Tuesday, March 26, 2013

This face


009, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Susannah makes this face a lot because she is feeling her new tooth!

9 months old!



005, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.
Susannah is 9 months old....actually this was taken in the middle of the month, but oh, well.
The stats:
Name: Susannah
A.K.A. Suzy Q, Suzy Coo Coo Coo, Susannah Banana
I like: sweet potatoes, yogurt, any fruit, carrots, bathtime (as always), and playing with non-toy items
I don't like: having non-toy items taken away from me, spinach, being put down for naps
I can: point with my right hand, stand up with assistance, roll around, scoot a little on my belly, knock boxes of blocks over
NEWS:  I got my first tooth this month!  It's on the bottom!

Lucky tooth


075, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Norah lost her front tooth in Venice while eating some strawberry gelato! She's one lucky girl!

Ponte dei Sospiri


063, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Here's Nonna with the kids at the bridge of sorrows, near where the prison used to be.

Ponte del Rialto


038, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Here are the kids with the ladies at the Rialto bridge.

Venice again!


002, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Norah and Ethan went to Venice with Zio Marco, Zia Raffaella, and Nonna one Saturday. They had a fantastic day--cold, but sunny.

Susannah the Snug


001, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Susannah was snug as a bug in a rug in her stroller, snow suit, hat, and blanket when we took a walk the other day.

Cousins reunited!


002, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Norah and Luca are SOOOOO happy that Ethan has come to visit!

The Grotto


008, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

This grotto is in the backyard of Norah's school, which also happens to be where Chiara's mother went to "Oratorio" which is kind of like youth group for girls. She and her friends used to hide from the nuns by climbing up on top of the grotto. Once, they found a pile of dirty magazines up there--supposedly left behind by the workers that were working for the nuns. Now, that's all she can think of when she visits this grotto!

Ethan!


010, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Ethan has come with Nonna to visit Italy! Here he is in Desio's cemetery. Chiara's mom (Nonna) has to visit the cemetery several times during her visits to Italy. Naturally, we were dragged along. Actually, though, I like visiting the cemetery and looking at all the graves, and people that lived before us. Plus, it's well-kept and not muddy, so Luke can walk around and not get all dirty. Luke likes it, too. A recent conversation:

Me: "Luke do you want to go to the cemetery today?"
Luke: "Yeah! Can I walk on the pebbles and look at all the pictures?"
Me: "Sure!"
Luke: "Can we find your Nonna, too?"
Me: "You bet!"

Our family


001, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Here's Norah's depiction of our family. If you are looking for Susannah, look closely at Norah's arms. I love how she draws people right now!

In His hands


022, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

We got back to the train station in Como in the early evening, as the sun was setting. Outside the station is this big sculpture of two hands. I like to think that James and Norah are in God's hands here. We need to remember that especially during the Easter season.

Peek-a-boo!


009, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Norah and Luca peeking through a gate in Bellagio. We would love to go back again, because right after this photo, we found an awesome park with a great play structure for kids--these are few and far between in Italy. Unfortunately, we had to run to catch the boat back to Como, so we couldn't take advantage of it. Next time, kids, next time!

Boys vs. girls


005, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

When we ask Norah and Luke to pose for a picture, this is usually the result. Norah stands still and smiles, and Luca starts dancing his weird dance. Sigh.

Daddy and Suzy Blue Eyes


002, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

James and Susannah on the boat.

Suzy Blue Eyes


001, originally uploaded by Chiara and James Hemsley.

Susannah has some striking blue eyes. This picture captures them pretty well. Here we are on a hydrofoil on Lake Como to the town of Bellagio. We went there in early March. It was a beautiful winter day--we lucked out on the weather!