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BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES instagram@holliegracejames

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

��ack in January, the biggest adjustment that Melissa Lamb and Nigel Romick were forced to make was swapping the dining room table for a makeshift changing area. It was another trick that they gladly added to their repertoire in learning to become resourceful and inventive first-time parents to their baby son Luca. After a whirlwind 2019, the Ottawa power couple were looking forward to a smooth 2020, but life had more difficulties in store with the abrupt appearance of

COVID-19, rocking their well-laid foundation and forcing the duo to completely reevaluate their lives’ course once again. While grappling with parenthood and preparing for a move into a new home, the pandemic caused a sudden and massive hit to both of their careers.

Melissa, a television host, lifestyle expert and brand ambassador, lost a coveted and lucrative contract.

Nigel, a defensive end for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, saw his career stall, as well as his income, after the cancellation of the CFL season. Leaning on each other, as they have learned to do so well, Nigel has since found work in landscaping and—in a potential silver-lining moment—has joined the Ottawa Fire

Services Volunteer Program. Although the latter was a goal that he originally planned to accomplish later in life during his post football retirement days, the pandemic consequences forced his hand, and there’s no better time than now to make that dream a reality.

Similarly, Melissa has been able to adapt her passions and, thanks to ongoing brand ambassador work in partnership with St. Laurent Shopping Centre, some things have managed to remain steadily in place.

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As Melissa and Nigel wait for word on the CFL’s status come spring 2021, the two can only embrace the chaos and look ahead to the rest of their lives. Because no matter what the future holds, they are happy to be able to tackle it together.

POWER COUPLE

Born in Vankleek Hill and raised in Orleans, Melissa had always envisioned how her life would unfold, and although her current storyline isn’t precisely what she predicted, things are turning out to be better than she could have ever imagined.

Seven years spent as host for CTV Morning Live was a job that she loved, but it came to an end in the fall of 2017. Seared into her memory in vivid detail, Melissa describes how she was on assignment at the CHEO Dream Home when she was called back to the office and let go due to “restructuring.” With time and distance comes clarity, and crediting the hardship as simply part of her story, she feels thankful for the opportunities that have arisen from the ashes.

With new and continued partnerships, including her work with St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Melissa admits, “I did love my job, but it wasn’t exactly what I saw myself doing. I never would have taken a leap of faith—I’d be there until this day had they not ended the contract. Would I be happy? Probably not, because I feel like I’m so much happier now.”

Nigel is one of only three original Ottawa REDBLACKS players remaining since the inaugural season in 2014. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, the athlete began his football career playing for his high school team and went on to become the third-round CFL draft pick from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. A rough start in 2014 saw the Redblacks win only two games, but he emphasizes, “I was just happy that I was here.” Although maintaining a positive outlook can be difficult, the team persisted and ended up winning the Grey Cup Championship in 2016, the first time in 40 years for a franchise from Ottawa.

Throughout her work with CTV, Melissa covered the REDBLACKS extensively. “There were so many times when we would have been at the same event, maybe we even brushed shoulders,” recalls Nigel, adding with a laugh, “Who knew we’d end up having a baby together?” Three years and one tiny Sagittarius later, Nigel popped the question during an impromptu hike in Gatineau Park. He presented a 1.6 carat diamond ring— which also includes Luca’s birthstone— designed by Margot McNaull of Stór Jewelry Co, and she said yes.

MELISSA, NIGEL AND LUCA ARE ALL WEARING CLOTHES FROM ST LAURENT, LUCA IS DECKED FROM JOE FRESH, MELISSA’S CREAM SWEATER IS FROM HUDSON’S BAY, THE BURGUNDY SWEATER IS FROM ROOTS. BOTH NIGEL AND MELISSA ARE WEARING JEANS FROM AMERICAN EAGLE AND BOOTS FROM BROWNS. NIGEL’S PLAID SHIRT IS FROM AMERICAN EAGLE

STYLE & DECOR

Early next year, the family of three will be leaving their rental and moving into the first home that they’ve purchased together; a Mattamy build in Orleans’ Summerside South community. Having found herself outnumbered by boys, Melissa says that her style has evolved, becoming a “bit more neutral,” although she still wants to incorporate a touch of feminine aesthetic, which will be prominent in her office. “I’m super excited because it will be my girlie explosion!”

Saving photos found on Pinterest for inspiration, the couple is looking forward to a modern country vibe in their new fourbedroom home, with homey pieces like rustic wood mixed with elegant staples like sparkling chandeliers. Having chosen to go full out boy for Luca’s room, the nursery is decorated in a colour palette of grey, navy and white, and

portrays a theme of woodland animals, which pays homage to Nigel’s northern roots.

The master bedroom will continue the neutral trend with colours like grey and white, although Nigel has acquiesced to Melissa throwing in some purple and pink accents. With an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet—”I’m so excited!” exclaims Melissa—there will be plenty of space for their king-sized bed and perhaps some of Melissa’s DIY projects.

The kitchen they envision is clean, simple and mostly white with white granite, white subway tile and a dark sink with a gold faucet. As cooking enthusiasts, the pair is also looking forward to incorporating a large island with bar stools.

Most of all, the growing family is anticipating the rest of their journey, the part where they create their very own home together.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Holiday Ad_Ottawa@home v.3_FINAL.pdf 1 10/26/2020 2:02:34 PM

“For years I have contributed to this gift guide with thoughts of your health and wellness at the forefont - from apps to fun tools and equipment to help motivate you on your own personal journey with "Fit At Home". No matter which way we look at things, with our beautiful pleasures and treasures, without our health, everything else is lost. Time is the greatest gift of all as it gives us the ability to celebrate life's most precious moments. I see this every day at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.”

Lianne Laing, Executive Director, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation

A Gift in Tribute

Honour those who are no longer with us this holiday season with a Tribute donation.

A Gift Your Way

Choose to personalize your gift this season, through your donor advised fund. Make your impact your way.

Adrianna Foster was born with a heart defect known as pulmonary atresia. After multiple surgeries and a wait of 18 months, Adrianna had a heart transplant only a few months after her second birthday.

For 17 years, Adrianna led a relatively normal life, until the symptoms returned as she neared adulthood. By the time she was 19, she was in full fledged heart failure, known as cardiogenic shock. Adrianna spent two painful, anxiety filled years waiting to hear whether a suitable donor match could be found. During that time, she spent a total of three months in the Heart Institute, including six weeks in the intensive care unit, undergoing efforts to stabilize her.

On April 7, 2019, Adrianna got the call that would change her life. The photo was taken 16 weeks after Adrianna received her new heart. In September 2020, Adrianna completed her schooling and became a certified neuro linguist programming practitioner, a first step in giving back to a loving community that has given her the gift of time.

A Gift of Shares

In the spirit of the season, share the gift of time. A meaningful and tax effective way to make an immediate impact.

A Gift Today

Your generous donation will support groundbreaking research and innovative patient programs. Call us or donate online.

Support cardiac care in your community today.

Call us at 613.696.7030 or donate online at foundation.ottawaheart.ca 40 Ruskin Street Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7

LIVE LIFE NOW

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