Sorry about the delay with this posting but Benjamin has been very busy visiting with his relatives in Marietta, Georgia. We all flew down on Friday and enjoyed a great weekend with Grandpa Carl, Grandma Fran, Uncles Jared and Jason, and Auntie Manuela. Kevin, Jason and Manuela left on Sunday night, leaving Benjamin and mom in Atlanta for the rest of the week to relax and enjoy some southern hospitality. We are having a great time. Ben seems to have experienced an intellectual growth spurt, demonstrating skills and behavior that I have never seen before. He immediately "talks" to Grandma Fran whenever she is around. He tends to squeal like a pig with Uncle Jared. He is pushing up into a stand when in your lap and sitting up very strongly, reaching in all directions for toys. He has been extremely happy and content, following his nap and bedtime schedule better than ever. I am quite pleased with how unstressful it has been to have Benji away from home. (And of course Grandma Fran is thrilled to have Benji away from home, too!)
Benjamin loves his family. He thrives when he is around them. I learned a quick lesson this week - it is my responsibility to ensure that Ben has the opportunity to be with family and friends. He certainly can't tell me what he wants now (though Auntie Joyce is certain that he calls for her on Thursday mornings in anticipation of their weekly visit). Whether it be squealing with Uncle Jared, playing peekaboo with Auntie M, practicing piano with Uncle Patrick or exploring nature with Auntie Joyce, Ben is a happier little guy because of all of them. Even if as an adult he has serious complaints about me, I want him to always be able to say that he knew his family and enjoyed time with them throughout his life. I want him to have a sense of place and feel that he is at home with those who love him so much. I will do more. I will make sure to send pictures and updates. I will call more. I will take him on more excursions to family events. I will pester computer illiterate folks to get online and use their webcams so Benjamin will learn faces and names. And Ben will be all the better for it. Each day he gets a little further away from being Baby Benjamin.....I'm certain we don't want to miss a thing!!
I can't add a video clip this time around but have tried to include a few great pictures just to keep everyone satisfied until our next posting. Uncle Jared has been kind enough to keep the camera handy. Ben sends his love and will see you all very soon!
1 comments:
Okay that does it... Auntie Steph is moving to Shirlington, somewhere within walking distance! I do believe that I just read a blog about my beloved nephew, entitled "Family Ties" in which I was the only Aunt or Uncle not mentioned! I already knew that I missed the kid, but it has become painfully obvious that I have got to take matters into my own hands immediately! I'll be scoping out new residence in the vicinity... chances are that I'll have to give up eating to afford the place... but I was looking to drop a few pounds anyway!
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