may 27th - personal growth

Mommy and Daddy went to Alex's year-end parent/teacher conference this morning and got an update on his progress. 

"Alex is a joy, although I don't have to tell you that. He is a bright child who has shown growth in every aspect of his development in the Red Roo Class. His math and reading readiness benchmarks are very strong. His number, letter and shape recognition have all improved markedly. He continues to develop his good work habits. Alex's fine motor skills have also improved. This is evidenced in his improved scissor skills and his ability to write his name; skills he has worked at with great determination. Perhaps most striking, though, is the development in Alex's social / emotional skills. He has grown remarkably in his confidence and assertiveness with his peers. Alex is ready to meet with and succeed in all the exciting challenges and opportunities there will be in pre-kindergarten next fall!!" - miss marjorie

Long story short - Alex parents are the shit. 

may 26th - unique souls

Gemma and Alex are now proven opposites, since GemGem didn't think twice about running through the fire hydrant. Alex used the wrench to open it up, but still not really into being sprayed. He does have more difficulty managing hair frizz, so his concerns are genuine. 

may 25th - water sports

Spring lasted 3 hours and it is now summer. The water table and kiddie pool are open for business. 

may 24th - science

A day at the franklin institute learning about physics and sibling bonds. 

may 23rd - republican tradesmen

We have drain pipes!  Our plumbing is going in and it's being installed by Donald Trump's biggest supporter. 

may 22nd - happy birthday mommy

Day two of the festival and the parade of saints moves through. Both kids were very selective on the saint to which they donated their money. Alex chose Saint Francis and Gemma chose Saint Anthony (the only one with a baby)...although she was not completely satisfied with swapping her "mumee" for a prayer card. 

Alex got mommy flowers this morning and sat through his first face painting. Gems said she was getting hers painted too, but then saw that it would require a stranger to touch her face. Interest. Lost. 

may 21st - gemma takes 'mangia' VERY seriously

Almost certainly our last Italian Market festival (as bella vista residents). Daddy and Alex had our traditional coffee and banana bread at Anthony's to watch them set up. The rain rolled in early but did not stop us...especially Gemma...she was all in. Pizza from Lorenzos, cupcake and cannoli from Termini, chicken parm from Humpty's, chocolate-covered pretzels from Anthony's chocolate shop, guacamole and quesadilla from Tres Jalapeños. That's right...the rain came back so we went Mexican. 

may 20th - i see two of everything

Daddy day at the park with the kids this morning. We had some coffee and snacks. Had to vacate to whole foods for Gemma to relieve herself...all the juice she drank at Morning Glory caught up to her and her small bladder pretty quickly. Gramps and Grandmom came down to Philly tonight for The Pops and we went to a special birthday dinnernfor Mommy at Volver. Amazing. 'Nuff said. 

may 19th - public speaking 101

Alex flexed his presentation muscles this morning at show and tell. He brought his favorite (at least this week) car to school. He reviewed the color, stripes, doors that open, the engine, and trunk space. Mommy left us on our own for dinner so we had some pizza. Second pizza of the day and Gemma used the bathroom fourteen times. 

may 18th - outdoor fun

may 17th - arts and literature

Alex learned a few licks on the flute today while Jackie had hers at our house. The kids also we "at Beeps' house" reading and requested that Mommy mind her business and do not disturb. United front. 

may 16th - gemma's breakthrough

Today, Gemma woke up and decided she is officially on the potty train. No accidents, 6 pees, 1 poop, 3 toilets. The fact that she is peeing around the neighborhood already proves that she has broken the mold. She has laid down the anxiety and fear of public urination that plagued her mother for decades. She has proclaimed that "if I must poop, I must not discriminate."  Her proclomation was recognized with a victory cone. 

may 15th - emily's celebration

Daddy set the alarm for 6:45am this morning on the damn day of our lord to get Alex to the other side of the city for team picture day. After pictures we had practice, which was awesome. Alex is catching, hitting, and running the bases...although he could use GPS. 

Emily's first birthday party was today at the Camden Childrens' Garden. The kids had a blast and ate lots of treats.  A butterfly landed on Alex's head in the butterfly room and he was not a fan.

Mommy got her planting done with her big helper, Mr Green Thumb. 

may 14th - beers and glass and bouncing

Today was the Hawthorne's IPA block party and we made a family appearance. Alex almost peed his pants when we got there and he saw they had a bouncy slide. Gemma just relaxed and ate her snack...could not be bothered. 

While we were out tile shopping this morning, we got a surprise message from our contractor saying our windows arrived and were being installed. Glorious. 

may 13th - tgif (total goddamn insanity friday)

Two minutes away from calling adoption agencies today to shop around a couple children. 

Alex went for his 4-year checkup today:

Height: 39.5 inches (27th %tile)

Weight: 35.4 lbs (42nd %tile)

He also had a vision test and eye test. Apparently, he can see and hear...even though he didn't listen to a damn thing we said today. 

Don't get me started on Gemma...

may 12th - ice cream truck

The warmth has arrived and so have the half naked feasts from the ice cream truck on the front porch. The tip of Gemma's cone proved to be a signifcant casualty...straight to the tub after the battled ended. 

may 11th - hump day

Daddy took Alex to school today and went for a special lunch at Hawthorne's after the day was over. Gemma is mastering carrying around her baby in her new bag...even while eating breakfast. 

may 10th - man day

Daddy and Alex had a day together while Gemma is at home walking on plastic. Went to Smith Playground and to Three Bears. Lots of funny conversations and good pancakes. 

Alex: "Daddy, where did you and Mommy get married?"

Daddy: "We were married at a place called the Sofitel"

Alex: "Who watched me while you and Mommy had your wedding, Jackie?"

Daddy: "No, buddy, you weren't born yet"

Alex: "But, was I there?"

Daddy: "No, bud, you weren't alive yet"

Alex: "Was I dead?"

INSANE LAUGHTER

may 9th - genes don't lie

Sometimes she looks so much like her mother, I wanna punch her. The "danger, high maintenance" t-shirt doesn't help. 

may 8th - no no crocodile

Our baby GemGem is moving out...of diapers...and into some soft cotton panties. Crash course in potty training has begun and the first step toward adulthood has been taken. 💩🚽

may 7th - mommy's day

It's Mother' Day and the kids were very excited to make mommy a special breakfast and give her a card. Alex even filled out the card and envelope himself. 

Alex had t-ball this morning and his biggest fan (Gemma) took time out of her busy schedule to go watch. We went for a long walk in the city and had a nice dinner outside at Whetstone Tavern. Both kids were in rare form and ready for fun. 

may 6th - it's a house

The whole family went to Princeton today to check on the house progress. Most of the final interior framing is just about complete and the house wrap is going up. Progress. Alex and Gemma were excited. So was Mommy when Daddy climbed around to get a ladder in order to get into the upstairs. 

may 5th - sweet crafts

Alex made a very special mother's day gift for Mommy and was so excited to bring it home and deliver it to his favorite person. 

may 4th - funny man

may 3rd - happy 1st birthday emily

The kids had a birthday celebration with Emily and some if their friends today at Little Italy. They lacked the patience to watch Emily open up her own present. 

may 2nd - party planners

Alex and Gemma helped bake a cake for Emily's birthday tomorrow. They also tried to help Daddy blow up balloons, but pretty much just spit in them. 😝

may 1st - planning

Alex is getting pretty seasoned at understanding the plans for our house. He can pick out most of the things on each of the floorplans and knows exactly where his room is...future architect. Gemma is a bit more simple. Give her some Wonder Woman pajamas and she is happy running around playing super hero. 

april 30th - like olden' times

A stop by the house this morning on the way to a birthday brunch. Things are looking great, although we were expecting some shingles to be flying around. All quiet. We actually went out to Manayunk tonight for dinner at The Ugly Moose. Took the kids through the old hood and Alex made a special visit to Mommy's favorite place on Main Street...ice cream. Gemma got no ice cream but she did have an onion ring bracelet. 

april 29th - daddy day

Daddy was on child duty today and we went for a visit to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Hangovers and stuffed animals go surprisingly well together since the entire place is very dimly lit. Even managed to take a conference call in the park. Only one kid came close to drowning in the fountain. Success. 

april 28th - rock and roll

Daddy went to see Pearl Jam tonight with Uncle Frank so mommy and the kids had some quality time. Our house is officially closed up and waiting for a roof. Exciting times!!!