When I first found out I was going to be a father I was pretty excited.

When I found out a few weeks ago that I was going to be a dad to a daughter, everything got a lot more real and the excitement level pretty much blew up by a factor of ten.

I can’t really explain it, but once you know the sex of your upcoming baby the whole thought of having a child changes a little bit. Mentally, the baby goes from being a ‘thing’ to being a ‘person’. And then all these feelings come out that you never knew you had.

I’ve always wanted a daughter and I’m excited that I got it right on the first try. I know most guys want sons, but not me. Not yet anyway. Who wants to wake up at 6am to go to soccer games? Not me, that’s who. But a 6pm ballet recital? I’m all over it.

Every day that goes by I get more and more excited to be a dad. Every kick I feel through Tammy’s belly and every new baby gizmo we register for gets us that much closer. Strollers and car seats are all modular now, snapping together like Tetris pieces or a big plastic transformer. And thanks to some neat federal regulations, all cars made after September 2002 already include a standardized system of frame-mounted hooks for installing car seats.

Having a pocket-sized Tammy that I can take with me wherever I go is also a nice bonus.

I have so many plans for this baby you don’t even know. I’m going to make her laugh so much it’s insane. My wacky antics will be unstoppable. I want her to grow up to be the next Tina Fey. I’ll teach her how to ride a bike and poop in a toilet. I’ll teach her how to be a good, caring, responsible person. I will hug her so much and so often that barf on my shoulder will practically be a term of endearment.

So yes, I would say I’m ready to be a dad.