Up, Up, and Away

The three of us took a trip down to North Carolina to visit with my family and to introduce Benji to some of his relatives. We had a great time, and Benji was a champ when it came to traveling. The plane ride didn't seem to phase him at all, and it was much easier to navigate the airport with a baby than I had expected.

I sure enjoyed being home with my family. I always miss them, but having a baby makes me miss my family even more.



Over the past couple of weeks, Benji has been reaching for and batting at objects. Sometimes he even manages to grab them! It started with him reaching for my necklace when he was nursing, and slowly evolved into him reaching for toys, etc.

He is also becoming progressively more vocal and expressive. He recently started to laugh a bit (occasional chuckles), and he loves to blow bubbles (or spit, according to Ed/Alex). He also seems to get a kick out of sticking out his tongue, especially if we stick ours out in response.

This is my last week at home with the little fellow, and then I have to return to work. I'm certainly thankful that I have a job that I enjoy, but I'm really going to miss being home with my baby. We were able to find a home daycare provider whom I feel will give Benji lots of nurturing and attention, so I know he'll be well taken care of. At the end of the day, however, I wish I was the one taking care of him all day. Luckily, my workplace has been wonderfully flexible with me, and I'll have every Wednesday off. In exchange, I'll work a longer day on Tuesday, but this will give Ed/Alex and Benji some guy time together without me hovering!

Here are some of his cute expressions:

Um...I think someone ought to check my britches...



I'm so excited I can't contain myself! I love bathtime!


Hey, why did you take me out of the bath?

Oh happy day!


Yes? May I help you?