THE TRIPLE HUG

One of Allegra's recent things is to try to hug both Kristen and I at the same time.

It happens when one of us is holding her. She'll reach for the other as if she wants to go to them. But as soon as she gets her arm around the other's neck, she pulls them into her. The result in Kristen and I almost knocking heads, while Allegra smooches us at the same time.

I think it's safe to say, none of us mind the triple hug one bit.

IN AWE

I love Blane and Tobin like crazy. I like to think I'm sort of a man's man, and love having boys that I can rough-house with and share toys with. But there is just something about the way a daughter can wrap a daddy around her little finger without even trying.

When Allegra wakes up in the morning, she rolls over and looks at me, and just gives a smile that makes everything perfect in the world. I could just lay there and whisper to her and listen to her cooing and gurgling for hours.

Later when I get home from work, I get the little tongue-out smile and a whole body shake when she sees me. I can't see how it gets any better than that.

At this point, I'm already planning on how I'll finance the sports car she'll inevitably ask for when she turns 16. (note to self: hide this entry from her until she's 20...)

AVS FAN

For my birthday, we took the family to an Avalanche Hockey game. We were thinking about having someone watch Allegra so we could manage the boys a bit easier (we had 2 pair of seats in different spots...) but we scrapped it and just took her along. She did amazing! She sat still and happy the entire game!

I had her for the first period along with Blane, and she was the easier one to manage. She sat facing out, 'watching' the game the whole time without a single fuss. It was fantastic. When Kristen took her for the 2nd two periods she was good then as well. It was fun to bring her along, and not have her get startled when people cheered or got excited about the game. She's quickly becoming a seasoned sports fan - First the Rockies, now the Avalanche. Daddy's quite pleased.

ALLEGRA SITTING IN A TREE

My baby girl has begun to give kisses, and it's the most wonderful development yet. Truly, it's little more than an open gummy-mouthed drool on the recipient's cheek, but the kind that you refrain from wiping off for at least 10 seconds. The real news here is that it's clear when there's real intent on her part to give a kiss.

She gets a huge smile on her face, mouth-wide-open, and leans as much as she can toward you. You of course have to meet her half way (or more so she doesn't fall over) and place your cheek in her path, but it's just better than anything else you could do all day.

She's such a little sweetheart and I can't get enough of her - at least between the hours of 7am and 11pm, I mean, we have to be civilized and get our sleep! - when I'm home. Which speaking of, I've ben traveling a bit recently. When Kristen would put the phone to her ear to hear me talk, she - according to Kristen - would get all wide-eyed and looking around for Daddy. I really don't like leaving her or the rest of my family, mental note: avoid traveling as much as possible!

HER FIRST AND LAST MINI-SKIRT

Some friends from church (newly-weds without their own little ones yet) gave us one of the absolute cutest outfits I've seen. It was a nice little onesie with an itty-bitty denim mini skirt. Unbelieveably adorable!

So Allegra was decked-out in that outfit for Church today, and was just as cute as you could ever imagine. I was all smiles as I carried her around throughout the Church Block. Smiles because this was her first little skirt - and as long as I have a say, it'll also be her last!!!

So yeah, I have to admit that I'm getting into the fun of dressing our little girl up. She's so beautiful, and picking out the fun little shirts and dresses and hats and all that is just too much fun to pass up. If I'm enjoying it, I can only imagine the delight Kristen's finally experiencing with her little girl.

DADDY'S CALMING HAND

This little girl - let's call her Daisy...after my favorite show when I was a kid, The Dukes of Hazzard - is quite the little mover. According to Kristen, she's always moving, punching, kicking (all good things to practice, considering the brothers she's soon to meet) and generally driving Kristen slightly nuts.

So when Kristen puts my hand on her belly to feel the madness within, our little girl mysteriously calms down and stops all the commotion. Bad timing or a Daddy's touch? Let's go with the former, otherwise I may be committing myself to far more middle-of-the-night rocking sessions than I'm prepared for...

KICKING BUTT & TAKING NAMES

Ok, maybe just taking names. We're stumped. Everyday I ask Kristen what we're gonna call this little girl we're having - and yes, it is definitely a girl after confirming it at today's appointment - and we just can't come up with anything we like.

Everyone has been offering suggestions...So far none we're keen one. But if you've got ideas, leave them in the comments! If we choose the name you suggest, we'll give you dibs on first chance to babysit the little one!! Quite a deal I'd say.

For now, another name that's definitely in the running: Valerie Vita
I think I'd call her Valvita for short...

OVER HALF WAY THERE

Kristen often comments on how active this little girl is. Kicking and moving around, and hiccups like nobody's business. But She's been treating Kristen pretty well so far - though she insists she's stealing her beauty...I disagree.

Unlike with Blane and Tobin, the naming process is coming along haltingly. Which is to say, we can't come up with anything! Emails and phone calls between Kristen and I during the days result in nothing either of us think much of or agree upon. We've got about 4 months left, but it feels like we're unprepared. I guess we can always just name her using the name of the people in the room next to us, right...?

Kristen also determined that since the boys share a room, they'll need a little more space than they currently have, in order to accommodate 2 dressers and all their stuff. Since the room which has historically been the baby room is a few inches longer at one end, we're moving them in there. This way we can repaint that room for the boys, and let the pink-tide crash on the current boy's room. Should keep us plenty busy. Maisy Grace (get it, Mais-n-Grace???) will be here before we know it!