Alexander Benjamin's paternal grandfather came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. One of my father's passions is flying. While he was in town, he bought the coolest little flyer outfit for Alexander, complete with leather airman's jacket and sharp khaki pants. We'll show a photo of that once Alexander is old enough to fit into the new ensemble. (There's also a body suit with airplanes on it that grandpa bought that fits Alexander now; I'll post a photo of that one soon. I guess I'm becoming a fashion photographer. Ack.)

As you can see, both of these Rousselles are fine looking fellows... and they're both looking funny at the Rousselle behind the camera. I have no idea what the I was doing at the time to earn these reactions.

We've been fortunate so far to have had a chance to introduce Alexander to both of his paternal grandparents, plus his maternal grandmother (who was here to help out during the week before and the week after little Alex was born), and most recently his Aunt Sandra and Uncle Michael. My own Aunt Ginny (my father's youngest sister) lives not too far away from us, and we get to visit more frequently. With any luck, Alexander will meet his other three uncles and his godmother before too long. Family is assuming a completely different kind of importance to me now that I am raising a family of my own. The connections run deeper -- with siblings as well as parents and grandparents. I don't have the words to describe it... yet. But I'll figure it out. And, no doubt, I'll put it down on paper. Writers are funny that way.

I'm looking forward to Alexander meeting his great grandparents. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them, myself. I'm older now than my father was when I was born. I hope Alexander nonetheless will grow up knowing his extended family, including his grandparents and great grandparents, aunts and uncles. They're all good people.

Now, his dad, on the other hand, could still stand some improvement....