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In May 2014, I flew to Florida to meet my niece, Leighton Charlie, for the first time.
I only have one sister, and Matt’s siblings are all a lot younger than us, so this was the first time I became an aunt. We spent the extended weekend learning about the little baby girl who had been added to our family. I loved meeting her and I especially loved watching my sister in her new role as a mother.
Last summer, my sister, brother in law and Leighton decided to move back to Minnesota in order to be closer to family. In the months since, I have been able to spend amazing quality time with Leighton, watching as the little baby girl turns into a toddler before my very eyes.
The last weekend of April this year, Leighton Charlie turned one year old.
Erica and Tony came up for the weekend to celebrate with both sides of the family. In honor of Leighton’s first birthday, I brought my camera along to document the day. I love every opportunity to photograph people, but there’s something extra beautiful about photographing my sister and her family. Her baby! [Sometimes, I pinch myself because I feel like we’re still in elementary school, playing with our dolls.]
I’m going to break up the photos from the day into multiple posts because there are so many.
We’ll start with the portraits of Erica, Tony and Leighton in Part 1:
My sister said this photo captures Leighton’s personality perfectly and I agree. You are a funny one, peanut!
Leighton, I hope you look at these photos when you’re old enough, and can tell how loved you are. Both by your parents and by all of us. You made me an auntie for the first time ever, and I’ve loved getting to know you over the last year. I can’t wait to see how you grow and change in the time ahead!
xoxo,
Your auntie Laura
Part 2 is coming up next.
[…] shared part 1 of Leighton’s 1st birthday a few days […]