Ben, Beth, Genevieve, Adeline, Pierce, & Emmit

Adeline's Fav Spot in the House

2009-12-25T10:12:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-25T09:21:00.003-06:00

Biped Baby!

2009-10-08T00:11:00.006-05:00

Adeline decided to go biped, about time too. She's been talking about walking for the past six months. I'm please to report that her moon walking is coming along well but her roger rabbit needs some serious work. I keep telling her she needs to practice everyday, but she just ignores me says she's too busy trying to find a way to make potting soil taste like chocolate. Kids these days.

So that's why I'm out of ink.

2009-10-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

So I've been cleaning out some photos and video files on my computer (remember when you thought 80GB was a lot of space–yeah right) and came across this gem. Enjoy.

I did it!

2009-08-11T17:03:00.001-05:00

And now I am all caught up. Thank you, Thank you. I'll try not to let it happen again.

Vieve-isms

2009-08-11T15:25:00.003-05:00

So things the Vieve is famous for saying right now or things that I just really think are funny when she says them:

"hum on" (Come on)

"ham-mer-mer" (Hammer)

"I don like it ____" (There's always something she doesn't like)

"ahh ah- ah, ahh ah-ah" (The Little Mermaid song - she sings that one about 20 times a day pretending she's Ariel and the thing is, we don't even own that movie. I think she's seen it maybe 2 or 3 times total.)

"choc-wahyt" (Chocolate - a true woman at heart)

"Dammie's house, ok, shopping!" (That's "Grammie's house," but I think it's funny so I let it be. My dad has the kids call him "Viejo" and they all say "A-ho" we warned him it would sound like they were always yelling profanities at him but he insisted.)

.. just to name a few.

"No baby!" (That one's ugly when it happens. The joys of havin 'em close together I guess.)

"oh no! the wish!" (That's "the witch." She likes to pretend a lot. And one of the most reoccurring themes in her pretend is that a witch is coming (thanks to Little Einstein's) and then we have to sing low to make her go away. I also listened to her while she was supposed to be going to bed and heard her having a conversation with Simba, Ariel, and Guppy (Flounder) Precious.)

There's never a time when she's not singing "Pa-cor" (Popcorn Popping), "Sun bee" (Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam), "Fish" (Slippery Fish - my mom taught that one to her and she likes it cause she gets to burp at the end) or a whole assortment of Little Einstein's songs. She found a toy that played Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"and got so excited for "birt-day ba-oons!" She literally was jumping out of her seat with excitement and then pushed the dag-gum button over and over and shouted "I yuv ba-oons, I yuv, I yuv ba-oons" over and over again.

O'Natural

2009-08-11T14:43:00.003-05:00

Yep. That's us on an average, rainy day in Chicago. I traded these pictures for sushi. Yes, you heard me right - sushi. And I would gladly order another round in a heartbeat. Not only did I get a couple of really great pix out of the deal but we also found a really great sushi bar that we hadn't been to before. What a deal and what do ya know, we kinda look cute in these, eh?

We Just Can't Get Enough

2009-08-11T14:41:00.005-05:00

Everyday, the girls ask me for one of three things: "see the fish" (go to Bass Pro Shop), shopping (but that's only if Grammie's around -- Grammie = shopping in their books) or swimming. They usually get their way and when faced with an opportunity to go with the cousins - we can never resist.

How can you say "NO" to these faces?

(Top: Genevieve & Adeline, Middle: Ellie & Zach, Bottom: Keira & Aubrey)

Aubrey is always on water patrol and pushes the blue button whenever

the water runs out...

... which is important because nobody ever actually goes in or through

the water, but they all celebrate it's arrival in song and dance.

Much of the day is spent conquering hippos & claiming

uncharted territory.

All together, the splash park just makes everyone happy, loving, and

the best of friends. What more could you ask for?

Meet the "Tank"

2009-08-10T11:50:00.003-05:00

We went to the doctor's Saturday. Adeline was top in her weight class and couldn't be happier. I've never seen such a content little (?) girl in my life.

Pre-Naptime Tricks

2009-08-10T11:29:00.003-05:00

The roller-slide (our favorite)

They think they're getting the better end of the deal. An hour later, that's what I'm saying.

Senorita Bonita

2009-08-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

Stuck in Reverse

2009-08-10T10:57:00.002-05:00

And stuck in all the worst places.

A Taste of the 4th

2009-08-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

You can see everyone was real excited to go.

Actually, Greg and his friend were probably still traumatized from the train ride over. It was their first time on a train and in the city and lucky us sat right across the upper deck from a completely inebriated, very large, Mexican holding a huge, empty bottle of taquilla. He started screaming profanities in spanish and falling all over the seats. When he started heaving, we told the people directly down below who were cramming as far inside their rows as possible to get the heck outta there. Then we just kept saying to ourselves, "Please don't spew, please don't spew!" He soon passed out and the "spew" was more of a slow leak, like a volcano. It was utterly, the most disgusting way to start out a trip and I think these poor Iowa boys may be scared for life.

Ben & I made a quick recovery though and enjoyed our time away from the babies. (Thank you Baylie.)

The trip was really all about one thing; Guster was playing at the Taste that day! The concert in the rain was great. Nothing like being trapped in a big sea of wet, smelly people drinking beer and eating greasy food and listening to fine music. The "People Watching" sites were fine that day. Everything was very entertaining and tasty.

What is that?!

2009-08-10T09:31:00.004-05:00

"Eetz ah mo-skeeto bite."

Actually, it's a spider bite that swelled up VV's entire face.

The poor thing.

Swimming with the Dolphins

2009-08-10T08:37:00.006-05:00

We decided to splurge this summer and take the girls swimming with the dolphins. I know they're probably to young to remember it but the therapeutic value of the experience is truly priceless.

"I don like it, shapes"

2009-08-10T08:30:00.003-05:00

I know, I know, what girl doesn't like diamonds!

Do NOT feed the Hippos

2009-08-10T07:58:00.004-05:00

Don't even eat in front of them. They get really aggressive and hostile when you don't share.

However, they are good for the occasional piggy-back ride.

Nothing compares to the recycled fountain drinks when you go to visit the hippos. Yum! I can almost taste my own feet in this drink!

Darn stinkin' cute

2009-08-07T14:24:00.005-05:00

Even she thinks so.

One of my favorite things to do is lay her on top of a giant mirror and watch her give herself a literal shower of kisses. She gets such a kick out of seeing herself. You really can't beat cheap entertainment.

Double Dooty

2009-08-03T16:23:00.001-05:00

VV's been potty training. So far, I'd say it's been pretty successful as long as there's a Reader's Digest to help pass the time.

You say Tomato

2009-08-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

I say Garden! We salvaged some old railroad ties from my sister, Emilie's backyard and decided to try our luck out at a garden. We planted tomatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, chives, onions, basil. and lettuce. So far, soooo delicious!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

2009-08-03T16:17:00.003-05:00

The Wedding Dancer

2009-08-03T16:14:00.003-05:00

VV danced and danced all night long at friends, Susan & Tanner's, wedding reception.

Pretty Pretty Princess

2009-08-03T16:00:00.002-05:00

All the time. We often have to make trips to the grocery store like this.

(VV & Keira)

Crazy woman driver

2009-08-03T15:55:00.004-05:00

The sidewalks are no longer safer than the streets.

Row Row Row Your Canoe

2009-08-03T15:46:00.002-05:00

VV sang "Book of Mormon Stories" to us the entire time on the lake. She was so loud that the birds were getting scared off. We decided to bring her back to shore and avoid any more "looks" from local fishermen.

Hangin' with my girl

2009-08-03T15:10:00.002-05:00

This happens all the time...

2009-08-03T12:46:00.002-05:00

at 6 months...

at 8 months...

This thing's exhausting.

Brookfield Zoo

2009-08-03T12:28:00.004-05:00

They were thrilled... really.

Climbing @ Devil's Lake

2009-08-03T12:14:00.002-05:00

Ben and Greg took a trip up with a climbing Pro and Ben finished his certification to be a climbing instructor. Ben's favorite fete was completing his 1st lead climb! Atta Boy Ben!

Trip to Nanna and Papa's

2009-08-03T12:00:00.002-05:00

Papa n' Greg n' Adeline

We celebrated VV''s birthday out there too. She ripped in her presents like an animal!

Easter Motion sickness

2009-08-03T11:18:00.005-05:00

It took them a while to realize the goal of the game - probably bc we didn't explain there was CANDY in the eggs before we started. In fact, I still have candy filled eggs randomly around the house... in the toy box...

Jumpin' Jelly Fish!

2009-08-03T11:05:00.003-05:00

This is what made me so sick those 9 months...

It's never too early...

2009-08-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

VV is saving her pennies for college.

Happy Birthday to VV!

2009-08-03T10:46:00.002-05:00

She slaved over the hot stove for hours but the meal was delicious and it turned out to be a great night. She may be a great cook but she takes after my sister... and what a MESSY chef!

One fish, Two fish, Red fish...

2009-07-27T13:14:00.005-05:00

Big Bass Pro Shop Fish! The next best thing to the zoo on a cold or rainy day. VV likes to go around and point out all the taxidermied animals and say their names. I try and keep her away from the fox (it's her favorite) unfortunately, when she says "fox" it really doesn't sound like "fox" and that can be kinda embarrassing.

I've been a bad girl...

2009-07-27T12:59:00.001-05:00

So now I will try my best to catch you up on a few things that we've been up to.

Big Babies

2009-07-16T21:26:00.007-05:00

They still haven't quite got it down that when we brought home a new baby -- we didn't mean a new baby TOY. Thems girls is confused!

The witch doctor made a visit...

2009-07-16T21:20:00.005-05:00

I found these of Geoff and Genevieve from back n'da day. Thought they were funny. I blame Geoff for making her so weird.

Vomit Catcher

2009-03-15T22:43:00.000-05:00

Today I caught vomit with my hands.

Scout-sicles

2009-03-09T19:40:00.002-05:00

The scouts went on an over-nighter to Starved Rock a few weekends ago. It had been beautiful all week and then dropped to frigid, wet and miserable over the weekend. I was even cold in my nice warm bed that night. They froze, but I think they had a pretty great time. Now I'm getting a list from Ben of all the things we "need." I guess he was really cold that night. Whoops!

Woodridge Stumps

2009-03-09T18:52:00.002-05:00

Ben coaches the YM basketball team along with Jeff Bennett. This year has been really fun and a lot of crazy. Our team was made of about 50% non-members and for the 1st time since I can remember, the boys made it to the championship game and took 2nd. They put up a good fight but most importantly earned the ward the reputation of being the ultimate in sportsmanship. We're all extremely proud of the boys - they played with a lot of class. I wish I could say the same about all the teams but this is ChurchBall - haven't seen the movie, but I'm sure it sums that up.

Genevieve was Uncle Stacy's biggest fan (she can't say "Nathan," it sounds like "Stacy" and we all get a big kick out of teasing him about it).

What a Little Ham!

2009-03-09T18:47:00.007-05:00

Ben got a ukulele for his birthday (Thank you RJ - he always outdoes me - BLAST!) Anyway, Genevieve thinks it's her "tar" (guitar). It's just her size and came in her favorite color - blue. I caught her the other day after she had managed to get both herself and the "tar" on my bed. She was rockin' out - jumping around, dancing, singing and playing - in the mirror. Best show I've been to in a while.

I like these girls

2009-03-09T18:47:00.003-05:00

... a lot.

If you give a Vievie a Story...

2009-03-09T18:40:00.002-05:00

She'll probably ask you to read it again and again. When you've read it to her 3 times she'll ask to watch a movie, probably Lion King, but you'll say no. So she'll ask if she can read the story herself. And then she'll fall asleep. Thank goodness!

Budding Students

2009-03-09T00:23:00.006-05:00

We had our first horticulture lab today. We learned the 3 defining elements of dirt: touch, smell, & taste. Taste was by far the most popular among the students. Next week's lesson is entitled, "Clean Up Your Bloomin' Mess!"

The "Crew"

2009-03-09T00:17:00.002-05:00

I ordered a new cleaning service this week. They sent me midgets that don't speak English. I'll say one thing for them, everything that was 3 ft or under was sparkling clean by the time I got home. It's hard to find good help these days.

Charlie Chaplin

2009-03-09T00:15:00.001-05:00

Performances all week! Get tickets while they last!

Say Cheese Stick!

2009-03-08T23:55:00.003-05:00

Now with some attitude!

Jam Session

2009-03-08T23:45:00.002-05:00

Genevieve & Dad work out the finishing touches to their hit song "Viva la Vievie." The single will hit the shelves this Summer along with several other pieces they've been working on, "Bedtime Clocks" and "Yellow: It's My Fav color."

Say What?

2009-03-08T23:25:00.006-05:00

I thought this was funny - today I came down the church hall looking for Ben. The halls were empty - everyone had pretty much gone home. I started to walk down the hall and I heard someone going "whoop! - whoop! - whoop!" I heard it again and realized that it was coming from the men's bathroom. "Whoop! - whoop! - whoop! Come on ---There you go!" I was thinking, "What the heck? What's going on in there?" and then Ben walked out of the bathroom with Adeline and thankfully everything made a lot more sense after that.

"Oh gosh, sorry, I love you."

2009-02-22T23:08:00.005-06:00

So Genevieve grabbed my pen the other day and accidently wrote on my elbow. When she saw the black mark she gasped and said, "Oh no!" I looked and said, "Yep, you wrote on me." She started rubbing my skin really fast trying to get the ink off and after a little of that gave up and said, "Oh gosh, sorry." kissed my elbow and said "I love you." then she smiled and went on her merry little way. I kinda like that girl.

"Schew?!"

2009-02-22T22:43:00.007-06:00

The other day, Genevieve had another one of her melt downs. She's hitting those terrible two's and trying her hardest to communicate with her words.

She'd been playing really cute all morning and we were getting a kick out of her and then she started saying "SCHEW?" over and over again. I thought she wanted her shoes on but she'd scream every time I tried to put them on her. She went over to Ben and kept pointing to him and saying "SCHEW?" and he thought that she just wanted him to hold her, but she'd get really mad when he tried to do that. So he put her down and she was screaming and chasing him yelling over and over again "SCHEW! SCHEW!" I had no clue what she want, I tried everything. We both repeated words back to her trying to figure out what she was asking for, "Shoe?" "Food?" "Juice?" We were stumped and she was getting more and more agitated with every wrong guess. Every time I held her she got even more angry, she wanted Dad (which is unusual) and she kept screaming, "SCHEW! SCHEW!"

Right before it hit that point of where you say, "OK, I've had it." It's like a light bulb went off. We both knelt down next to her and Ben asked, "Genevieve, what do you want?" and she pointed at his mouth as he chewed on his gum and said again, "SCHEW!"

Gum. That's what she wanted. It only took us 45 minutes to figure out that "Schew," was "Chew," (cause that's what we tell her to do with it when she gets it.) Silly girl.

Indian Poker

2009-02-16T21:22:00.002-06:00

This is what happens when you let your little girl hang out with the "older" kids.

Color my World

2009-02-16T12:26:00.001-06:00

Green, it's the new pink. We just can't get enough of it!

Button, Button, whose got the Buttons?

2009-02-16T12:24:00.003-06:00

Me; 10 Little Buttons, 5 moms, 1 van = priceless.

Last Friday, we all decided to take advantage of FREE DAYS at the Chicago Field museum. I thought the kids would be bored with it but I realized it really was just a "stuffed" zoo - so it turned out to be pretty great - all the animals were out, and you didn't have to squint to see them - so in a way I guess you could say it was better than the zoo (but I still prefer the real thing.) I took my parents 15 passenger van and somehow loaded it FULL with not a seat to spare. I don't know how we did it but it sure makes for an affordable trip - a day downtown with gas and parking cost us all (the moms) $6. What a deal if you ask me.

Hug Me

2009-02-16T12:19:00.002-06:00

... Ok!

A Warm Day in FEBRUARY?

2009-02-16T12:05:00.006-06:00

Naturally, we went to the park next to the unfrozen lake.

My Best Buddy

2009-02-16T12:03:00.002-06:00

Uncle Geoff.

Genevieve loves spending time with Uncle Geoff. Why? Well, it might be because he does crazy things that her mommy would never think of doing. Like - dumping out the paper from the paper shredder and rolling around in it. No, wait, let's bury each other in the shredded paper. Or we could stuff our shirts with the paper and pretend to be really fat and lumpy. Either way, shredded paper equals loads of fun (when your with Uncle Geoff.) I guess that's why we love him.

Playtime: 101

2009-02-16T11:59:00.004-06:00

Genevieve shows Adeline how it's done.

Stayin' Alive

2009-02-16T11:42:00.002-06:00

Genevieve takes her first dance lesson with her new instructor, Susan.

mmm... Ramen!

2009-02-16T11:20:00.003-06:00

Beauty Sleep?

2009-02-16T11:13:00.002-06:00

Naptime is more fun when it's UNDER the bed.

Light as a Feather...

2009-02-16T10:56:00.003-06:00

Stiff as a board.

Geek to Chic

2009-02-16T10:47:00.003-06:00

Why every man loves sweaters.

ils sont magnifiques!

2009-02-16T10:37:00.002-06:00

They may be short and stubby, but Erin's little fingers make some of the most amazing creations.

Odyssey Fun World.

2009-02-15T21:31:00.003-06:00

Brookfield Zoo

2009-02-15T21:30:00.003-06:00

You are what you eat.

2009-02-15T21:20:00.006-06:00

This is especially true if you're a cannibal—which we aren't...we just prepare the food.

Happy Days

2009-01-17T14:54:00.004-06:00

Adeline started sleeping through the night.

Her expression sums up the feelings of her parents.

Daddy Jungle Gym

2009-01-17T14:26:00.004-06:00

Who needs the monkey bars when you got Dad?

Vievie-Lu-Who

2009-01-17T14:25:00.003-06:00

Genevieve nailed the auditions and won the role of Cindy-Lu-Who.

We're all very proud but the late night rehearsals are starting to get old.

Bobble Head's Delight

2009-01-17T14:22:00.004-06:00

Sorry, if you want to see it you'll just have to be a bobble head too.

Biker Chicks

2009-01-17T12:27:00.008-06:00

Next years Christmas requests are in....

Matching Leather Chaps.

Beware: Frog's Breath

2009-01-17T12:08:00.008-06:00

The caterpillar didn't stand a chance.

We warned Genevieve not to get too close... oh well.

Rakozy's? I'd say so...

2009-01-17T11:54:00.010-06:00

Rakozy 1: Genevieve Lydia

Rakozy 2: Adeline Grace

...It's all in the nose.

Completely Enamored

2009-01-08T21:02:00.008-06:00

Can you blame her?

Adeline Grace Rakozy

2009-01-04T16:15:00.001-06:00

Weighing in a 6 pounds 15 ounces, Adeline Grace Rakozy was born November 21st, 2009.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2008-12-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New year! Hope you all are doing wonderful. I realize it's been awhile since I've blog–life's been busy—but hopefully this new year you'll be seeing more posts from us (it's one of our many resolutions). In the meantime, please enjoy our musical rendition of Silent Night.

Genevieve Rakozy: Harmonica & Vocals

Ben Rakozy: Guitar & classy hair-do

Beth Rakozy: Videographer & Tour Manager

Adeline Rakozy: Groupie

Hello AC.

2008-09-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

The other day I was able to spend the whole day with Genevieve. I gotta admit, as tiring as she can be it feels great when she wraps her arms around your neck and puts her head on your shoulder. Beth's great with her, teaching her animal sounds and new words.

The other day we were watching the political conventions, whenever the republican logo appeared on screen Genevieve would make her elephant sound so of course we rewarded her with some peanuts.

Gweetar Lesson Numero Uno

2008-09-08T23:13:00.000-05:00

I'll have her reading tab in no time.

Bear Attack

2008-08-11T23:13:00.001-05:00

We told Genevieve not to feed the bears but she didn't listen. Kids can be so defiant at that age.

Pig o' war

2008-08-08T22:36:00.000-05:00

Grass stains

2008-08-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

Carnivore

2008-08-08T22:03:00.000-05:00

Teething one year old + beef jerky = happy parents.

Cottage Cheese

2008-06-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

Two weekends ago Beth, Genevieve and I attempted to escape suburbia by traveling to Coloma, Wisconsin. We rented a lovely cottage in the middle of nowhere. It was heaven.

Hot Potato

2008-06-21T16:46:00.000-05:00

Binge Baby

2008-06-21T14:07:00.001-05:00

We knew it was time to pull the plug on Genevieve's bingefest when she started burping the ABC's.

Hello Sugar!

2008-05-30T22:25:00.000-05:00

She clearly has a problem and is in denial. Hopefully the intervention we are organizing will help her realize her addiction and get her on the road to recovery.

Men Stuff

2008-05-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Dad and I had a little bonding session with the RC plane. Dad successfully shot down eleven German aircraft, a Japanese Zero and a rather large seagull, before crash landing on ally soil.

Doghter

2008-05-20T23:13:00.000-05:00

So far our experiment to allow Genevieve to be raised by dogs has proven to be successful. Not only has she been crawling on all fours but she is also barking full sentences. The vet says she is in the 90th percentile in weight and length.

Blossoming

2008-05-18T20:03:00.000-05:00

Mini-Beth

2008-04-19T23:47:00.000-05:00

When Genevieve was first born everybody said she looked like me-her dad. Now everyone says she looks like Beth, coupled with the statement that "she's cute." After looking at some older baby pictures of Genevieve, I came to the conclusion that when people look at me they must see a ball of flesh with a big nose. At least Genevieve's growing into hers.

1st Birthday

2008-04-16T22:49:00.000-05:00

It's not everyday that you turn one year old. Genevieve threw herself a party, inviting friends and family for cake and ice cream. Beth and I chaperoned and only had to kick out a few party crashers. Later in the evening a creative cake eating contest was held and guess who won...that's right, the birthday girl herself, I came in second.

Before & After

2008-04-16T22:45:00.001-05:00

Ten hours to decorate.

Ten minutes to devour.

The Great Magician

2008-04-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

Next year we're going to work on pulling a live rabbit out of a bag.

Pretty Princess nails...YUCK!

2008-04-08T18:25:00.001-05:00

Gerrie painted Vivi's nails and in 10 tiny brush strokes crushed my
hopes of making her a tomboy.

Dolphin Diver

2008-04-07T23:03:00.000-05:00

Dishtowel Darling

2008-04-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to entertain my colleges, I took a cue from Genevieve, and took a dishtowel to work. For some reason my work mates didn't find it that entertaining and I felt a little under dressed.

Post Pupa

2008-04-07T21:55:00.001-05:00

The cocoon mess was not fun to clean up.

2008-04-07T21:45:00.001-05:00