Let The Nightmares Begin

For the past month or so, Cait has awoken me from my blissful slumber with horrific, blood curdling screams that could wake the dead. Following these screams are Alpha or Beta Dog's footsteps quickly thumping into her room and feeble attempts to shed consoling words that fall on deaf ears (literally since Cait is still screaming so loudly). Cait is always clearly afraid of whatever wakes her as she visibly shakes and sometimes even sweats profusely. Both Alpha and Beta Dogs have tried asking her what the dream is about at the time she awakes in the middle of the night, to which she only screams the only words they can understand in her exorcistic babble, "I don't know!!" And in the mornings, they ask her again if she remembers waking up in such a panic and she says sweetly, "I did?"

Last night, Cait had another one of these dreams. Once again, she was crying uncontrollably and seemed absolutely inconsolable as usual. Alpha Dog pranced into her room quickly and started to console her with hugs, kisses, and repeating the words, "It was just a dream," over and over again. She tried asking Cait what the dream was about, fully expecting to receive the usual lack of information Cait supplies. Then suddenly, through her sobs, I heard Cait utter seven very clear words.

"I...want (sniff)...you...to (sniff, sniff)...CHANGE...HIS...DIAPER!!!!!"

Quick on her feet, Alpha Dog told her she had already changed it, and Cait immediately calmed down and went back to sleep.

I have two thoughts about this event:

A) How sweet that Cait is so consumed with love for her little brother that she has nightmares about his messy pants, and

B) I thought my nightmares about chasing bunny rabbits who have absconded with my dog cookies were bad...

~ Yours Truly Baffled By The Preschool Mind

Not Only Does This Kid Sleep...

...but boy, he can eat, too! In the one week between his two weight check appointments with the pediatrician, he had put on one pound. Not all that impressive until you consider that this was an addition of nearly 15% of his body weight!

~ Yours Truly Impressed By Someone Who Can "Put It Away" Better Than A Pug

Post Script: With the addition of that one pound, Mathieu has now graduated from newborn to 0-3 month sized clothes!

It's Cool To Be A Girl

As a Big Sister, there is a lot of pressure to show your Little Brother how cool and fearless you are. Cait has done a fabulous job showing her Little Brother just how cool and fearless she is over the last few days, even if he is a little too young to notice and understand her actions (much less see farther than ten feet in front of his face). So far she has...

1) Swung on her swing set among the dangerous wildlife that lurk in our woods,
2) Put out a fire with a fireman's hose (and a little help from a big strong fireman),
3) Kayaked fearlessly on one of the many raging Minnesota lakes,
4) Leaped into the depths of a ten-foot deep swimming pool,
5) Taken on (and completed) the challenge of swimming the entire length of a 25-meter pool, without the assistance of a swim instructor to guide her,6) Fought off the pain of a (possibly?) broken pinky toe (achieved when falling carelessly from a bar stool - don't ask what she was doing on a bar stool as that's a whole 'nother blog entry),
7) Hung out with the Big Girls, the neighborhood clan of pre-teen sensations who live nearby,
8) Effectively played T-ball fully decked out in princess gear (thus negating any belief that she is too much of a tomboy or too much of a princess but rather just 'perfectly normal'),

9) And single handedly held back a roaring beast (myself) from lunging at passers-by who dare cross in front of our property while still striking a super cool, very nonchalant pose.
It's so exhausting trying to keep up with one's own incredible coolness.
~ Yours Truly Quite Impressed by such a Cool Chick

Mathieu Updates: First Days at Home

I can't really say there is all that much to report on Little Dude in his new digs on the home front. I think this little guy sleeps more than me! And let me tell you, I have been lacking on sleep these days. I think I only got 18 hours yesterday instead of my usual 22. Sheesh! I'm pooped...

Since I'm awake more than usual, I have decided to occupy my time taking more photos of Mathieu's daily activities. He sleeps...
...and eats...
...he snuggles with Big Sister, Cait, and Alpha Dog...
...sleeps some more (quite comfortably it seems, with mouth agape...
Once in a while, he awakens to check out the world, albeit briefly...
...but then he returns to blissful slumber once again.
He sleeps...
...and, yep, he sleeps.
Occasionally, Alpha Dog wakes him for things he is not at all interested in doing. He occasionally gets a bath, which he adores about as much as I do (pugs hate baths). We have noticed his hair has a mind of its own as he sports an au natural post-bath time "punk" hair-do.
Here he is quite unhappily "standing" next to Cait to show their difference in size (I feel for ya Little Guy as I have been forced to endure such torture many times over the past 4 1/2 years with Cait). We all know Cait's petite stature has earned her the title Munchkin, but here she looks downright HUGE compared to her little brother!
And now it is time I slept a little more. Pleasant dreams to all.

~ Yours Truly Unrested

Welcome Baby! Mathieu Thomas 6.25.09

What's that you say? A new friend has arrived??? Alpha Dog kept saying she was thinking hard about getting a new friend for me when my beloved Jake passed. Oh boy, oh joy! I love new friends! And I have to admit I was getting a little lonely being the only four-legged member of our pack!

What's this????
Awww, cute, but man...not another one! Yes, we have a new addition to the family. Little Mathieu Thomas, aka Little Dude, named after one of my favorite people, Grandpa Tom, was born on Thursday, 25 June 2009, at 2:45pm. He was 19" and 6lbs 15oz. Here is his first picture. A little yucky looking but still kinda cute!
The happy family...notice I'm NOT in this photo. At this point, I wasn't too happy about Alpha Dog's new choice quite yet.
He doesn't do much but eat, sleep, and make a few cries now and then. I have to say, he's actually quite pleasant to be around.
Although the one who is most enamored by Mathieu's arrival is Cait. She absolutely loves her new little brother!
She is being a very good helper to Alpha Dog. She gets diapers, wipes, water, blankets, food,...anything Alpha Dog needs once she is incapacitated with caring for Mathieu.
Alpha Dog feels very lucky that Cait is so willing to help out rather than feeling left out by the new arrival of someone who demands so much attention. I cannot say I feel the same, but Alpha Dog is trying to keep me happy.
I think she likes holding her little brother.
Clearly, Mathieu is content in her arms as well.
The Eager Beaver pretending to hold her new brother while waiting to see Alpha Dog and Little Dude/Mathieu at the hospital. She stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
First bottle feeding.
Alpha Dog, Cait, and Mathieu.
A very happy Alpha Dog - with new little boy and a (relatively) flat belly again!
Beta Dog, Cait, and Mathieu.
Big Sis - Little Bro.
Grandpa Tom and his new namesake/grandson.Grandma Jane and new grandson.
Bubbe, Cait, and Mathieu.
And a very content Little Dude.
Now, I've got a new task on my plate. I must figure out a new title to my blog, as it will no longer be just about My Snoopy Girl. Any suggestions from my readers?

~ Yours Truly Racking My Creative Brain For New Titles

T-Ball Sensation

It's that time again when Alpha Dog asks Cait in which activity she would like to participate over the summer. This year, Cait chose T-ball. So Alpha Dog dutifully enrolled her in her first T-ball league. Cait has been very excited to start, and today was her first day!

She patiently waited her turn at bat.
Patiently...
Patiently...it's tough to show in a photo, but here she began to occupy her impatience with a little dancing. I'm sure it was accompanied by some singing as well.
And a little more dancing.
Then she saw Alpha Dog watching from the base line. She was thrilled to have an audience.
Time to bat! Having had a little previous T-ball experience from nearly two years ago, Cait was able to show her skills. Here she is with a proper hold of the bat, getting ready to swing...
...and she knocks it out of the park. Well, OK, out of the boundary set up by the instructor in the gym anyways.
She even tried swinging left-handed, just to see if it was easier.
There was a little confusion as to how many players can be on a base at one time, but the instructor let it slide (pardon the pun).
The class was overwhelmingly filled with boys, but Cait proved that she was able to hold her own. But alas!, girls will be girls. After all, isn't this what all ball players do in the dug out?
~ Yours Truly Still Impressed by my Baseball Babe!

Animal Antics

Concluding a day of running around the zoo with best friend on a clear and sunny 75 degree day (that's downright hot to a true Minnesotan!) with a quick run through the sprinklers. Finally! For once Alpha Dog was prepared and brought Munchkin's swim suit to the zoo! Cait and her good friend, Ella, had so much fun together that...
...they had to dry off and rest in the sun for a moment. Ella's younger brother joined in, even though he had no idea what the girls were doing.
Needless to say, the girls got baths after they got home. But they sure had fun in the meantime!
~ Yours Truly Loving This Summertime Fun

Graduation Number Two

Last year was Cait's first time to graduate from a class year. This year is her second. We finished out three classes this year: Bear Cubs, Spanish Preschool, and her last year of ECFE. It has been amazing how fast the year flew past and how much we have to look forward to with summertime activities and preschool next year.

Her first graduation was from ECFE. Here she is with Alpha Dog...
And here she is holding her diploma.
Her second graduation was from the Bear Cubs class. Not as momentous since next week she will begin a summer program with many of the kids in her Bear Cubs class and even see her Bear Cubs teachers on the playground throughout the summer. One of her favorite teachers is Tami.
Her final graduation was from Spanish preschool and probably the saddest for her to leave since she loves Spanish preschool SO much. We went to a fiesta that included a series of Spanish songs sung by all the kids in her class.

The teachers continually had to prompt the kids to sing louder as most of them shyly mumbled their way through the songs. Everyone, that is, except Cait. Her voice could be heard so loudly and clearly over everyone else that it invoked a few giggles among those in the audience. And she was very animated while she sang. I think and hope she will continue to be a very confident performer in front of large groups.



One of her best friends, Ella, who will be in her Spanish preschool class next year. No, it's not a camera illusion. This girl is about one full head taller than my Petite Cait.
Eating chips and salsa post-performance.
Her favorite teachers, Melissa and Lacey, both of whom she'll see again next year at Spanish preschool.
Included in her final packet from Spanish preschool was series of answers she had given about what she knows about Alpha and Beta Dogs. Some of Cait's answers (shown below in red) were quite amusing.

1. My mom is 40 years old and 10 feet tall. My dad is 26 years old and 6 or 5 feet tall.
2. My mom is as beautiful as my hair. My dad is as handsome as a pretty flower.
3. My mom's favorite color is green. My dad's favorite color is all the colors except pink.
4. Sometimes my mom calls me Munchkin. Sometimes my dad calls me Little Squirt but I'm a princess.
5. One of my mom's jobs is reading books to me in the middle of the night. One of my dad's jobs is working at home.
   
6. I think my mom likes to spend her time sleeping when she's so tired. I think my dad likes to spend his time drinking milk. (Beta Dog is glad she said 'milk' and not something embarrassing like 'beer')
   
7. My mom is really good at winning Candyland. My dad is really good at playing Uno.

And now we embark on a summer of new fun with old friends and new activities while meeting new friends.

~ Yours Truly Enjoying the Transition...But I can't believe my Little Girl is growing up SO fast!

Preschool Humor

This morning, Cait tried her hand at a little humor.

C: "Hey, Mommy! Go look in the fridge!"
AD (who was busy making breakfast): "Why? What did you put in there?"
C (giggling): "I put my milk cup in there...and it's empty!"
AD (giggling in response): "Is that preschool humor?"
C: "Yeah! I'm a Little Meteor!" (I think she meant comedian.)

~ Yours Truly Wonder Where She's Heard of a Comedian

Fabulous Visitors Leave Us Missing Jake!

Bubbe and Popa were in town this weekend (Beta Dog's parents) for a visit. We all (yes, me included) had a great time with them and miss them already. But I have one slight beef: Popa bought Cait a new stuffed toy that reminds me too much of someone dear to my heart - I'll let you decide based on the pictures below. I'm not the only one, either. As the new toy lay in our sitting room, Alpha Dog walked by and caught the words "Hey, Stinky Butt!" (the very appropriate nickname he had earned, for those of you who did not have the privilege of meeting or smelling him in person) spilling from her mouth in her typical greeting to him. Yes, I implore you to believe me that the resemblance is THAT uncanny! But, alas! I'll let you, my loyal readers, judge for yourselves.
Proportionally the same size and stature, long tail, huge head, long lanky body. The only thing missing is a little fragrance to fill the room.
~ Yours Still Truly Missing My Best Buddy

An Indoor Workout

All I heard was, "Mommy, look at me!!!" I looked up and saw this.

Down...
Back...
Down again (look at that running form!)...
Back again...
Yes, those are her running shoes and birthday suit she's wearing.
~ Yours Truly Baffled

Swim Update

Only one more swimming class to go until Cait starts swimming at her preschool Summer Program. I am SO excited. Not because I am a big fan of the water - actually I have no idea why two-legged dogs enjoy swimming at all - most of us four-legged dogs can't even stand a bath much less a few hours immersed in water. But if my Little Girl is happy, then I can only be happy for and with her.

Over the last 12 weeks of classes, she has progressed from sinking like a rock in water to keeping her tummy big and legs and arms out to remain afloat. She has gone from floating on her back with the instructor's hand holding her up to floating all by herself. She began classes abhorring even a trickle of water running down her face to smiling and giggling when the instructor dumps an entire cup over her head. But most importantly, she has learned how to propel herself through the water short distances, sans flotation devices or instructor contact, one of the most crucially important things for a Little Tyke to learn early in life.

A proof-in-the-pudding photo for you to enjoy.
~ Yours Truly Proud of My Little Swimmer

Ahhh! It Was Just Like Old Times!

The day I've been dreaming of arrived yesterday! It was just me and Alpha Dog! No Beta Dog, no Jake, and no Munchkin around to distract Alpha Dog's attention from me! It was just like old times when I was a puppy! And boy! was I a pampered pooch, receiving frozen peas in my dinner dish, carrots and salmon bits as treats, and lots and lots of petting and tummy scrubbing. But alas!, for all good things one must pay a heavy price.

Last night, Alpha Dog dropped Cait off at Grandma and Grandpa's house for her first sleepover. Cait was remarkably happy about watching Alpha Dog and me leave, which kind of astonished us both. So we returned home and woke early this morning (too early for my tastes) to a very pleasant email from Grandpa.

"We drew KiKi until about 8:30 PM or so, brushed/flossed, read stories, and all that. No problems. It's a little after 6 AM and she's still 'out'. The closet/bedroom is a comforting place, I guess.

"Oh yeah, she learned how to 'skip' rocks across the pond. And she knows how to 'pull my finger'. Life is good."

Indeed, I thought life was pretty good as well. It turns out Alpha Dog had other plans in store for me this morning. Instead of more pampering and treats, she brought me to the vet for a tooth cleaning. I am quite irritated with her right now. But oddly enough, my mouth feels so fresh and clean. Perhaps this is the meaning of the word 'effervescence', which I've never quite understood until now?

~ Yours Truly Irritated, But Loving My Smooth Teeth and the Fresh, Clean, Tingling Sensation in My Mouth!

Preschool Update

Spanish preschool update: Less than one month of classes left until Summer Break!

There is still lots of Spanish to learn, but Cait has her numbers, letters, colors, animals, weather, and a few other items down pat!
There are still field trips to be had, including one to the Bell Museum to see lots of different animals, reptiles, and such. Munchkin was even brave enough to touch a real, live snake!
Lots of dead, stuffed animals to touch, too. Of course, most of these feel like toys or pets so no one was scared to touch these.
It's fascinating to see what other animals eat. Wood? What the heck is this guy thinking? Hasn't he ever heard of frozen peas and freshly peeled carrots (my personal favorites)?
Second from the left, she and her friends were very attentive listeners as the museum curator spoke about various wildlife.
And, of course, there are lots of outdoor playground opportunities now that the weather is getting warmer. Don't let the jacket fool you. I will never understand why kids wear jackets and warm clothes when it's above 65 degrees! That's downright hot weather to a panting black pug in a fur coat he can never remove!
Lots of play time with Spanish preschool friends.
And lots of pretend time with play foods.
Now, I patiently await notice of what on earth Alpha Dog has planned for us once school is over for the summer!

~ Yours Truly Thankful for the Cessation of Snow and the Approach of Summer

Everyone Wants To Be Just Like Alpha Dog

When Alpha Dog leaves the house, she never leaves without her essentials: Wallet, cell phone , and chapstick. She came downstairs this morning to find Cait had placed her own essentials, wallet, cell phone, and chapstick, on the counter next to hers (most of which were pink, of course).
Later on, Alpha Dog found Cait laying on the couch with something stuffed in her shirt.
When she asked Cait what it was, Cait replied, "I have a baby in my tummy!" Ok, maybe not a 'baby' but a stuffed Pileated Woodpecker is proportionally correct and does the trick.
~ Yours Truly Amused

Play Hard...Sleep Harder

Hey, we all have our personal comforts, right?
Yes, she's zonked out...and she woke up just fine sans aches, pains, or other disjointed issues. I have not even the slightest clue as to what she was doing to wind up asleep in this position.

~ Yours Truly Baffled

Who's Your Alpha Dog?

Did you know...In the Wolf Kingdom, if an Alpha Dog disappears too long from the pack, he or she loses their status as Alpha and is quickly replaced by another member of the pack.

Hey, Beta Dog. When you go out of town for work and then waltz back here whenever you please, who do YOU think rules this roost?

~ Yours Truly Still Struggling to Gain Alpha Dog Status (and being out-shined by a pint-sized preschooler)

Happy Birthday...Happy Earth Day

It was probably a taboo thing to do in the Environmentalist World, but Alpha Dog, Cait, and Great-Grandma Janet decided to celebrate Earth Day by driving 180 miles round trip in a their most gas-guzzling vehicle to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota, so Cait could see a real live eagle up close and personally.

My bird-loving Cait was VERY excited about this trip, but I don't think she really understood what Alpha Dog meant when she said "up close" and "personal". She agreed to have her picture taken next to one, but was a little nervous about it. After all, the bird was nearly as large as she is!
On this particular day, the Center celebrated all of the eagles' birthdays since their exact dates of birth aren't known and it was the typical hatching date for eagles in this area of Minnesota. The Center has 3 other eagles: two Balds and one Golden. This particular Bald is named Harriet.
Why is Harriet important to this blog entry?
Because it's her face that is on all the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" license plates! They apparently combed the top hairs on her head before taking the photo. But the Center swears it's her face.
Here is the Golden Eagle.
We got to see him eat fresh venison. It made my mouth water, but I didn't dare fight him for it since he is probably twice my size with an incredibly sharp beak and a set of talons that would make my knife-like toenails seem about as sharp as a banana.
After downing his lunch, I think he caught sight of me in the audience. His wings began to open up wide as if he had some desire to fly around the room after something.
Bigger...
Bigger...
And SUPER big!
At this point, I shrieked like a little girl and took off down the hall. Alpha Dog chased me down and told me that the Golden was tied to the man standing next to him. And besides, all of the eagles at this center can't fly, which is why they live at the center and not out in the wild. Gee, NOW she tells me.

What did I learn from this trip? Even though they appear the size of dots, not all birds in the sky are the size of a tennis ball. I think I'm afraid to hang out on the deck by myself now.

~ Yours Truly Freaked Out By Birds Now

Little Reader

Cait tells her favorite story to you, my loyal readers.


~ Yours Truly Riveted

Harlem Globetrotters

We went to the Harlem Globetrotters yesterday afternoon at the Target Center. Neither Alpha nor Beta Dogs have been to one of their shows before so it was a first for everyone. I swear Little Girl has more experience at the age of 4 than either of them have at their ripe old age of...eh hem, well, older people.

As usual, Cait enjoyed the typical stadium fare - this time it was cotton candy. She looked like a little old man with a straggly white beard.And after getting her very own globetrotting ball (personally signed by one of the globetrotters himself just for her - she had her picture taken with her but Alpha Dog forgot to save it - ack!), she slept like a baby in the car.
After a brief rest at home, she showed off her skills with the ball, truly inspired by the globetrotters fancy moves on the court.



~ Yours Truly Trotted