Network connection problems

I have an MBP 2.2ghz 10.4.11 with all the updates up to date. I've been running my internet thru my airport extreme for the last 2 or 3 years (about 10 months with this laptop). Everything was fine up until about 2 months ago. My problem is that my MBP does not automatically reconnect to my airport express when waking up from sleep. This problems is occurring more often lately. Before it was about 30-40% of the time...for the last week I'd say it's been about 85% of the time. I don't have problems with dropped connections when I'm using the laptop. It's just after I wake up from sleep mode.

A few more things: I hide my network, I'm using WPA Personal, my airport is just in the next room (10 ft away).

Is this an MBP problem or AE problem?