Anyone who’s scrolled (or, for those of us old enough to remember, flipped) through stock photos knows they often show an exaggerated version of reality. The models depicted are either too happy or too unhappy, things are either going too well or impossibly badly. Who wants to pay for a stock photo of a meh Tuesday, right?
Well, one Tumblr is celebrating unreasonably idyllic stock photos of parenthood with hilarious results. Welcome to It’s Like They Know Us.
“Relax on your pristine white couch and enjoy these realistic depictions of motherhood.”
Some of these actually made me cry because I was laughing too hard. I hope you get as big a kick out of these images and brilliant captions as I did. And if you submit something or enter one of their caption contests, please make sure you share the link on this post so we can all vote for your entry and tell you how clever you are!

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, the average family should schedule 2-3 jaunty romps through the woods each week. Experienced jaunty-rompers may wish to include tweens and aging in-laws for extra resistance. As always, take appropriate precautions by wearing pastel clothing and smiling like maniacs.

“Co-sleeping with both of our children up through 4th grade has not had any negative impact on our intimacy or ability to get 8 full hours of rest every night. It’s also a lot easier to get them into their carriers in the morning.”

“We like to piggy-back the children on long hikes. That way they can complain directly into our ears.”

“I cherish these lessons in responsibility, Mom. If you hear me say anything under my breath when you leave the room, rest assured it is “Thank you.”

“Sure we’re in middle school, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love being held like toddlers! This is as great for our popularity as it is for our parents’ backs.”
April 19, 2015 at 8:23 am
Thank you for making me laugh–and that you could do it before I even had my coffee makes it even more incredible.
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April 19, 2015 at 8:49 am
You’re very welcome!
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April 19, 2015 at 8:36 am
OMG! I thought I was lost in the Windows “Field of Dreams” in the one pic. creepy.
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April 19, 2015 at 8:53 am
Stock photos are so bizarre. It’s really fun to scroll through them. I love imagining what direction the photographer is giving to the models. Reminds me a little of this post: https://myobt.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/etsomnia-volume-xxi-hold-that-pose/
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April 19, 2015 at 9:20 am
OMG! I couldn’t tell if that one lady was coming or going in that green and blue knit sweater. Men’s corsets? OK, that’s just too weird even with the banner.
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April 19, 2015 at 10:17 am
Yep. Crazy things happen in Etsy.
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April 19, 2015 at 9:35 am
Ha Ha! I really enjoyed those. Thanks for the laugh 🙂
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April 19, 2015 at 10:18 am
I’m glad! There are very clever people in the world!
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April 19, 2015 at 11:54 am
I laughed my way through this – thank you for sharing! 🙂
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April 19, 2015 at 4:21 pm
I loved it, too!
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April 19, 2015 at 12:26 pm
Who knew beige was so funny?
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April 19, 2015 at 4:21 pm
The beige ones were my faves, too!
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April 19, 2015 at 3:39 pm
I’m going to be laughing about “Come along, Celery . . . ” for the rest of the day. If not the week.
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April 19, 2015 at 4:23 pm
I know. I now want to get two pets and name them Celery and Ottoman. And give them an oyster cleanse.
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April 19, 2015 at 7:45 pm
Awesome Sunday treat. Thank you!
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April 19, 2015 at 11:43 pm
You were in my head when I was posting this one!
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April 19, 2015 at 9:54 pm
Appreciate the laughs and your wit!
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April 19, 2015 at 11:45 pm
Thank you! And I appreciate your appreciation!
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April 20, 2015 at 12:06 pm
You saved my Monday morning.
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April 20, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Hooray!
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April 21, 2015 at 10:54 am
well, i won’t need my sugar fix this evening after looking at these people.
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April 21, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Aren’t they ridiculous?
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April 21, 2015 at 9:12 pm
This is hilarious. I’ve also noticed how ridiculously happy people are in stock photos, and incredibly unrealistic. I especially like the ones in offices or meetings where everyone seems to be so happy to be there. Because everyone loves a meeting!
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April 21, 2015 at 10:21 pm
I’m just glad someone is finally doing something funny with them!
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April 22, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Wish I’d thought of doing that.
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April 22, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Me, too!
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