A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of taking two-year portraits for one of the most inspirational little girls on the planet. When Mattea was nine weeks old, she was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) resting next to her brain stem. For the last two years, she has had one of the most challenging and potentially fatal illnesses you could imagine — enduring the kind of treatments and procedures no healthy adult would ever want to face — and we have been thrilled to watch her kick its butt time after time. Mike and I went to school with Mattea’s parents Tara and Mike, so we’ve been following her journey every step of the way pretty much since day one; suffice to say this beautiful little toddler has been an almost-daily source of inspiration and perspective for us as we’ve followed her mom’s updates on her condition for the last few years (Using the page name “missmattea,” you can visit Mattea’s carepage here.)
I was honored and really excited to have the privilege of capturing a day in the life of Mattea at two; even with all of the tests she continues to have to take, all of the therapy she continues to have to endure, she was as patient and fun as a two year old could possibly be.
The deep love that Mike, Tara, and Mattea have for one another is so apparent and what they have been through has really cemented them together like nothing else could. What an absolute honor it was to spend time with such a remarkable family.
Mattea is just crazy about her mom! I couldn’t believe how much she loved to snuggle into Tara and shower her with kisses. This is all Mattea wanted to do the whole time I was there!
I learned that this is the “classic Mattea face.” She always has her hands up…I love her eyes peeking through–how cute is she?!
Doesn’t Mattea have such absolutely beautiful eyes?! They are so striking and tell such a story.
Here are the three of them together. I love this moment! Mattea just knows how much she is loved!
She loves hanging out and playing in her crib…
And what a personality!
One of Mattea’s favorite books…
I love this moment between Tara and Mattea.
Thank you so much for letting me come over and capture Mattea at two! I am so excited for this huge milestone and I am so excited to continue watching her grow! GO MATTEA!!!
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