Time has been flying!

Hello! Wow, hard to believe it'll be Thanksgiving next week--where did autumn go?

So--what's new with Greyson? Well, he's now crawling (and boy is he quick!), he has six teeth (4 on top, 2 on bottom), is pulling up, getting introduced to solid foods, and is simply a delight! He's a happy, smiling, cooing little guy, who seems to charm everyone he meets. We are so in love with this kid!

As you'll see from the new photo albums we've posted we've had lots going on! Some of the highlights: we gathered up with some friends back in October when Grampa Greg was visiting for a bar-b-q. We visited the pumpkin patch with Grammie Elaine and picked out some lovely pumpkins for Halloween. Jeff introduced Greyson to the fine art of carving pumpkins and dressing up for Halloween (Jack Black in Nacho Libre comes to mind =)).

I unfortunately missed Halloween this year, but don't feel to sorry for me--I had a wonderful time in doing some field work on Heron Island--in Australia's Great Barrier Reef! It was a work trip, but believe me, we had fun too! Aside from the coral being the healthiest and most diverse assemblage I've ever seen, it was also sea turtle nesting season and there were loggerheads and green turtles coming onshore every night to lay eggs--it was truly amazing! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity--if you ever get the chance to go, do it! You will not regret it!

Hope you enjoy the photos--we miss you all and wish you much happiness this Thanksgiving season!

Grampa Greg's Visit

Well, we had a great visit from Grampa Greg! He and Greyson had a great time jamming to classic rock, going to the grocery store, going to Octoberfest (see G's German hat), the car cruise at Old Town Spring, taking in a Pirates vs. Astros game, cooking dinner, and cruisin' around the kitchen floor getting into the dogs bowls!

We just uploaded a whole bunch of pics to the Picassa web album so be sure to check all of those out at the link to the right ---->

Thanks Grampa Greg!!! Love, Greyson

Meet Hayley!

No, not another baby...a new Greyhound!

Meet Hayley, our new dog! She's a beautiful, 2 yr old fawn colored retired racing Greyhound. We adopted her from the same adoption agency that placed Henry with us, the National Greyhound Adoption Program, located in Philadelphia PA. After two years in the racing circuit, she flew to Houston on a Continental flight, and she's found a permanent home with us. We are so happy with her!

Since Greyhounds have never lived in homes or with other humans prior to coming off the track, sometimes the transition into a new home can be challenging. But we have been very lucky with Hayley. Aside from her barking at her reflection in the mirror, she adjusted to life in a house beautifully and there have been no accidents in the house, thus far! She and the cat, Quincy, seem to tolerate each other quite well, which is a relief. She likes to be around people, and she follows us from room to room, just happy to be a part of he action.

Hayley is very smart and has learned a number of new tricks. Jeff taught her to fetch tennis balls (as you can see in the video) and she can sit on command too (a hard thing for Greyhounds to do). She loves spending time outside, chewing on her tennis balls, and going for walks with Greyson in his stroller. She's very gentle with Greyson, and he likes to pet her on her back. We're looking forward to the two of them growing up together.

Enjoy the 2 new pictures albums of Hayley and Greyson that we just put up on Picasa!

Twins...

When I was a little dude, like Greyson, my Mom and Dad took pictures of me in a Steelers onsie. Well, we have continued the tradition, with a slight modification.

Big win last night for the Steelers...we were all rooting them on!

J and G (aka #7)

New York State of Mind...

Hello, Kate here!

After our stops in NH and ME, we continued our journey through Vermont and then finally back to Elmira NY! We stopped for an overnight in Rutland with Mimi and Marty (Ed and Amy were there too--great to see them again, after the Cape). Mimi and Marty have renovated and added onto my Grandmother's home, and practically doubled the square footage in the process! They have renovated the home to include modern tastes and conveniences, but also kept in step with the architectural (and sentimental) features of the home. It's just beautiful and we are so glad we got to see their new/old home!

We arrived in NY and got to spend some quality time with Gramma Anne and Grampa Greg! We spent the week relaxing on the back and front porch, grilling out, and even helping spread the stones for the foundation of Grampa Greg's new shed! Greyson took his first ride on a John Deere Tractor, and even put on the green hat on his ride around the front yard (on Grampa Greg's lap, of course--he can't reach the pedals just yet).

Since we were up in the northeast, close to family, we had Greyson baptised at Trinity Episcopal Church in Elmira. It was a beautiful day and ceremony, Father Bill and the congregation were so welcoming, and Greyson managed to not cry during the service! My brother Aaron and Allison are Greyson's Godparents, and it was so wonderful to have them up with us for this special day, with the other family and friends that travelled to see us!

The Friday night before we had Greyson baptized, we had dinner up at the Hill Top Restaurant--the same place where Jeff and I had our rehearsal dinner for our wedding. It was so nice to go back and take in those views of the valley--and even got to see some post-Elmira Pioneer baseball game fireworks! It was a lovely evening.

Enjoy the latest pictures from our travels!

Heading towards NH and ME

Sorry for the delay in posts....lots currently going on here in TX. My Mom is in town, I just started a new job (I will have to do a post on that this weekend) and Kate is back to work part-time...oh and we got a new dog (will have to do a post on that too!).

As for out summer vacation. After a great time in Cape Cod, we headed north to Manchester, NH to visit the Turner's. Noah is getting so big, we were most impressed with his sign language and love for Paul Simon...this kid can dance! It was great to see Julie and Chris and the new addition Quinn! Chris and I were lucky enough to take in the NASCAR race up in Loudon - it was rain shortened, but was still a great time. Be sure to check out the videos and pics from the race in the web album.

From NH we continued to the north even more, to Maine. We had a great few days up there with the Smith's. Just like Noah, Hadley is growing like a weed. I wish Greyson was old enough to of been able to play with her...they would of had a blast....someday! We unfortunately brought the rain with us, but still enjoyed a day in Freeport and a great dinner down on the water, at the Haaabaa (harbour).

Thanks to everyone for putting us up for a few days...we cannot wait to come back and visit again!!!

Cape Cod......is totally wicked

From Pittsburgh we headed off to the coast... the east coast and Cape Cod. We had a great time and got to spend some great family time with A. Mimi and U. Marty + family. They were kind enough to invite us to join them for a few days and we are so glad that we were able to do so. Greyson got to meet his new cousin, Aidan (son of Jen and Christian) the 6 of us were living it up in the "Baby Cottage" in N. Truro. Greyson also got to meet his cousins: Ed, Amy, Hillary, and John Paul. A good time was had by all...and how could you not have a great time with fresh lobster, lots of wine and lots of chocolate from P'town...that's an inside joke!

It was a trip of many firsts for Greyson: 1st sail boat ride in P'Town, 1st beach day, 1st swim in the Atlantic ocean (water was 58 degrees F!!!!). I was able to do some boogie boarding despite the cold temps and loved every second of it.

We enjoyed day trips to P'town, Welfleet, Chatam, Orleans, etc. it was a great trip.

A trip to the Laural Mtns of PA

What a great trip this was. We took a trip to the mountains and Laural Caverns. I hadn't been there since I was probably the age of Luke and Jake. Kate, the geologist in the crowd, seemed to enjoy it as well. The kids enjoyed prospecting/panning for minerals in the mining section of the visitors center and then we ID'ed our finds outside at a picnic table where we were able to enjoy the great hilltop views. We capped the day off with burgers and milkshakes at one of my favorite restaurants, Gleason's....a sure bet for great food when you in the mountains.

I added the pictures to the end of the Pittsburgh Vaca album in Picassa.

The next post will be of our trip to Cape Cod...so stay tuned!

Progress....

Check this out...new trick that Greyson just figured out last night

Pittsburgh in the summer...its cooler than Texas!

Ok, back to our vacation story and pictures. Our next stop on the summer vacation trip was Pittsburgh, PA. Ironically, we arrived in town the day of the Stanley Cup Celebration parade. We didn't get to go but we did get to drive through the traffic...so I guess we were a part of the festivities one way or another.

It was a great visit and we had the opportunity to see loads of friends and family. Greyson got to meet his great-grandmother Stella and great grandfather Ray....he was very excited. I will have to load some of those videos when I get the chance. It was also nice that he finally got to met his grandmother Mary and grandpap Bob.

We had a great Father's Day and enjoyed the pool, BBQ, and 10lbs of fresh steamed Mussels. Grt-Grandpap was nice enough to show all us youngsters how to prepare and eat those little buggers!

We will post some additional pictures of our trip to the mtns. and Laural Caverns with Sam, Luke and Jake soon....so stay posted.

Till then...

The Best Summer Vaca Ever....is now over :(

Hi all-

Greyson has been putting on both the miles and the pounds! We are finally back home in Texas after 8 states (TX, CO, PA, NY, MA, ME, NH, VT) and over 3,500 miles of driving in the car. Needless to say, he is a pro at the road trip at 4months of age!

For all of you grandparents who have been requesting lots of pics (and Aunties, too) get ready for the mother load.

Lets kick things off with our trip to Colorado that started way back on June 1st. We flew up to Denver and then drove west over the mountains to Grand Junction to visit A. Gretchen, U. Rich, and Grammie Lamb. We spent several days with them exploring GJ, driving over to Telluride (taking a gondola ride; Greyson's first), and tackling Red Mountain Pass, Ouray, and Silverton. We then headed back to Denver for a few days with all the cousins (be sure to check out the pics of them in the web album...too cute). I got to do some amazing mountain biking -- thanks to Shane and the Denver Mountain Biking Crew!

We wrapped up out stay with Kate attending the AAPG Meeting in downtown Denver.

It was a great trip...hope you enjoy the pictures!
Love.
J, K, & G

A family that cheers together......

Lets go Pens!!!! Thanks to Gramma for the Penguins outfit!

To all you Pittsburghers out there...note the black and gold flag which has been proudly flying in front of our house since before the Super Bowl. We have not lost a championship since it was set out! Hope that trend continues...might have to take it down before the Pirates ruin that trend!

Love to all from K, G and J.

ps pics of our trip to Colorado to follow soon....we are off for NY, PA and all points north tomorrow AM!!!!

Greyson's First Hockey game!

Quick post as we are heading to a friends house to watch the Pens demolish the Wings in game one of the cup finals....but Greyson got to go to his first hockey game this past Thursday night. It was sooooo great to be able to skate with him and Kate there. Too bad they missed my goal!

After the game he had a chance to get on the ice for the first time - dont think he is quite ready for skates just yet....maybe in a month or two!

LETS GO PENS!!!!

'66 Mustang Fastback......oh sooooo sweet!

A dream came true for me earlier this week when this blue beauty showed up at the house.

It is a 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback with the matching numbers 289 engine and matching numbers 3 speed manual transmission. It has been restored to it original condition right down the to original paint color (nightmust blue) and redone pony interior.

I flew up to Detroit Michigan last weekend (thanks to Dad Lamb for help with the flight up there) to check the car out. In addition to seeing the car, I was able to spend the weekend with my college buddy Zach and his wife Jean. The whole Kiefer clan was so generous with their time - Zach's Dad even came to the classic car store to help me speck out the new wheels. So a big thanks to all of them for their help.

Kate, Greyson and I have been enjoying it already -- we took it out for ice cream on Saturday night. And this morning I went for an 80-mile cruise with my friend Jay, he was riding his new Harley! It was great, we went up around Lake Conroe and into the National Forest --simply a beautiful drive with lots of S-curves!

More pics to come in the future!
jeff

Hapy Mother's Day!!

Hey all, this is Jeff and Greyson wishing all of you Moms, Grandmothers, and new Moms (that would be you Kate) a spectacular Mother's Day! We wish we could see each and every one of you on this special day - but thought that a new, fresh set of pictures would be a great way to send on our love.

Happy Mother's Day, we love all of you!
Jeff and Greyson

2 Months, and counting!

Sorry it's been awhile since our last post--but Greyson has been keeping us both pretty busy!

We are now at 2 months of age with the little man, and he's been growing like a weed! He now weighs about 14 lbs, and is pretty active most of the day. Greyson is not keen on naps during the day, unless you are holding him; when we lay him down in the crib, we get about 15 minutes before his little eyes pop open and he cries. Luckily he's been sleeping pretty well at night (thank heavens) and the last two nights he slept for 7 hours straight! It was the most consecutive sleep that I've (Kate) had since before Greyson was born--and I hope it keeps up!

Greyson is starting to spend more time looking around and is becoming more interactive with the world around him. He enjoys the black and white contrasts, but is now starting to pay attention to the bright colors on his mobile and other toys. We've been reading books, and he's already got some favorites--probably due to the illustrations being big and bold.

As you'll see from some of the new pictures, Greyson is also starting to smile, which is amazingly rewarding. All those late nights feedings and fussy times melt away when he flashes that toothless grin. We are truly enjoying this little guy!

Grammie Elaine is in town!

It's been another fun filled week with another grandparent--this time with Jeff's mom, Elaine!

As with previous visitors, Greyson has introduced Grammie Elaine the fine art of sleeping on the couch and enjoying HGTV. We've been enjoying the beautiful weather, sitting outside and going for walks, as well as going out for Mexican food! Greyson also loves to show off his duck (a gift from Aunt Sammie, Uncle Luke, and Uncle Jake) when he sports his duckie onsie

We were invited to Isabella's 1st birthday party, Greyson's first party, and enjoyed the grilling and cake (or at least the adults did!). Friends Jay and Jen were very happy to hold the little guy when he finally woke up from his nap.

Holly, Ryan, Reed and Ruby Shayne (who live across the street) also stopped in for dinner one night. We had a great time grilling (see the photos and video of Ryan and Jeff sitting on the tail gate of the truck) and although Ruby Shayne is getting bigger, she's no match for Greyson--who at the pediatrician's this week weighed in at 11 lbs!!! Well, no question that he's getting enough to eat!

Other than that, we've been doing well and have posted more pictures...enjoy!

Grampa Greg is here!

Well, sorry for the delay in updates, but we've been so busy, enjoying a visit from Gramma Anne and Grampa Greg, that we have not had a chance to sit down an update the blog! So without further delay, here are the latest and greatest photos (on the Picassa web album link)!

As I mentioned we've been busy! Gramma Anne has been speedily knitting sweaters and hats, Grampa Greg has been teaching Greyson the fine art of napping on the couch, and we even made it out to dinner--a first for Greyson (and he was very well behaved). Also, some old army friends (Earl and Robin Stout) stop by for a bar-b-q, and although Greyson couldn't enjoy the stuffed jalepenos, we all certainly did!

Other big news on the street--Greyson now has a new little friend across the street--Ruby Shayne Evans, born on March 26! Exactly 3 weeks younger and compared to Greyson, is just teeny! Holly and Ryan and Reed (Ruby's big sister) are very excited to have her home and we look forward to lots of play dates this summer!

Other than that, we've been enjoying each other's company and look forward to the times we can visit with the NY grandparents again very soon.

Happy St Patricks Day--and as luck would have it, a visit from NY Gramma!

Hard to believe, but St Patrick's Day is here already--Greyson's first official holiday! And, Gramma from NY (Kate's Mom) came to visit too! How lucky are we?

Gramma arrived and jumped right in, helping with diaper changes, burping, and keeping the new mom (and dad) happy and comfortable--and getting the opportunity to meet her first grandchild. We are all enjoying having family in town and look forward to other visitors coming down to meet our newest addition.

Gramma is also an avid knitter, and aside from making amazing maternity and nursing sweaters for Kate, Gramma has finished a hat for Greyson (see updated picture albums) and is working on a cardigan for the little man, so he's warm, toasty, and stylin' when the cooler temperatures return this fall...

Hopefully get to write more later, but until then--enjoy the new pictures!

A whole new way of life...

Kate, here, and I'm starting to feel a bit like my old self again...I still have a bit of pain from the incision, but with Jeff's help, and a bit of meds, I'm getting around a whole lot better than I was before...I no longer need a step stool to get into bed! Progress, indeed!

I think we are starting to get a handle on the new way of the world, here at the house--diaper changes, feedings every 2-3 hours, and just enjoying the little guy when he's awake and alert.

His facial expressions are priceless--I know that he really does not have much control over them right now, but it's a riot to watch him burp, hiccup, or even dirty a diaper. Every once in awhile we catch a glimpse of a smile, and it's amazing--I can't wait till he smiles because he's happy (and not just passing gas). The hiccups are especially funny--doc says "hiccups in (utero), hiccups out," and Greyson certainly falls into that category.

The little guy sleeps quite a bit, which is nice because I get to nap too, and catch up on some much needed sleep. Jeff's a great help around the house and for the late night/early morning diaper changes--we've gotten into the habit where Jeff gets up and changes his diaper, hands him off to me to feed, and then I put him back to bed. It's working well, and together, we are getting some sleep at night.

Other than that, things are going well here...check the Picassa web albums for some updated pics!

Kate

31st B-day and the best gift of all??? A helper to blow out the candels.

We had some friends over last night for cake and ice cream to celebrate my bday....but lets be clear that folks only showed up to see Greyson. I think this is the first of a long string of B-days for me where I am going to take second place to the little guy...and that is totally fine with me!

See the updated pics....he really gave a blow to help with my candels....and his "0" candle!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

We are home.

Had a pretty good first night - what am I talking about - it was crazy, but crazy in a good way vs. a bad one.

We are just trying to find out groove here at the house. We had diaper changes, feedings and our methods down pat in the hospital....but now we are trying to find out where things go and what methods work the best here.

See the updated Picassa Gallery for more pics of the homecoming.

Hopefully Heading Home Soon

Well, we had another long night and have been diligently keeping track of the number of wet and dirty diapers. He is doing well and Kate is starting to feel much better.

The Doc will be in a bit later today to hopefully discharge us. Kate mentioned that it has not been a "bad" hospital stay, and she is correct. I have been able to sleep here in the room with them and the hospital obviously has a wireless network....but I was able to go home briefly yesterday to check on Quincy and let me tell you, after you get back home, you really do not want to come back to the hospital!! Nevertheless, we are looking forward to getting home, seeing the cat, and probably mostly sleeping in our own bed.

Ya'll take care!

day 2...or is it day 1???

wEll i am sitting in the hospital room holding greyson, thats how we r going to spell it, typing with one hand...kate is finally getting some much deserved sleep.

the night went well, i got more sleep than kate, with the feedings....glad to see her out cold now.

this little guy rocks!!!! i have changed my first diaper and i am becoming not only an expert in one-handed typing, but also swaddling,,,,wow does that work well!!!!

please feel free to give a call...it is actually easier to get calls and take a break than to stop holding him to make calls!

did i mention he ROCKS???

Greyson Robert Wozniak

Today at 2:58pm we welcomed Greyson Robert Wozniak into our family.

He tipped the scales a 7lbs 11ozs and was an impressive 21.5 inches in length!


Check this link for pics below at my Picasa Gallery or go to this link.... http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffrey.wozniak23

If you have read the other posts below Kate did a tremendous job laboring for what seemed like forever (almost 24hrs) but the little guy must of wanted a more glamorous entrance to the world... under the shiny lights of the operating room.

Not to be cliche, but Mom and Son are resting comfortable (with the help of some big time pain killers for Mom) and Dad is getting ready to head home for a shower....and possible some Taco Bell to celebrate!

Just as soon as I can I am going to upload a whole bunch of pics of Grayson (dont know how we are going to spell it yet) so please check back---soon and often

A truly excited and giddy Dad.....wow I am a DAD!!!!
jeff

heading towards the end of a long day...almost 2

WOW what a 20+ hours. I am totally exhausted and I can only imagine how tired kate is. I was able to grab litterally 10 mins of sleep last night in 2 min increments in between contractions. She is now for the first time getting to do the head bob in between contractions as they have slowed down.

We still do not know what time we are scheduled for the C section, but it will be soon, and i cannot wait for kate to start feeling better. i am totally amzed at what she has done...not only over the 9 months of carrying this kiddo, but especially over the last 24hrs....simply amazing, she is simply amazing

jeff0ut
still have no idea if it is a boy or girl...or what we are going to name it if it is a girl...we will see

Here we go....

Well, Kate's water broke at 4:30 this afternoon and the first contraction followed shortly there after at about 5:30.

It is now about 1:15am and we are both hanging in there.....scratch that, it is now 6am and hte night has flown by

kate is really doing great....entering 13th hour of contractions

no time to type more....doc heading in soon....able to sleep for 2mins between some of the contractions throughout the night

jeffr

A note from Kate

OK folks...I'm new to this blogging thing too, but in today's day and age, it seems like a great way to connect with family and friends...so here goes!

On the baby front...well, there's not much going on. Well, I'm sure that there is a lot going on...it's just not happening outside the womb yet! Nope, the kiddo is apparently enjoying the free room-and-board in there, and has declined to comply with the doctor's estimated due date (March 1). We will wait and see how things progress, but we are getting anxious to meet the little one!

I'm actually OK with being pregnant--honestly it's been a very enjoyable experience. I get to eat what I want, I don't have to worry about a period, I can wear pants with elastic waist bands (and not feel self conscious about it), and I get to park in the "Expectant Mother" parking spaces at the grocery store. Plus, it's pretty cool to have this little thing moving inside. At first it was sort of alien-esque, but now, I really enjoy it. In fact, I'll probably miss it when the kiddo is born. All in all, a healthy and fairly stress free pregnancy--and you can't ask for much more.

Well, thanks for checking in...I suppose we'll be posting again after the kiddo makes it's debut!
kate

Up and running...

Well, I have no idea what I am doing, but this blog deal seems pretty neat and a great way to keep friends and family up to speed with the goings-on with our family.

Check back for pics of the finished nursery -just waiting for its inhabitant!

jwoz