The Life and Times of James, Chiara, Norah, Luke and Susannah Hemsley
Monday, September 24, 2007
Norah at the Trivia
She got pretty startled during one point where people cheered really loudly for a correct answer. Fortunately, she was easy to calm down and we were better prepared for future answers.
Bluegrass Trivia
Once a month, the small town of Blue Grass, IA hosts a trivia contest. About 65 teams of 8 participate, and it's a great time. We assembled a team and went to the event, Norah in tow. This is the potluck before the Trivia started.
Visiting Nonna
I (James) went to the Oregon vs Michigan game and watched Michigan lose handily to Oregon. Chiara helped her sister, Alessia, paint her upcoming baby's nursery. Norah hung out with Nonna.
Chi sei?
"Chi sei?" means "Who are you?" in Italian. But Norah's look seems to say: "What are you looking at?"
At Grant's House
Galena, IL is where U.S. Grant lived. His house (given as a gift to him by the town after he won the Civil War) is behind us.
Eric and Anna at the Pool
The house we rented was a part of a development that had a country club. By renting, we also had access to the club and their pool.
Sticking Out Tongue
The family band returned to Galena, IL with some of Chiara's college friends. We rented a nice house and explored the surrounding area.
In this picture, Norah gets to visit a pool for the first time. She is also practicing her frog impersonation.
Monday, September 17, 2007
3 and 1/2 months
Norah went for her first swim over Labor Day weekend. She enjoyed it immensely!
Norah discovered her tongue a few weeks ago and was constantly sticking it out at us!
She can sit up--almost unassisted--for a while, and likes the change of scenery that allows her to have.
She says: "ah-ghh", "bb-bb-bb" and "mm-mm-mm", and blows bubbles in her saliva when she is talking to us.
She now knows that crying/whining will get attention from mommy and daddy, so she employs these methods on a daily basis!
She can stand and support her weight (but we provide balance)--she likes to do this!
She can bring toys or other objects to her mouth for further exploration (i.e., tasting).
She smiles, coos, and laughs when she is happy. That is fun to see!
She sighs (loudly and impatiently) when she is bored or frustrated, and it is a clear sign that she is tired or cranky.
As for James and I, we have been busy working (him at ACT and me at the University) and taking care of Norah Bear. The weeks are flying by, and our schedule seems to be planned out to November already!
Norah has been a joy in our lives, and we look forward to each new day that brings her new discoveries and new skills. It is so amazing to watch her learn and grow.
Check back soon for more pictures and/or video clips!
--Chiara