Jack Meets the Hoods

In August Jack got a visit from Andrea's uncle Bill, his wife Vicki, and their son Tyler, who is a senior at CU Boulder. Tyler is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Elliott, who also graduated from CU. So Andrea is almost 20 years older than her cousin, Tyler, and Tyler is about 20 years older than Jack!

Jack at Four Months

Jack is now over four months old, and is doing really, really well. He weighed in at 11 pounds 9 ounces at the pediatrician last week, and he's quite long for his age. The doctor was very impressed with his development and gave a positive report in all respects. So what's Jack doing now? He smiles a lot, and loves to babble away in conversation. He's highly interested in all around him, and especially loves to watch people engaged in activities such as cooking and gardening. He holds his head up well and puts his hands together. Jack's thumb is very close to making its way into his mouth and actually staying there, and it obviously makes him happy when he gets close to success. He's started sleeping much longer stretches at night--knock on wood--and does pretty well going to sleep on his own. We had stopped swaddling him, but started again, as it really relaxes him and helps him fall asleep. He loves to play on his activity mat and swat at whatever toys are hanging there. He also loves to look at his stuffed ladybug, especially the rear end mirror where he can see himself! Outside play is a favorite as well, all that much more if there is a gentle breeze blowing and soft grass to explore. Truly, Jack is a dear baby and such a joy to have in our lives!

Cutie pie!

Silly littly guy

Hanging out in mom and dad's bed

Sleeping like a baby

Hiking in the Colorado Rockies

Colgate University Visit

On the last day of our trip to New York, we met Mark's freshman roommate, Kevin, and his wife, Sue (also known as Flam)--all Colgate alumni--at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. It was a fun day of memories and awe over the many changes on campus and in town. Mark's undergraduate adviser, who we stopped in to visit, quickly calculated that Jack would be a member of the class of 2028!

Jack at Colgate University

Sean and Jack

Freshman roommates and their offspring!

The Deloreys at the Romas' house

At the dinner dance

Jack and his Great Great Aunt Minnie--the oldest and the youngest of the Greco family

Jack's generation

Taking a break from the dinner dance

Jack's first plane ride

The Greco Family Reunion

On the last weekend in July, we traveled to the Greco family reunion in upstate New York, where Jack was the youngest member of the family. Mark's great grandparents settled in Endicott, New York after crossing the Atlantic from southern Italy and passing through Ellis Island. Jack is actually a full quarter Italian! Many Greco family members still live in Endicott, and there were about 100 people at the reunion. Jack was a real trooper with all of the traveling, delays, and stimulation, taking it all in stride. We had a really special weekend, spending time with immediate and extended family. Some highlights were the interview of Mark's four great aunts that are still living--they are amazing and lively women--, and visiting Jim Roma's bakery, a local family business with their own unique and delicious pizza and Italian baked goods galore. Jack also loved meeting his aunts and uncles--Jim, Teresa, Andy, and Gianna (Ann, Chuck, and Lily could not be there)--as well as spending quality time with his grandparents Joyce and Bernie. We really had a great time and are so glad we could be there!