Man, she love's the Bouncer!

Here are some more great photos of Alyssa in her bouncer. She loves this thing so much and makes the best facial expressions while playing in it. She's always so happy and has a great time jumping around.

(The last pic is so funny)

Fits in the big girl stroller...almost...

We decided to take a stroll around our neighborhood today and for the first time we let Alyssa face forward in her stroller. Despite the fact that she couldn't quite see over her tray, she had a great time. She was sitting calmly, taking in all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, while Daniel and I panted up the hills. Stroller walks are something that we enjoy doing as a family on a regular basis. Alyssa seems to really love being outside...and Daniel and I get exercise!

"Hurry up Daddy and Mommy..."

Boo...the tray is in her way!

Enjoying our stroll

Breakfast with Chef Alyssa!

Ok, here's what happens when Alyssa and I are left alone to eat breakfast. I had my usual hard boiled egg and I let Alyssa pretty much feed herself. I figured she's old enough now to prepare her own food and eat independently, without the interference of any adult. So, she decided to make herself some lovely mushed-up banana and seemed to have gotten a little on her chin. All in all, daddy and Alyssa had a great morning together. Can't wait for next weeks menu...

(Enlarge the last photo to get a clearer picture of what she ate)

Look...no hands!!!

Alyssa has been sitting up unassisted for the last week. It was just a few weeks ago that we'd sit her up and she'd topple over. It's always so exciting when she reaches a new milestone and as proud parents, Daniel and I HAVE to document every little thing. It seems as if six months has just flown by, and our newborn baby has turned into a little girl with a personality of her own. She has a sweet disposition and is so curious about the world.
Sitting up with a toy and all!!

New Camera Gear

Here are some great photos of Traci and Alyssa...Traci is such a great Mom....Alyssa and I are both very lucky to have her by our side :)

With Alyssa growing so quickly each day, I decided to buy some more camera stuff to catch all these precious moments. This time it was a new flash for the camera. It adds a lot of fun to the photo process. Here are a some more pictures of Traci and Alyssa with my new flash. P.S. I made them pose for all these shots.

Almost Crawling (video)

Recently Alyssa has learned how to go on all fours but hasn't quite mastered the technique of crawling. She has the position down but not the coordination of her arms and legs. She always does a jerking motion forward but doesn't realize that her hands need to move first. She's also become very good friends with a crazy looking dog that sings. It seems as though Alyssa's falling on her face quite a bit lately trying to master this crawling thing. It's so exciting to see her learn new things everyday.

After the third face plant, she looks a bit stunned and we figured she had enough (look for Aurea the black cat in the background)

Lunch with Daddy's Office

Today, Traci and Alyssa joined the entire office for lunch. Since the office hit the monthly goal, Dr. Movassaghi and I decided to buy lunch for everyone to say thanks. We had Persian food..yummy!!! Alyssa didn't care for it too much, but mommy and daddy loved it.

Father's Day

This had to be the proudest moment I've ever had as a new parent. Celebrating my first Father's Day was something that I'll never forget. Traci and Alyssa went to a photo studio to have some pictures taken just for me for my first Father's Day. She looked so cute and innocent. As you can tell, I'm a very proud parent. They also made a plate for me with Alyssa's footprints. We were also able to spend time with our families on Saturday and Sunday where the women made food for all the Fathers. It was nice to finally be a part of the "club".

Alyssa's first professional pictures...it was very thoughtful of Traci


Alyssa chowing down at Auntie Kris's...she's mastered the spoon!

Just Another Lazy Day at the Sako House...

Traci bought some cool shades for Alyssa along with a stylin' hat. Alyssa decided to try them out in the backyard. She's a natural!

Alyssa and Mommy...Daddy's lucky to have the both of them...

Alyssa loves the jumper..at times, she can get really crazy in it. We hang it at the entrance to our bedroom. It has double doors so Alyssa can swing and move in all directions...

Playdate with Tamlyn & Kendall

Yesterday Traci, Tamlyn, Alyssa, and I went to visit Stacy and Kendall. Stacy is an old friend whom I've known since we were young. We used to play on the same basketball team and we were in the same girl scout troop. I hadn't seen her for the longest time~ maybe since high school. Her daughter Kendall is the sweetest, happiest baby ever. She has the most adorable smile that lights up her entire face and she is super ticklish.

Alyssa, Tamlyn, and Kendall had their very first playdate together. Kendall is 7 months, Alyssa is 5 1/2 months, and Tamlyn is 3 months. It was so fun watching them interact with one another. It was also interesting to see three different developmental stages. Tamlyn and Alyssa were on their tummies while Kendall was sitting up and crawling around. Before we know it, Alyssa and Tamlyn will be joining Kendall and it won't be as easy for the mommies to chat. :) Alyssa really enjoyed seeing her buddy Tamlyn again and meeting her new friend Kendall.


"Wow Kendall, how do you sit up like that?"

These keys are amazing!!

Auntie Traci and Alyssa

Baby Tamlyn....what a cutie!

Hide and Seek (VIDEO)

Here's a funny video clip of Alyssa playing hide and seek with Mommy. She's in her crib with socks on her hands so she doesn't scratch her face. She's pretty crazy in this video and it appears that she's smashing her face pretty hard, but she seems to be having a great time! She's getting so strong and we think she may start crawling soon....oh no....

Thank god for that "bumper"

Sea Dragon!!! (video)

Here's a cool video of a Sea Dragon we saw at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Alyssa really loved this amazing sea creature. We never even heard of one until today.

Aquarium of the Pacific

This Sunday, we decided to check out the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. We decided to get yearly passes because it's so close to home and it seems like an activity that Alyssa will appreciate all year long. The Aquarium has different exhibits throughout the place and some are really amazing!

Here is a massive 2 story tank...it's HUGE!

Alyssa checking out the Puffins...they kind of look like mini-penguins.

Alyssa was so amazed by all the fish...she was trying to grab them every time one would swim by...so cute!

Lazy Saturday at the Sako house...

This Saturday, Jeff and Mark finally got to meet Alyssa. It was nice to have them over and see her for the very first time.



After that we went to hang out at the park near our house. Alyssa got to ride the swing. Daddy kept trying to swing her too high. She's so small that we have to place blankets around her so she doesn't slide through the leg holes.....:)

Mommy and Alyssa...not a worry in the world!

Happy Times!!!

Playing with Baby Tamlyn

Last week I got to catch up with Trace and Bev and Alyssa got to play with her buddy Tamlyn. Nathan didn't get to go though because he was at school. I can't believe he's already 3 1/2 years old. I can remember when he was still around Alyssa's age. Time sure flies! Tamlyn is growing so quickly as well and she's already becoming interested in cartoons. She can almost hold her head up and she's only 10 weeks. We put Alyssa and Tamlyn side by side and they're almost the same size!

Our little girls are growing up too quickly!

Found her toes!

Traci and Baby Tamlyn

Alyssa: "Hey Tamlyn, look over here!"

Baby Push-ups!!!

Hangin' with the Kagimoto's

Last weekend Alyssa got the chance to see all the Kagimoto's and eat at a nice buffet. It's always nice to spend time with them.


great family pic...


Uncle Derek is a natural!

It's Gymboree Time!

Alyssa has started her first class...Gymboree! The class allows her to "interact" with other babies by singing songs and playing. The instructors sing songs with the babies and use different objects that the babies track. They also do lots of tummy time to strengthen their necks. I think the tummy time has definitely helped Alyssa. She's almost sitting up without support. It's unbelievable how fast she's growing up. Today Gymboree....before we know it, college! (USC...Go, Trojans!)

It's tummy time!

Group photo of the Gymboree moms (and dad)

Solid Food!!! (kind of...)

This week, Traci and I decided to let Alyssa try some rice cereal. She loved it and was actually grabbing the spoon and trying to scoop it herself. But since then, I think she's become bored with it and doesn't like it as much. So we're going to ease her into to it slowly so that she doesn't become traumatized by the entire "Solid Food" experience. But here are some great pictures of Alyssa and her very 1st solid meal!

Next week....Ribeye!!!

Alyssa and Mommy! Happy Times!


Alyssa digging in...getting kind of full...

Food Coma...Shouldn't of had that last bite:(