Kisses

Most of the time they're more slobbery bites than kisses, but we appreciate the sentiment.

100 Days

Historically, 100 days was a very important milestone in a Korean baby's life because the infant mortality rate was so high. A baby that reached 100 days was reason to celebrate - the odds of that baby surviving were much better after that point. Although the infant mortality rate in South Korea is now comparable to North America, 100 days is still celebrated.

After we returned to Korea from our vacation in North America, Dr. and Mrs. Jung took us and some friends out to dinner in celebration of Benjamin's 100 days and presented him with a 24K gold ring signifying longevity. Benjamin is about 5 months in these pictures - he was actually one hundred days on Christmas Eve when we were travelling to Canada. My director, Lydia, and her husband David celebrated with us before our trip and Benjamin received a ring from them too.
Here's Benjamin showing off his ring. Like a typical baby, though, he had the most fun chewing on the gift box. Although we've lived in Korea a number a years, it is still difficult to do some things ourselves because of the language. We've been blessed by Koreans (and Korean-Americans) who have helped us immeasurably during our time here.

Rolling over!

This has been quite the eventful week in Benjamin's life. Last night as he was laying in bed on his tummy, babbling away and refusing to go to sleep, he suddenly rolled over to his back! Physically I think he could have done it long before now, but he never seemed interested - he never wanted to try on his own. Colin wasn't REALLY asleep, or maybe he was... but not after I excitedly blurted out, "He just rolled over!" I plopped Ben back on his tummy and we watched breathlessly as he... kicked his legs, played with his hand, and smiled at us, pleased, but wondering what we were so excited about! It's as if he wanted to tease us a bit before doing it again. But a few seconds later he nonchalantly brought his leg up in the same motion and rolled over again! Despite his supposed indifference, his wide grin in response to our delighted praise revealed how pleased he was. He's sitting, rolling and trying desperately to crawl. It won't be long before he's officially on the loose!

First Tooth!

Like the eager first-time mom I am, I've been checking Ben every day to see whether he's gotten a tooth yet. After months of drooling and gnawing on everything in sight, one pearly tooth has finally broken through! It's amazing because yesterday there was nothing, and then suddenly this morning he pulled my finger into his mouth and there it was! Perfect timing because today he is officially 6 months old.

Benjamin's new favorite "toy" is the spatula that I gave him the other day while I was trying to cook dinner. He chews on either end and is surprising adept at turning it around. (He's only gagged himself a few times!) He also likes to bang it on the floor. I think it's a game he plays where he sees how far away from the Bumbo chair he can toss the toy and still retrieve it. Unfortunately he gets upset when he loses, and then hollers for me to pick it up.

Back to business

Okay, now that we've got the computer back online it's back to blogging! One more picture from Canada:

Colin and Ben (in his snowsuit from Grandma Val) testing out the new baby carrier. His arms didn't come out the sleeves so we just pinned them closed. Ben let us know in no uncertain terms his displeasure at being dressed in this manner, but once we got outside he was happy again.

Great-grandparents

"Excuse me miss, could I have your number?" With Grandpa in Walmart.

And of course we couldn't forget red-neck Ben.

Impish Ben

Here's Ben looking adorably impish at a wonderful Thai restaurant in Vancouver.

4 Generations

Good News!

The camera cord arrived today - thanks to Colin's mom - enabling us to post pictures again. Here's Benjamin with his toes in his mouth, and playing on the bed after a bath. This is a stay-at-home mom's version of Russian roulette: how long can a loaded baby be aimed at a clean bed without regret. (I was a winner that time!)

Soon to come: pictures from our visit in the US.