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Dad Makes His Premature Baby Do Manly Things, And The Result Is Hilarious (OC)
Our son Ryan was born 9 weeks premature weighing just under 3 lbs. He spent 6 weeks in the NICU and it seemed to last forever. When my daughter was born 2+ years ago, I photoshopped her playing sports as an infant and had wanted to do something similar for my son. Although things didn’t go according to plan we didn’t let it slow us down. We joked that he wasn’t a premature baby just “advanced” – so I came up with the idea that we should do a photo series of him doing manly things.
Each shoot took about 15-20 minutes. Most of the work is in setup and photo editing. First, I had to make props and find outfits for most of the photo ideas. The next step was setting up the scene, framing the shot, arranging props, and setting up the lighting where appropriate. Some of the setups were elaborate – like for the benchpress photo. For this one, I made a rig that hung from the ceiling. It mounted the camera and also held the barbell above Ryan so all he had to do was grip it rather than holding it up.
My wife often helped out by holding our adorable baby so I could put his hands/arms/legs in certain positions, holding things. After I got the pictures of Ryan, I would take some shots of anything that he couldn’t actually hold, like the ax swinging or the fish on the fishing line. After each shot, I would comb through these hundreds of cute photos and choose the best ones. I then used Photoshop to remove myself from the pictures and combine the best parts of his body into a unified composite photo.
People seemed to love the photos – there was a lot of disappointment when the series came to an end. Most people found them funny but there were always a few people that feared for Ryan’s safety. I always explained how the “danger” all came from photoshop and he was always being held and was never in any harm. I’m curious to see what Ryan thinks of them 18 years from now when he’s actually grown up.
My three pieces of advice for parents of premature babies are to be patient, be positive, and seek support. Scroll down below to see all the fun we had with Baby Ryan!
RELATED:
Shaving that 5 o’clock shadow
Mowing the lawn
Blowing the leaves like a champ
Playing poker with the boys
Chopping that firewood
Catching his first fish (and release)
Tuning up mom’s Prius
Carving the Thanksgiving turkey
Earning that paycheck (yes we made him a mini briefcase)
Maxing out at 106 ounces on the benchpress
Pumping iron
Ryan’s now 6 months old and finally on the growth chart! Much love to all the NICU nurses at Virtua Mount Holly.
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What do you think ?
Ralph Spooner 5 years ago
Alec, they do make custom made beer steins that will hold that much, but I wouldn't want to try one.
Load More Replies...
Carrie de Luka 5 years ago
Good grief - should he be gambling?? Hahahhaha. These are so cute. I always think premature babies should be allowed to start school etc from around the date they would have been born - seems unfair otherwise as they are, in real terms younge. If you go from conception.
Farah Abdullah 5 years ago
Carving the turkey. That reaction... priceless!!! #relate when it comes to food.
Carmen Elena 5 years ago
My heart is sooo melting! Adorable baby I´m so happy you´re getting stronger every day :)
Kerrie 5 years ago
The photoshop skills are ON POINT! This is awesome!! Also - so glad that the little guy is doing so well!
Lori Koonce 5 years ago
You've got a point. IMO this is what Photoshop was made for.
Load More Replies...
Night Owl 5 years ago (edited)
I love the dino for scale on the last two pictures. Congratulation. Babies can grow so fast. And the pictures of him doing grown up things were very funny and, I'm guessing, full of hope for him to get bigger and stronger so that one day he would get the opportunity to do them for real
Lisa Bambusca 5 years ago
I want to thank you so much for this fun project. Our son was born at 29 weeks and we spent a little over 7 weeks in the NICU. I LOVE HOW YOU CAPTURED HIS PERSONALITY AND HIS STRENGTH IN THESE PICTURES! Our little preemie warriors are heroes. We wish you the best, Marco and his Mom
Lizard Queen 5 years ago
Looks like he's not sure if he's landscaping, or doing pull ups. Well done.
Load More Replies...
Lyssa Erickson 5 years ago
I have a micropreemie named Ryan. He was born at 27 weeks at 1 lb 12 oz. We spent 79 days in the nicu. These are adorable photos. And yes, Preemies are "advanced"!
Calypso poet 5 years ago
Omg he looks like Stewie! That’s a compliment, this kids’ facial expressions are epic!
Emily Jones 5 years ago
Lol!! Yes! The wide eyed facial expressions are killing me!!
Load More Replies... Lori Koonce 5 years ago
Hey Ryan I've got the best dad on the planet. But, if your dad keeps it up, he just may take his place some day. I hope that you grow up and do all those things your dad showed you doing and more.
Kim Craven 5 years ago
OMG this is adorable!!! Baby Ryan you are strong, I wish I could bench press 106 ounces! LOL! Awesome job dad and mom for helping!
Rita Derrickson 5 years ago
Love mowing the lawn and fixing the car. Carve that elephant, Ryan.
Mark À Irvine 5 years ago
Great photos, dad. The album of pictures will be a treasure all his days. Ryan is well on his way to being a rowdy teenager. My oldest was 6 weeks early and spent 11 days in the NICU. Now he is 6'2", weighs 225, and is working on an advanced degree in chemistry. Ryan's got a great future ahead of him.
Janine Randall 5 years ago
I remember your daughter's photos. I'm so glad your son is doing well and able to participate in your family hobby! Can't wait to see what his next adventures are as he grows.
Brian Wolford 5 years ago (edited)
These are great. Been doing something similar with my daughter since she was born: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinora/
Aahzmandus Pervect 5 years ago
Some situations are very dangerous, and some are obviously fake. :) :) :)
Veronica Niechajczyk 5 years ago
These are fantastic. I'm so jealous of people who can use photoshop like this.
Flash Henry 5 years ago
Ok I'm not a fan of babies AT ALL, but that last pic? That's a cute freaking baby.
Joannie Goulet 5 years ago
Awww, such a cute little guy! My first child was slightly prematured and little Ryan's facial expressions here remind me so much of him when he was little. <3
Ravens Mom 5 years ago
Now that's just adorable! I wish Ryan and his family a happy, healthy future filled with love.
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
Having worked NICU for 12 years, it was the most rewarding nursing job I've had! This little guy seems to have done so well! Kudos to his parents, I know how stressful it is to have a preemie. So happy he's home! The pictures are awesome!!
Gracie Mae 5 years ago
great job--my faves were the shaving, poker, mechanic & going to work, but they're all awesome!
ebony1k124 touch 5 years ago
OMG, the photo with him "going to work" is one of the most precious things. All of the pics are too adorable.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
This is fantastic, you and your wife must have had a lot of fun creating this, your beautiful baby Ryan was born with the Angles !!!
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
Poor baby . He do all the hard work. I'm sure he do the dishes too. 😜God bless him with a healthy and happy life.🥰🥰
Cami Corvino 5 years ago
I love the pictures and he's growing so well! Give him kisses for me😘
Cami Corvino 5 years ago
I love the pictures! He looks like he's growing well! Give him kisses for us😘
Karen Pruitt 5 years ago
My daughter was 2 weeks LATE and only weighed a little over 5 lbs. I am now the grandmother to a 16 year old gorgeous young woman! Just stay with it!
Karen Pruitt 5 years ago
I love, love, love the pictures! My favorite one,though, is how you made the dinosaur shrink from its original size in the last picture! God Bless your family!👼🙏
Ralph Spooner 5 years ago
Great pictures and hope they keep coming as the little darling grows.
Paul Redifer 5 years ago
Congrats! I’m the father of twin preemies and those first months are hell. Glad to see you keeping a sense of humor through it all. You’ll never forget the difficulties of this time so it’s good to add some smiles to those memories. Good luck to your family.
Christine Howard 5 years ago
These pictures are adorable! The one of him with the brief case is priceless. Our children were premature also. My daughter was 5 weeks early, and my son was 7 weeks. They are now 26 and 22 and doing well. Your son will do well also!
Christine Howard 5 years ago
Love these pictures! The one of him with the brief case is priceless. Both of our kids were premature. Our daughter was 5 weeks, and our son 7 weeks. They are now 26 and 22 and doing well. Your son will do very well also!
Lori Koonce 5 years ago
I've got the best dad. But if you keep this kind of stuff going, you'll soon take his place. I hope that Ryan grows up healthy and strong enough to do all the things you've shown and many more.
Glynis Lailann 5 years ago
These photos prove that this kid has parents that really love him to the moon and back. Beautiful.
Robyn Gardam 5 years ago
Those expressions are the best! Great job and such an adorable model!
Ruth Beaty 5 years ago
Too, too cute, and dad's pretty imaginative. Before you know it he'll be running all over the place!
Oindrila Bhattacharya 5 years ago
The last photo is so precious. Kinda looks similar to all the stray kitten to house cat transformations.
Lara Kuchen 5 years ago
i love them and the pictures and all but why did you saw those things are "manly"?
Rebecca Fielding 5 years ago
Apparently you can never be born too early to be conformed to a gender stereotype 🙄 Poor kid...
Catmeres 5 years ago
It's not a stereotype, those are traditionally 'manly things'!
Load More Replies...
SkyTheImaginer 5 years ago
It's photoshop justice warrior. You can calm down now.
Load More Replies...
Ralph Spooner 5 years ago
Alec, they do make custom made beer steins that will hold that much, but I wouldn't want to try one.
Load More Replies... Carrie de Luka 5 years ago
Good grief - should he be gambling?? Hahahhaha. These are so cute. I always think premature babies should be allowed to start school etc from around the date they would have been born - seems unfair otherwise as they are, in real terms younge. If you go from conception.
Farah Abdullah 5 years ago
Carving the turkey. That reaction... priceless!!! #relate when it comes to food.
Carmen Elena 5 years ago
My heart is sooo melting! Adorable baby I´m so happy you´re getting stronger every day :)
Kerrie 5 years ago
The photoshop skills are ON POINT! This is awesome!! Also - so glad that the little guy is doing so well!
Lori Koonce 5 years ago
You've got a point. IMO this is what Photoshop was made for.
Load More Replies... Night Owl 5 years ago (edited)
I love the dino for scale on the last two pictures. Congratulation. Babies can grow so fast. And the pictures of him doing grown up things were very funny and, I'm guessing, full of hope for him to get bigger and stronger so that one day he would get the opportunity to do them for real
Lisa Bambusca 5 years ago
I want to thank you so much for this fun project. Our son was born at 29 weeks and we spent a little over 7 weeks in the NICU. I LOVE HOW YOU CAPTURED HIS PERSONALITY AND HIS STRENGTH IN THESE PICTURES! Our little preemie warriors are heroes. We wish you the best, Marco and his Mom
Lizard Queen 5 years ago
Looks like he's not sure if he's landscaping, or doing pull ups. Well done.
Load More Replies... Lyssa Erickson 5 years ago
I have a micropreemie named Ryan. He was born at 27 weeks at 1 lb 12 oz. We spent 79 days in the nicu. These are adorable photos. And yes, Preemies are "advanced"!
Calypso poet 5 years ago
Omg he looks like Stewie! That’s a compliment, this kids’ facial expressions are epic!
Emily Jones 5 years ago
Lol!! Yes! The wide eyed facial expressions are killing me!!
Load More Replies... Lori Koonce 5 years ago
Hey Ryan I've got the best dad on the planet. But, if your dad keeps it up, he just may take his place some day. I hope that you grow up and do all those things your dad showed you doing and more.
Kim Craven 5 years ago
OMG this is adorable!!! Baby Ryan you are strong, I wish I could bench press 106 ounces! LOL! Awesome job dad and mom for helping!
Rita Derrickson 5 years ago
Love mowing the lawn and fixing the car. Carve that elephant, Ryan.
Mark À Irvine 5 years ago
Great photos, dad. The album of pictures will be a treasure all his days. Ryan is well on his way to being a rowdy teenager. My oldest was 6 weeks early and spent 11 days in the NICU. Now he is 6'2", weighs 225, and is working on an advanced degree in chemistry. Ryan's got a great future ahead of him.
Janine Randall 5 years ago
I remember your daughter's photos. I'm so glad your son is doing well and able to participate in your family hobby! Can't wait to see what his next adventures are as he grows.
Brian Wolford 5 years ago (edited)
These are great. Been doing something similar with my daughter since she was born: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinora/
Aahzmandus Pervect 5 years ago
Some situations are very dangerous, and some are obviously fake. :) :) :)
Veronica Niechajczyk 5 years ago
These are fantastic. I'm so jealous of people who can use photoshop like this.
Flash Henry 5 years ago
Ok I'm not a fan of babies AT ALL, but that last pic? That's a cute freaking baby.
Joannie Goulet 5 years ago
Awww, such a cute little guy! My first child was slightly prematured and little Ryan's facial expressions here remind me so much of him when he was little. <3
Ravens Mom 5 years ago
Now that's just adorable! I wish Ryan and his family a happy, healthy future filled with love.
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
Having worked NICU for 12 years, it was the most rewarding nursing job I've had! This little guy seems to have done so well! Kudos to his parents, I know how stressful it is to have a preemie. So happy he's home! The pictures are awesome!!
Gracie Mae 5 years ago
great job--my faves were the shaving, poker, mechanic & going to work, but they're all awesome!
ebony1k124 touch 5 years ago
OMG, the photo with him "going to work" is one of the most precious things. All of the pics are too adorable.
sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago
This is fantastic, you and your wife must have had a lot of fun creating this, your beautiful baby Ryan was born with the Angles !!!
Luisa Vasconcelos 5 years ago
Poor baby . He do all the hard work. I'm sure he do the dishes too. 😜God bless him with a healthy and happy life.🥰🥰
Cami Corvino 5 years ago
I love the pictures and he's growing so well! Give him kisses for me😘
Cami Corvino 5 years ago
I love the pictures! He looks like he's growing well! Give him kisses for us😘
Karen Pruitt 5 years ago
My daughter was 2 weeks LATE and only weighed a little over 5 lbs. I am now the grandmother to a 16 year old gorgeous young woman! Just stay with it!
Karen Pruitt 5 years ago
I love, love, love the pictures! My favorite one,though, is how you made the dinosaur shrink from its original size in the last picture! God Bless your family!👼🙏
Ralph Spooner 5 years ago
Great pictures and hope they keep coming as the little darling grows.
Paul Redifer 5 years ago
Congrats! I’m the father of twin preemies and those first months are hell. Glad to see you keeping a sense of humor through it all. You’ll never forget the difficulties of this time so it’s good to add some smiles to those memories. Good luck to your family.
Christine Howard 5 years ago
These pictures are adorable! The one of him with the brief case is priceless. Our children were premature also. My daughter was 5 weeks early, and my son was 7 weeks. They are now 26 and 22 and doing well. Your son will do well also!
Christine Howard 5 years ago
Love these pictures! The one of him with the brief case is priceless. Both of our kids were premature. Our daughter was 5 weeks, and our son 7 weeks. They are now 26 and 22 and doing well. Your son will do very well also!
Lori Koonce 5 years ago
I've got the best dad. But if you keep this kind of stuff going, you'll soon take his place. I hope that Ryan grows up healthy and strong enough to do all the things you've shown and many more.
Glynis Lailann 5 years ago
These photos prove that this kid has parents that really love him to the moon and back. Beautiful.
Robyn Gardam 5 years ago
Those expressions are the best! Great job and such an adorable model!
Ruth Beaty 5 years ago
Too, too cute, and dad's pretty imaginative. Before you know it he'll be running all over the place!
Oindrila Bhattacharya 5 years ago
The last photo is so precious. Kinda looks similar to all the stray kitten to house cat transformations.
Lara Kuchen 5 years ago
i love them and the pictures and all but why did you saw those things are "manly"?
Rebecca Fielding 5 years ago
Apparently you can never be born too early to be conformed to a gender stereotype 🙄 Poor kid...
Catmeres 5 years ago
It's not a stereotype, those are traditionally 'manly things'!
Load More Replies... SkyTheImaginer 5 years ago
It's photoshop justice warrior. You can calm down now.
Load More Replies... 
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