Jude Kai Redford's Baptism onboard USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70)

We were blessed to witness the Baptism of our very good friend's, Johhny and Gina Redford, son Jude Kai Redford on the bridge (this is where you drive the ship from) of the USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70).

This is an important day in the life of a young family, but also in the life of a ship because the Baby being Baptised gets his/her name engraved on the inside of the ship's bell. The ship's bell is also the place where the actual baptism takes place. Ship's bells are kept forever, even well after the ship is decommissioned and is no longer in service. Very Cool!


A view from the bridge of the USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70). You can see the Ford Island Bridge and the bow of the World War II Battle Ship Missouri.

Benjamin was keeping it real in his car seat... he was still tired from climbing the 8 ladders (or flights of stairs) to get to the bridge of the ship.

We call dis "Siesta!"

Benjamin in one of his many new threads. I thought the shorts with cargo pockets was hilarious.... Benjamin doesn't agree. I wonder what he's going to put in those pockets.

In honor of Gary Coleman, "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"

BREAKING NEWS -- Benjamin slept a whole 6 hour stretch last night. It's that moment of wonder as two grown adults wake up at 3 O'clock in the morning and look at one another as if they don't know where they are. A quick glance at the clock and a sudden darting glance to the crib.... still there, and still sleeping. Thank you Benjamin - you make Mommy and Daddy very happy!

We gave Benjamin his first bath last night. And much to our surprise, he was very well behaved throughout the ordeal. Now Mom and Dad on the other hand, splashed about and raised a whole lot of commotion and excitement. It was as if a bath tub storm swirled around a calm, cool, and collect baby.

As promised, some video of Benjamin at the Gym doing some Tummy Time. Here's the warm up:And here's 1 of 2 sets across the blanket - FLASH LIGHTNING!!!

And here's Benjamin's trainers: HANZ and FRANZ, and "We're here to PUMP, YOU UP!"

Navy Marine Corps Society Nurse Visit

BREAKING NEWS --- Benjamin's Umbilical Cord Stump fell off last night

BATH TIME IS ON!

We were so very fortunate today to have Benjamin's 2-week check up done at home by Nurse Charlotte. Only the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers a home visit by the "visiting nurses" (That's right, for Navy and Marine Corps only - just one more reason to Beat Army!) It was very comforting to share the 2 hours with Charlotte, where we could rapid fire questions and she could demonstrate on our real live test baby (Benjamin). Bottom line, Benjamin is a healthy little boy and what she describes a "feeder and a grower" and "long".

Weight status:
Birth.....................................8 lbs 2.4 oz
2 Day....................................7 lbs 15 oz
2 Weeks...............................9 lbs 1 oz

Additionally we learned all about "Tummy Time" and how this helps in Benjamin's development (next update will contain video of his "workout"). Mom and Dad have already mapped out a training plan to have Benjamin walking in about 2 or 3 weeks.

Benjamin worked so hard during his baby workout that he PASSED OUT (but you have to say it like Arnold Schwarzenegger or those clowns from Saturday Night Live on "Sprocketts, Time to Dance"); nevermind.

Inside the Brain of Benjamin

I really, really, really love this lady... she's the one that feeds me. That other chump is the one who changes my dirty diapers. Let me get this straight, there's more to life than breastfeeding?Whatever, I've got it made in the shade. I'm going to breastfeed FOREVER!

Geesh! You weren't kidding, were you?Darn It Lady, I want answers.... NOW! While you're at it, get the guy that changes my diapers.

Fans across America shout "More Banjamin, More Benjamin"!!!!!

Baby Ninjas and Momma Ninjas need their rest to continue their training.
Baby Ninjas are masters of disguise: Jack Nicholson, "You can't handle the truth"!

This is how Baby Ninjas spend their evenings...

Baby Ninja in Training: Lotus Flower w/ Cobra Hand (All with his eyes closed)

More Breathing... and More Sleeping

It's been a few days and for Benjamin's adoring fans this can seem like an eternity, so here goes.

It's amazing what a difference 8 Days and some sleep makes. Benjamin has gone from feeding every hour (or in some cases every 45 minutes) through the night - Arghhhh, to a bit more manageable 3 to 4 hours between feedings - This makes Mom and Dad VERY HAPPY. Benjamin is becoming a bit more aware of his surroundings, indicative of a slight glance at Mom or Dad when they get within the 1 foot viewing range of all newborns. Mom and Dad are also beginning to pickup a lot of the subtle queues Benjamin likes to throw down, i.e. a gassy fussy versus a hungry fussy. Through it all, Benjamin has aquired a few personalities and nicknames associated with these alter egos:

- Drunk Monkey: Immediately after a good 30-minute feed, all muscles go limp and the head weighs heavy atop his little body. The milk mustache gives away his liquor of choice - the Milk!

- Baby Ninja: He's swift with his hands and quick to fend off a diaper change. He's even been known to projectile bodily fluids at his opponents (Mom and Dad). This Baby Ninja is only beginning to realize all of his true God-given powers. Mom knows she's safe home alone with a Baby Ninja to protect her.

- Harry Houdini: All newborns have tiny fingernails and the inability to control their own hands which result in a few scratches to the face unless they're either covered or straight-jacketed. Whatever we do to pretect Benjamin from himself (see Baby Ninja), he manages to escape a finger or an arm. We often wonder if he's hiding keys in his diaper.

We continue to have adoring Benjamin fans knocking down our doors. Our very good friends Ryan and Summer Wood came to seek the one they call "Baby Ninja":

Baby Ninja's (and Momma Ninja's) need their daily walk around the block to get some Fresh Air and Train:

Drunk Monkey:

Everybody loves videos: