Leigh Sanford Photography

Atlanta is not known for it’s winter wonderland, but you’d never know that with all the current snowfall we’ve experienced. I am not complaining. I love the crisp air, the smell of fireplaces and snow days. Most importantly, I love watching my daughter experience it all through the eyes of a child. With each flake, her anticipation mounts and before you can say hats and mittens, Gaia is dressed and ready to go out and explore its powdered perfection. We are very lucky here, in that we get to experience all the beautiful of snowfall, but it comes and goes relatively quickly. Unlike my years in NYC, we don’t have to spend weeks sloshing through the muddied leftovers of a winter’s storm. Although I didn’t mind it too much then either. I’m a sucker for some hot coffee, snow boots and a walk in the city. My daughter may be a little like me…..

My daughter inspires me. From the moment I found out I was going to become a mom, she has inspired me. I wanted to give her a name that I knew held some responsibility, but at the same time, I wanted it to also be open to interpretation ~ for Gaia is a goddess in so many languages and religions. She is a mother to earth and all its creatures. I wanted my child to be aware of her surroundings and compassionate about others. I really couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful gift than the gift of Gaia. She is a free spirit, a bird in flight, a soaring rainbow of light in even the darkest of days. She finds humor in the most mundane moments and shows grace in the most fragile. She has taught me to see the beauty in every person I meet and she believes in me. I am so lucky to be her mommy.