How My Dog and Daughter Became BFFs

I've been chatting with some fellow dog lovers recently and the majority of conversations end up with, "I can't believe how good Dub is with Calla!" It has been on my heart lately due to reading many posts about why people get rid of their family pet when a new baby comes. Not shaming anyone at all in this post! Hey... we all have our own battles to face. I just wanted to take a moment to shout out to my most favorite #DangGoodDog.

I must admit, I spent many many many prayers praying that Dub would adjust well when Baby Cain arrived. I really really really prayed when we were bringing a 4 pound baby home to our 70 pound... quite frankly.... out of control weimaraner. Prayer worked. It isn't always easy...  

I should take a moment to document the night we were sent to Augusta. See, we hadn't planned on being sent to Augusta which was two hours from home. We really thought we were just headed out for a quick doctor's appointment. That changed. Coach had to run home in an absolute panic to grab bags because I was already in the ambulance heading to Augusta. We had a super amazing friend that we knew Dub would let in the house to get him later. Well.... Dub was MAD! He was so mad he opened the fridge (Because yeah, he can so do that!) and ate literally everything in it! Shout out to the best friends that not only took care of our baby Dub but also cleaned the mess. 

but these two have become the two very best friends! (Plus, I really just wanted to share these precious moments between the two Cain kids!) 

For 5 years before Baby Cain joined the family... DogNamedDub was the baby! He was my favorite running partner, in every family picture, and always down for some naps! 

From time to time we did have to set some boundaries. We had to teach Dub to be gentle. I'll also admit I did let him kiss her. I mean... he's family! 

Eventually he learned that she was here to stay. He was fine as long as he was in the room with us. It helped he got a new chair out of the deal. 

Then this tiny baby started crawling, exploring, and becoming very fascinated with Dub! 

There were a few things I had to quickly and simply get over. Friends, get ready to be really upset with me... I am sure Dub and Calla have shared a few snacks in her life. No faster than I see her give the snack to him, she takes it back and takes a bite. Sorry. It is just a fact. It happens. I no longer worry about germs. We are family after all. 

Our neighborhood is now much safer with these two on watch. They both share the favorite spot in the house. Barking at cars and waiting on Daddy! 

Dub is always on watch when we are outside exploring. He never leaves her side. (Honest. It is insane how he is always near her!) 

He's part of the family. We simply wouldn't be the Cains without our DogNamedDub! 

He barks and it startles her. He runs and often knocks her down. He HATES when she grabs his paws.  She has gotten really really good at saying, "No! Dub!" when he is trying to steal her snacks. 

BUT.... the pup goes insane when he can't find her. They simply are Best Buds. 

I say all that to say this.... It isn't easy when you add a pup or a baby to the family. It does take work and lots and lots of patience. I promise... it is so worth it!  

This could be it's own post... 

If you are considering getting a Weimaraner, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do your research! They are absolutely beautiful dogs. They are precious puppies. THEY ARE CRAZY DOGS! Gah Dub has stressed me out to the MAX! He has to have exercise daily. Before we leave the house we have to "Duberize" (this is what our family calls putting anything and everything away before we leave). They could never be outside dogs. He rules the couch. He is happiest when he's in the middle of everyone. I have sleep trained my two year old that has never been in my bed ONCE.... however my Weim still gets up several times in the night and sleeps in the bed with us. I could go on for days, but bottom line.... he's pure perfection! 

PS: Why was it so hard to not post 7947 pictures in this post?! Crazy Dog Lady for sure! 

As always, 

Love love, 

C^2 

Children's Clothing

I don't think it's a secret that I am slightly obsessed with children's clothing. However, I am an even bigger fan of the traditional "little girl" look. I guess my style is to keep every little girl little for as long as possible. I simply adore a classic smock.

The only negative part of the smocked look: the cost. Sometimes I am blown away at the cost of children's clothing! I am constantly thinking I am in the wrong business. I am always looking for a good deal that doesn't break the bank, but I also want quality clothing.  Another thing that blows my mind is the amount of fraud out in our world today. If you're buying from online boutiques you really have to do your research and only buy from crystal clear businesses. I have a go to friend that I ask if they have ordered from there before I purchase.

So in hopes of helping another mama out, I bring you a 100% honest review! Let me introduce High Cotton Smocked.

I am a member of a Facebook group and saw a post of a precious outfit that I knew Calla needed for our many trips to the aquarium this summer. I messaged Kelly (to check this small business out) and she responded in a few minutes and was very friendly. Check check on my radar! I went ahead and ordered Calla's size. I received the most precious summer outfit in two days. (Check check check! I love some fast shipping!)

I messaged Kelly again and we started a small chat. Here is what she shared!

"We are just two Moms looking to get the cutest clothes for your little ones! Both of our names are Kelli/Kelly. We both have 4m old baby girls who are 7 days apart and both weighed 7lbs. Both of our husbands names are Michael...it is scary. We only met a year ago when we bought houses next door. Oh and we all have Ole Miss in common. We have become best friends! We always want our customer service to be the priority!"


Y'all, how sweet is she?! I'm just instantly in love with this small business! Nothing beats good southern hospitality. As if it doesn't get any better... they now offer the most precious shoes and their prices cannot be beat!

We had a trip to the lake with family planned and I knew a little fish outfit was pure perfection.

I love the quality of this outfit. The price was amazing, and Calla seemed to be pleased!

The easy part was getting Calla dressed. The hard part was getting her to pose! 

The Cain family is slightly obsessed with The Georgia Aquarium. Some people are Disney pros. Some people are beach trip pros. Well, the Cains are well on our way to becoming Atlanta pros. (By Atlanta I mean Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, and Atlanta Children's Museum.) 

This outfit is pure perfection for visiting our friend Trixie. 

I've already washed this outfit several times and the colors are still great and the cotton is not faded at all. Nothing drives me more crazy than wash and wear! 

You gotta be comfortable when doing all the shopping! 

Nothing better than an outfit comfortable enough to get your power walking on.... 

Make sure you like High Cotton Smocked on Facebook!  Tell them Calla sent you! 

As always... 

Love love, 

C^2 

What I Want to Teach My Daughter

On my second Mother's Day I needed a minute to reflect... 

I recently read one of my favorite blogs and she really got me. She wrote about what she wants to achieve as a mom. She decided to write three big goals. On my daily drive I have really thought about what I wanted to set as a goal for me as a mom. What do I really want to teach Calla?

Today it hit me. 

Tonight I prayed that I am able to teach Calla to respect others and pour love into those around her. It is as simple as that. I hope Calla grows to love life. I want her to love smiling and share a positive outlook to others. I hope she is a good friend. I want her to achieve her goals all while standing up for what she believes in. Pretty simple, right?

Now, how do I do this?! 

This goal (and blog post) is a simple reminder to me. If I want Calla to grow to be something, shouldn't I model those traits daily? Are we as parents displaying what we want from our children? I know I can clean up my act for sure! I want all of this from Callahan, shouldn't I want that from myself too? Whew.....

Being a mom is tough!

But so absolutely worth it!