An afternoon at Uncle Steve's

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

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

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

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!

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!