I've Created a Monster (or the other way around) - One Grandma's Confession
Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
by Lorrie Davids
It wasn't intentional, in fact, I didn't think he could know what to do when he heard that "beep" and saw the little beam of light. He doesn't even have his first tooth yet and while he pulls himself up and pushes his toys around, he hasn't taken a first step without help. Yet, the minute he hears the beep, he turns and strikes a pose, looking straight at me like a top dollar model on a tight schedule. As quickly as the camera's flash lights up the room, he is back to pulling back the doorstop and letting go to hear the funny noise it makes as it jiggles to a stop. But, if my nine month old grandson should hear that little beep again....
I know it is mostly my fault, though his parents, grandpa and aunt have been guilty, too. You see, he is just so cute. And he does such cute things that I know, deep in my heart, I wouldn't be a good grandma if I didn't get out the camera.
It was me, who whenever I had a chance, covered the couch in a solid colored backdrop and took pictures I hoped would be as good as a professional's; a high expectation for a little digital camera. Poor little guy couldn't even sit up on his own and I was propping him up and snapping away. I take the blame for holding hostage the toy he most wanted just over my head so he would have to look that direction. And if I was lucky, I'd get that sweet smile and those gorgeous big blue eyes framed into a perfect shot.
My problem started long ago. My kids and husband will tell you how they would groan when I had that gleam in my eyes that meant the camera was coming out. They all have stood, sat and posed for what would total about a year in their lives. Every special event, including my daughters' first time shaving their legs is in a picture. From acceptance into the prestigious Colorado Springs Children's Chorale to signing a letter of intent to play softball for college, it is in a picture. I take pictures of food, animals, people, clouds and everything else that happens to be nearby when I have my camera powered on. I love being behind the camera.
So, now, my grandson will have very little choice as he grows. His grandma loves taking pictures. He will just have to learn to grin and bear it. Hmmmm...maybe he already has?
It was me, who whenever I had a chance, covered the couch in a solid colored backdrop and took pictures I hoped would be as good as a professional's; a high expectation for a little digital camera. Poor little guy couldn't even sit up on his own and I was propping him up and snapping away. I take the blame for holding hostage the toy he most wanted just over my head so he would have to look that direction. And if I was lucky, I'd get that sweet smile and those gorgeous big blue eyes framed into a perfect shot.
My problem started long ago. My kids and husband will tell you how they would groan when I had that gleam in my eyes that meant the camera was coming out. They all have stood, sat and posed for what would total about a year in their lives. Every special event, including my daughters' first time shaving their legs is in a picture. From acceptance into the prestigious Colorado Springs Children's Chorale to signing a letter of intent to play softball for college, it is in a picture. I take pictures of food, animals, people, clouds and everything else that happens to be nearby when I have my camera powered on. I love being behind the camera.
So, now, my grandson will have very little choice as he grows. His grandma loves taking pictures. He will just have to learn to grin and bear it. Hmmmm...maybe he already has?
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Haha, that was a funny story Lorrie, I can just imagine your grandson striking the pose when he hears the beep. Operant conditioning is alive and well. Apparently the lad had a good experience with the camera, thanks to you.- GThanks, Gregory, for reading and commenting! He is keeping us entertained. And when I think of all the photo ops in the future, well, I get giddy.
A picture your daughter shaving her legs for the first time? Thank you Lorrie! I'm going to show my kids your article so they'll see I'm not so bad afterall. :) The only way your article could have been better? You should have included a picture of your little sweetheart posing for the 'beep'! Too cute.Brianna, you made me laugh! I know! I think I could possibly be the photographer from hell! I even placed the 'leg shaving' pic in my daughter's scrapbook. Of course, she was fully dressed. Now she is glad I took the shot. At the time....well, NOT! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
You see, Lorrie, you think you're "working " him, but he's working you! These babies are a lot smarter than we give them credit for! At the same time, you are being the perfect Grandma!However, the "Shaving the legs" seemed a bit "out there," but Allrighty then!I think you are right, Ken. Awwww, the perfect g-ma! I hope he thinks so. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Lorrie! This is great, what a beautiful and funny story. Well-written too! Thanks for the laughs and smiles.....beep.Thanks, T! It was fun to write. My grandson is a little ham! Thanks for reading and commenting.
hi lorrie,i am glad to hear how much you are enjoying your grandson. my kids will jump out the sliding doors, run through the house, and occassionally tell a cop their mother has a camera fetish, but alas, wait until i go through thousands of picures and make a box for each of them. they'll be glad!i was out taking pictures of the snow today!enjoy each minute, they only pass by once,my best,sue
My first grand daughter will be 1 in Feb. She lives 3000 miles away in CA. I get video and photos.Wonderful that you have experienced being a grand, but it has to be hard being so far away. Will you be able to attend her birthday celebration? Thank God for the Internet! It sure makes things easier. My grandson will be one on Sunday. I can't believe how his being in this world has changed me! Happy Birthday to your granddaughter. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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