Yours, Mine & Ours

I walked into Greyson's dentist appointment a few minutes late on Thursday so he was already in the chair. When I opened the door to go in, I heard a child yelling and my first instinct was to assume it was Grey so I said "is that my kid"? Turns out it wasn't, but it got me to thinking about how I tag my child depending on the situation.  He's my kid when the situation is dicey and I might not want to admit it such as the aforementioned scenario. Or even better, "Hey Mike, your kid is drawing on the floor with crayon!". I might say my son when discussing him with a business acquaintance and he's just my sweet Greyson or Grey when Mike and I are chatting with each other or with family and friends who know him.

He's sweetie, pumpkin, sassafrass and munchkin and a litany of other affectionate monikers when I'm talking directly to him and I'm not going to lie, if he's got my last nerve and he's not in the room, I might call him a little sh*t or worse, little f-er. But we won't share that with any authority that might judge my parenting as a result of it, will we?

Saturday soccer class (shin guards required!)

Yesterday, Greyson was all "ours" with a little sweety and pumpkin thrown in. After soccer class, we took him to Remlinger Farms in Carnation, WA for the Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival and he was in a state of euphoria for the entire afternoon (we purposely skipped his nap which can sometimes bring out my kid and often times little sh*t). Mike's planning to play hooky for an afternoon so they can go back again. There was some serious daddy/son bonding time after 2 rides on the mini roller coaster and an old-fashioned car ride through the country-side.  I gladly parked myself on the nearest bench for all of the non-pregnant friendly activities.  There may have been a bag of popcorn and caramel apple to keep me company, but I can’t say for sure as my teeth are stuck together.

Here’s a snapshot of memories from one of our final weekends as a family of 3:

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"GREY"isms

G: I can't taste the taste! (In reference to drinking some OJ with a really stuffy nose)

*GREYisms*
(While watching an eTrade baby commercial during the Packer game)
G: Mom, that baby sounds like a man

G: Mom, I feel bored
Me: You do?
G: Yep
Me: What should we do to cure your boredom?
G: I think we should play some golf

My boss's wife, Annie (a true gem), threw me a baby shower yesterday. It was relaxing and enjoyable and the girls and I ended up chatting for close to 4 hours. My office went in on a great video monitor and my professional flute player who is now known as our resident reporting guru burned an amazing compilation of classical music that I'm in love with. Back on the homestead, Mike took Greyson to soccer class in the morning and a 4-year old's birthday party in the afternoon. I think I got the better end of the deal!

In addition to soccer and preschool, Greyson is also enrolled in a 6-week PeeWee Pirate class on Fridays. The inagural class consisted of yo-ho-ho songs and the very important task of picking their pirate names. Greyson = "Black Tooth". He's very proud of his name and his new pirate hat and apparently will be learning how to swashbuckle next week. As Halloween approaches, he's started to get serious about choosing his costume and I'm guessing pirate has a good chance of winning. He's been debating between a skeleton, skull, ghost, Green Bay Packer and fireman. He was a fireman 2 years ago, skeletons and skulls scare the crap out of him (but in a weird demented way he's attracted to them) and he dresses like a Packer at home quite often so I think it bores him. What do you think he should be?

This is baby Santino (7 months old) and Greyson modeling the fireman costume that still fits

Pearl Jam again?

Mike is headed to the Pearl Jam concert tonight at Key Arena in Seattle with my boss, Paul. I don’t think Paul knows what he’s in for. I’ve been to these concerts with Mike and he falls into a state of oblivion and will go into long stretches where it’s just him, the band and the music. I told Paul he should plan for short conversations and a couple of elbows to the ribs (not on purpose).

Lookin good, Seattle! Key Arena, here Mike comes!
The new album, backspacer , was shipped to Mike last Friday and Greyson now has “Got Some” down pat. The two of them spent the weekend either listening to the album or watching old PJ DVD’s. I’m a fan but I prefer variety and hours of PJ each day is too much for me. Grey may look like me, but he’s all Mike. One of the books I’m reading, The Rules of Parenting, says that even if you don’t immediately see anything of yourself in your child, there’s common ground there somewhere and you should search to find it. We haven’t had to look far but I’m keeping it in mind for Guenther #2 since Grey has so much of both of us in him that I’m expecting the exact opposite with the next one. Based on the in utero movement, #2 will be bigger and more active. Time will tell. Did I mention that I'm ready for that time to come?

Yes, I’m reading more than one book at the moment. I’m refreshing myself on Babywise because the infant/baby sleep philosophy worked fairly well the first time and if it ‘aint broke… and for some reason, I’m enthralled with The Infiltrator, Robert Mazur’s autobiography about taking down Pablo Escobar. Don’t ask, I have no idea why I bought it. (It’s pretty good, though)

GREY*isms*

(after scraping his finger, though you would have thought he broke it, getting ready for bed)
G: It hurts, it hurts!
Me: It’ll feel better in the morning. Let’s pray and ask Jesus to heal it.
G: He’s not going to come into my room, is He?

(this morning shortly after waking up and looking at his reflection in the oven door)
G: My hair is all jacked up!

Can I just put on record that I am really missing my old neighborhood these days? Facebook has been a blessing and a curse. Blessing because it’s connected me with people I’ve long lost touch with; curse because I have to see and read about all of the fun being had on my old stomping grounds that doesn’t include me. Granted, 8 months pregnant, I’m not missing much these days but I’m still green with envy. Although I’ve appreciated the social invites I’ve received out here, and really, people, I’m not going to spend $1000 on a dinner with Gloria Steinem but I would have said yes to the $20 booze cruise sans the aforementioned 8 months pregnant. I will live vicariously through Mike tonight who as I write is no doubt brushing up on his 90’s grunge dance moves and lyrics to the old school songs.

Mike*isms*

M: (via instant message) Is it bad that Grey corrected me on the lyrics of “Elderly Woman” when I sang to him last night?
Me: Nice, Mike (as I think OMG, my kid is not going to be one of those stringy haired band guys, is he? No offense, Dad)

Bodily Functions

I met a new friend this week *gasp*! Greyson's class had their first field trip to a local animal park where parents were encouraged to get to know one another. I made an effort, believe it or not. She's a mom of a boy in Greyson's preschool class and she blogs too and she's much cooler than I am so her posts are interesting, extremely funny and very well written. Yes, I am jealous. She too studied English so we even have something in common. OK, enough of that. She might read this and think I'm a stalker.

So, I'm stealing one of her ideas (thanks Mrs. Mouthy). Rather than try and summarize Grey's "isms", I'm going to dialogue them. This way, I can type less and you might get the gist of it quicker. If you don't, it's not my fault. Blame Grey.


*GreyISMS*


G: Mom, what are you doing?
Me: I have to go to the bathroom
G: Are you going to squeeze it out?

Me: (pause) Yes

G: Like I squeeze it out?

Me: Yep

G: (while sitting on the toilet, yelling to me in the other room) Mom, know why I go to the bathroom?

Me: Why?

G: Because that's what I do

G: (naked from the waist down) So how was your day?

Me: It was good! How was yours?

G: I pooped and I peed

Me: Did you wipe?

G: (bending over) See?

Greyson had his 2nd full day at preschool on Tuesday. It was not a success from the standpoint that I was present the entire time. My plan to stay for "a long time, but not the whole time" didn't work. He's not adjusting yet, but our field trip yesterday gives me hope that his comfort level with the teachers and the other kids is increasing with each day. I'd prefer not to spend Tuesday and Thursday mornings helping kids who are not my own go to the bathroom and wash their hands (see above *isms*). I remain optimistic that next Tuesday will be a better day and if it isn't, have decided that I'm completely OK with the "valet" who literally takes your kid out of the car and escorts them into the classroom.

So, now that Greyson feels like he's perfected his guitar playing skills- he told Mrs. Debbie yesterday that yes he does play the guitar- he's now working on the drums and vocals. The following clip is a Greyson original- I like to think he came up with this song for me and me alone.








Does anyone want a cat? Greyson and Hayden have a lot in common these days. They both like to run, yell (trust me, if you've ever heard Hayden "meow", you know what I mean) and poop. Unfortunately, he occasionally chooses places outside of the litter box and he also barfs up hairballs. Hayden, that is. Mike's about to give him a dirt nap. No hidden fees, shipping and handling included!

Indian Summer & Football!

How great was this weekend's football debut? Wisconsin over Fresno State, the USC/OSU matchup, Michigan/Notre Dame and Packers/Bears? Our house is officially in gridiron madness and loving it! For the record, our fantasy team is officially 1-0. Better luck next time, Sibs!

Enjoying the weather on Sunday the 13th

I know the Midwest is experiencing great fall weather and for the first time since we moved to the Northwest, we're enjoying similar temperatures at the same time! It's a little warm for football but we're making the most of it while we can. We took Greyson to a book fair that benefits Seattle Children's Hospital on Saturday and he got to see and explore a real fire truck (made by none other than Appleton's own Pierce Manufacturing). He wouldn't let the fireman pick him up (he's got a serious thing about strangers touching him), but once he got into the truck, we couldn't get him out of it. He also got to tour an ambulance and UPS truck!

Our "Junior Firefighter"

Greyson started school last Thursday and it was not a non-event. He waved goodbye and I thought I was home-free but 10 minutes later, Mrs. Debbie called to tell me 2 little girls started crying and set Grey off too and could I come back? So, I spent Greyson's 1st day of school right along with him. No worries- he had a blast. He goes back tomorrow and I've been setting the stage that I'll stick around for a little while but not the whole time. We'll see how that goes. Stay tuned!

Greyson's 1st day of school!

We haven't posted a video to the blog in a while so here's a short one of Grey playing his "naked" guitar (that would be a guitar that is missing it's strings) with his friend Ryder who is, well, let's say "ukelele challenged". Press play below.

Congratulations to Brock and Becky Goehler who gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Reese! So you've asked and I've delivered. Here are a couple of belly pics. Greyson did his best to show off his belly too, as you can see. I'm 32 weeks today. This baby boy is extremely active and we're all SO ready to meet him! Enjoy what's left of the Indian Summer. We're going to do our best to keep you all updated as the due date nears, but keep in touch. Our phone doesn't ring nearly enough.

Counting Down the Days!

I cannot believe it's September already! Do you feel like you've been saying that as the months and years go by? In less than 4 months we're going to be ringing in 2010 and I can't figure out what happened to 2008!

We just enjoyed a fabulous weekend with our friends, Ryan & Tina Johnson and their daughter Lauren who turned 4 in February. Kids seems to make the space-time continuum go faster (is that a real thing or am I caught up in Star Wars, Star Trek or Back to the Future lingo?). Our nephew Jake turned 11 this year and his sister Bria just turned 8. Happy Birthday, Bria! Our niece Alayna, who's 5, started Kindergarten yesterday and I'm getting ready to send Greyson off to pre-school.

It was a joy to celebrate the "official" end of summer with the Johnsons doing fun Seattle touristy stuff (hello, Duck boat tour) and just enjoying great company. The kids, minus their son Tanner who stayed home this time, had a great time together and we're already looking forward to the next visit; hopefully sooner than later.

The famous Pike Place Market

Feeding the ducks at the Kirkland Marina

Lauren & Mike on the Duck Tour in Seattle

In 2000, Ryan (aka RJ) sent a photo of the 4 of us from a Mexico vacation into the Ripon College alumni magazine and they in turn published it. Long story short, Tina & Ryan looked like they were posing for a magazine shoot, Mike looked his usual debonair self and I, in the forefront of the picture, looked like Humpty Dumpty. My head was twice the size of theirs with 3 chins and a ridiculous stupid grin on my face. I've been threatening retribution ever since and when Ryan posed for this picture, I figured what the heck...I'll go ahead and post it and hope that my friends and family poke some fun at him. I don't have nearly the readership that the Ripon Magazine does but feel free to post comments for his reading pleasure.

As most of you know, Greyson has a few things he's really into these days. Guitar and golf have been the staples for a solid year. He's recently become obsessed with Disney's Imagination Movers (he's going to their concert in December and will very likely pass out from excitement) and he loves to draw. To see his self-portrait, you'll have to visit my Facebook page as Blogger.com doesn't recognize the format. He captured his big eyes quite nicely. He's not likely to be a Picasso, but I plan on framing it!

Greyson after a "show"

Happy Fall (yeah football!). Mike and I are defending our Fantasy Football title this year so please join us in wishing injuries upon the players owned by Sejal Shah (whose wife just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Sai), RJ, my brother Nate, Sibley and the rest of the schmucks in our league. Oh, and may Brett Favre lead the NFL in interceptions and be sacked a record # of times by the Green Bay Packers. We wish no ill will on anyone; we just want to win. We're looking forward to attending a few Seahawks games this year ("Hawks" to the locals) but our hearts remain in Green Bay.

I've been asked a number of times to post pictures of my pregnant belly. I am not promising anything but I'll see what I can do. You should know by now that pregnancy to me is a means to a wonderful end but the 40 weeks in between are a torture of sorts and no amount of mental pushups seem to get me over the hump. I am counting down the days. Until then, here's a family portrait. You may not be able to see my belly, but believe me, it's there!

Uncovering Treasures

If you’ve been following our blog or my Facebook page, you know that “move” has been our middle name for the past year. 3 moves in less than 12 months is a lot but I’ve actually done it before; albeit as a child when the packing and annoyance was left to my parents. If my count is right, we moved 8 times before I turned 9 and that doesn’t include the time I lived on the bus (can you really count driving from one state to the next as a move?) I remember moving into a house in Wrightstown, just outside of Green Bay, and less than 2 months later, we moved across the street because there was some major structural problems with the place. I didn’t see the structural problems but I remember that the water tasted like iron. My brother was probably Grey’s age, Jenny was maybe 5 and I was about to start the 2nd grade. By the time I started 3rd, we had moved again…and then once again the summer before 4th grade. (We stayed put after that)


Moving isn’t fun but one thing I’ve gotten a kick out of is uncovering little odds and ends that I haven’t seen in a while. When we initially moved to Seattle last summer, Allegis Group did everything. They packed every single thing we owned, loaded it onto a semi (including our cars) and drove it out here. Then they unpacked. When people you do not know unpack your things and attempt to “put them away”, you can be sure that you will be finding things you forgot you owned in the most unusual places.

Grandpa Art's birdhouse

Our 2 latest moves were packed and unpacked by us and our movers were only responsible for loading and unloading the truck. It is through this process that I’ve had fun uncovering, sometimes re-packing, giving away, throwing away and/or re-labeling so that we can find some semblance of organization. We found a box of antique tools from Mike’s grandpa Art and a box of antique silver from my grandma Lois. I now have a beautiful crystal sugar bowl in my kitchen that I’d forgotten had been given to me and Mike hung a beautiful birdhouse from the farm outside of our kitchen window. Last week, I opened a wooden box engraved with Mike’s initials and found our high school class rings, his diamond stud from the days he wore an earring and the first piece of jewelry he ever gave me; a sapphire and gold ring. It may not be fashionable and I may not wear it but there’s not a chance it’s going anywhere. Greyson contributed to our “finds” as well. As I set up the baby’s room, I’m unpacking baby seats and blankets, onsies and bibs and discovered that the Diaper Champ has been MIA for quite some time. We checked our storage unit, unpacked boxes that we thought might be mis-labeled and had all but given up when Greyson asked what was in the refrigerator in the garage. This fridge is from the rec room of our 1st house and hasn’t been used in a year so I said “nothing”. To prove it, I opened it and, of course, what did I find? The Diaper Champ! Thanks to Grey we’re saving a good $50 on a new one.

My antique sugar bowl

On the onsie note, I just had to share this photo with you. Greyson was 5lbs at birth and didn’t come close to fitting into newborn clothes so Mike scrambled to find preemie-sized things that he wore for about a month. This is a photo of one of Greyson’s preemie onsies. Our unborn child is measuring large (90th percentile right now) so there’s a good chance it won’t fit him but I’m going to hang onto it, just in case!


I can’t believe Greyson is starting pre-school in a month. He received a welcome letter from his teacher Mrs. Debbie and has his first homework assignment which is to fill out a form about his favorite things (with our help, of course). I’m trying not to get all emotional over it, but my hormones are raging and I just can’t believe he’s 3 ½ years old. Where has the time gone?

Summertime 8-9-09

3rd time's a charm!

You've asked for pictures so here they are. We're happy to be moved and aside from some garage organization and a few pictures to hang, we're relatively settled in. Greyson is enjoying the space. He has a private backyard (it's gated for containment) and a great bedroom and playroom to keep him occupied. Mike and I like the neighborhood and location and are happy that Greyson is still close to the playdate friends he meets up with regularly.

7811 126th Ave NE Kirkland, WA 98033

Formal living/dining from the staircase

Master Bedroom

Greyson's bedroom

Nursery

Kid's Playroom

Kitchen

Living Room/Kitchen

Greyson just finished soccer camp, the heat wave has broken, I celebrated my 35th birthday on Monday (thanks for the bday wishes!) and we're looking forward to a visit from the Johnson family in a few weeks. We're going to try and enjoy what's left of a beautiful Northwest summer. The pics below are from soccer camp. Greyson was a huge fan of "Coach Ryan" who did a tremendous job corralling a handful of 3 year olds. He played a game called "Travel" where the kids got to pick a place to travel to, the coach threw the ball and then the child had to retrieve it. Every single child chose Disneyland as their "destination" except for Greyson. His choice? The pickle store. What???

"Dribble" practice

Simon says "hands in the air"

I finished soccer camp and all I got was this crummy T-shirt

Bits & Pieces

Monk in Starbucks

In February, I got Lasik surgery at Sound Eye & Laser in Seattle and as a part of my post-op, I get to drive into the city every few months which brings with it a sure stop at Belle Epicurean where I get the best chocolate croissant...perfect temperature, flaky, melt in your mouth goodness. Anyway, I digress. Last Thursday, I was about 30 minutes early so I stopped at Starbucks to grab a latte before my appointment and as I'm waiting for my drink, watched a monk (bald, garbed fully in his brown tunic) putting cream into his Grande Americano. A monk in Starbucks. For some reason I was amused.

On the Starbucks note, I regretfully admit that I'm hooked. Though it originated in Seattle, the locals don't care for it. I think it's something to do with the corporate-ness of it all and general opinion is that the coffee is bitter. Regardless, I've turned into a regular and this brings me to my next point which has nothing to do with coffee and everything to do with either 'placenta brain' or my 'advancing age'. Yesterday, I went through the drive-through for a latte, pumpkin bread and yogurt. It took a while to get through the line and when I drove up to the window the guy handed me my coffee and told me I was getting my drink for free due to the wait (how nice is that?). So, I handed him a $10 bill, he handed me my food and I drove away without getting my change. I guess I really wanted to pay for my free drink. Today, I stopped by my 'regular' store for a latte and a breakfast sandwich. I got my drink and walked out of the store not realizing that I left my sandwich on the counter. I wanted the sandwich badly enough that halfway to my office, I went back and got it. My dad used to say "you'd lose your head if it wasn't attached". Apparently it's possible to lose even when it is!

July Heat

Seattle is experiencing a heat wave that rivals anything we've experienced back home. We're on Day 5 of 100 degrees and humid. Humidity is not the norm in Seattle and a majority of the homes out here aren't equipped with air conditioning (this includes our soon-to-be ex-house with whom we're breaking up this Thursday). The temp of the house hit the mid-80s last weekend and the heat is supposed to stick around until the weekend. We're very thankful for the fact that we began moving boxes and essentials into our new digs last weekend and though our furniture has not been moved yet, we've slept there for the past 3 nights. A cool-night's sleep is well worth Mike sleeping on a blow-up mattress and Grey and I in the guest bed. The blessing in disguise is that we're getting a majority of our things transported and unpacked so by the time the movers complete the job, we might be close to settled in (yeah, right). Greyson is in soccer camp this week. That sounds miserable to me but he's on cloud 9 with his new soccer ball and Spiderman water bottle. If only adults were that easy to please!

Robin a.k.a. Greyson

On the Move Again

Our new address is 7811 126th Ave NE in Kirkland, WA 98033. We're a stone's throw from our aforementioned ex-house but feel eons away in terms of comfort (see 'air conditioning') and friendliness. We've met a handful of friendly neighbors including a family w/ 2 young boys. Once we're moved, I will take and post some pictures. Here's to hoping the 3rd time's a charm!

We hope you're all enjoying the summer, the sun and time with your families. I can't believe it's nearly August! I turn 35 on Monday (gasp), Greyson starts pre-school in September and before we know it, the baby will be here. The baby pool has started. What's your guess?

He's very proud of his new school backpack, courtesy of my mom (thanks Nana!)

Missing Wisconsin

Happy Summer Holiday!

Our families are such a blessing. We had a great time back home and are slowly getting back into the swing of things on the West coast. The time change is a nuisance but Greyson is his usual resilient self and adjusting just fine. We'll share some pictures and stories but want to bullet the list of things we miss the most about Wisconsin.

• Fried cheese curds should be a food group
• Fields and lawns and land!
• Indoor waterparks are great entertainment
• Nothing compares to a sunny day on the Minocqua chain
• Culver's custard should be a food group
• Our families! We got to see our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. We just wish we had more time.
• Soft pretzels and cheese should be a food group
• Beer Can Island (need we say more?)

The work of Brian Letarski and crew- casa de la Guenther

Mike & Grey on a jet ski ride

Bria and Grey were inseparable

Sunset on the 4th of July

A bagpipe band at the Yacht Club?

Greyson kept our families entertained and didn't disappoint. He strummed his air guitar, sang original songs ("It's time to take a nap") and suckered his cousins into playing a game he calls "Wolf Cub" (he's the wolf, you're the cub). I can't believe the 4th has come and gone. The week went by way too fast! The rest of the summer will fly by as we prepare to move in a month (we did find a house just 2 blocks from our current location), anticipate a visit from the Johnsons in late August and then the birth of baby boy Guenther in November. We miss all of you very much!