may 29th - my hip is fine people!!!
Gemma went for her ultrasound today at CHOP to get her hip checked out. Gemma thinks the doctor who gave her a 4 second exam and recommended she get it looked at is a dum-dum...and she is tirelessly trying to prove her wrong. She puts in 3-5 minutes of calisthenics every morning.
may 28th - the road to maturity
Alex's big boy bed arrived today (actually yesterday), but we put it together this morning. He watched the men take the mattress down off of the truck and bring it into the house. Amazing how three strangers drag a piece of foam into your house, drop it on the floor, and you spend the majority of your life on it. After the guys finished, Alex said "thanks." He was so excited to put it together and very proud to jump in under the covers when it was time for bed. We have fashioned safety precautions to minimize concussions (since he rolled out of his toddler bed regularly).
may 27th - daddy's little girl
Gemma's eyebrows are no longer a work in progress. She has some full on brows and is cuter than ever. She does not stop smiling and she now loves her daddy...even though mommy is still her favorite.
may 26th - breakfast with beeps
Grandma Beeps came down this morning for breakfast with the kiddos. We had a pretty low key day celebrating our troops, but did manage a repeat of grilled hot dogs because Alex demanded them for lunch.
may 25th - alex's big day
Alex had a magical day that was all about him. He started off with a visit to his favorite park and then we played in the backyard. His new "fave" for lunch...hot dogs. Then, he got to go into the city and pick out his very own big boy bed. He tested out multiple mattresses with Mommy to be sure he knew what he was getting into. Once he decided he had Mohammed ring it up and schedule delivery. On the way home he had chocolate ice cream (on a cone!) with "sprinkos." Daddy was not allowed to help him eat it. Just when the day couldn't get any better, we saw an aerial lift on the way home. His head almost exploded.
may 24th - the most magical place in langhorne, pa
We took the kids to Sesame Place today with a few of their friends. Alex was so pumped, that he did not stop talking about it all morning...laughing like the count and screaming cookie monster. He even demanded to get in the car and go while he and Daddy went outside for coffee.
Brayden, Addison, and Drew joined us with their parents for a day full of oversized creepy monsters, long lines, and a lot of routine sniffing of your kids to see if they were the ones who "done it." Alex loved the rides and even went on a ride with Mommy that took them way up in the sky and then dropped them down...he was giggling the entire time. He is also apparently better at reading a map than Mommy. Gemma lounged in her hat and watched the day pass by.
Brayden, Addison, and Drew joined us with their parents for a day full of oversized creepy monsters, long lines, and a lot of routine sniffing of your kids to see if they were the ones who "done it." Alex loved the rides and even went on a ride with Mommy that took them way up in the sky and then dropped them down...he was giggling the entire time. He is also apparently better at reading a map than Mommy. Gemma lounged in her hat and watched the day pass by.
may 23rd - skipping alex
Alex has accomplished the feat of skipping. He would not quite be up for his merit badge yet, since his version of skipping is a kind of skipping, trotting, running hybrid. Either way it is still awesome. He has, however, successfully mastered the art of eating in his underpants. Hands down the best at finishing off a spread of veggies while in his panties and simultaneously operating a monster truck rally.
may 22nd - happy birthday momma!
Mommy turned 29 again this year, so Daddy, Alex, and Gemma made it a special day for her...the kids woke up at the butt crack of dawn, so it was a bit of a rocky start. We had a nice breakfast (Alex made mommy cheerios), daddy and mommy went out for lunch, and we had a lovely gourmet meal for dinner. Daddy made chocolate ganache cupcakes that Alex talked about all day. It was worth listening to him repeat "cupcake" all day long when we saw the look of pure delight on his face when he finally had one set down in front of him.
may 21st - four months of gemma
It has already been four months since little Gemma arrived and she is back to the doctor for her scheduled check up, weigh in, vaccines, and general poking & prodding. She weighed in a little under where she was last visit, in terms of percentile, so we are now in operation tubba gem gem. We are feeding her non-stop (not that she needs it)....doctor's and their eight years of school....gimme a break.
Weight: 12lbs 6oz
Length: 24"
Cabeza: 16.5"
Weight: 12lbs 6oz
Length: 24"
Cabeza: 16.5"
may 20th - gemma's latest milestone
Gemma is hanging out in her exer-saucer building up the leg strength. She's trying to work on her legs that currently look like a pack of hot dogs. Her thunder thighs should be lean and trim in no time...hopefully this does not expedite the walking as quickly as her brother...otherwise we are going to need a leash.
may 19th - gem gem swing
Alex is a very proud older brother pushing "gem gem" on the swing. He is very gentle and Gemma giggles away at him while she is swinging back and forth.
may 18th - make room for more italian food
Day 2 of the festival. We all woke up a little slower with pizza, pasta, beer, sangria, and late night chinese food stuck to our ribs. Daddy and Alex made it out to the market early for the weekend coffee trip before the mobs of people descended. It was a special trip to get Alex the handmade, wooden truck he had his eye on the day before.
He was such a good boy...he saw it and showed it to Daddy and was really careful not to touch it. Then, when it was time to walk away, we agreed we would come back if he behaved and he didn't blink twice as we walked away. It was a real adult human conversation.
Uncle Frank, Jack, and Julia came down to hang out for the afternoon. Alex was really excited to spend time with them...especially cousin Jack.
He was such a good boy...he saw it and showed it to Daddy and was really careful not to touch it. Then, when it was time to walk away, we agreed we would come back if he behaved and he didn't blink twice as we walked away. It was a real adult human conversation.
Uncle Frank, Jack, and Julia came down to hang out for the afternoon. Alex was really excited to spend time with them...especially cousin Jack.
may 17th - italian market festival
The annual festival is back in full force. The pizza pie, the mooz-a-rell, the penne al la vodka, the old sauseech, the 300lb ladies from south jersey looking for "true love." Alex and his paisano Drew strolled 9th street looking for pizza and sugar. Alex managed to keep most of his plate of pasta in his mouth...although Mommy did a little taste testing. Gemma was all smiles...loving the music and festivities.
may 16th - nom nom's
Alex helped Mommy make a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies in anticipation of the weekend festivities. Daddy and Gemma were taste testers, however, did not exert any energy in the manufacturing of said cookies. Alex was super pumped about wearing his sleeveless shirt for bedtime. Broke out two tickets to the gun show.
may 15th - break out the water sports
Alex opened his pool in the backyard this afternoon. Got the cover off, broke out the skimmer, and put together his sailboats. His girlfriend Lucy came over to hang out, although, he did not win any points when he threw an entire cup of water in her face. Gemma even managed to get her socks off to let the dogs breathe. It was a very warm day and the summertime fun is just beginning.
may 12th - clothing optional...it's 85 degrees
Alex and Gemma hit the parks today. Beautiful day...so beautiful that Alex decided to take off his clothes. Actually, he spilled Daddy's gatorade all over himself, but I am sure he would have taken his pants off at some point. kind of his thing now.
may 11th - best mommy in the world
We celebrated mother's day in the city today. The kids played at palumbo for a bit before making it over to washington square for a picnic. Gemma went on the swings for the first time today and loved it...big brother Alex pushed her and showed her how it is done.
Alex played bartender for Mommy and Daddy's wine at the park. He was very proud of himself...waited patiently for Mommy to get done feeding Gemma and then immediately grabbed her a glass and brought out the bottle of wine. creating a monster. When we got back to Hutchinson Street we had an impromptu neighborhood gathering on the sidewalks...continued drinking...and grilled a nice dinner. Alex was super in to Katherine today.
Alex played bartender for Mommy and Daddy's wine at the park. He was very proud of himself...waited patiently for Mommy to get done feeding Gemma and then immediately grabbed her a glass and brought out the bottle of wine. creating a monster. When we got back to Hutchinson Street we had an impromptu neighborhood gathering on the sidewalks...continued drinking...and grilled a nice dinner. Alex was super in to Katherine today.
may 10th - learning the value of a quarter
We went to Princeton today for brunch and enjoyed the amazing weather...at least until the sky opened up and rained in Alex's ice cream. We went to Main Street Grill and the kids waited patiently while we drank some margaritas. Alex has never shown any interest in money until today when he realized two quarters can be put into a giant dinosaur to make him move. He was absolutely in his glory riding on the machines outside of the store next to the restaurant.
After lunch we went to Halo Pub...Alex's (and daddy's) favorite. Mommy and Gemma had an impromptu photo shoot while getting dressed. amazing! She is sitting up on her own now...big girl.
After lunch we went to Halo Pub...Alex's (and daddy's) favorite. Mommy and Gemma had an impromptu photo shoot while getting dressed. amazing! She is sitting up on her own now...big girl.
may 9th - coffee break with gemma
Alex was at soccer with Jackie today running drills and working on his first touch. Mommy, Gemma, and Daddy went for a walk on errands and then had a nice stopover at the chapterhouse for coffee. Gemma was awake for about three seconds before snuggling into a nice stuffed couch with mommy.
may 8th - all trucks, all the time
Alex's obsession with trucks is unwavering. We cannot even escape a truck conversation and a quick flip through his favorite book at bath time. Thankfully, the pages are waterproof. The Mickey pajamas have been demanded for what is going on a week...they are about to start crawling away on their own.
may 7th - do you smell something?
Gemma had a bit of a mishap in the diaper department. Apparently, one diaper in every case is defective and does not perform as intended. Her shirt is no longer with us....
may 6th - american ingenuity
Jackie is an innovator. She devised a new strategic plan on how to keep Gemma out when she falls asleep on the way home. Take her out of the seat?...not so fast...take the seat out of the stroller. It's like she flew through someone's jet wash and had to eject from her F-15...without the parachute.
may 5th - never cease to amaze
Gemma is unbelievable. She is growing so quickly and she is so happy. Just wait until we make her get a job. She is starting to sit up (not quite by herself) and gets so excited about her accomplishment.
Daddy got Alex ice cream on the way home from the grocery store. He wanted to be carried home because he was tired, but the minute he heard the music..."IIIIIIIIII CREAM"...immediately down and booking up the block. How do you say no? It was supposed to be between us since we were bringing home dinner, but as soon as he gets through the door, he tells Mommy "I cream" and points to his mouth. Not exactly someone I'd recommend telling any secrets.
Daddy got Alex ice cream on the way home from the grocery store. He wanted to be carried home because he was tired, but the minute he heard the music..."IIIIIIIIII CREAM"...immediately down and booking up the block. How do you say no? It was supposed to be between us since we were bringing home dinner, but as soon as he gets through the door, he tells Mommy "I cream" and points to his mouth. Not exactly someone I'd recommend telling any secrets.
may 4th - broad street
Daddy ran Philly's Broad Street Run this morning. Mommy, Alex, Gemma, Drew, Steph, and Drew came out to cheer him on and to ensure close proximity as emergency contacts. Daddy ran the 10-miler a little slower than usual, but not bad for sitting on the couch eating cookies for the last 8 months. Alex made a sign (with a little help) and it was very motivating to know they were out there and Daddy could not wait to see them at the 7 mile mark.
The scaled down two week training program was evident when Alex's afternoon nap time arrived. Gemma, however, was looking fabulous and ready for a night on the town.
The scaled down two week training program was evident when Alex's afternoon nap time arrived. Gemma, however, was looking fabulous and ready for a night on the town.
may 3rd - let's go phils...uh...riversharks
We made a visit to Camden this evening. Not to buy crack or crystal meth, but to take in a baseball game with the kids and the Angeluccis. We spent the afternoon in the city enjoying the South Street festival and meeting up with Gramps and Grandmum who were sporting bikes and spandex.
The boys had a really good time at the game. The ballpark in Camden is really nice and very kid friendly. They rode a carousel and ate like kings. Daddy bought two junior hot dogs and a jumbo....Alex ate the jumbo...without coming up for air. Gemma had a poop and a nap.
The boys had a really good time at the game. The ballpark in Camden is really nice and very kid friendly. They rode a carousel and ate like kings. Daddy bought two junior hot dogs and a jumbo....Alex ate the jumbo...without coming up for air. Gemma had a poop and a nap.
may 2nd - peek-a-boo gemma
Those eyes are enough to melt your heart. She is already beginning to know how to use them to get what she wants. Damn girls.
may 1st - holy crap...it's may
This year is flying by and there are no signs of slowing down. Alex watched a movie with Jackie this afternoon and realized they forgot to add butter. Simple solution: Alex drops in his wooden butter out of his grocery cart...problem solved. I bet the flavor intensified to epic proportions.
The Burger clan went to dinner at a local creperie called Beau Monde. Gemma slept through most of it, but did stay awake long enough to give the sommelier a go / no go decision on the bottle of pinot that we ordered. Alex LOVED his dinner, which he was calling grilled cheese (solid observation). We asked for an extra bowl of broccoli on the side that he loved even more...although, nothing could top the dessert.
The Burger clan went to dinner at a local creperie called Beau Monde. Gemma slept through most of it, but did stay awake long enough to give the sommelier a go / no go decision on the bottle of pinot that we ordered. Alex LOVED his dinner, which he was calling grilled cheese (solid observation). We asked for an extra bowl of broccoli on the side that he loved even more...although, nothing could top the dessert.
april 30th - gemma...the path toward verticality
Someone grew up this week. Gemma is now a slightly more functional human. She holds her head up really well and is closer to a 100% roll over. Still talking up a storm and its crazy that she has already made the first step toward running around the park with Alex.
april 29th - like christmas morning
After six years of mommy complaining, we finally got a new dishwasher. Very exciting. It no longer sounds like a small jet is landing on our roof when we run the dishwasher. Alex helped Daddy install it, but somehow it turned into a slightly larger mess. The tools needed to be organized in his way...very independent...also, would not eat dinner tonight unless he had his sunglasses.
april 28th - gemma's orientation
Today was back to work for Mommy and the first day of Alex sharing his BFF, Jackie, with Gemma. It went very well, especially after Alex put Gemma to work on the bulldozer. He spent the day showing her the ropes.
april 27th - south hutchinson street is blooming
Another awesome day to get Alex out burning calories. We spent some time at "bumbo" (palumbo)...Alex is becoming quite the climber. He is very daring and gives us a heart attack when he just decides to hurdle up and down the jungle gym.
We had some pizza at Little Italy for lunch, where Alex took a digger off of the chair and smacked his face into the table. He has quite a bruise on his cheek...he cried for about 2 seconds and quickly stopped when he was offered a pretzel (his new fav).
We had some pizza at Little Italy for lunch, where Alex took a digger off of the chair and smacked his face into the table. He has quite a bruise on his cheek...he cried for about 2 seconds and quickly stopped when he was offered a pretzel (his new fav).
april 26th - a walk in the city
Since we spent yesterday afternoon drinking instead of finishing off errands, we had to go into the city to finish off our to-do list. It took a while to make it out of bed, but the kids were very quiet and immobile. Alex did stretch his legs for a bit after his yogurt pit stop.
april 25th - mommy's last day off
Mommy has to go back to work on Monday, so we spent the last day off as a family. We started by taking Alex to soccer this morning at the nest and he showed Daddy how he runs drills and scores goals.
We had errands to run in Princeton during the day, so we spent an amazing afternoon in town. It involved a long, leisurely lunch, mojitos, wine, ice cream at the halo pub, a subsequent sugar high/diabetic shock, resulting wind sprints in the square. After all that activity, we had more drinks and more food with Beeps and Grandpa Mike to capitalize on happy hour. The whole family was in bed by 8:30.
We had errands to run in Princeton during the day, so we spent an amazing afternoon in town. It involved a long, leisurely lunch, mojitos, wine, ice cream at the halo pub, a subsequent sugar high/diabetic shock, resulting wind sprints in the square. After all that activity, we had more drinks and more food with Beeps and Grandpa Mike to capitalize on happy hour. The whole family was in bed by 8:30.
april 24th - gemma's boys
Baby Gemma is growing up so fast. She is now sitting up in her chair and her bumbo and giggling the whole time. She now gets a belly laugh when something tickles her funny bone. She also gets plenty of love from Daddy and Alex...and mommy.
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