The Photo Fiasco

Last year for Mother's Day, we had photos taken of Reagan and her cousin Ashley for Scott's mom. Nana loved them so much that she requested the same gift every year. So. . . last night we got the girls dressed up and took them to a studio.

I had high hopes. Last year the girls were only around 9 months and 14 months (Ashley being the oldest). We had quite a time getting them to both smile at the same time, being so young, but we did manage to get a decent picture. This year, I thought, both girls are more mature. They understand requests for a smile. They have such a good time together; all we have to do is capture that on film. Was I ever wrong!

It was clear from the start that Ashley was having none of this picture business. From what I understand, she has never enjoyed photo sessions. (Reagan, on the other hand, is a definite fan of the paparazzi.) Jennifer (her mother) began bribing her with the promise of a surprise when we were finished.

Reagan, while in a pretty good mood, was having a hard time sitting still. And when she did sit, she was leaning forward (toward the photographer and her Uncle Jason who were both trying to elicit smiles out of the girls).

Eventually, Ashley began whining (not quite crying), and Reagan joined in. (She's really quite the mimic these days.) Jennifer revealed the bribe: an icee! Ashley still failed to comply.

At one point--and this is a little fuzzy now--Reagan's foot was under Ashley's leg. Reagan somehow lifted her leg, which sent Ashley off balance, and she nearly fell completely off the table! This, of course, started Ashley wailing. Reagan, in turn, joined in.

Did we get the picture? Yes. Just one picture of the girls together. It's not the best ever, but it's cute. We even got individual pictures of the girls. (Is it shameful of me to mention that Reagan's took about 2 minutes, while Ashley's took more like 15? Well, call me shameful.) After the hard part was done, the girls laughed and played together in the lobby area. Then Ashley promptly reminded her mother about the icee.

Next year, we're dropping the girls off at Nana's house. She can take them for the photo herself.