Seven Weeks Later

On Saturday night, my in-laws came by to see their adorable grandson! Ben grew so much since they had last seen him. Spending time with them was a nice way to end a weekend that started out in a hectic manner!



On Monday, I returned to work. It was difficult to go back, but I did miss the intellectual stimulation (just hated to leave Ben, especially crying like he was on Monday morning). Monday afternoon was hard for Josh, as he is Ben's primary caretaker for now (likely through December, when I'm not on vacation). It was a learning period for me too - as I have a ton of work to do by the end of the year! Learning to take care of chores, maximize time with Josh / Ben and catch up on work after hours has been exhausting, but not without some joy. (Josh and I, on separate occasions, thought we heard Ben giggle - but are not sure... hopefully it happen soon!)

I am very glad that I requested a flexible work arrangement to work up to three days per week from home (provided I am not the primary caretaker for Ben during that time) for up to 6 months following my return to work. The arrangement was approved before I left for disability. This past week, I worked from home two days. Working from home saves time and actually makes me more productive (less distractions, even with a baby and two dogs at home!). It also helps to ease the transition back to work. Josh appreciates it as well.

On Monday, Josh took Ben to the pediatrician to check him following his trip to the hospital on Friday / Saturday. He weighed 12 pounds, 5 ounces!



Ben is now smiling every day - not a ton, but I am thrilled every time that I get to see it!





Last night, Ben was crying after his bath. I could not figure out what was wrong, but knew it was not hunger, gas or a dirty diaper. A couples of minutes went by and I noticed that his legs could no longer extend all the way in the footed onesie he was wearing - time to upgrade to 3-6 month clothing (we knew it was coming soon)!

Here he is in a Classic Pooh unionsuit (this week we tried his swing again, on a higher speed, based on a tip from one of the managers at work - what a help!):



A cold front came in this morning. Once the hot Texas summer temperatures passed, Perry was spending lots of time outside each day. When it starts to get cold, Sadie tends to spend more time out there with him.



Now that I'm working, time is more precious - especially the weekends! Even though we were up late with Ben last night (Josh was particularly helpful, walking around with Ben to get him to fall asleep), I stayed awake following Ben's morning feeding. I was able to pump, check some work e-mail, pay bills, fold laundry (well, 2 of 4 clean loads) and take a shower - all before Josh and Ben woke up!

We all ran some errands before Ben's Aunt Raechel and her friend Allie arrived. We went to Culver's for lunch. I got the small Vanilla Concrete Mixer with KitKat and Heath bar chunks in it for the dessert - yum! We then spent the afternoon at home.



Raechel and Allie were gracious enough to watch Benjamin while Josh and I went on our first post-Ben's-birth date. Wanting a quick but nice dinner not too far from home, we went to Cucina Italian Restaurant. There we had some great bread with garlic butter, and enjoyed splitting an entree called Penne Frutti di Mare - which was fantastic! The entire meal took only an hour. (On the way home, we filled my car's gas tank - for the first time in a LONG time - less than $20!) We arrived home and Ben was being delightful!



Later in the evening, I was taking care of things around the house and found the males watching football!