Yia-Yia and Papouli Rousopoulos

It's About Time

2011-07-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

In more ways than one. Yes, it's long over due to blog about my wonderful granddaughter, Phoebe and now her little brother. Also changing jobs has taken time too--but that's not what this is about.

On April 3, 2011 at 9:29 PM at IU Health-North (previously Clarion North when Phoebe was born) Maverick James Wallis was born!!!!He's becoming such a part of our lives.

Being three months old now, he truly is looking more like his big sister did when she was three months. I think he's going to have a dimple! And he's a smiler!

What is truly amazing is how his big sister is taking to him. She is a great big sister--but she is still Phoebe-rella!

Today we went to the Carmel Fest in Carmel, IN, to celebrate the 4th of July. Phoebe enjoyed the dalmation dog jump house, riding the horse, petting the animals--bunny, goats and hens, throwing rocks in the pond, enjoying a pineapple whip with her Aunt Katie and climbing into the driver's seat of a big, big firetruck!

Family is a blessing!

Backyard Fun

2010-07-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

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A Summer Sunday Afternoon

2010-07-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's been about two weeks since we saw R R & P. They took a trip to see Ryan's family in Georgia, where Phoebe spent a lot of time swimming in her Nana's pool. Take a look at their blog to see her new swim skills!(Life with Ryan Wallis).

Their new puppy, a yorkie-poo named Co-co graced the family on Father's Day. The following week we got to "puppy sit" while Rose, Ryan and Phoebe flew to Atlanta.

Phoebe helped Yia-yia wash dishes. She went upstairs by herself, found the stool and was in the process of pulling it to the stairs when I got there. I carried it for her and she also walked all the way down the stairs by herself! She's amazing! Oh yes, something else funny--she's gone to saying "hey mom" "hey dad". Well today she said, "Hey Rose!" Deno and I both laughed!

She is my delight! I thank God everyday for the Phoebe, praying that He would protect her and bless her. I pray the same for her parents. I am indeed blessed.

New Year and New Abilities

2010-02-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted much about Phoebe Rae over the last few months. It's not because pictures weren't taken or we haven't enjoyed her company. Over the winter months we have enjoyed time together on Friday afternoons or evenings and of course our Sunday lunch times. After our adventure to the Journey Restaurant one Sunday afternoon as a family, we decided that would be the last time we'd eat out with Phoebe until she got a little bit better behaved.
She really was a pill! So Sunday lunches have been at Yia'yia's and Papouli's. Something new for Phoebe and Yia-yia is our Sunday afternoon nap. One week she would go down for love or money. The next week I thought I'd take her to my bed and lay down with her. It took 45 minutes for her to finally to fall asleep. The next week not as long. And last week, only 15 minutes! Yeah Phoebe! This gives her mom and dad a little break to relax or run an errand or look at houses. Yes they are looking for a home that has at least three bedrooms. I wonder where they'll land.

One of the things we do at Yia-yia's and Papouli's is read books. She loves to be read to and to look at books by herself. She's now into playing dolls too. One night while I was watching her at her house, she walked around the ottoman, picked up the basked with the wipes and diapers, and proceed to change her dolly's diaper just like she gets hers changed!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2009-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

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48 hours with Phoebe Rae!

2009-09-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

Forty-eight hours have passed since Rose and Ryan left Phoebe in our care. Rose and Ryan have gotten to go to Jackson Hole, WY for a business trip. (Tough life! :-)) Phoebe and Yia-yia went over to visit Grandma and Grandpa Newell in Anderson. It was a fun time. Grandpa pulled Phoebe in a way too little John Deere wagon. She gave them lots of hugs too! She even did the chicken dance for them!

Papouli and I took Phoebe to Stuckey Farms to pick apples. She really wasn't that interested in it--a lot of school and preschool children there on field trips! She investigated the apples on the trees but was more interested in the redder apples on the ground. Once in bags, she had more fun taking them out of the bag! In the one picture, it looks like she's reading the name of the apple on the sign! She's sooooo smart!!!

Phoebe ran about barefooted outside too. She likes to step from one to another as Yia-yia counts. She's so very inquisitive of little bugs and what have you on the steps or patio.

She loves to spend time with Papou outside, especially when she gets to swing!!!

Phoebe just brightens our life so much--we are blessed!!!

Holliday Park and Bubbles make for a great time together!

2009-07-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Rose had to go in on Friday to have all four wisdom teeth extracted, so Phoebe came over to stay with Papou, Yia-Yia and Auntie Kate. What fun it was! The weather was perfect--not too hot nor too cool. It certainly called for a day at the park to play and climb.

The bubbles in the back yard with Kali proved interesting too. We thought for sure Kali had eaten so many bubbles that she'd surely get sick. But she didn't. Phoebe has this neat little battery operated bubble blower that she holds in her hand and presses the button for a fan to go and make bubbles galore! Whe even decided to sit righte down in the grass and enjoy them.
Phoebe also enjoys just playing--her wagon with a special drawer for her to put things is special. However, when she wants something out of the wagon, sometimes it's difficult for her to reach it--but that doesn't keep her from trying!

Soon we piled in the car and drove down to Holliday Park. Not too many children when we first arrived, plenty of sun and a cool breeze. Perfect park weather. Auntie Kate did a whole bunch of running and following Phoebe while Yia-yia tried to take pictures. Slides were already too hot, but not the tunnel tubes or the swings.

All said and done she came home to lunch and a very long nap, which is unusual for her. We continued the day doing some shopping for a swing for her to leave at Yia-yia and Papouli's. However Papouli will need to get some more rope to hang it over the tree limb. That's okay....next time she comes over!

She's really walking!

2009-03-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

And climbing, and getting into everything! Aunt Kate was home for spring break last week and enjoyed time with Phoebe. She's such a great aunt. This is all new to me to have three generations of family in one place--close so one can be involved in the life of each other.

Phoebe along with her mother and father went to her aunt's wedding in Florida. They just returned this evening and it was so very good to see them. When Uncle Steven carried her into the house in her car seat, her eyes got big, her feet started kicking and she wanted her Yia-Yia! Oh how fun it was to pick her up and receive her! I wonder if that is how our heavenly Father receives us. I wonder if that is how we receive Him.

Phoebe saw Pita, their dog for whom we were dog-sitting, in her kennal when she got out of her car seat. She walked over and climbed into the kennal hugging Pita and loving on her. I'm sure Rose will post a picture on her blog.(She'll post many pictures I'm sure!)Later in the evening the five of us went to El Meson for dinner. Phoebe had a "serious conversation" with her Uncle Steve. She would say "yeah" and he'd say "no". She locked eyes with him, not blinking and continued the bantering back and forth. Finally with furrowed brow she let out a tirade of syllables to Uncle Steve. She was SERIOUS! We all cracked up laughing because of her focus and intensity. I don't think any of us want to know what she was saying.

In my devotions today, reading in the Psalms, it read, "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1 Oh may my life be witness to God's faithfulness to my children and my children's children.

Just like the flowers, she's growing!

2009-03-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

In the last month and a half Phoebe has started to desire to walk really bad. She takes off when someone is holding her hands or she stands up and desiring of letting go she does only to find her legs are still too wobbly. She's also climbing and she doesn't know any danger. Okay yia-yia and papouli, be careful.She's playing longer with her toys and discovering everything. She's cut her four top teeth all at one time.

I find so much joy and happiness in caring for Phoebe. She's a little girl full of laughter and mischieveousness. She'll give you a stare and then her lips will curlup making you laugh for sure. She's taking a step here and there. She desires to move faster. We play pat-a-cake, this is the way the lady rides, three little monkies, eensy-weesnesy spider and more. She tries to do the motions to the finger plays. She babbles all the time.

The other week, Rose, Phoebe and I went over to my parents' home in Anderson. It was neat to see how Phoebe warmed up to them, especially grandpa.
Today, Sunday the 9th, we cebrated Steven's 29th and Rose's 31st birthdays. We all went to eat at Granite City after church and then to the house. Rose had a berry-berry pie and Steven's a chocolate marble cake and chocolate icing.Yum! They were good!

Now they are all on their way. Steve's driving back to Chicago, Kate to Ft. Wayne and Rose, Ryan and Phoebe to their home. It's been a good day! - yia-yia

Wintering with Phoebe

2009-01-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

With cold weather, it's a perfect time for Phoebe to stay inside and learn to crawl, pull up and stand and eventually walk. I'm sure that will happen before I realize it. It's been so neat to see her learn how to crawl. Phoebe and Rose come over on Fridays sometimes to just spend time together. Whether it's just playing or going out, the time with Rose and Phoebe is so special. This last Friday we drove down to Greenwood to Old Time Potter and Flower Factory. It was Phoebe's first ride in a grocery cart. It was as if she was looking at a whole new world for the first time. Her legs kicked, her arms waved and she looked around and around, taking all that she saw in.

Kate and I went to Once Upon a Child and found a high chair for her. Having her sit at the table with us for meals is quite an adventure. She's learning to eat junior food. I even tried processing some food through the cuisinart. It met with mixed reviews.

Deno and I are planning for Phoebe to spend the night with us in another week or so. The baby bed is set up in Rose's old room. I've made new window treatments and covered the cushion on the rocking chair. It's fun fixing up her room too.

But for today, she's at her home keeping warm with Mom and Dad. The snow will provide a time for bonding once again. Enjoy!

Christmas Celebration

2008-12-29T15:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas got spread out this year like many families. Rose, Ryan and Phoebe went to Peachtree, GA to visit Nana and Rick and the rest of Ryan's family. That didn't keep us from celebrating on Christmas day with Samme's family in Anderson, IN. It was fun and a little looney--ask Great Grandmother Newell about the turtle.

But, the Wallis' got home on Sunday so Monday was the day we scheduled to celebrate with Kate, Steven, Rose, Ryan and Phoebe. Deno and I had looked forward to being with them. Aunt Kate bemoaned the fact of not following tradition by eating breakfast first, but like I told her, there were alot of new traditions being made and there are many more families to consider now.
The breakfast was great--biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, hashbrowns, and enough calories to kill us all much sooner than we should.

Phoebe is crawling more and pulling up to stand. What fun! Deno and I watched her so the kids could all go see a movie together. She found Kali's rawhide chew bone and enjoyed herself until Papouli found her with it. She even crawled up the one step from the family room to the kitchen. Watch out world, there's no stopping her now!

She played her first "concert" with pots and pans. I gave her a Costa Rican chocolate stirrer and a table spoon and she was able to make plenty of "music".

The afternoon went quickly with her--Yia-yia even took a little nap with her and before we knew it, the kids were all back from the movie. Phoebe is coming into her own, showing some of her personality. She loves to laugh and investigate. She loves to dance and babbles all the time. She doesn't like her mommy to be too far away and gives her daddy plenty of hugs. She loves to chew on Uncle Steven's i-phone, where he gives her guidance on what she can and can't do with it. And Auntie Kate is one she loves to play with! As a matter of fact, Auntie Kate went over Phoebe's house tonight to get more Phoebe time.

So today was nice with the gifts--but the best thing was to be with the family. However, no one played canasta with me. hmmm. I'm going to have to work on that!

Celebrating the Holidays with Family

2008-12-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, four generations converged at Grandpa and Grandma Newell's home in Anderson. Cousin Joel and Jen with their daughters Bella and Gabby were in from Phoenix, so we all had to be together! Phoebe wasn't too sure of what to make of all of this, but after having 61 at Thanksgiving at her Aunt Mary's this was a piece of cake!

Who all was there? Well everyone except Cortney, who had to work at the hospital and Stavros who was coming in from Chicago. They were certainly missed.

Great Aunt Becki and Uncle Rex were there with their kids and grandkids. Cassie and James Kirkpatrick were there with David and Haley. Kyle was there too, missing Cortney, I'm sure. Then Great Uncle Eric and Aunt Bonnie were there with Joel & Jen, Bella and Gabby. The newly weds were there too--Shawn and Miriam were there too. They'll be in Kentucky for Christmas.

A Weekend at the Lake

2008-10-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

When you're at the beach, you forget all about time! How fun it was for all seven of us to be at the cottage at Lake Michigan this weekend! Thanks to Mary and Harold, we all stayed at their cottage at Bethany Beach in Michigan. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful time. Even though Ryan, Steven and Katie all had work to do, we got in a good game of canasta. Aunt Kate got her "Phoebe Phix" while with us on her fall break.Deno, Steven and I got to do some reading. Phoebe was introduced to solid food this weekend--sweet potatoes! We figured she must like them because she ate the entire jar. It was fun to rock her to sleep. It was fun to see what great parents Ryan and Rose are. Each working together to care for Phoebe and each other.
They say she only falls asleep, holding her with her head on my shoulder, with me. Oh I'm blessed! Papouli and Phoebe share books. I don't know who likes them more.
Uncle Steve had a chance to love on Phoebe too. Not so sure if Phoebe like his whiskers or not!
We all took a trip to the Lighthouse Outlet Mall in Michigan City. Clementines, a harbor restaurant in St. Joseph, MI was the location for a great dinner. On Mary's recommendation we ordered 12 inches high stack of onion rings. The Swedish bakery in Harbert is always a must go when there. They have the most delicious pastries--elephant ears (not Indiana's kind), coffee cakes, breads and more! An Italian lady bought it from the Swedes several years ago, because she wanted to have her own restaurant. Every place she looked, required too much remodeling and costs, so when she found the bakery, the Swedes taught her how to make the pastries. She now has a bakery and an Italian restaurant, Luisa's.

On Sunday we had a laid back morning and then all went up to the beach.
I say "up" because you have to go up a steep sand dune and then over it and down. But what a site! I think as our kids grow older, it is so important for us to spend time with them and share special moments together.
We sat Phoebe in the sand by the grasses, and then by the water with words Kate had written in the sand. It was great to feel the lake's breeze on our faces.

With the weekend well spent, we all headed home in the afternoon. Of course there was a Colt's game on the radio. Steven took Papou's and Yia-yia's picture for Great Grandmother Newell. She's working on another Christmas calendar. That warms my heart too!

Phoebe has a sleep over

2008-10-11T06:59:00.001-07:00

Here it is the middle of October and we can go outside with mums blooming, the sun shining and our beautiful little grand daughter with the pumpkin and flowers. Papouli and I took her outside this morning to get some sunshine and take some pictures.

So much for reading. Papouli has a full lap of love--Phoebe and Kali!

Boy, she'll be crawing before we know it. She just loves that transitional period between diapers being changed and getting her clothes on!

The little hooded denim jacket and the orange stripe halloween outfit I purchased at BJ's resale shop and the Goodwill Outlet store. At the outlet store you buy clothing by the pound. I purchase a little pink and white striped denim jumper and the halloween sleeper (which still had the tags on it) for 83 cents!(both!)

Here in Indianaopoulis, it's suppose to be in the mid-to-upper eighties. Phoebe and I will definitedly need to go outside for a good walk and that vitamin D!

What gift do I want to give Phoebe today? My presence.

Fall has arrived

2008-10-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

Fall is in full swing with leaves changing and temperatures are cooler. My tomato plants are slowing down and producing less. However, my "nieta", my grand daughter Phoebe is growing!

Last night I got to be with her and Rose, feeding her her cereal, playing games of peek-a-boo with a toy penguin, singing to her, helping with bath time and rocking her to sleep. Could it get any better? I don't think so.

An afternoon at Uncle Steve's

2008-09-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Phoebe's almost 5 1/2 months old. And as her Yia-yia, I would love to write something really profound, inspired, insightful, but I can't find words to express the joy it is to being her Yia-Yia. I'm sure Deno would agree. I think if anything, I want not to make my words in this blog so meaningful, as I do the time Phoebe and I get to spend together. I want her to know that her Yia-yia and Papouli loves her and prays for her that God would be the closest friend she ever has.

One thing I'm experiencing is being a grandmother who is present in her granddaughter's life. This is a completely new adventure for me and for my kids, but one I'm sure will be treasured for years to come. Growing up Deno nor I never had the privilege of having extended family living close by. The Newells and Rousopoulos' were blessed by the church being our family. But now, we're blessed by having our kids living close by and the joy of their company.
This is Steven's new home. It's a townhouse down in the Broadripple area close to the Indianapolis Art Center.

After church today, Rose, Phoebe, Ryan, Deno and myself all went to Steven's home. He's so proud of it and we all celebrate with him in this new purchase. We pitched in and had lunch together. Phoebe slept through part of lunch, but then awoke not quite having slept enough. She's having some challenges of not sleeping long enough to be well rested during the day. She is doing pretty well through the night though. Rose and Ryan are doing great as parents.

Phoebe never fails to make us laugh and say all kinds of babyish things. She's wanting to sit up by herself and she's getting stronger every day. She's curious about her hands and feet--which both find their way to her mouth often. She loves to try to mimic sounds or have hers mimiced. She loves music and watching her mother dance. Note, I said mother and not yia-yia.

I had a new experience this week in regards to Phoebe. I went to a friend's resale shop and found some cute things to have here at the house for her. I love denim and found a little jacket and jumper for her. Last week I went to a neighbor's garage sale and got some baby blankets and a toy. So we're slowly getting our home "grand-daughterized!"

Making eyes, giving smiles and electing a President

2008-08-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

I don't think anything can quite melt my heart like Phoebe's smiles, chuckles and grasping my finger. Phoebe's laughing and babbling more which is amazing. She desires to pull up and lean up. She is getting stronger by the day.She will stretch and twist just to see the TV. Rose and Ryan are doing really well to block it from her view. Isn't it amazing that she is so drawn to it?

Before she's one, she'll be living under a new president of the USA. As I listen to Barrack Obama, I hear something is stirring, I hear it's not about the candidate but the person who stands to vote,I hear about change that is needed and a change that will come to Washington. Those things I can support. I feel so responsible--probably more now than ever before in my life--because of Phoebe--that I study the issues, I weigh the differences, I seek God's wisdom to know for whom to vote. There are so many moral issues that can be impacted through the election.

Three Months and cooing

2008-07-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Rose and Ryan just got Phoebe's three month pictures taken this past Saturday. Oh she's so cute! Rose and Phoebe came over this afternoon. Ryan had gone to the Colts' training camp, and Deno was at work, so it was just some "girl" time. Aunt Kate was here too, before she went out for the evening.

We got pictures from Saturday's photo session. It's amazing how a smile just comes over me in my office when I look at her smile. Seeing her makes the world seem just really wonderful. No matter how the rest of life is going, when I see her face, I feel so blessed and so happy. Thank you God for little blessings that make such a huge impact on our lives.

Being a yia-yia is super, but being a mom is the best. To see our children grown and on their own, seeing how they navigate life and grow in their faith is such a privilege. Kate has especially been encouraging through some tough times. To see her faith and hear her encouragement because of her belief in Christ Jesus, is humbling. All three kids--wow! I'm so very blessed.

11 weeks old

2008-07-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today I visited a new baby at Community North--Seth Hayes born to Allison and Brian Hayes. He weighs 6 lbs. 14 oz. Phoebe weighed only 2 oz. less. Seth seemed so very small compared to Phoebe today.

Okay--now tell me. I babysat for Phoebe on Friday night while Rose, Ryan and Steven went to dinner and a show. The reason Kate didn't go was because "they" were afraid yia-yia would fall asleep with Phoebe. yikes! Not only that, Rose thought I was nuking Phoebe's bottle in the microwave, but I was only heating water! How did I ever raise my three kids.

Phoebe's beginning to smile and laugh alot more. She's ticklish too! It's fun to run her through her "exercises". One of these days before we know it she'll be rolling over all by herself.

I can't believe it yet. Kate asks me if it feels real (being a grandmother) and I said no. I'm willing to give it time though!

Phoebe made it happen!

2008-05-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Phoebe Rae Wallis was born to Rose and Ryan Wallis at Clarion North Hospital. She weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. It was then that Deno became Papouli and I become Yia-yia.

She left the hospital for home on Friday with her Mom and Daddy. It's going to be so much fun with her living here in town, close to us. Deno nor I had grandparents in our daily lives. We hope we can be there for her!