Saturday Morning with Dad Take Two

Mom is out helping friends buy a house, which meant Anika was all mine this morning.  We started early, by reminiscing in bed about our fun night last night.

We made sure to whisper so we didn't wake up Mom

I told Anika about Target Field Plaza and all of the cool hall of fame statues she missed because she was trying to store up energy for the game.

We talked about her first look at the field (breathtaking) and first stroll around the concourse (very stimulating for a three-month old).

We talked about how fun it was for Anika to be snuggled up to Mom all night.  The Moby wrap worked wonders (and if anything she got warm).

In the end, Anika was sad the Twins lost and bummed not to have made it up on the big screen, but optimistic that once she doesn't have to be snuggled up to Mom all night, she'll get circled by Bert for sure.

Next it was off to the changing table for a diaper change, ritual neck cleaning, and new set of clothes (Anika insisted on wearing her Twins shirt to sleep last night).  The early morning is a great time for Anika.  She's very happy, usually very smiley, and full of energy.

Inspired by Joe Mauer's swing, Anika wanted to know what she could do to train for softball season.  I told her core muscles were pretty important, and we settled on some early morning leg lifts.  She's surprisingly good at this.

Before getting dressed, it was neck cleaning time.  As you can tell by the way she clamps her chin down to her chest, this is now a multiple-day event that Anika loathes.  But it's essential to keeping milk from growing in her neck folds (yes, it really does and it is disgusting).

Next, it's time to put clothes on, and I pick out what I think are some pretty snazzy pants--and they even fit.  Anika is happy with my unique selection.  But then I remember that just because I put my pants on first in the morning doesn't mean that works for Anika (onesies go underneath pants).

We start over, I learn my lesson about the timing of the onesie, and I decide I have nothing that fits that matches the snazzy pants anyway.

Next we accessorize, which is the most important part of the dress routine--make sure Anika looks like a girl.  Anika rejects the big gaudy flowers that Mom likes and picks the smallest and simplest pink bow (minimalism is her theme).  I think she's been reading Proverbs 31.

By 9 a.m., we have had our first of three morning spit-ups (hence the ritual neck cleaning).  At least the pattern on her shirt is sort of artsy.  The blob pattern Anika left on the floor . . . not so much.

Finally, after a lot of work, we settle in for some morning brain growing--reading Dr. Seuss's A B C's.  (Sadly, this picture is further confirmation that Anika may have my hair genes.)