Riley

Cerene and Riley...best friends forever.  :)

After Caida's diagnosis, Cerene wanted another little something to take care of, too.  Mom says it's her maternal instincts kicking in.  :)  Anyway, since they got her the day after Caida's visit to Riley Children's Hospital, this puppy is appropriately named Riley.  She's a golden retriever/catahoula mix.  She's GORGEOUS, and adorable, and merle, and so big for only being 7 weeks old!  We got to not only babysit, but puppysit last night--of course, Paul was most excited.  :)

Caida's getting used to Riley, too...

Although, we're definitely more appreciative of Obi.  I am not patient enough to handle a newborn pup--the whining, the lack of house training, the chewing/biting on everything, the tininess in our definitely-NOT-puppy-proof apartment...I had a hard time giving Caida the attention she wants/needs while still keeping an eye on the puppies.  (I guess it's a good thing I don't have kids?  If last night was any indication, I'm just going to go crazy...)  Not to mention Obi's total jealousy (and a little fear of the small puppy--Obi really needs to be socialized!) and need to stake her claim (aka pee on our carpet, which she NEVER does).  The two might not have totally hit it off this time around, but Riley's only getting bigger.  :)  There's always next time.

But isn't she the cutest?

To make matters even MORE exciting, our power went out late last night for no apparent reason.  There was no storm, no snow.  Most likely there was an accident somewhere with power lines, because I heard some police/fire sirens wailing down the road not long afterward.  But I don't know.  Caida wasn't too scared, though--just enough to sleep with me instead of on the blow-up bed, but otherwise she was fine.  We lit some candles and went to sleep.  I bet we sleep REALLY well tonight, though!

Emilie, don't be jealous, but...really, you would have died.  :)  She's too cute.  :)