This Busy Life

I have to say the end of term cannot come quickly enough. I am hoping it is on or around March 5th. I am getting impatient and restless! I have been recontracted for next year in the new school by the new management. We are moving into a brand new building and as part of this move we are going to have a  change of management. The process leading up to these changes has been fraught. All I know is I am scheduled to start again mid-May.

The long holiday is very exciting! We are booked to travel to the Philippines mid-April and Benedict will meet his grandparents and relatives. I am looking forward to connecting with some local birders and seeing what's on offer over there. I am told it is great but hard work as the birds there have a harder time than here.

Earlier reports of Benedict and teeth may have been premature. I can confirm however that he has discovered his voice and let's say he is blowing his trumpet at every opportunity..... which is all the time! No doubt words and teeth are imminent. Benedict measures 73 cm and weights and 8.80 kg. He really is awesome. Amazing to watch his development. It seems as if he has spurted once more over the last few days with the noise. Benedict is also showing determination. He is an adept crawler and will pursue a glass of water, for instance; some people were playing with him at a party Saturday afternoon, placing a glass on the floor and then moving it out of the poor boy's reach just as he was about to grab it. Benedict just wouldn't give up. I insisted that Benedict be given a drink as I think it is a bit cruel to tease him in this way!

Here is a nice photograph of us........topless Sunday morning! Benedict really is a beautiful boy, great temperament, happy and comfortable with others. He is even starting to take great interest in other kids.

Ratchaburi these last few days has been kicking thanks to the Chinese New Year.  Once more the old market has been converted into a Chinese style village, red lanterns everywhere, and all manner of Chinese themed structures and images. It seems to be packing them in. We have paid a couple of visits. Great atmosphere.

It is getting hotter and hotter as well as we approach the Thai New Year in April and this usually coincides with the rainy season beginning.

I have to say life is good but very busy. Can't wait for the holiday.

Teeth!

My beautiful baby boy is in a little discomfort and struggling to settle. Benedict is lying next to me, asleep for the moment, but he is experiencing some pain due to teething. So he can be a little restless and grump and tearful. I have been stroking his head and giving him a little head massage and this appears to be working. Yes Benedict's first, milk teeth are on the way.

It is just mind boggling to watch Benedict grow and develop. Initial fears about his weight and size have long disappeared; he is an excellent shape and size; probably bigger than average and he has a great appetite and loves food. Benedict is eating solids every day now and today he was eating spaghetti! I think with teething we'll need to give him the large seed of a fresh mango to chew.......it is softish and covered in scrummy mango slush.

Benedict is also making clearer and more coherent sounds so clear words are expected imminently. I accept there may be a delay because he is so exposed to different languages and accents. He's also as strong as an ox and is showing signs of real co-ordination. For instance Benedict can sit up and can pick a bottle of milk and hold it to his mouth. He's crawling on his belly on all fours and this has already resulted in a couple of tumbles off our bed. I am glad to say Benedict appears to have learned from these rites of passage as he now stops at the edge of the bed! With this increased co-ordination and mobility I expect Benedict is going to stand up fairly soon and take his first few steps.

I am so proud of my little boy Benedict as he rapidly approaches 7 months. He really is a joy and great fun. I couldn't want for anything else. What a lucky dad I am!