april 23rd - little lila jade

Lila is home from the hospital, so Mommy and Gemma went to visit the Dreby's for a little girl's playtime.  The two of them are already BFFs and have discussed their lifelong friendship.  If it is anything like their mothers' it will include booze, gossip, reality television, candy, endless shopping, and a whole lot of complaining.

april 22nd - a sucky tuesday

Daddy has been working non-stop the last couple weeks and been spending every night working to finish up projects.  This morning GSK announced they are selling the Oncology business unit to Novartis for $16B.  Gemma's reaction sums it up.

april 21st - keeping the easter spirit alive

Gemma never had a chance to wear her "some bunny loves me" tshirt on Easter between all of her puke and poop wardrobe changes, so she strapped it on before it gets too late and she can no longer wear white shoes.  Alex still had a taste for blood so he went on a hunt for more unfertilized chicken embryos...at least they are cool colors.

april 19th-20th - the bunny arrives

Easter weekend is upon us and the kids have dressed for the occasion.  Gemma in her spring dress and Alex in his big boy khaki's and dress shoes.  We went to Beeps and Grandpa Mike's house for our "Easter Saturday" dinner.  Uncle Mike, Aunt Amy and "Pooper" the dog were in town this year, so it was a packed house.

We dyed Easter eggs, took pictures outside, played soccer, ate, slept, ate, drank booze, and slept.  It was a great weekend with even better weather.  Alex was so excited for the Easter Bunny to come and was even more excited after he/she did.  Although, all he really wanted was to open every egg that had M&Ms inside...he had such a sugar high, he was like a crackhead high on crystal meth at 9am....bouncing off walls.  Gemma woke up on her own time to see what all the fuss was about.

We went to Uncle Gary and Aunt Charissa's house on the way home for some laughs and Easter dinner.  All the kids got to hang out and play...and even cooperated for a group photo.  They are much more mature and reserved now that they have teeth.

april 18th - gemma's new bff has arrived

Lila Jade Dreby was born last night and Gemma went with mommy over to the hospital today to meet her new BFF.  Alex was undecided on breakfast, so he had a bowl of cheerios, oatmeal, and a side of dry corn flakes...dude likes breakfast.

This afternoon, the kids had a visit from the Hile sisters today...a nice lunch and visit to start the weekend.  While mommy was at the hospital, daddy and Alex went to the park.  On the way Alex was showing off his new found jumping skills.  He can get some air.

april 17th - a day full of treats

Gemma played peek-a-boo behind Freddy while getting some exercise time in on her play mat...then spent some time outdoors sleeping her life away.  Alex's caloric intake for the day topped the charts.  Good thing he was out running around all day...and that he is not diabetic.  "eyyye cream" with "sprinkos" from the "eyyye cream" truck.

april 16th - sleeping beauties

Gemma is really starting to get vocal and is beginning to hold her head up really well.  Alex went to the Fireman Museum in old city with Jackie and loved seeing all of the trucks.  He even got his own private tour on the way home when he walked past another firehouse and they invited him inside.  Then, he has a busy afternoon dying his first easter eggs.

april 15th - our little runner

Daddy's Broad Street Run materials came today and Alex decided he liked the shirt, so he wore it around the house for a while.  Could be taken in a little around the neck, but otherwise a good fit.

april 14th - "crack" a smile...it's monday

Alex sends his love to all of his avid readers on this joyous monday morning.

april 13th - city life

We spent the morning playing and giggling with the kids...only took us 3 hours to get up, dressed, and out into the beautiful weather.  We walked into the city to run some errands and have lunch with Todd. Had our sites set on Rittenhouse Square and now that Alex is a full time walker, it was almost sundown by the time we got there.  Dude walks slow...and has to go up everyone's steps along the way.

We stopped for coffee on the way and spent some time laying around the park after lunch.  Alex and Daddy played ball until some crazy hippies with hula hoops caught Alex's eye and he was mesmerized.

april 12th - big boy bed...next stop puberty

hang in bed all morning...check

build a big boy bed with daddy...check

have some pizza...check

take a nap...check

drive a tractor...check

eat some ice cream...check

unwrap every lollipop until you find a blue one...double check

april 11th - finally...spring...happy birthday lucy

It is officially the time of year when babies can take off their socks and let the dogs breathe.  Mommy and Gemma went to the park with Alex and Jackie today to take in the sunshine and screaming kids.  For some reason, screaming kids are not that annoying anymore...desensitized.  Gemma was all smiles and could not get enough of the beautiful weather.

Alex brought a present to his girlfriend Lucy today.  He got her a purple ball that he wouldn't shut up about and also brought her a flower.  He was so excited and proud to give them to her.

april 10th - rabbits and ice cream

Alex is ready for the Easter bunny and is very excited about wearing his bunny ears.  He was very proud to show them off to Mommy and Daddy when he got home.  He is almost as obsessed with his bunny ears as he is with the ice cream truck.  The "eyyyye cream" truck is his favorite.

april 9th - note to self: folding socks and two year olds do not mix

Alex and Mommy had a few choice words for each other this morning while trying to fold some socks. It was as if Alex did not care if the socks were folded or rolled up in a pile.  Fortunately, Gemma is cute enough and just vocal enough to cut the tension before a non-partial mediator had to step in and break them up.

april 8th - gemma seeks comfort...alex finds inspiration

Gemma is officially sleeping in any position in the history of babies and she has even invented some new techniques for catching some zzz's.  Alex is breaking in his new smock and is currently dabbling in the chalks.  His work is sublime but the format is going to be a conservationist's nightmare.

april 7th - who brought the pretzels?

Alex had a slightly larger audience for his potty time today.  Gemma joined Jackie while Mommy was on a conference call, so it was quite a party in the potty.  So much so that they actually had snacks.  Alex is addicted to pretzels these days and will take them any way he can get them...pretzels sticks, pretzel bites, pretzel twists, pretzel gumbo......hey bubba

april 6th - discovering bacon, home shopping, and ice cream

Alex has officially discovered the miracle that is thick cut dry rubbed bacon.  We had house guests last night, so we had a nice breakfast at home.  Alex then proceeded to read every truck book that he owns to cousin Jack.  He finally got around to opening his presents.  He opens one and plays with it forever...so getting through presents took the entire day.  Soo excited about his shopping cart.  He immediately pushed it out into the kitchen and emptied our cabinets into his cart.  He also got a balance bike and cool riding scooter that he loved.  When we needed a break, we went for a walk to the park and stopped for pre-dinner ice cream...it's his birthday who cares...couldn't be worse than bacon.

april 5th - time to par'tay

Today, we celebrated Alex's second birthday.  It was construction themed (his favorite...obsessed with trucks right now), and Mommy knocked it out of the park.  Every last detail was creatively executed, even down to the port 'o potty, "debris" can, tools, and construction zone birthday cake.  Alex and all of his buddies played non-stop all day and only took a break for chocolate cake.  His antibiotics helped get him healthy enough to have a blast running around, but he was so drained he didn't get around to his presents...with exception of his new digger.

april 4th - construction buddies

Alex's buddy Drew was at our house this morning for a bit while his madre was at an appointment, so the two of them got in some quality play time.  They played trucks, took turns wearing the hard hat, and chatted over grilled cheeses.

april 3rd - alex's two year checkup

Alex went to the doctor for his wellness checkup.  Seemed a little inaccurate since he woke up this morning with a cold and runny nose.  We had breakfast at Morning Glory with Gramps and Grandmum before they headed back to Millersville.  Alex's appointment went really well and he is tip top.  He even had his vision checked.

Height: 34 1/2 inches
Weight: 26lbs 10oz
Head: 20 inches

He tried to hide from the nurse by wearing Daddy's glass - unsuccessful.

april 2nd - happy second birthday alex!!!

Our big boy turned two today and it is pretty unbelievable.  Mommy and Daddy spent all night blowing up tons of balloons so Alex would wake up to a living room full of fun.  Jackie organized a party for all of Alex's little friends to come to our house and celebrate his birthday....Arlo, Grant, Mikey, Remy, and his favorite...Lucy.  The kids played, ate lunch, and had cupcakes.  The blue icing seemed to be everywhere.

After Alex's nap, Daddy took him to get a haircut.  So funny, he remembered that he gets a lollipop afterward...even though this is only his second one.  Gramps and Grandmum took us out to Tequila's for dinner.  Alex even shared in the celebratory toast with a big boy champagne flute...although his was only H20 it did not minimize his pride.

april 1st - alex is two tomorrow

In preparation for big brother Alex's monumental second birthday, Gemma decided to get fresh and take a nice bath to be ready for the occasion....

APRIL FOOLS!!!  That is not Gemma.

march 31st - our little bunny

Gemma is ready for the Easter Bunny to come to town.  She has been sporting her new hat everywhere she goes and is on the prowl for some candy.  Although she will have to take Alex out if she ever wants to get any out of his death grip.

march 30th - alex's exclusive club

Alex has a new fort.  Actually it is an old toy that he has had for some time that he has now rediscovered.    Gemma and Mommy are only allowed into the fort on occasion, but mostly it is a "no girls allowed" policy.  Gemma enjoys looking at herself in the mirror.  She could do it for hours....typical girl.

march 29th - coffee shops, target supplies, and newtown

Alex and Daddy went out to the market this morning to buy supplies for Alex's birthday wrecking balls.  Basically just meatballs, but requires a well thought out itinerary.  First, we hit Anthony's for coffee and fuel (Alex's banana bread).  Then on to:

Tomato - Claudio's
Cheese - Talluto's
Ground Beef - Esposito's
Sausage - Fiorella's
Bread - Sarcone's

Mommy had it easy by going to Target...a lot of stuff but at least she had a cart.  Daddy had to carry everything on his person...along with Alex when he got tired.  After all of our chores were done, we went to visit the Dreby's at their new house in Newtown....Alex and Kyle had a great time playing.  Gemma passed out and was not to be disturbed.

march 28th - daddy's little helper

Alex is on the verge of opening a beer all by himself.  It is quite an accomplishment and he is a very proud little boy.  His dog t-shirt is likely going to get him carded, but no one can deny his new found talent for picking out and opening some great craft beer.