There goes the neighborhood.

After the thrill of Marco's first outdoor bathroom stop, he's got the bug.

"Mama, can I pee pee outside?"
"No honey."
"but I already did it!"



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Camera Loves You

Since both of my grandfathers were photographers, I don't know why I'm suprised that Marco has a real eye for photograpy. His subjects might be too tall, but I still see the potential.

Ho Ho Holiday Party

We headed to our annual Kroeck Christmas party and amazingly, the hosts knew Santa! He made a brief appearance (much too brief for Marco's tase), heard some Christmas wishes, took some pictures and rode off in his Volkswagon, err, sleigh.

Marco stuck to his guns with his Christmas list, "A godzilla and a lollipop tree," and even offered Santa proof of his goodness. "I picked up all my toys and put them in the blue basket - a godzilla... and a lollipop tree." (Yes, repetition helps Santa remember.)

Side note: It was just that morning that we had this conversation that left me reeling:
"Santa is going to ask you what you want and you can tell him about your godzilla and lollipop treat."
"Did you say tree or treat Mama?"
"Treat."
"No, I want a lollipop TREE!"
(Oh, that should be easy.)

As if I needed more proof that Marco clearly favors me, he loved Santa. And he punctuated his love with contentment. No, he didn't scream or cry, nary a smile. He just sat there, happy to stay all day. He was very upset when his turn was over and had to be pried off of Santa's lap and then quickly barked, "Can I have another turn after Thomas?!"

Santa must have agreed that Marco was a good boy because he brought him a godzilla, a remote control car and... a lollipop tree.

The Baptism Whisperer

We had the incredible honor to be a part of the baptism of Jack Epifanio D'Angelo IV, aka "baby Jack."

Jeff was asked to be the godfather, an incredible honor! Plus, the D'Angelos and the Cecchins are forever joined, so we can stop hoping that Marco will marry Brookie. Sigh of relief, since Brooke seems over Marco already now that she's at pre-school.

Please note, Jeff was very well behaved and didn't say "You can act like a man!" even once. Points if you know what I'm talking about.

I was in charge of keeping Marco, Brookie and Nikos under control in church. I got mad props for their good behavior. I was really pretty full of myself, so I didn't leak my secret. Shh... I plied them with Skittles.

Big big Jack and Bev hosted the after party, which included a kid room upstairs that the kids never left. Marco surfaced once for a cupcake and then went back in. A great, civilized party. In traditional Cecchin fashion, we were the last ones at the party. Congratulations Baby Jack. We love you.

And as always, here's the proof.

Bonus points if you can name and recognize the Eggerts, Farrells, D'Angelos and Mulkerins.
Family pic, that of Christmas card fame.
The kids are so darn cute in these pictures, I honestly can't stand it. Brookie looks gorgeous!

The D'Angelos gave Jeff a personal pizza peel with CECCHIN FAMILY PIZZERIA, est. 2010. I thought he might cry. ;)

Posted from Hell

Although the cousin blog's were very complimentary (thanks Auntie Sara and Auntie M), let's just say it. Marco (and only Marco) tried his best to ruin the 2010 Cecchin cousin's picture.

With no warning, no reason and no consideration for his mother, Marco adamantly refused to take part in any Cecchin family fun. Bribes, threats and demonstration (think me on the floor posing with the cousins) were offered shamelessly and fruitlessly and were met with screaming, tears and stubbornness. Ever the devoted cousin, Tommy fell victim to a black eye and bleeding ("cut me mick,") to try to detract attention from Marco.

Simply, Marco was pissed.

I nearly sold him to the gypsies after the debacle. I figured I could get a good price. (He looks strong.) Until, last night, he sweetly said, "Mama, aren't we fun together?"

Despite Marco's best attempts, the picture actually turned out pretty darn cute, or more accurately labeled "okay." You be the judge.

To really get Mama's goat, after the photographer left and the cousins vacated, he quickly jumped into the spotlight to pose. I murmured choice words under my breath and snapped a few illegal shots with my phone.
ps - Why oh why does Picture People run 20 degrees hotter than the rest of the universe?