Friday, January 9, 2009

It's Pius Day!!

"Whose day is it today? It's mine! It's mine!"
Hi everyone. It is now Pius Day! Woo-hoo! Monica and I were so excited to find out what it was going to be like to have two of them home at the same time. It didn't get any easier, but it did get a lot more entertaining.

The Original Pius Day. This is right outside the doors of Phoenix Children's Hospital NICU. Forrest also came along for the ride.

Our first-born son, Pius, was brought home on January 9th, 2008. Pius was the biggest throughout the belly-time and always seemed to be the calmest. He was right next to Danna in the womb and the two of them always have acted like they have a special little bond.

Pius James Graf was born at 4:38 p.m. at Banner-Good Samaritan Hospital on November 19th, 2007. He was born tipping the scales at a whopping 3 lbs., 14 oz. While he was still in Mommy's belly we started calling him our "lazy giant," but he has proven us wrong to this point. After Pius was first born, he always seemed to be lagging behind the other boys. So, of course, Moni and I (with our wonderful parenting skills) just decided that he was lazy and teased him a little for being that way. We didn't know any better until all of the doctors and nurses assured us that the biggest is almost always the last to pick things up. The terrific doctors and nurses also reminded us that Pius had spent his entire life, both in the womb and out, having things done for him. He received the lion's share of nutrients and Mama's supplements just because he was the biggest. Looking back now, we think "gentle giant" might be a more appropriate nickname.

Pius and mom meeting for the first time face-to-face

Only 9 days old and already flipping the camera off!

Kickin' it....Pius style. He always used to lay like this in the NICU.


Scrub a dub dub...Fat man in a little tub



Pius has always been our most sensitive-skinned baby. He still struggles with awful diaper rashes. It got so bad in the NICU that they had to hang him out to dry with an oxygen mask blowing on his hiney. He was not happy to be stripped of his dignity....especially in front of all the hot nurses!

Chunky Cherub

When the babies were first put into their NICU rooms together, the hospital had Pius and Danna in one room and Forrest and Laine in the other conjoining room. Pius REFUSED to be faced away from Danna in his isolette. We'd turn his head the other direction and not 2 minutes later, it'd be back facing her. Moni, the nurses, and I joked that Pius wanted to keep his eye on his little sister to make sure that she was alright. So since the beginning, it really seemed like Pius was always looking out for his baby sis. Another story along the same lines...this is not a lie: Pius never did move around a lot while they were in the womb. However, if Forrest or Laine would bump into Danna he would ALWAYS have a kick for either of them (we actually witnessed this happening several times during our daily sonos). He would scream in the NICU until we got him settled facing Danna. We are sure that Pius knows that he needs to keep a special watch out for his little sister because we still have trouble keeping the two of them too far apart. They even sleep next to each other in their bedroom and we'll find them jabbering and touching each other's hands through the crib rails in the mornings and after naps. It is so sweet to witness!

"Ahhh, relief.....Now don't turn me away from my sissy again!"

Pius had been the biggest since birth, with the exception of Forrest taking him over one time for a week when they were still newborns and again about 4 months ago. Forrest overtook him by almost 1/2 a pound. Recently, our regular helpers and Moni noticed that he seemed heavier again. It was confirmed when we took all four of them into the doctor last week and Pius is, once again, the big man on campus. We owe it to him being the best eater EVER (well, at least out of our four). He always sits there in his hook-on table chair so patiently...usually with his hands folded on the table in front of him and his mouth opened so wide, ready for the next bite. We always fight over who gets to feed Pius!

Forrest (L) and Pius (R), reunited again at home in the Phoenix apartment. Forrest wasn't sure he wanted to allow Pius into his Boppy circle....

Pius is so freaking adorable. His big cheeks, snaggled teeth, funky shaped head and his big blue eyes are incredible. He is consistently cuddly and he is ALWAYS willing to "make eyes". He loves to be around people, and even at the young age of 13 1/2 months he seems to want to make people smile. He's our little people pleaser. Pius is always willing to show Forrest and Laine that he's the boss but still seems to have a special soft spot for Danna. I have noticed how he acts towards her is completely different from how he acts to his brothers. For example, Pius will take full advantage of this brothers getting their diapers changed to crawl over and "geek slap" them on their foreheads! No joke. He also likes to use his infamous pointer finger to plug up their belly buttons or poke their eyeballs. With Danna, he always touches her hand like he wants to hold it and he is so much more gentle with her than any of the rest of us.








Pi-man is not walking as of this post. He has taken about 3 steps on his own, but nothing consistent yet. One of the reasons we think he's struggling with this is because of his feet. Ever since our first doctor visit a few days after being released from the NICU, Pius was noted to be in-toed. We've talked about this in past posts, but were always optimistic it would most likely resolve on it's own (that's what we've been told by their Pedi and PT, anyway). They kept saying, "We'll wait and check it again when he's rolling.....when he's crawling.....when he's pulling up.....when he's cruising on furniture....etc, etc, etc." He's been able to do all those things right along with his siblings, but this walking deal is a good bit harder for him. Even if he holds on to our fingers and walks, his little feet flop to the sides and he trips after a step or two. It's kind of sad to watch, but also adds to his character and charm. We'll see what the doctor has to say about it at their 14 month check-up appointment next week.


Everybody knows for a fact how proud GG Papa would be to have our little man named after him. Pius James, you are such a good boy and we all love you so much and look forward to seeing what kind of a man you become.








Pius with Godfather Uncle Ryno and Proxy-Godmother, Great Aunt Renee on baptism day

Daddy with his first-born

Forrest (L) and Pius (R) with their hero, Dr. Tjaden. Dr Tjaden was the first person to see all 4 of those babies that fateful day on the screen in the sono room! Oh, how we'll never forget that moment!

Chubba Hubba hanging out poolside in all his diaper speedo glory


Ah yes, the horsey bouncer. Many a naps were taken here after jumping himself to sleep.




I really think those big blue eyes could kill someone! Watch out, ladies (please disregard that, Lauren...he'd never step out on his favorite Cochran quad).

Pius has always LOVED bathtime. We were having to bathe him a couple times a day because of his sore bottom. I think that's about the time he claimed ownership of the tub. After that, when we'd bathe all of them together, he'd always act so put-out by the others being in HIS tub. He always claims prime real estate in the bath (right next to the faucet) and gets mad if the others get in his way.




Pius has always preferred sleeping on his belly. He tucks his hands under his chest and sticks his bodacious booty in the air and calls it a night.

We call Pius "bulldog" because he bows his arms out when he's on all fours, has those 2 crazy bottom teeth and is SUPER QUICK when crawling. He also likes to scrinch his nose and grunt.

Loves to be outdoors and eating the leaves

Pretty sure he won't ever have this much hair (especially if daddy has anything to say about it). Cowardly lion....I think not!

This is what happens sometimes when there are 4 babies in one house. Inevitably, someone gets forgotten when it comes to changing diapers (unless there's a green cloud of funk around their butt). Poor Pius got left out this day and his diaper was sagging to his ankles by the time we realized it. It was pretty funny....or maybe you just had to be there.



Happy birthday, Pius! He had the same fate as Forrest after the frosting exposure.....rash and swelling around his nose and mouth.









"2nd in command after dad" but numero uno in everyone's hearts!



Pius and his little buddy, Danna, sharing in the ball pit

Pius "making eyes" for Budda. It really never gets old to see this. Unbelievably cute.

Pius had to "show muscles" to the photographer. What a little ham.

We Love You Pius James! You make us SO proud!

Daddy, Mommy, Forrest, Danna, and Laine

P.S. This is your reminder.......Remember to set your DVR's to ABC at 6:00 pm CST on Sunday, January 11th to watch the Graf Quad's National TV Debut on America's Funniest Home Videos! Check your local listing to make sure of the time. You should recognize us.....it'll be the video with all the screaming babies that shut up when we play Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" for them.

If any of the local family and friends are interested, we will be having a big "watch party" for the event at a place downtown. News media may or may not be there (it was a definitive maybe). If you'd like the details, please email us at nursemoni@gmail.com or billy.graf4@gmail.com or call us on our cell phones. We'd love to see you!

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

sweet!

Andria said...

Happy Pius Day! Love it! What a stud he is. Hilarious bathtub issues!

I hope I don't miss Sunday's show! I can't wait! Sounds like you guys are going to gather around as if it were the Superbowl! Have fun!

Shelia said...

Love his "eye making"... too darned cute for words! Being the first born, I think he deserves to be the big man on campus. Can't wait to see AFV Sunday... we may try to make it to the fun!

HAPPY PIUS DAY!

HansonTriplets said...

Happy Pius Day! He is just absolutley adorable. Such beautiful baby blues. You guys are going to have to beat the ladies off with the stick. Excluding my Miss Emma of course. That diaper picture made me laugh out loud. I hope you know you guys aren't the only ones that have done that! I can't wait for Sunday. I already have my DVR ready to record. Have a wonderful weekend.

Kami Lambe said...

Happy Pius Day! He is too handsome and such a good big brother to his little sister! I will for sure be tuning in Sunday night...can't wait to see their national TV debut!

Anonymous said...

OMG, how awesome is that photo of him in NICU with hsi hands behind his head. I LOVE IT!!! Cracks me up!!
And man, he does have some BLUE eyes! Wow. What a ladykiller!!!
I will be sure to watch sunday night, wish i was tehre to join the watch party!

Anonymous said...

OMG, how awesome is that photo of him in NICU with hsi hands behind his head. I LOVE IT!!! Cracks me up!!
And man, he does have some BLUE eyes! Wow. What a ladykiller!!!
I will be sure to watch sunday night, wish i was tehre to join the watch party!

Jac Tubre said...

Aw, happy Pius day big guy!! What a great day it is. He is so smart...he must take after you Moni...JK, love you Bill!

I love his eyes, his heart, and his sweet, sweet soul. You are an awesome little boy Pius James!

We love you,
Aunt Jac, Uncle TT, Abbey, Tyger, Cullen (your BFF) and Emma

Anonymous said...

Happy Pius day! Love Grandma Vicki

Misty said...

So is Pius into older women? I have 4 he can choose from!
What a cutie! Can't wait to see ya'll on Sun.
Love ya,
Misty & the Girls!

The Cochran Crew said...

Hey My Dearest Pius! I am so happy it is your day! I loved watching your video, my mom covered my eyes in the bathtub part! I can't wait to see you on TV Sunday! My daddy is really happy you are so sweet with your sissy, he said that means you'll be sweet to me!! Anyway, it's WAY past my bedtime, so I've got to go have sweet dreams of you! Love, Lauren Cochran

Anonymous said...

Have they looked into hip dysplagia with Pius? It's much easier to correct when they are babies.

Great kid! Enjoy reading about him. Laurie

jamarson1 said...

Of course we will be tuning in from Minnesota to watch there big debut!

jag said...

How cute is that pic of Pius stretched out with his hands behind his head?! Such a big man! These entries are really fun to read. Lately, it seems like so many of our quad buddies are turning 1 and the Mamas and the Papas are doing these flash backs. I'm catching up on our pals! Thanks guys!

Ashley Wasser said...

I'm a day late, but Happy Pius Day! I love his beard of soapy bubbles and those beautiful baby blue eyes! What a sweetie.

I have my DVR ready to go. I'm super excited!!!

EMO said...

Yeah for Pius day! See you guys tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Pious is such a beautiful child! Just an FYI, for really bad diaper rash, try to change their diapers pretty often so that their skin doesn't get a chance to sit in urine too long. Also, air drying for a bit each day helps too! A butt paste recipe that was given to me by my Pedi, is THE best cure all for diaper rash. Let me know if you want the recipe, I'd be happy to pass it on!

Anonymous said...

Pius - you are a handsome little thing I must say! Beautiful pics of a beautiful family! Keep up the good work.......... You are so blessed!
Linda N

Anonymous said...

I just watched AFV! You got hosed!

Ashley Wasser said...

3rd place? What the heck. That audience is crazy! Oh well, it was awesome to see you on national TV!!!

Rebekah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rebekah said...

Congrats on making it to the top on AFV! It is wonderful to see such cute kids make it to the top three! That certainly doesn't happen to just anyone. Way to go!

jag said...

It was so fun to see you guys on t.v.! My parents and I can't get over how much Pius reminds us of our Cash!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS on your TV spot! It was so fun seeing yall on tv after reading your blog! Of course I believe, y'all should have won first!!! Congrats! :)

The Carlsons said...

just saw your TV debut. very cute! and i truly think you should've won. what's so funny about that radish apple? not as funny as the graf quads. seriously!! now, hopefully afv gave you a dvd copy of that episode (x4, mind you) for the babies' archive. that's worth it!!

-fellow quad mom of GGGG and a 4.5yo boy

HansonTriplets said...

I loved to see you all on tv and can't believe you came in 3rd! $2,000 is still a geat start to the college fund though! I just love that show. You all looked wonderful. Congrats

Anonymous said...

I saw AFV tonight.Very cute clip of the quads! But, honestly when I saw the radish eating girl..I knew that one would win. Her reaction was just too funny! But you did get a fun trip out of it, and wonderful memories. Kudos to the family! Job well done!

Lorene said...

Frequent reader,not so frequent poster here. I found you guys again by way of the King Quads and I just wanted you to know that you saw you guys on tv and my dh and I both agreed that you were ROBBED. You so should have won. The Graf quads were HILLARIOUS! (and you guys looked great, too!)

Congrats on your tv debut!

Beth said...

That video was great, who cares about a girl that didn't like her raddish. I know you have heard this many times already but you should have won. At least you got to take a trip, be on TV, and get a little cash out of it. I'm sure it was a great experience. Loved it!!

Anonymous said...

Pius, I absolutely love the brotherly love you have for your sis. With a name like yours and the compassionate virtue you have for sissy, you'll be the priest in our family. Can you imagine hearing the confessions of your brothers ... and the penances you would give them :O)

Btw, this morning Channel 10 had a darling segment about the munchkin's AFV appearance. Maybe they'll show it again at noon and again this evening.

This morning, after taking Sammy to school, I asked two total strangers if they had watched the show. I've also received E-mail from friends in California and Arizona. They're celebrities! xoxoxoxo from Great Aunt GGr

Anonymous said...

OMG it was so fun watching you guys on TV!! I definitely agree that you got hosed! The quads definitely deserved a 1st place win! Too stinkin cute though!

Shelia said...

Sorry we missed the watch party guys... But we didn't miss the show! We had a houseful LOL here, that has always been one of my favorite videos of the quads... so cool to see them on national TV like that! You all looked great for your debut... and I didn't think either of the other two were near as good.

Anonymous said...

Happy Pius Day!

I love you!
Godfather Ryno

Anonymous said...

The quads are all so adorable, I still have not had the chance to see them. I am so happy that things are going well for you guys, grandpa Mike always keeps me updated since grandmas gone. Congrats on the TV appearance, starting early!! I hope to see you all soon.
Love you all,
Chrissy

Lianna Knight said...

How awesome!! My mother-in-love and I watched the AFV show and we were SO excited to see you guys...I know you only won $2000, but we were so voting for you guys to win it all :)

Anonymous said...

PIUS: what a beautiful handsome blue eyed young man your are. I love the pictures, oh how how proud pa pa would have been to have 4 precious babies, oh we know he might have made commenta but I bet there would have never been a prouder pa pa and to have one named after him, start walking soon and don't Laine get to all exploring. I am anxious to see all of you Love you all Aunt Laverna

Emily Bulger said...

Dear Pius,
Your mom and dad really got it right when they called you their sweet, warm-hearted son who loves to make people smile. You truly are just a joy to be around and i feel lucky to be your Godmother. I love you very much!
Auntie Em