Norah is a big baby. The standard hospital clothing was too tight. They gave us the next step up, which seems a little big. It's okay. Norah likes it.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
First Bath
Norah takes her first bath, or more like the bath took her!
The nurse did a great job showing us how to clean Norah every couple of days. She didn't like it very much, but the nurse said she'll most likely get used to it and even enjoy it.
"I'm Ready for My Close Up, Mr. DeMille"
If you look at the ultrasound from a few days ago, you can really see that she has a big upper lip. It's very cute.
Chiara and I both think she looks like a (grumpy) old man.
Getting Weighed
Norah is getting weighed. Her name tag says, "Nora" as this was before we had nailed down the name.
A Few Minutes Old
I know you guys want pictures so here a few. I snuck out of the hospital to take a shower and get some dinner. I'm also going to upload a bunch of pictures.
This one is of Norah almost as soon as she was born.
Norah Claire Hemsley is Welcomed to the World
Hi everyone.
I'm at the hospital still, so this will be short and unfortunately, no pictures until I can get home, but that will be the first thing I do, when I get there.
Norah Claire Hemsley was born on May 31, 2007 at 6:24 in the morning. There was some deliberation about the way her name should be spelled but we are finally committing to the "h" at the end (thanks to those who have provided input on the matter).
Norah comes from Eleanor which can mean "light" or "honorable light." Claire is the Gallic version of "Chiara," which also means light or clear.
Norah weighed 10lbs 6.7 oz. Had Chiara known this going in, she would have opted for an epidural or other pain medication. That's right. All natural birth. And I tell you, I barely made it through it!
Norah is 21 and a half inches long.
Chiara and I both think she has a contemplative face. She has already started eating and is doing quite well.
Chiara and I thank you for your support and I'll be sure to have those pictures up as soon as possible.
I'm at the hospital still, so this will be short and unfortunately, no pictures until I can get home, but that will be the first thing I do, when I get there.
Norah Claire Hemsley was born on May 31, 2007 at 6:24 in the morning. There was some deliberation about the way her name should be spelled but we are finally committing to the "h" at the end (thanks to those who have provided input on the matter).
Norah comes from Eleanor which can mean "light" or "honorable light." Claire is the Gallic version of "Chiara," which also means light or clear.
Norah weighed 10lbs 6.7 oz. Had Chiara known this going in, she would have opted for an epidural or other pain medication. That's right. All natural birth. And I tell you, I barely made it through it!
Norah is 21 and a half inches long.
Chiara and I both think she has a contemplative face. She has already started eating and is doing quite well.
Chiara and I thank you for your support and I'll be sure to have those pictures up as soon as possible.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Last Pictures in the Womb
A couple of pictures before Baby Hemsley emerges. Boy does she have big lips!
Today is the day!
We had an appointment yesterday to check Baby Hemsley's status. The amniotic fluid was right on the line of "OK" and "NOT OK", so they did a non-stress test (NST), where they monitor her heart rate for a little while to see if it increases when she is active, etc. It was funny because she started off well on the NST, but then, she decided to take a nap, so they didn't have enough to go on to make a judgement. So the nurse said, "Let's try the radio" and they strapped a radio playing classic rock (loudly!) to my belly.
Baby Hemsley must like classic rock, because she started moving almost instantly--especially on a song by Def Leppard!! We were laughing as she tried to kick the radio off my belly! It was rolling to the left and right--very funny.
Anyway, after the NST (which was fine), we discussed with Laura, a midwife, what our options were. She said that the fluid would not increase with us waiting, so she was not opposed to inducing within the next couple of days. We said "OK" and decided on today (Wednesday) because Labor and Delivery is supposed to be busier on Thursday.
So, now we are scheduled to go in today around noon to start the process. We are both very excited! We will send photos as soon as we can, and of course, we will tell you the name ASAP!
James might post some of the most recent ultrasound photos today before we leave. We got a nice view of her face, and a profile. It was hard to distinguish other parts, though; she is packed in there pretty tight!
More soon...
Chiara and James
Baby Hemsley must like classic rock, because she started moving almost instantly--especially on a song by Def Leppard!! We were laughing as she tried to kick the radio off my belly! It was rolling to the left and right--very funny.
Anyway, after the NST (which was fine), we discussed with Laura, a midwife, what our options were. She said that the fluid would not increase with us waiting, so she was not opposed to inducing within the next couple of days. We said "OK" and decided on today (Wednesday) because Labor and Delivery is supposed to be busier on Thursday.
So, now we are scheduled to go in today around noon to start the process. We are both very excited! We will send photos as soon as we can, and of course, we will tell you the name ASAP!
James might post some of the most recent ultrasound photos today before we leave. We got a nice view of her face, and a profile. It was hard to distinguish other parts, though; she is packed in there pretty tight!
More soon...
Chiara and James
Monday, May 28, 2007
Yes, your phones are working...
I keep getting phone calls from friends and family saying that something MUST have happened by now, but alas, nothing has.
Baby Hemsley REALLY likes it in my tummy (who wouldn't?), because she is now almost 1 week late! Talk about torture! I don't know who is taking this harder: James and I, or our parents. Everyone just wants me to go into labor already, and I have been getting lots of advice on how to make that happen (none of which has worked, by the way!).
Today James and I went for a longer walk than usual, in an effort to get her excited about coming out. So far, no signs of any action--hopefully tonight.
Don't worry--we will call or email when it happens. In the meantime, pray for sanity for James and I, a spirit of peace as we await our baby's birth, and a safe delivery when she does decide it's time!
-Chiara and James
Baby Hemsley REALLY likes it in my tummy (who wouldn't?), because she is now almost 1 week late! Talk about torture! I don't know who is taking this harder: James and I, or our parents. Everyone just wants me to go into labor already, and I have been getting lots of advice on how to make that happen (none of which has worked, by the way!).
Today James and I went for a longer walk than usual, in an effort to get her excited about coming out. So far, no signs of any action--hopefully tonight.
Don't worry--we will call or email when it happens. In the meantime, pray for sanity for James and I, a spirit of peace as we await our baby's birth, and a safe delivery when she does decide it's time!
-Chiara and James
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
T + 1 day...and counting...
May 22 has come and gone without incident. Now James and I are very anxious. We were hoping that his grandparents would be able to meet Baby Hemsley, but they are leaving today around noon, and I don't feel any contractions yet (it's 9:15 a.m.). So, I don't think that will happen.
Now, we are hoping she will come before James' parents and brother leave on Friday. James' dad says he is going to buy me a mini-trampoline to jump on to get her moving! I think she is just too cozy in there!
Every day, I leave work so that I am finished with this or that project. Then, I have to come back the next day and find things to do to fill a day. It is frustrating!
I am feeling good, though. I can't complain about that!
More soon.
--Chiara
Now, we are hoping she will come before James' parents and brother leave on Friday. James' dad says he is going to buy me a mini-trampoline to jump on to get her moving! I think she is just too cozy in there!
Every day, I leave work so that I am finished with this or that project. Then, I have to come back the next day and find things to do to fill a day. It is frustrating!
I am feeling good, though. I can't complain about that!
More soon.
--Chiara
Monday, May 21, 2007
One More Day?
Well, it is now May 21, and Baby Hemsley is due on May 22. So, do we have one more day to wait for her arrival? The not knowing is killing us--James is on pins and needles. Every time I call him, if there is any tension or urgency in my voice, he comes running! Then he gets upset because I am 'not in labor'! He says that when I actually am in labor, he might not come! I am constantly analyzing her movements, her position, and my physical feelings to see if I am in labor. I barely sleep--still having crazy dreams and insomnia. I was wide awake from 4-5:30 this morning for no reason!
We can't wait to meet her, hold her, and show her to the rest of you! We need patience and peace while we wait.
Hopefully, there will be more news soon.
--Chiara and James
We can't wait to meet her, hold her, and show her to the rest of you! We need patience and peace while we wait.
Hopefully, there will be more news soon.
--Chiara and James
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Chiara Profile
For everyone trying to guess the weight of the baby, Chiara wanted to take a profile shot. Hope this helps.
Hanging Out in the Back Yard
Chiara and I planted some tomatoes in the back yard. We're both trying to find things to do to pass the time.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
One Week to Go!
Baby Hemsley is due on May 22, and that means that we have one more week to go! James and I have been anxiously awaiting her arrival. We both keep having frantic dreams (me: about labor; James: that "she" is a "he"!) and are not getting much sleep at night. With trips to the bathroom every 1.5 hours, baby's movements from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (I think she will be a night owl...), and James generating 1000 BTU's of heat, it is difficult to sleep!
We have decided to keep her name a secret, but boy, are we ready to tell you all what we have chosen. We hope you will like it, and if you don't, you won't be able to tell us so! Ha, Ha! For now, she goes by Leona, Baby, or Precious Princess--depending on who you talk to!
I have had a great pregnancy and I have mixed feelings about it coming to an end. I have loved every minute of it--especially feeling her grow and move inside of me. James loves to tease her and get her to kick his hand. I love knowing that she is safe and warm and cozy in there--and we both hope that we will be good enough parents to keep her happy on the outside!
Over the past year, we have definitely had a roller coaster ride. Baby Hemsley will come almost exactly 1 year after our son Samuel's birth. It has been interesting "re-living" my pregnancy with Samuel over the past 10 months. Samuel taught us so much about ourselves, our faith, our families, friends, and our Lord. Baby Hemsley has brought us hope that we will have the large family we have always wanted. James says 12 kids; I say 3-4!
As we await the baby's birth, we want to remember Samuel's time with us--which was so meaningful--and we hope you will, too. Baby Hemsley will always know she has a big brother, and that we will all see him again one day!
We will keep you posted. In the meantime, pray for cool weather, pleasant dreams, and short labor!
--Chiara and James
We have decided to keep her name a secret, but boy, are we ready to tell you all what we have chosen. We hope you will like it, and if you don't, you won't be able to tell us so! Ha, Ha! For now, she goes by Leona, Baby, or Precious Princess--depending on who you talk to!
I have had a great pregnancy and I have mixed feelings about it coming to an end. I have loved every minute of it--especially feeling her grow and move inside of me. James loves to tease her and get her to kick his hand. I love knowing that she is safe and warm and cozy in there--and we both hope that we will be good enough parents to keep her happy on the outside!
Over the past year, we have definitely had a roller coaster ride. Baby Hemsley will come almost exactly 1 year after our son Samuel's birth. It has been interesting "re-living" my pregnancy with Samuel over the past 10 months. Samuel taught us so much about ourselves, our faith, our families, friends, and our Lord. Baby Hemsley has brought us hope that we will have the large family we have always wanted. James says 12 kids; I say 3-4!
As we await the baby's birth, we want to remember Samuel's time with us--which was so meaningful--and we hope you will, too. Baby Hemsley will always know she has a big brother, and that we will all see him again one day!
We will keep you posted. In the meantime, pray for cool weather, pleasant dreams, and short labor!
--Chiara and James
My Turn
Dave Basel was quite enthusiastic about spinning me around. Between him spinning me about 20 times and the blindfold, it's a wonder I didn't hit one of the bystanders.
Anne Marie
Anne Marie and Jim Trammell were in town so Jim could defend his dissertation. Anne Marie is pregnant, too!
Chiara gives her a good spin before she takes a shot at the elusive pinata.
Iowa City Baby Shower
Chiara tries to hit a pinata at the baby shower in Iowa City. It was hilarious watching grown adults trying to hit it.
Decorating "One-sies"
Sandra, Krista, Aunt Rina, Alex, and Jeri.
Baby Hemsley will have "unique" one-sies to wear!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thanksgiving Flipbook 6
Sandra gets up to hug Chiara. Chiara was doing a good job at capturing the whole thing!
Thanksgiving Flipbook 4
Starting from the Left: Sandra Jasinski, Pete Hemsley, Mark Jasinski, Nick Jasinski, Me, Alessia Jasinski, Mrs. Bradford, Grandma Bradford 1, Carrie Bradford, Grandma Bradford 2.
Thanksgiving Flipbook 1
This is the first picture of everyone at the Thanksgiving table. Chiara had a plan, that she would take everyone's picture in a rapid fire mode as she told them she was pregnant. This is the first picture of that moment. Fairly typical family gathering in Grand Rapids, MI.
First Pictures of Second Baby Hemsley
This is a really good picture of our new baby. This was taken back in January, when Chiara had her 20 week checkup.
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