Opa and an Aunt

It has been a few weeks since we have had time enough to post a blog, and we have a few things to make note of during that gap. The most prevalent, of course, was the week long visit of Opa and Aunt Renee. Opa, for those who don't know, is grandfather in German. Opa and Auntie had both been here in Italy once before, so they took much more interest in the happenings of Jerome than the tourist sites. Although this is somewhat understandable, we were still in awe that a little baby with a poopy diaper could get more stage time than the Colosseum. We just enjoyed all the family time and mixed it up with cappuccinos and other cultural highlights. The only odd part were all the paparazzi that followed us around everywhere snapping pictures at a torrid pace. I think they were all in town for that Tom-Kat wedding, and then got the scoop of the bigger story here in Santa Marinella. Whatever the reason, there are a bunch of pictures on this post to show for it, as you can see.

We also got together with the Wunchs and the Gherrings for an ex-patriot Thanksgiving. Everyone chipped in with this or that dish, and the result was quite impressive. I had to be rolled out like Violet Beauregarde from the Chocolate Factory; always the sign of a good Thanksgiving. Jerome was a little ticked he didn't get to try any stuffing or mashed potatoes, but he was pacified as soon as it all made its way through mommy into his meal.

Jerome continues to make little advancements all the time. When on his stomach, he has learned how to lift his head up so that he can keep an eye on us at all times. And whether by design or not, by suddenly removing the support of one arm he can effectively roll himself over to his back. He says he knows its not pretty, but it gets the job done. He is also quite intent on being fluent in both English and Italian by the time he is one. He will just stare back into our faces while trying to mimic the facial movements and noises. He certainly has got the "ungha" sound down. Now its just up to us to figure out what that means. He got a lot of help from Opa and Renee, who bounced him to sleep or worked out a few burps when needed. Mom and Dad are grateful too. ;)

He wore his little Vikings outfit for the first time, and he was certainly their good luck charm. But he didnt know that he was also signing up to be the scape goat when things do not go so well for the Vikes. No, I didn't REALLY spank him because my team is bad.

I am working on hammering out a concise topic for my tessina (a paper of at least 80 pages necessary for obtaining a Licentiate degree) while taking my normal class load, and Duquesa is continually mastering the art of being a new mother. It seems to keep us pretty busy, although we are looking forward to our next visitors, whomever they may be! Thank you for checking in on us, and may God bless you this Advent season!