It’s happened hundreds of times. I catch a glimpse of wildlife, like a young elk, and my brain sends the adrenaline pumping thru my veins. It’s scramble time! Since I’m usually in my four-wheel blind when it happens, I quickly navigate into position, open my window and start reaching for my camera in one smooth motion.
I usually take a few shots, check my settings and fire away. If it’s an exceptional time, I manage to get some great shots. The adrenaline makes my smile even bigger.
I didn’t realize whatever skills I had in this area were transferable. A few days ago, I was sitting in the living room of my son and daughter-in-law’s with a big smile on my face. I had just become grandpa to a fresh new little bundle they named Owen. Great little guy. We connected right away.
Of course I wanted to get a picture so my iPhone was armed and ready. The trouble was that little Owen was taking this whole business of napping to Olympic levels. Even the odd cry when he got cold was uttered without cracking an eyelid. So we amused ourselves with sleeping photos and waited.
Then it happened. Someone yelled that his eyes were open and the adrenaline rush hit. Scramble time for everyone. I jumped up, grabbed my camera tried to find his eyes. Grandma (am I really married to someone with that moniker?) kicked into high gear and stuffed him into the knitted sock she had made. I tried to find some reasonable background and fired away.
It seemed like only seconds later Owen had tired of the whole charade and closed his eyes. I looked at the photos and smiled.
Congratulations Grandpa!
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Thanks. It’s a privilege and I hope to make the most of it.
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What a cute boy! I love the sock prop. Is he super tiny, or did your wife knit a huge sock especially for such an occasion. Congratulations to the whole family!
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Thanks. It’s a fun time. My wife had specially knitted the huge sock so it was ready when he arrived.
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Oh absolutely your best work to date! 😘 Congrats to the whole family! He is too adorable for his own sock!
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Thanks to a cute kid and a sock, the photo turned out! Thanks. We will certainly enjoy him.
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Congratulations!
🙂
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Thanks.
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Congratulations on new little grandson Owen, Lyle! He will be fun to photograph as he gets older, and may prove to be as elusive as his Grandpa! All the best to you and your family at this very special time.
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Thanks so much. I’m sure we will have all kinds of fun – maybe even get in trouble together.
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Lyle, your picture makes me smile, and as always, so does your commentary.
Thanks for sharing.
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Happy to hear about the smile – that’s what I was aiming for! Have a great day.
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He’s gorgeous. Congratulations!
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Thanks so much. It’s a special time in our family.
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I suspect that this will not be the only time when you find yourself scrambling to capture images of this beautiful boy, but you never forget your first time. So, have you bought him his first camera yet? Kids start awfully early with technology these days, you know. 🙂
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There certainly is something magical about the first time. You are way ahead of me on the technology thinking. I best get on with that. Times have definitely changed.
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So remember that moment! You captured it well and blogged it even better!!! I so miss that little guy!
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That was fun. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
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Got love being a grandparent! Really great pictures!
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Thanks. It’s a special privilege!
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Congratulations Grandpa!
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Thank you. It’s great fun.
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This had to be the moment you practiced on all the wildlife for! Great catch Grndpa! And love Grandma’s sock… not to mention the sweet little baby boy. I suppose the parents ought to get a small share of the accolades. 🙂
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The funny thing about becoming a grandpa is I doubt that I ever get more congrats for doing so little! Thanks for your insightful comments.
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Great blog dear.
Dori – Sent from my iPhone
>
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As is said by those who know, “It doesn’t get better than this!!!” He’s beautiful and he has a very talented Grandpa. I’m so glad you didn’t find it necessary to resume your position in the ‘four-wheel blind’ first, or the opportunity would surely have been lost. What a lovely thing that you chose to share! Congratulations to all Owen’s loved ones!
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Thanks. He’s a pretty special little guy even if he hasn’t been around too long!
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Sweet. Congratulations, Grandpa. Nice moniker. 🙂
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Thanks. Years ago I never really anticipated that moniker but now I’m thrilled with it.
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Wow… Congrats Lyle… Great story and I really enjoyed it.
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It’s an amazing time. Glad you liked the story.
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Precious! Congratulations!
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Thanks. It’s a special time.
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