december 22nd - so close you can smell it

Christmas is near and Alex is so excited he is going to pee his pants.  Actually Mommy is the one peeing her pants these days...literally.  Pancakes with sprinkles, holiday crafts, gingerbread houses....Alex could be an elf with all of the holiday cheer his is generating.

december 21st - escape to princeton

Since Daddy is working around the clock on the bathroom, Mommy took the kids to Beeps and Grandpa's house for an adventure....and fresh air.  They made cookies, ate cookies, and took naps.  Tough day....while Daddy was home breaking his back.  Mommy spent the evening in her workshop putting all of the finishing touches on Christmas.

december 20th - breakfast with santa

We had breakfast with Santa today at the coffee shop in Sister Cities park.  Mommy was on top of making reservations really early and there were only 8 or so other families there....so all the kids got some quality time with the big guy and his bowl full of jelly.  Alex has been so excited all week, had to wear his santa hat to breakfast, and his ear to ear grin was amazing.  He told Santa he "was going to leave him cookies and beer" on Christmas Eve...and carrots for Rudolph...and he wants Thomas the choo choo train.  Gemma was mesmerized and was so cute pulling on his beard.  Lucy and Remy also came, so all the kids had fun playing out in the park afterward.

december 19th - restful friday

Daddy worked on the bathroom most of the day today while the kids hung out with Jackie.  Alex and Mommy had a very restful evening of cuddling and watching some tv to close out a long week of work.  Next week is Christmas!

december 18th - safety first

Daddy began the demolition of our master bathroom this week....another one of Mommy's hair brain ideas.  Uncle Gary came down to help remove all of the scraps.  We went to the dump in South Philly and it was an eye opening experience.  We had to wear vests and hard hats while out of the vehicle...so hilarious that we had to take some photos.  Definitely a place you go to dump a body.  Gemma got in on the action to help run some PVC.

december 17th - let's play a diddy

Alex and Gemma are now a two-man (or person) rock band.  Gemma plays a shaker like a parkinson's patient on speed, and Alex is finger picking his heart out.  He also sings Twinkle, Twinkle while he plays regardless of chord progression...impactful lyrics.

Mommy and Daddy had a date night at the Four Seasons for dinner.  The Fountain restaurant is closing its doors at the end of the month (going out on top) and we still have never been after almost 15 years in Philly.  Amazing dinner.  Reason to put on a suit and drink some bubbly to celebrate our good fortune.

december 16th - burger, inc corporate holiday mixer

Tonight was the annual Burger, Inc. holiday mixer.  Mommy never has a holiday party because she works from home, so we make fun of her and Jackie once a year with a small party that we call their corporate holiday party.  Jackie and Fred got Gemma books and Alex his very own guitar for Christmas.  Alex is very proud.  We went to La Peg for a great dinner.....and DESSERT for Alex.

december 15th - can't we all just get along

Gemma is thinking about joining the protestors from Ferguson.  Hands up, don't shoot.  She is very politically motivated and is constantly staying on top of current events.

december 14th - cousin time

We had breakfast and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Erin's house today and the kids had an opportunity to hang out with all of the cousins.  Alex had a blast playing with all of the kids and wrestling with all of the boys....including the middle aged boys.  Gemma was all over the place following the kids around. They all built gingerbread houses...Alex's second one this week, so he was an expert.

december 13th - finding the christmas spirit

Today was a day packed full of holiday cheer.  We went for a walk into the city and visited the Christmas village set up in Love Park.  Alex had to have a pretzel bigger than his face and loved every minute of it.  He and Mommy posed for pictures while Gemma took a nap.  We had lunch at a tavern that was playing the Arsenal v. New Castle match.  We were a table of four sat right in the middle of a sea of red jerseys in the bar.  Every time something would happen the bar would erupt and the kids faces were priceless.  Gemma - sheer concern...Alex - pure fear.

After lunch, we stopped by the Christmas market set up in the Kimmel Center.  Alex had a 5 minute stare down with a life sized nutcracker.  It took a bit of coaxing to get him to pose for a picture.  Once he did, he HAD to go and pick out a "purple" nutcracker ornament for our tree.  He insisted on carrying the bag all the way home.

december 12th - collingswood christmas parade

We went to Collingswood tonight to hang out with Alex's buddy Drew.  The boys ate pizza in the play room together and got in some toy time before we walked out for the parade.  A fleet of firetrucks decorated with Christmas lights went past the end of Drew's street.  Alex was in his glory watching all of the trucks.  "ooooo look at this one"....for every one that went past.  Mickey Mouse was on one of them.  Mind.  Blown.  The last truck had santa and Alex was so excited.  He waved to every truck, but he doesn't really move his hand....looks more like a Nazi salute.

december 11th - aquawoman

Gemma LOVES bathtime.  After dinner these days, she will sit down in the living room and start trying to take her clothes off because she is ready for bath time.  She gets really angry when she can't get her socks off and throws herself on the floor.  Comical.  Once she is in the tub, she grins the entire time.

december 10th - little ham

After almost three years o earth Alex is really starting to get the hang of sitting for a photo.  It still takes a bit of bribery, but he actually sits still and puts on a happy face.

december 9th - let me show you what you're doing wrong

Gemma and Alex performed a collaboration on the djembe this evening in the basement.  Alex was playing for a bit and Gemma decided she needed to show him how it was done.  Apparently she was not fully digging the vibe he was putting down.

december 8th - improvising

We had established a chair road block to keep Gemma from attacking the Christmas tree, but she has now evolved and climbs up it to reach the ornaments.  A completely new skill acquired to reach a goal.  Resiliency.  Can do attitude.  No retreat, No surrender.

december 7th - reading terminal market

Mommy had tons of errands to run this morning, so Daddy took Alex and Gemma to Reading Terminal Market to see the model train sets on display for the holiday season.  Alex was really excited to go...but almost got detoured at the ice cream shop.  Once we found the trains, he was in his glory.  There were buttons on the outside of the display that allowed the kids to power the trains, which blew his mind.  Alex found one train that was THOMAS!!!!  We did not leave that position for 35 minutes.  Every time he would pass..."here comes thomas the choo-choo TRAAAAAAIIIN!!!!"

Gemma...less enthused.

december 6th - "i want thomas"

We saw the jolly old fat man this morning in Princeton, while we were back doing a little shopping.  Alex was very excited to see him because he wanted to tell him that he "wants thomas" for Christmas.  He was also excited because he has been telling GemGem that he is not going to cry this year.  The excitement was almost all for not, since the damn elves could not get the camera system to work.  We waited 35 minutes until Tech Support arrived from the North Pole, not bad time considering.

Had lunch with Beeps and Grandpa at Alchemist & Barrister in Princeton before getting rained on really badly.  Although, we had a little boost of energy to run to the garage because Alex picked out a six pack of cupcakes from the place next door to the restaurant.  He, Gemma, and Mommy were all asleep within minutes of getting into the car...but woke up ready to decorate the tree.

december 5th - the tree is up...and a little wet

We went to get our Christmas tree today.  Grueling experience of hiking deep into the woods, cutting it down with a hand saw, and dragging it.......

...Actually, we just went to Whole Foods on 10th and South, took an elevator up to Parking Deck 2, picked out a winner, and Daddy carried it home 3 blocks.  City Life.  Damn tree stand had a slow leak in it, so we have been wearing our hip waders.

december 4th - cross dressing

Gemma is closer to walking every day.  She is now standing in place without holding on to anything...and without really realizing she is doing it!  She is so close to letting go...Alex, on the other hand, is very close to changing his name to Alexis.

december 3rd - mommy travels...alex sings

Mommy had to go to NYC tonight, so daddy bonding time ensued.  The kids seem to be much better behaved when Mommy is not around.  After Gemma went to sleep, Daddy and Alex watched the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center.  He really liked the music and one song, in particular.

december 2nd - gemma discovers cookie monster

Gemma has officially become interested in the cookie monster app on our iPhones.  Alex always loved the Elmo app but Gemma seems to favor cookie.  She is still a bit grabby and not fully understanding that she can't keep touching it.

december 1st - holy crap it's december

Monday is here and so is the first official day of December.  It's crazy that this year is almost over and the holidays are almost here.  The anxiety must be making everyone nuts because Alex was a terror today.  This picture about sums it up.

november 30th - sunday supper

Took the kids out for dinner tonight and a much needed sabbatical from our living room.  Eating leftover thanksgiving has officially run its course, so we had to stretch our legs and get some Italian.  It was a great meal and the kids were so awesome.  Gemma had a lady crush on our waitress and was playing peek-a-boo with her over the counter all night....she was in rare form.  All giggles.

november 29th - good things to those who wait

Alex demonstrated great self restraint today at Charlotte Procaccino's 1st birthday party.  He woke up this morning talking about birthday cake and had his eye on a chocolate one all afternoon.  The house was overrun with little ones and all of the kids' friends were there.  Gemma had such a great time wandering around the house playing with girls.  Alex had all his buddies....in his glory.

november 28th - black friday shenanigans

We went to Princeton for the day to visit with Uncle Mike, Aunt Amy and cousin Ben at Beeps and Grandpa's house.  Aunt Vicky, cousin Denice and cousin Santi were also in town, so it was a fun day of kids playing and adults consuming alcohol.  Ben slept, Gemma ate, Santi tore the house down, and Alex peed on Grandpa.  He was apparently screaming for us that he had to go pee when he woke up fro his nap.  He said "I told you on the monitor"....we did not have the monitor.  Grandpa took one for the team.

november 27th - bring on the carbs

Baby Gemma's first thanksgiving and she put down a good amount of food.  She could not get enough of the stuffing and turkey.  It was a very quiet day, watching the parade on TV.  Alex was very excited to see the Thomas balloon and made sure we all saw it...every time it was on the screen.  Mommy did a great job on dinner and Gramps and Grandmum joined us.

november 26th - turkey is near

Getting prepped for Thanksgiving included some Mommy-Alex pie baking and Alex get his ears lowered at the barber shop.  He built a tower that he was very proud of and decided he needed a picture of himself standing next to it...smile included.

november 25th - medical records make sense

We took the kids for their flu shots this morning.  Apparently, Alex already had his....parents of the year.  Gemma did get hers and was not very happy about it.  Alex dodged a bullet....he was VERY happy about it.

november 24th - to poop is human....to wipe is gross

Alex's butt wiping methods are constantly evolving and with each magical bowel movement he goes from frightened cheek squeezer to an unshameful crack spreader.  Modified moves for maximum utility are the name of the game and he will not be defeated by the poo...soon skid marks will be extinct.

november 23rd - victory is ours

Damn mouse is dead...good riddance.  He thought he out smarted us completely and he got sloppy...revenge is sweet and delicious.  Everyone in our house continues with their illnesses and we basically only left the house today because it was 70 degrees.  We took the kids to the park and to get pizza and then reassumed our positions on the couch.

november 22nd - all aboard

The anticipation was definitely worth the wait to see the look on Alex's face today when he got a look at Thomas....in real life.  He got to ride on Thomas AND Percy.  He told the conductor what conductors say.  He got his very own conductor hat.  He peed in a port-o-potty for the first time.  He ate an ice cream cone the size of his face.  He got a school bus toy that he has not put down in two days.

november 21st - going to see thomas

Off to Lancaster this weekend to see Thomas at the Strasburg railroad.  Alex is soooo excited and has been talking about "going to see thomas" this entire week.  He has been asking for Thomas for Christmas and cannot wait to go see Santa to tell him what he would like him to "put under the tree."  We stayed and Gramps and Grandmum's house tonight and had dinner...Gemma reorganized the Cheerios in her own special way...remove from box and throw on floor.  We took a photo of the Lancaster sunset for Grandpa Mike.

november 20th - move along germs

Alex is wearing protective eye gear during his meals to shield from the germs Mommy and Gem Gem are spreading all around our house.  Surely it is only a matter of time that we all become infected from these two dirty birdies.  Safety first...especially when it makes you look this cool.

november 19th - quarantine zone

Gemma's little cold has gotten nuts.  We took her to the doctor today and she has a double ear infection with pink eye.  Mommy also got a free diagnosis of pink eye for herself as a gift while at the pediatrician with Gemma.  Poor little baby Gemma is so miserable and it breaks our heart to see her so sick.  Alex is a big helper and went to the pharmacy with Mommy.  Decided to pull up his own chair to wait for the prescriptions to be filled.

november 18th - grandmom visits

Grandmom Burger came down to Philly tonight for dinner and a visit with the kids.  Gemma was in rare form playing and being goofy...but she is starting to get a little cold.  Not enough to stop her from taking her baby doll out for a stroll.

november 17th - making the sarcone family proud

We had a few leftover rolls from yesterday's Burger gathering.  Living in South Philly has taught Alex and Gemma that Sarcone's rolls are worth their weight in gold and should never go to waste.  The vacuum came out after this spectacle.

november 16th - cousin time

The Burger crew (sans Ryleigh) came over today to hang out with Alex and Gemma.  The kids made their own pizzas and had a great time playing together.  Alex's had extra pepperoni and Gemma ate his crust.  After dinner, Alex and Farrah put on a little concert in the living room.

november 15th - pint sized line cooks

These two decided they wanted waffles and didn't care if they had to make them on their own.  Alex HAD to crack the egg and they tag teamed the mixing.  Nothing really went to waste and what was left was quickly taken care of by the Gemma monster.

november 14th - newtown slumber party

We went to Newtown to hang out with the Dreby's tonight and spent the night so all the adults could act like children.  The kids played non-stop and Alex and Kyle had such a good time.  They play really well together and once Alex became besties with "Ryan the dog," the flood gates opened.  Gemma didn't seem to be bothered by Ryan since she just pushed him out of her way.

november 13th - alex tags gemma's ottoman

Alex launched into a career as a graffiti artist when he decided Gemma's ottoman needed more color.  He spent a significant portion of the evening in timeout, but once he starts breaking out into a completely original version of Twinkle, Twinkle it is hard to stay mad.

november 12th - elsie rees adams

Lizzie and Alex welcomed their new baby girl, Elsie, today.  Alex can't wait to meet the new english bird from the other side of the pond.  Hopefully, we get to meet her before she loses those cheeks.

november 11th - ears work...so does plumbing

Alex had his post-op ear checkup and he did really well.  He had his ears checked and then he had a series of hearing tests that were kind of funny to watch.  Day 2 of his potty training, so taking him away from the house was a gamble....which proved to be a loser.  He had an accident in the waiting room and peed so much his shoes were soaked.  We had the kid who was barefoot at his doctor's appointment....whatevs.  Smile and be at peace.

november 10th - what separates us from the animals

Alex officially has the soft feel of cotton draped over his privates.  He said goodbye to diapers this morning and hello to the awkward sensation of wedgies and accidental skid marks....sometimes a fart ends up being more than a fart.

We made a potty chart, purchased a bag full of rewards, and pre-washed 8 dozen pairs of Alex-sized man draws.  He had a few accidents throughout day 1 and day 2, but by day 3 he was already asking to go to the potty and no more accidents.  Magical.  Sleeping through the night and, most importantly, always drops his number 2's in the right place.

november 9th - life lessons

At our annual thanksgiving, all of our friends bring canned goods to donate to the less fortunate.  Gemma is definitely Mommy's daughter....as she helped organize and take inventory of all of the charitable donations.  Alex made have had something to do with the lining up of the cans...we explained the purpose of collecting everything to Alex and he says the food is "for the people"...baby step on his road to philanthropy.

november 8th - thanksgiving....take 1

Our friends of hutchinson thanksgiving was today and Mommy nailed it, as usual.  Alex was talking about all of his friends coming over for waffles all week and he had a great time with all of them.  Our house was destroyed, but all in good fun.  We had 17 adults and 11 kids.  Recipe for disaster.

november 7th - gemma the drinker

Alex goes for the cookies...Gemma goes for the booze....each coming from their mother.  At least Gemma picked the box with the nice red wine.  She has standards.  The kids helped (or didn't help) set up tonight for our thanksgiving celebration tomorrow.  Alex is talking non-stop about all of the friends that are coming.  Gemma is following the crumbs on the ground.

november 6th - alex the baker

Alex helped mommy bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies this afternoon in preparation for our "friends thanksgiving" on Saturday.  He likes mixing all the ingredients and LOVES eating the final product.  He was not allowed to eat a cookie until he ate his carrots tonight.  He kept a carrot in his mouth without swallowing it while at the kitchen table (alone) for 45 minutes.  No cookie for Alex.  Stubborn jerk.

november 5th - alex burger...future foreman

Alex and Gemma went to the Franklin Institute with their friends today and had a great time.  Not quite as good as the walk home....according to Alex.  There is a huge construction site for Comcast Center's new tower and he was MESMERIZED.  He could not wait to get home to tell Mommy and Daddy....first thing he said when he walked through the door.  Gemma was less impressed.

november 4th - election day

Alex assisted mommy this morning in exercising her right to vote in today's mid-term elections.  He was very proud that "Alex pushed the button, Alex got a sticker."  As a result, he is putting together several youth suffrage protests to earn his right to pick WHICH button to push.  Seems the state of our current political climate could use a couple sound minded two year olds to balance out the bullshit.