He Got All His Moves From Me!

Mee-Mell, Come!!

Thom and I have known for a while that we eventually wanted to add a dog to our family. Cayden is absolutely nuts for dogs and with me being home for the summer, we thought that the timing was finally right. Our search lasted a few weeks, but we finally found a Husky mix through Second Chance dog rescue. She had been living with a foster family that had a toddler for a few months, and it was her gentleness with kids that initially attracted me to her profile. The first time we met her Cayden pounced on her tail and she simply turned and pushed him off with her head. I knew right away that she was the right dog for us!

Now, naming the dog became turned into quite another ordeal. Her given name from the rescue was, Ice, but I knew that we weren't keeping it. We started to go through lists of things that were associated with white: Klondike, Snow, Leche, etc. Thom, being the foodie he is, came up with Bechamel. Although it took me a while to get my mind (and tongue) around it, I eventually came to love it too. So for the record it's pronounced: BAY-SHA-MELL. Or if you like a toddler's version better: MEE-MELL.

Cayden is totally in love with her and she's so amazingly tolerant of him. I think she loves him so much because she's almost always sure to get a free cherrio or goldfish from him. Cayden is a little dog whisperer in training and loves shouting his little commands at her. Meemell, come!!! Stay...stay...stay! He's even figured out the little kissing sounds for her attention.

And of course...what does Cayden love best about the new dogs? Her toys!

Nym-Nastics!

So this summer we thought we'd try something new and check out the toddler gymnastics class at the YMCA. We loved swimming lessons, but it's quite an ordeal when you have to get in the water with him. Gym class is great; show up in shorts, kick off your shoes and you're ready to go! Cayden loves the little obstacles courses they put together and is a natural on the balance beam!

After balance beams, comes parachute time with your 'big person'. (I'm assuming that this terminology comes from the wide range of parent-toddler combos they get in class) Parachute times consists of lots of singing (Thom's fave), running, jumping on the air bubbles, and running under the big mushroom clouds. It's so amazing to watch Cayden in this class, because he really tunes into the teacher and follows most of her cues. We've even caught him singing the "2 Little Monkey's" to himself at home. Our little baby is so big!

Hello, Good-bye July!

It seems hard to believe that we're already half way through summer! My heart aches at the thought of having to go back to school in September, but I'm trying my best to stay present and enjoy every little moment that comes my way with Cayden. We've been going on little outings most days, and Cayden is surely but slowly turning into my little So Cal water baby! On Saturday's we've been meeting up with Grandma and Grandpa Choo Choo and some of Thom's other family for a beach day at La Jolla Shores.

Initially, Cayden was taking after his Papa and not enjoying getting dirty in the sand. He played a little, but only while sitting in the comfort of his grandma's lap. After a few trips to the beach and not wanting to be left out with his cousins, he jumped right into the waves and had the best time swimming in the water. Now, I just have to hope he doesn't get too comfortable and walk off a sand bar!

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