And, not only October but practically the end of October! Where in the world does the time go? Oh! That's right? We moved from Phoenix 3 weeks ago. Mike started his new job in Boston two weeks ago. The kids have been with me visiting family and friends until we can move into our new place in west Medford on October 31.
I wish I could load up some pictures of how much the kids are growing and changing, but that would require a camera and it's cord, which are currently in the "big white box" with all of our stuff traveling across the country.
So, who else thinks it's pretty funny that we love extremes. We moved to Phoenix in July and we are moving to Boston in November. We can't wait for a white Christmas and four full seasons! We are thrilled to be heading back to the east coast and the adventure a new city offers.
We will post pics of the now 10 mos. old Giuliana and the practically 3.5 year old Joseph!
Love to all our sweet family and friends that read this!
The Vagabond Gretos.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
August Over... Wha????
As I write this, the clouds are rolling in outside and the high temp is only about 100, which is so pleasant. It's about to rain and it has been raining at least once a week this month... which I don't remember from our two previous Augusts out here in the valley of the fun.
Over the past month, we have had a lot of fun! J has moved up to the official Preschool classes at his school. He is in the big boy 3-yr-old class and he LOVES it! He is learning so much and enjoying all of the new structure in his class.
This month we decided to go on a family camping trip. It was a ton of fun and, well, a trip we will never forget! It was a gorgeous plot with a view of Lake Lynx:
And, here's a pic of all of us at the campsite: 
And, I couldn't resist this pic opp of J on his travel potty out in the woods:
Now for the Giules! She is 8 months and officially mobile! She put crawling together ON her 8 month birthday. She is not very speedy but crawls about 5-6 feet and then stops and sits and plays. It's really funny. Here's a video of the crawler in action:
And, lastly, a little month to month comparison. A pic of Giules at 8 months, standing on the piano bench:
Then, a picture of Joseph at 8 months standing at the same bench:
Can you tell they are related??
And... on a closing note...
Over the past month, we have had a lot of fun! J has moved up to the official Preschool classes at his school. He is in the big boy 3-yr-old class and he LOVES it! He is learning so much and enjoying all of the new structure in his class.
This month we decided to go on a family camping trip. It was a ton of fun and, well, a trip we will never forget! It was a gorgeous plot with a view of Lake Lynx:
And, here's a pic of all of us at the campsite: 
And, I couldn't resist this pic opp of J on his travel potty out in the woods:
Now for the Giules! She is 8 months and officially mobile! She put crawling together ON her 8 month birthday. She is not very speedy but crawls about 5-6 feet and then stops and sits and plays. It's really funny. Here's a video of the crawler in action:
And, lastly, a little month to month comparison. A pic of Giules at 8 months, standing on the piano bench:
Then, a picture of Joseph at 8 months standing at the same bench:
Can you tell they are related??
And... on a closing note...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
7 months and where is the time going?
Hi everyone!
Sorry we haven't posted in awhile. I am not really sure where the time had gone. And, I can't really believe that we have been back from our DC/VA trip for a month now.
Part of the lapse in time is due to the fact that we have not been sleeping well. The Thunderous Threes have been upon us in full force. And although it means that we can officially say J is 100% potty-trained, we can also say he has had some MAJOR regression in the area of going to bed and sleeping through the night. This has been a huge shock to us as J was always a really EXCELLENT sleeper and going-to-bed-er.
Other than not sleeping too well, we have been busy! We try to hit the pool every-other day or so. We get to see a few of our friends that are still in town and we enjoyed VBS last week. It was really a ton of fun. Here is a video of Joseph singing the main song:
But, onto the real purpose of this post. Our little Giules!!! She is now 7 months old! I cannot believe it! She is wearing 6-9 month clothing that is fine width wise but seems to be running a little short. We think she might be a taller drink of water, which would be nice since I'm a shrimp (mom writing, not dad). She is weighing about 14.5 LBS and wears the 2-3 diapers and is 26.6 inches long. She is eating her multi-grain cereal, peaches, plums, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, butternut squash... and carrots and avocado are reluctantly eaten when mixed with some other more favorable fruit or veg. This week we are going to introduce pears, apples, and bananas while continuing to enjoy the squashes and veggies.
She is able to sit up for quite a long time on her own. She also will purposefully roll down from sitting and do what I call the "spinner". This is where she balances herself on her tummy and rotates around in a circle. She is also rolling from place to place... mainly to try and get at anything she shouldn't. And, she is practicing getting up on all fours to crawl... Mobility is not far off.
As for her temperament, she is incredibly happy and smiley, unless hungry or very tired. But, even when exhausted, if you smile and engage her or take her outside to watch the trees, she is happy as can be. She loves to float in the pool and is even getting used to her big brother swimming and splashing all over her.
Now, for what most of our family and friends have been waiting for, PICTURES!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
How many birthdays can one little guy have?
It's been way too long since I posted. It's mostly because we have been soo busy with life and summer. The big guy turned 3 on June 10 and man was he celebrated!!!
On this actual day, he received a fabulous red firetruck from his sister and special music time at his school care of daddy! Here are some of the pics!
The next day, he received his big birthday present from us: the red scooter!!!
Then, the next day, we had a little party with some of our friends. J is missing his closest buddy but he did have Jon Miguel from his class there!
Oh, you think we are done... but we aren't!
Then we headed to VA. He had about 3-4 parties and cakes and singing! Too much! I think his 4th birthday will need to be chill. The 10 days of vacation began with a great Nationals game with the Cannons!
And the kids:
Then he had a birthday cake at another party...
Ok... so this is getting long but there was one last birthday and Joseph was sung too as well!
Happy 3rd bday J-monkey and happy 93rd birthday Mom-mom G!
On this actual day, he received a fabulous red firetruck from his sister and special music time at his school care of daddy! Here are some of the pics!
The next day, he received his big birthday present from us: the red scooter!!!
Then, the next day, we had a little party with some of our friends. J is missing his closest buddy but he did have Jon Miguel from his class there!
Oh, you think we are done... but we aren't!
Then we headed to VA. He had about 3-4 parties and cakes and singing! Too much! I think his 4th birthday will need to be chill. The 10 days of vacation began with a great Nationals game with the Cannons!
And the kids:
Then he had a birthday cake at another party...
Ok... so this is getting long but there was one last birthday and Joseph was sung too as well!
Happy 3rd bday J-monkey and happy 93rd birthday Mom-mom G!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
First Camping Adventure
On May 20, 2010, Daddy and his buddy Linc took on the fun and adventurous caper of taking Joseph camping. They rented a large, two room tent, packed up blankies, animals, LOTS of unders, and tons of FOOD. They picked up Joseph from school around noon and headed north into the Prescott National Forest.
I think pictures and video will really tell this story best:
Here is a view of the campsite and tent set up
Here is a tour of inside the tent:
The first S'Mor ever!!!
Early morning rocking out at the camp - brace yourself, this is really cute!
Classic daddy and son shot:
We are going to plan another trip soon. The next time we will take Giules and mommy! Not sure when it will be considering the summer heat has started in AZ.
I think pictures and video will really tell this story best:
Here is a view of the campsite and tent set up
Here is a tour of inside the tent:
The first S'Mor ever!!!
Early morning rocking out at the camp - brace yourself, this is really cute!
Classic daddy and son shot:
We are going to plan another trip soon. The next time we will take Giules and mommy! Not sure when it will be considering the summer heat has started in AZ.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
5 Months May 18
Giuliana turned 5 months old yesterday! Where in the world does the time go?
She is a sweet little thing, weighing in at 12.5 LBS. She is 25.5 inches long. Her latest tricks are to roll over, drool everywhere, spit up A LOT, and chatter away! She also LOVES her Daddy and her brother. The minute one of them walks in the room, she just lights up. She loves her mommy too, especially at 10Pm, 3AM, and 6:30AM -- the times she gets up to eat. She usually begins her day at 7-7:30. She takes two naps, first around 9:30 and then another around 1PM. And her day is OVER by 5:30PM. Yep, folks. She is our sleeping little thing.
Although several of her birth-buddies have moved (Igna and Matias), she still has her closest girl friends around: Quinn, Gabriela, and Lexi. She gets to see them at least once a week. But, we are preparing for the departures of Quinn and Lexi. Fortunately Gabi will still be around for playdates.
So, what everyone has been waiting for... some pics and some videos.
She is getting used to the bows. Mommy is a little nuts with them:
And here are a couple from our little 5mos photo shoot:
She is a sweet little thing, weighing in at 12.5 LBS. She is 25.5 inches long. Her latest tricks are to roll over, drool everywhere, spit up A LOT, and chatter away! She also LOVES her Daddy and her brother. The minute one of them walks in the room, she just lights up. She loves her mommy too, especially at 10Pm, 3AM, and 6:30AM -- the times she gets up to eat. She usually begins her day at 7-7:30. She takes two naps, first around 9:30 and then another around 1PM. And her day is OVER by 5:30PM. Yep, folks. She is our sleeping little thing.
Although several of her birth-buddies have moved (Igna and Matias), she still has her closest girl friends around: Quinn, Gabriela, and Lexi. She gets to see them at least once a week. But, we are preparing for the departures of Quinn and Lexi. Fortunately Gabi will still be around for playdates.
So, what everyone has been waiting for... some pics and some videos.
She is getting used to the bows. Mommy is a little nuts with them:
And here are a couple from our little 5mos photo shoot:
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Everybody does it....
Yep, you guessed it, Poo! We all do it and there's a book for children about it. It's aptly named, Everybody Poops
Our household, being a musical one, would not really be OK with letting this one slide. We saw Everybody Poops listed on Joseph's daily activity sheet last week and immediately thought of nothing else... but the REM song "Everybody Hurts"
So, here's our rendition of everybody poops for J to the tune of Everybody Hurts by REM. Another note is that we are battling with poo... it's not really happening in the potty... it's staying in the pants. So, maybe this song will help get it where it belongs.
[Best read with the video playing in the background and these words inserted]
When the day's begun and the pot-ty, the potty is yours alone,
When you're sure you've got to go to pot-ty, well hang on.
Just let yourself go, everybody does and everybody poops sometimes.
Sometimes it's tough to go. But put it where it belongs.
When your potty is alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like ya gotta go, (hold on)
Run for the seat and wait and, well hang on.
Everybody poops. Get comfy on your thrown.
Everybody poops. Don't throw a fit. Oh, no. Don't throw a fit.
If you feel like ya gotta go, go, go, go, go on the pot-ty.
If you're holding it all in then the days and nights are long,
When you think you've gotta go to poo, just hang on.
Well, everybody poops sometimes,
Everybody pees. And everybody poops sometimes.
And everybody poops sometimes. So, go on the pot, pot-ty.
pot-ty, pot-ty. So go on, pot-ty. Go on, potty. (repeat & fade)
Our household, being a musical one, would not really be OK with letting this one slide. We saw Everybody Poops listed on Joseph's daily activity sheet last week and immediately thought of nothing else... but the REM song "Everybody Hurts"
So, here's our rendition of everybody poops for J to the tune of Everybody Hurts by REM. Another note is that we are battling with poo... it's not really happening in the potty... it's staying in the pants. So, maybe this song will help get it where it belongs.
[Best read with the video playing in the background and these words inserted]
When the day's begun and the pot-ty, the potty is yours alone,
When you're sure you've got to go to pot-ty, well hang on.
Just let yourself go, everybody does and everybody poops sometimes.
Sometimes it's tough to go. But put it where it belongs.
When your potty is alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like ya gotta go, (hold on)
Run for the seat and wait and, well hang on.
Everybody poops. Get comfy on your thrown.
Everybody poops. Don't throw a fit. Oh, no. Don't throw a fit.
If you feel like ya gotta go, go, go, go, go on the pot-ty.
If you're holding it all in then the days and nights are long,
When you think you've gotta go to poo, just hang on.
Well, everybody poops sometimes,
Everybody pees. And everybody poops sometimes.
And everybody poops sometimes. So, go on the pot, pot-ty.
pot-ty, pot-ty. So go on, pot-ty. Go on, potty. (repeat & fade)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
P-Day Part Deux! Farewell to the Daytime Diaper
Over the past few months, Joseph has been asking us to go on the potty or to "potty train". We think this is because he was hearing his buddies at school talk about it AND we also think it was because he truly was ready!
Since this is basically like our children's baby book online, we will recount the whole escapade...
About a month ago, mommy and daddy decided that a week after daddy graduated from his program, Joseph would begin his training to graduate to big boy underwear! The week before the big day, his teachers were very supportive and started to chat up going in the potty ALL the time. He was taken more frequently to the bathroom with his pullups on. Oh, he has been wearing pullups for about 3 months now. He only wears an overnight diaper for night time.
On Friday, Mike went to get Joseph and stopped by the grocery store. He picked up a blue poster board and some stickers along with a package of Matchbox construction trucks... way cool for Joseph right now because of the road work they are doing in our neighborhood.
I was sooo impressed with Mike! He had a plan to turn the poster board into a race track and every time Joseph used the potty he would get a Cars sticker to place on his race track. He hung the poster right in front of the potty, for inspiration.
Joseph came home from school and we made a BIG deal about hanging the poster and showing him the stickers. He immediately wanted to try the potty... and he went! Thus began our weekend!
Saturday we were a little nervous because it was a gorgeous day but we had heard you really needed to stay inside and focus on going to the bathroom every hour or so. We did that in the morning, but for the afternoon, we decided to have our friends come over (they would be leaving for Chile in just 4 days so we needed to spend as much time with them as possible). We hung out at the pool and the boys played outside... and we just continued to take him every hour. And he went every hour.
By Sunday, we were starting to wonder about something... where was number 2? He didn't ever mention it and we would ask him and he would say no. Sunday, being Mother's Day, we also had a couple plans... another BBQ and more friends over to swim. We also conquered another hurdle: public potties!
One of the reasons me and Mike had been delaying potty training was mainly because the thought of having to take him into the public bathrooms, etc... just seemed like a big mess! Well, we ran a couple errands and Mike took him on a potty "tour". Now, there was no successful public pottying but he did check it out. Maybe next time!
All in all, by Monday we felt pretty confident in his pottying capabilities... minus the poo! He has not had a pee accident yet... but he has had quite a few poo ones at the writing of this blog. We are going to have to work on that! I mean, really work on it! We live in AZ, we can't be doing this much laundry every night.
Here's a couple pictures of our proud potty-trainer!!!! Joseph, we are sooo proud of you, big boy! You have done so well!!!
Stay tuned as we continue to question, "who does number 2 work for"? And prepare to turn 3 in about a month!
Since this is basically like our children's baby book online, we will recount the whole escapade...
About a month ago, mommy and daddy decided that a week after daddy graduated from his program, Joseph would begin his training to graduate to big boy underwear! The week before the big day, his teachers were very supportive and started to chat up going in the potty ALL the time. He was taken more frequently to the bathroom with his pullups on. Oh, he has been wearing pullups for about 3 months now. He only wears an overnight diaper for night time.
On Friday, Mike went to get Joseph and stopped by the grocery store. He picked up a blue poster board and some stickers along with a package of Matchbox construction trucks... way cool for Joseph right now because of the road work they are doing in our neighborhood.
I was sooo impressed with Mike! He had a plan to turn the poster board into a race track and every time Joseph used the potty he would get a Cars sticker to place on his race track. He hung the poster right in front of the potty, for inspiration.
Joseph came home from school and we made a BIG deal about hanging the poster and showing him the stickers. He immediately wanted to try the potty... and he went! Thus began our weekend!
Saturday we were a little nervous because it was a gorgeous day but we had heard you really needed to stay inside and focus on going to the bathroom every hour or so. We did that in the morning, but for the afternoon, we decided to have our friends come over (they would be leaving for Chile in just 4 days so we needed to spend as much time with them as possible). We hung out at the pool and the boys played outside... and we just continued to take him every hour. And he went every hour.
By Sunday, we were starting to wonder about something... where was number 2? He didn't ever mention it and we would ask him and he would say no. Sunday, being Mother's Day, we also had a couple plans... another BBQ and more friends over to swim. We also conquered another hurdle: public potties!
One of the reasons me and Mike had been delaying potty training was mainly because the thought of having to take him into the public bathrooms, etc... just seemed like a big mess! Well, we ran a couple errands and Mike took him on a potty "tour". Now, there was no successful public pottying but he did check it out. Maybe next time!
All in all, by Monday we felt pretty confident in his pottying capabilities... minus the poo! He has not had a pee accident yet... but he has had quite a few poo ones at the writing of this blog. We are going to have to work on that! I mean, really work on it! We live in AZ, we can't be doing this much laundry every night.
Here's a couple pictures of our proud potty-trainer!!!! Joseph, we are sooo proud of you, big boy! You have done so well!!!
Stay tuned as we continue to question, "who does number 2 work for"? And prepare to turn 3 in about a month!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
Hi everyone,
We have been enjoying a wonderful Mother's Day. We are also potty training this weekend, but more on that later...
Mother's Day.
Last night I had a wonderful time with some dear mommy friends out here. As we sat and enjoyed some delicious chocolate fondue and some wine, I was struck by how all we really talked about was our children. I have been thinking a lot about this lately... mommy-hood is just such an all consuming adventure. And, the more I do it, the more I realize it is the most important job, task, adventure, occupation, filler-of-time that one can do. No other thing in life holds the weight that being a mom does. We are shaping the lives of the next generation. We are leading, molding, and releasing people into society. It's a big job! I know I am often caught up in the monotony of it at times, and can even lose sight of the bigger picture. But, the big picture is right there, in front of you... I mean, it's in the mirror. It was our mommies who brought us this far and have been examples of what we are raising.
So, here's to ALL the mommies out there!
Thank you for all you do!
Love
Me
We have been enjoying a wonderful Mother's Day. We are also potty training this weekend, but more on that later...
Mother's Day.
Last night I had a wonderful time with some dear mommy friends out here. As we sat and enjoyed some delicious chocolate fondue and some wine, I was struck by how all we really talked about was our children. I have been thinking a lot about this lately... mommy-hood is just such an all consuming adventure. And, the more I do it, the more I realize it is the most important job, task, adventure, occupation, filler-of-time that one can do. No other thing in life holds the weight that being a mom does. We are shaping the lives of the next generation. We are leading, molding, and releasing people into society. It's a big job! I know I am often caught up in the monotony of it at times, and can even lose sight of the bigger picture. But, the big picture is right there, in front of you... I mean, it's in the mirror. It was our mommies who brought us this far and have been examples of what we are raising.
So, here's to ALL the mommies out there!
Thank you for all you do!
Love
Me
Monday, April 26, 2010
Last weeks of T'bird times
Hi everyone!
It has been a wild month. We are preparing to say farewell to our wonderful friends who have shared this amazing graduate experience with us the past 20 months. It is really hard to believe that it is coming to an end and in less than a week we have so many friends who will be back in their countries or states.
Here are a few pictures of the last of things:
The Last of the Tuesday Dinners:
The last of our playdates at Clau's house:
Last playdate with Bella:
There are a few more lasts but for now this will do... we love our friends so much and are so thankful for their love, support, and fun!
It has been a wild month. We are preparing to say farewell to our wonderful friends who have shared this amazing graduate experience with us the past 20 months. It is really hard to believe that it is coming to an end and in less than a week we have so many friends who will be back in their countries or states.
Here are a few pictures of the last of things:
The Last of the Tuesday Dinners:
The last of our playdates at Clau's house:
Last playdate with Bella:
There are a few more lasts but for now this will do... we love our friends so much and are so thankful for their love, support, and fun!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Easter! He is risen!
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
We had a wonderful Easter with friends! A little taste of "home" out here with Aunt KD, Aunt Ali and Uncle PW!
And, here are my Easter bunnies:
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
We had a wonderful Easter with friends! A little taste of "home" out here with Aunt KD, Aunt Ali and Uncle PW!
And, here are my Easter bunnies:
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Holy Week Traditions
This week leads up to what has grown to be my favorite holiday -- this is mommy typing. We have several Holy Week traditions... some we hope to begin again next year (Seder dinner) and some we have continued... We color Easter eggs, we spend time with friends outside and playing in the grass at the park, and we will attend Good Friday services and Easter Vigil/Easter Celebrations. We enjoy a good 1 or 3 Easter egg hunts and J especially loves the eating of the candy. We also make Easter cookies... YUM! Who says baking cookies just has to be at Christmas? Not us!
Here are a couple pics from the fun we have had! J with buddies, Bella and Sebastian:
The babies!
Giules after one of our Springtime morning walks:
J at the Thunderbird Campus Easter Egg hunt:
And our two cuties!
Holy Week and Easter have become my favorite holiday because it is the crux of what we believe as followers of Jesus. He is God's Son, he gave up his kingship to be here on earth. He entered Jerusalem and was sentenced to death. On Friday we will reflect on his sacrifice.
Here are a couple pics from the fun we have had! J with buddies, Bella and Sebastian:
The babies!
Giules after one of our Springtime morning walks:
J at the Thunderbird Campus Easter Egg hunt:
And our two cuties!
Holy Week and Easter have become my favorite holiday because it is the crux of what we believe as followers of Jesus. He is God's Son, he gave up his kingship to be here on earth. He entered Jerusalem and was sentenced to death. On Friday we will reflect on his sacrifice.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
14 Weeks and 14 Weeks
We thought it had been a little while since we had done a side by side comparison of the two Greto wee ones. I think these are a couple of the closest pics I can find of the two of them at about 13 weeks.
Do you think they are related?
Baby G #1:
Baby G #2:
Do you think they are related?
Baby G #1:
Baby G #2:
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Weekend
The weather has officially become GORGEOUS here in the valley. We have been walking, hiking, and BBQing for about a week now. In fact, one day last week I actually got a bit of a sunburn on my shoulders (this is Meg, by the way, not J).
Weekends are great though because we get to spend time together all four of us! This past weekend, we went to Dim Sum with some friends:
We also love the weekends because we really enjoy our church. Gg went to the nursery too and had a great time. She was able to show off her new purple bow... mommy is trying to desensitize her to wearing bows since she is not really a huge fan:
And, since we are in the home stretch of time with many of our friends, we have started having weekly gatherings... here is a shot of the Daddies with all the kiddos:
Weekends are great though because we get to spend time together all four of us! This past weekend, we went to Dim Sum with some friends:
We also love the weekends because we really enjoy our church. Gg went to the nursery too and had a great time. She was able to show off her new purple bow... mommy is trying to desensitize her to wearing bows since she is not really a huge fan:
And, since we are in the home stretch of time with many of our friends, we have started having weekly gatherings... here is a shot of the Daddies with all the kiddos:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
