I recently returned from visiting my family. They live in northeastern Pennsylvania on the New York State border. My sister and brother, Deb and Tim, live in Ithaca, New York. My parents and my sister Lori Beth live in a small town in the Susquehanna River Valley called Sayre, Pennsylvania. And my other sister, Rene’ lives on top of a hill in Waverly, New York overlooking “The Valley”. I stayed with Lori and her family most of the time. Lori is married and her daughter is 3. Her name is Leah Mariah and she’s awesome. Not only is she adorable, she’s just the kind of person I like to be around. She’s witty, silly, outspoken, and kind. She is also clearly one of “us”.
Lori’s walls are coverred with photos I’ve taken of Leah over the years… nothing makes me happier than to see other people enjoying the portraits I’ve created. Next time I’m home I’ll be sure to get some new photos of my newphew Jacob. I would have loved to do them this time, unfortunately while visiting the northeast we recieved 18 inches of snow. Because Rene’ lives on a very steep hill side, they were literally snowed in. My final night of my visit Lori, Deb, and I hiked up the hill through the snow so I could see him and say goodbye. It was just the reminder I needed of why I moved to South Carolina 11 years ago… my family I miss, the snow I do not!!
The first shot of the post gave me goose bumps when I saw it. I just feel like her little eyes are looking right into my heart. I love her so much. She’s the best! Lori is a great mom and I’m extremely proud of her. These shots were taken in Lori’s kitchen. It was early in the morning.. probably about 8:30am. I was getting ready to leave, fly home and she was getting ready for school. I hadn’t broken my camera out the entire trip. Seeing her that day knowing that I would soon have to tell her goodbye, I just had to fire off a few quick shots in the natural light of the window purely for posterity. I knew I would kick myself if I didn’t. So without futher ado I give you, Leah Mariah! ENJOY!!
I love this shot because she still looks little. Leah has always had these jowels for cheeks and the older she gets the thinner her face becomes. It’s why I just had to get these shots of her. Because I know it won’t be long and those cheeks will be gone…
Knowing Leah, I know this expression on her face. It’s a classic Leah look!
