Settling In

We are finally beginning to feel at home here in northern England. Amy is currently busying herself with Simmy-care (of course!) and finishing up 2 Semlinks in her free time. I am also quite busy with two modules (i.e. courses): Septuagint and Paul and His Interpreters. I have two supervisors: Stephen C. Barton and John M.G. Barclay. Although both will provide me with feedback on my writing, Stephen is my primary supervisor and mentor - a very warm and competant mentor!

We also have fun doing various things - just walking downtown is nice. The city is decorated with Christmas lights and signs. We attend a home fellowship group that has ministered to us in many ways - in fact one of the people in the group invited us to a 'Guy Fawkes' fireworks party at his house. Not only were we impressed with the massive bonfire and backyard firework display, but we sampled a popular holiday drink - Mulled wine (like cider with a kick!).

Since we don't have a TV (and they tax you if you do), we get our sitcom fix by renting TV shows from LOVEFILM (like NETFLIX) and downloading shows on ocassion from itunes (like the latest 'The Office' episode. With an infant, going out is challenging so we spend most nights at home (except for the home group). Although last week we went to see N.T. Wright speak at the Cathedral on the issue of 'God and the war on terror'. Needless to say Simmy wasn't nearly as interested as we were - Amy had to duck out early and entertain her.


Now for the information you have been waiting for - how is Simryn? At nearly 4 1/2 months, she is cuter than ever! She smiles in response to other people's smiles. She's beginning to have favorites toys and activities. We got her a new stroller (called a 'pram' here or 'pushchair') and she loves to be out and about!

She coos and laughs more than ever and seems to enjoy other babies. I find her to be most fun in the morning - I usually get her in the morning since Amy is often recovering from the middle-of-the-night feedings. Simryn wakes up about 8am and is content just looking around. After a little while she mumbles to herself for about 5-10 minutes - that is fun to watch. But, if you wait too long she begins to make winy noises and you have to get her before too long.

When you walk in her room, first thing in the morning, her face lights up - happy to be acknowledged. I usually put her in her 'Baby Einstein' playmat and she kicks and explores and nibbles on toys for about 30-45 minutes. Of course once Amy is up, Simmy wants to be with her Mum!

Well, more to come - stay tuned (logged on?)