A collaboration between Boston Moms Blog and Leah LaRiccia Photography.

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Four nights a week, I come home from work and have about two, maybe three hours with my toddler before bedtime. During this time I need to figure out how to unload from the day, enjoy time with my daughter, cook dinner, and maybe even breathe for a minute. On days when I’m feeling more caffeinated, more well rested, and less stressed, I am keenly aware of the fun we have during this time — and the magic memory-making that is taking place. On other days, when I’m counting down the minutes to bedtime, this isn’t at the front of my mind.

When the chance came up to do a documentary family photoshoot during this time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d never thought of this time as being “photographer worthy,” but I figured, why not! I am so thankful Leah captured these special times that are memories everlasting. These photos are such special reminders that there’s always magic in the moment, and that even the ordinary is so extraordinary.

On a typical day, I pick up J from daycare and come home. She insists on getting out of the car seat on her own, she helps shut the car door, and she must be the first one to the front door.

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On the day of our shoot, she was a huge help unloading the groceries. Then, time for a snack.

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I got started on dinner prep before hubby came home, and she helped.

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Sometimes, time is of the essence, and I need to focus on keeping things running on time. This day, time was on my side, and I got to be with my daughter. Dinner can wait. Dancing, reading, and just plain old goofiness were our top priorities.

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When daddy comes home, that’s when the real fun begins.

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And, of course, more reading. My daughter is a bookworm extraordinaire, and daddy-daughter reading time has been sacred since the day she was born.

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And finally, DINNER TIME!

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This is my life. It’s not glamorous. It won’t be made into a movie. But, it’s mine. And I love it!

These moments are the ones that make up our lives. These everyday moments are the ones that will be my daughter’s strongest memories. They’ll help form her impressions of the world. My hope is that she realizes how special this time is, and my hope is that I remember it, too.


Leah LaRiccia is a documentary family photographer based in Natick who is forever grateful that she got to turn her passion for photography into her job. She loves that her work lets her meet new people all the time, and she loves even more that these people allow her into their lives and trust her to tell their stories.

Leah met her husband when they were both living in New York City. She misses it terribly (mostly the food and theater) but doesn’t think she could live there again. Leah is mom (or “ma!” or “mommeeeeee!”) to an amazing 4-year-old boy who is her best friend. They love to play good guys vs. bad guys, free build with “little Legos,” eat meals on their deck, and make each other laugh.

Leah’s been a Star Wars fan since she was little (before it was cool to be one), didn’t start baking until her 30s (and hasn’t stopped since), hates dressing up, and wishes everybody (including herself) would print more photos.

Lindsay Goldberg
Lindsay Goldberg is a working mom who then comes home and works there, too. She loves finding quick, healthy recipes to make for her family and lives for her Sunday morning escape to the gym. She has given up on trying to find balance, and is, instead focused on surviving and being Good Enough. Likes- books, family dance parties, morning snuggles, and drinking coffee when it's still hot. Dislikes- recipes with more than 10 ingredients or 10 steps, winter, and deadlines