8 Weeks Old!

Benjamin is now 8 weeks old – and a lot of growing up has gone into the last month. He has almost doubled his birth weight and is a handful at 4.6 kg! He has also added a whole 7cm to his length! It was with mixed emotions that I folded and packed away those very first “newborn” clothes he wore in the first month – those little outfits are too small and packing them away reminded me that he is growing up fast. He has had his first major inoculation and to us the most magic of all …. is smiling frequently at almost anything it seems. We have tried to capture some of these magic moments by camera but of course the pictures never portray the warmth and depth of his smile, the little noises which accompany these bursts of friendly communication or the range of emotions we feel as parents when he recognizes us.

One of my clients enquired about Benjamin the other day and during the conversation mentioned that little babies were quite “addictive”. This is exactly right! We cannot seem to get enough of his little quirks, his facial expressions, the way he feels when you hold him, the fact that he already has little favourite toys and objects he likes to smile at.

Even bathtime is starting to become fun now...

5 Weeks Old and Oh So Sweeeeeeet!

As you can see, I'm much more comfortable with taking a bath now - it is not so bad after all!


Oh, what's this? This is new! Exploring my gym...





I think I recognize you...

Love you Mom!

Family & Friends

Marietjie says:

Grandparents

Everybody should grow up with at least one grandparent. Grandparents forgive more readily, teach more patiently and love just as unconditionally as parents. My own grandmother was a great source of inspiration in my life. Despite passing away 14 years ago, her presence is still a reality in my life. I often think of her advice, embrace her philosophy of life and am constantly reminded of her when I look at my mother. I remember the minutest detail about my gran: the music she liked and played on old fashioned records (Jacques Brell, Chopin) the fine and exotic things she had in her home which came from her travels, the food she made, the interests she had (her pets, wild birds, literature), her positive attitude, her compassion for those around her, her strength as a woman (I think she was a born a “free woman” – which was unusual for someone born in 1910!), her belief in strict discipline and her love for family.


Benjamin is named after his grandfather: Daniel Benjamin Nel. Grandfather Dan came to the rescue when I was in hospital recently and Roelf had to look after Benjamin on his own. Here they are – deep in conversation and already loving being together.



Friends and Family

We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty. I have always adored fairy tales – maybe because they contain elements of the impossible, of beauty without measure, of happiness without bounds. Over the past weeks our friends and family have bestowed many gifts upon Benjamin and they made me think of the “good fairies” in Sleeping Beauty because not only did they come bearing clothes, toiletries and clothes fit for a little king, they came with good wishes for our little boy. We feel very blessed that you have all taken time and made such an effort to share in our happiness. Thank you!



Our “Family” from Sweden

One of the things we are enjoying the most about being parents, is getting to know this little human being entrusted in our care. And even better, seeing family and friends getting to know him! Per-Ake, Liesbeth and Benna – all the way from Stockholm in Sweden, paid us a visit not so long ago. Per-Ake and Liesbeth are our “Swedish parents” and have known us for 13 years. They are proud grandparents themselves and it was very special that they could meet Benjamin.