Niranjana, Melissa and Andy

Yes, Niranjana is my daughter. No doubt.

Today, she had the choice of watching Little Einsteins (again!). Instead, she said, "Big football!" I took that to mean she wanted to watch some Super Bowl preview - much to Melissa's chagrin.

On ESPN was some ice skating. Mel hoped Niranjana might be interested in the young women in the pretty dresses. Not a chance: "Big football!" she wailed.

Several years ago on a vacation to Italy, Melissa and I got hooked on sparkling water, or agua con gas. When we got home, we drank San Pellegrino when we could find it in the stores. But that's pretty expensive, and Melissa ultimately switched us to generic "sparkling water" found in a blue can in most groceries. Most evenings, we will each drink a can of sparkling water. We continued this practice after Niranjana arrived.

Last week, Niranjana gave me a kiss on the cheek and declared I was "too fuzzy!" I replied, "Would you like me to shave my beard?" to which she enthusiastically replied, "Yes!"

I've had a beard off and on for the past 18 years - and mostly on for the last decade. Last time I shaved it off was four years or so, and that was part of my costume for a New Year's Eve party. So shaving it is a bit of a deal, I suppose.

Niranjana is four. This means she likes to pick her nose. And eat it.

It is pretty gross, and no amount of Mommy groaning, "Nooooooooooooooooo!" will discourage Niranjana from feasting on her boogers. In fact, it just seems to encourage her.

Today marks two milestones for our little family. First and foremost, it's Niranjana's fourth birthday. And four months ago today, we were getting on a plane in Chennai to bring her home.

I mentioned to friends at work that she is four today and joked that "the years have just flown by!"

I guess it is normal for me to observe my daughter and look for some kind of special talent that would make her extraordinary in some way. Just something that would get her into Princeton by, oh, age 14.

Niranjana does seem rather smart. She memorizes books by listening to us. At first, I thought that was something. Then I noticed Leif and Cate had the same abilities. Yes, all three are quite sharp, but I don't think they're Stanford material yet.

I grew up in Kitsap County and got to see the Olympic Mountains most days. I'm quite certain that, in my youth, I did not fully appreciate the natural beauty surrounding me.

But our daughter seems to.

Leading up to Sept. 13, I've averaged reading a book every 10 to 12 days for the past 20 years. Depending on how many Jean Auel or Tom Clancy novels I would dive into would determine exactly how many books I would get read annually, but it's always been between 28 and 36 per year.

That average has dropped to one every 30 days since Niranjana has arrived in our lives.

Some 24 hours ago, I wasn't so sure this was going to be a good Christmas. Niranjana still runs hot and cold on me. She'll push me off until she wants something, then try to manipulate me into giving her what she wants. She's pretty smart, but I am on to her.

Frustrating - and hurtful - is the fact that everyone seemingly gets more hugs from Niranjana than Daddy. I don't understand it, and I eventually run out of patience. Last night was one of those times. This also is my first Christmas without my father, and that has me feeling pretty blue.

Attachment issues stink.

The Polar Express is a beautiful book - and an equally wonderful film. Niranjana has enjoyed watching the movie for the past couple of weeks, and she did something the other night that was beyond adorable.