Good mornings

I've NEVER EVER been a morning person. I flatly enjoy sleep too much. But AnnahLilly sure is changing me.

There's nothing like seeing her wiggling around in her crib early in the morning -- by early, I mean around 8-ish -- with those eyes WIDE open.

Lately, she's been turning on the charm, giving me some precious good morning smiles. As if to say, "I know you're not a morning guy, Dad, but come on, I'm cute."

No worries, Sweetpea, I'd gladly give up some sleep to see you for even just a few minutes more.


This photo was taken before she went to sleep last night:

The sweetest moments

The ceiling fans, picture frames, mommy and daddy. These are a few of AnnahLilly's favorite things.

Nothing makes my heart melt more than watching AnnahLilly smile and gurgle at a ceiling fan. Every time she sees it, it's like she's found a long lost friend.

Our little wonder has turned into quite the charmer. I often pass an hour just watching her giggle and coo. I laugh when she laughs. Smile when she smiles. Coo when she coos. It's the most rewarding achievement of my life.

Graduated from the Executive Leadership Program. Check.

Attended Harvard. Check.

Promoted into management in my 20s. Check.

Bringing AnnahLilly into this world surpasses all of those in bringing me a sense of true accomplishment. She is the greatest thing I've ever done, and I can't wait to watch her surpass all of my achievements.

Our little girl is going to charm and conquer.

And I can't wait to watch every moment.

Bye-bye bassinet

Tuesday was a big day in the life of AnnahLilly. Daddy disassembled her bassinet, her very first bed. Time for it to go in the attic for if and when she gets a brother or sister.

First words! Well, sorta

OK, sure, they're not the official first words, but we heard 'em. Yesterday AnnahLilly said "la" and "gooey" -- as clear as day! Then today came the most distinctive "coo" to date.

The little things

The milestones are great and memorable, but its the myriad little things that make up the bulk of each day. Thanks to cameras, its easy to capture all of those tiny moments.

Case in point: AnnahLilly's sock came off perfectly and sat nicely on her car seat, just like our little one had placed it there. It's funny how the littlest of things are so cute!

To sleep we go

A late night feeding with mom.

The past two nights we've been transitioning AnnahLilly from a bassinet in our room to a crib in her room. Such a big move for a tiny girl.

Last night we wheeled her bassinet into her room and tonight she moved into her crib. She looks so small in that great big crib. Just like she once looked so small in her bassinet.

I can't say that she seems to have cared one way or another where she sleeps, but the transition has been tough on mom. I miss having her near me and being able to easily peek in on her whenever the urge strikes. She's so lovely and peaceful when she sleeps.

Our compromise has been to move into the guest room temporarily so that we're closer to her. Logically I know it makes no difference where we sleep since we have a monitor. But I like the idea of being near at hand.

So, another big life step accomplished for our little one. She's growing so fast. And, I have to admit it's nice to see a baby finally sleeping in that crib.

A Disney pro already

In line, contemplating her first ride: Spaceship Earth.

AnnahLilly is starting to hit her Disney groove.

We all knew that was coming, given that her parents are Disney annual passholders, aka Disney addicts.

Trip No. 1 was with her godparents Michael and Jackie, and godbrother Xander, July 5-6. We stayed overnight at Pop Century and spent the first day relaxing and having a nice lunch at Sanaa.

We decided to hit Disney's Hollywood Studios on July 6. Highlights of the day included the Playhouse Disney show, followed by a character lunch with the Playhouse Disney characters. The sky was overcast: perfect weather for AnnahLilly's first Disney outing.

Trip No. 2 was with Uncle Drew, Aunt Heather and Cousin Olivia. We arrived at EPCOT in the afternoon and stayed until the fireworks, which we tried to avoid. (Oh, AnnahLilly did NOT enjoy those big booming sounds!) Highlights of the day included her first ride: Spaceship Earth.