I was a legendarily tough baby. The nurses nicknamed me Fussbudget. The day my dad had to go back to work, my mom pleaded with him not to leave her alone with me.

My parents are pretty awesome. I could dedicate a whole slideshow to their awesomeness. When I started photographing families for an entire day I developed a new appreciation for all the hard work they did. And still do. Even though I am a mom now, they are still trying to take of us. Are your feet cold? Do you need a blanket? Did you put on sunblock? Here’s a company that will put gutter guards on your house so Jay doesn’t have to get on top of your roof.

No one makes me laugh harder than my husband Jay. Our personal language is pretty silly. But we are also totally different. His calm and logical personality balances my emotional and worried personality. We are hoping this might mean that our kids are “normal.” But then this pictures reminds me that’s not going to be the case.

I became a mom in the summer of 2017. It’s been joyful (observing her sense of wonder at the smallest things), annoying (how is so much stuff required to get out there door?), full of pride (when she learns something new), and a whole lot of work (getting out of the door—oh my god).

I’ve always loved stories. Playing dress up and putting on plays were my favorite activities. I love books, movies, “This American Life” and “The Moth” podcasts. I think this is why I’m drawn to documentary photography. I’d rather tell a family’s story than just take pictures of what people look like.

If I could be anything in the world, I would be an actor in Broadway musicals. (But I’m tone deaf so that was never going to happen.) The highlight of my acting career was the 1st grade Christmas play. I challenge you to find a more terrified shepherd (far left) as she clutches onto the boy she had a crush on because those angels are scary. That’s drama!

I feel really lucky that I get to go through life with Laura. She’s one of the nicest and most caring people I know. She’s also smart, hard working, and an incredibly talented artist and writer. Laura is just 17 months younger than me so everyone always asked us if we were twins. As the older, wiser sister this annoyed me so much, but she loved it. She’s also a pro at impressions and can recite the entire Vitameatavegamin commercial from “I Love Lucy.” And she wears a fanny pack like a boss.

Our family has been best friends with the DeBucks since I was 6 years old. We went on vacations, had sleepovers, made home movies of dance parties and created our own commercials. When one of our moms came to pick us up, we would run to the door and chant “Happy Hour! Happy Hour!” Wine for moms. More playtime for daughters! Growing up with a best friend family was the coolest!

One of the biggest influences in my life has been the Arlington Knights of Columbus swim team. I was a swimmer from age 7 to 18. Then I coached the team for four years. The sense of community on this team is amazing. It’s all about helping each other over being competitive. I did a personal project on the team in 2016, and it warmed my heart that the team is still exactly the same. The big kids help the little kids. They teach them to swim and indoctrinate them into the Holy Mackerel customs. The little ones still belly flop into the pool, hang off the big kids and walk around the pool deck wearing their foggy goggles.

I was incredibly lucky to find my 9 best friends on the 6th floor of my freshman dorm at Virginia Tech. There are so many stories that make us laugh hysterically. But the thing that meant the most to me was when they took last minute flights and road trips to NYC for my 24th birthday. My sister was in the hospital, and things had been rough. They wanted me to have a good birthday so they all showed up. It was one of my favorite birthdays. I felt so loved and so special. They are truly the best.

I went skydiving while I was studying abroad in Italy. I had no idea I could feel in trouble (as a 21 year old adult) and scared of my parents when they were across the ocean. But I could. And I did. I guess I shouldn’t have started the call with, “Don’t worry. I’m ok….”

We visited NYC when I was in 5th grade and I decided that I was going to move there one day. So at 22, I did. There’s nothing like building your confidence when you figure out a way to “make it work” in New York City. (My friends and I had Project Runway viewing parties when we first moved there.)

I was an elementary teacher for five years. I’ve always found kids to be absolutely hilarious. It was always hard for me to put on a stern face when they were misbehaving in a funny way. So sometimes I just let things go, like the month they started gluing mustaches to their face during playtime. That’s a really creative way to use the art center!

Sophie Louweez is the best dog that’s ever lived. She’s sweet. She’s incredibly obedient. She loves swimming, but hates baths. She is our first kid. We used to have “family time” before work when she was a puppy. This was sitting on the floor and rubbing her belly and playing fetch. It changed us from a couple to a family. I love her so freaking much!

Evelyn is Sophie’s biggest fan. Anything Sophie does gets squeals and laughter. She tries to kiss her and hug her. But the feeling is not mutual. Evelyn’s latest effort is to feed Sophie from her highchair. But Sophie’s no fool. Maybe when Evelyn stops trying to grab her fur and stealing her toys….

Dancing is my favorite thing to do. I love it. I miss the years when there were constant weddings because that meant dancing. And dancing can lead to dance offs, which is my speciality. These days the only person that watches me dance is my baby. She seems to enjoys it. Either she thinks I’m really, really talented or really, really ridiculous. I can’t wait until she can talk so I can find out.

My older, cool cousins were always my idols. I’m really lucky that my extended family is still really close. We all get together every Christmas for my mom’s Red and Green Party (red lasagna and green salad).

My friend Laura jokes (ha, no she’s totally serious) that I can’t take a normal picture. I blame these guys. Love these weirdos!