of them, their faces expressing pure joy. The genuine emotions captured by Foster, according to him, “represent unconditional affection and joy for us.”

The photograph has garnered over nine thousand shares and fifty thousand likes to date. The majority of comments are positive, extending well-wishes for the new family’s health and happiness. The photographer expressed gratitude for the comments, emphasizing that he and his spouse, BJ, respect diverse opinions while celebrating the uniqueness of the moment they are experiencing. In a courteous manner, he added that Milo will be taught to appreciate everyone, even those with differing views.

“”Thank you to everyone who liked, commented on, and shared our photo! This truly was an incredible moment in our lives, beautifully captured by Lindsay Foster’s photography. We feel blessed to have a healthy and handsome baby son! While we may not agree with every comment, we value the positive responses. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. This is a time of unconditional love and acceptance. Milo is growing up surrounded by unconditional love, learning to embrace all kinds of families, including those with differing views. Milo was conceived during LGBT Pride Week worldwide. The image represents the essence of pride—love without boundaries, irrespective of color, gender, or sexual preference. Once again, heartfelt thanks from the depths of our souls!”