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.

THE RUNNING ARMS OPEN WITH A SMILE GREETING

Is there any better?

I met Kristen, Tobin, and Allegra at Costco for lunch a couple days ago. When they saw me walking in behind them, Kristen turned around and told Allegra I was here. She squirmed. Kristen put her on the floor, and she nearly tripped over herself as she ran for me. He silky-fine hair blowing up and behind her, her arms wide in expectation of the daddy-hug to come. An crazed smile on her face. When she got to within a foot of me, she stopped, and just fell forward, knowing Daddy would snatch her up. (I'm glad she stopped close enough to me, so I didn't spoil her view of the world!) When I grabbed her, I got a full body hug from my tiny princess - one that she held for a glorious minute or two.

I was easily the most blessed guy in the entire Costco warehouse that day.

BEST AGE

I don't think any parent is ever a professional, regardless of the number of kids they've raised. But after 3 of my own, I'm pretty comfortable in saying that the 15 month old age is pretty much the best. Of their sub-two years at least. Allegra solidifies this stance for me, as she can only be described as an absolute pleasure right now. (Yes, I even felt that about the boys when they were this age!) Not a day has gone by as of late, that I worry I'll forget the what a joy they are with Allegra.

She's an angel amongst angels to begin with, but just to watch her is about as blissful as it could get. She smiles at everything, happy with her little world. As if her beaming smile wasn't enough, her tiny body wiggles with excitement and glee too. She's a fiend for Peekaboo, and I'm all too happy to comply. She explores everything, yet she's not to the stage of being a menace, so it's still cute and exciting to watch. And her gentle nature is just so sweet as she attempts to communicate her needs and desires (like dropping the remote control on our heads in the morning when she wants to watch Handy Manny).

Typically she doesn't go to sleep until sometime in the 9 o'clock hour, though it's not stressful when she's still awake. She giggles, and loves on us, and makes life perfect, regardless of the day.

I desperately want to remember these days. Her little toothy smile. The wispy, silken hair in her face. The pure love and contentment she has when she's got mommy and daddy all to herself. These are good days, of which I know there will be many more. Nonetheless, I hope they're among the ones that flash before my eyes when I'm old and my time's almost up.

LATE NIGHT CUDDLE BUG

Most nights, after the boys are in their room (I don't say asleep, because, let's just be honest here), Allegra will be in bed with Kristen and I while we watch some TV, or read, or whatever. This time of night is when she comes alive, as if she knows full well it's her personal time with mommy and daddy.

I don't have a more favorite time ever. She's giggly, and growly, and rollie-polie. I can get her giggling like no other time. She wants to stand and fall over, and roll over both of us. She will growl at us to get us to growl back, which goes on for 5 minutes at a time. And then as she's about ready for bed, she'll just settle down a bit and lay sweetly on each of us (back and forth), sucking her thumb, and usually stroking our arm or face. There's no sweeter moment, and I desperately hope to remember them for the rest of my life.

Oh, and then the best part? If you ask her is she's ready for her crib, to go to bed? She nods in the affirmative and grunts at us. So we take her up and lay her down without even a peep.