Her Mom, Dad and Grandma were such a pleasure to photograph in Maryland last year and their nursery was so classic and peaceful, I could have stayed there all day! (Scroll to the bottom for the selfie I took when Mom and Dad stepped out to change!)

It's the go-to: "Say Cheese for Mommy!" But this week I'm here to tell you that in my experience this yields unnatural, eye-squinting, fake smiles. Here are some much more effective ways I've found to get TRUE smiles from your kids in photos…

But then, about two weeks in, I turned off the TV (for me AND the kids…most days), spent more time outside and I slowly realized what a gift this time could be — a time to check off some things on that someday (read: never-day) list.

The Bullocks have a sweet 2-year-old daughter, Amelia and just welcomed twins, Eloise and Henry! Watching them all interact during their lifestyle session was amazing. I could tell this  family was meant to have twins! 

It's morning. You sit down with your cup of coffee and boot up your computer. Today I'm FINALLY going to print those pictures from the baby's first birthday...and then it happens.

About a week after baby Emma was born, the sweet Bahlers invited me into their gorgeous home for a lifestyle newborn session. I complimented Koko on her great taste in decor and eye for design. She shrugged and said, “Oh, that’s all Quincy!”…