We’ve been in Newport for several days now and I’m struggling with the idea of going back to Moreno Valley. For starters, it’s going to reach a high of 108 there today.

So, WHY would I go back? I don’t know.

Especially with a kid who loves being outside as much as Ishu does.

It doesn’t make sense to go sit inside a small, 2-bedroom apartment all day when we can be here in Newport among family and playing out in the backyard and front yard. Where it’s nearly 30 degrees cooler.

The only hesitation I have is that Ankur has to work.

So, either he does a really long-ass, lengthy commute. Or we stay here without him.

I mean, it’s only for a little while longer. And then we’re off to Chicago where he’s stuck with us, no matter what.

So, yeah. We’ll probably stay here for a few more days. Why the heck not?

I love our morning walks here. We do about 3 miles roundtrip to Starbucks and back. And there’s a park along the way. Ishu has so much fun there. The thing he loves most – more than the swings and the slides and the play structures – is interacting with other kids.

It’s his favorite thing.

He’ll run up to them, pointing his little index finger out, saying, “Bebe! Bebe! Bebe!”

Yesterday, there was an 11-month old baby on the playground. Ishaan wanted to play with him so much. He started waddling toward him, saying, “Bebe, bebe!” just as an older man was walking by with his golden retriever.

The man paused to chat and let the babies pet his dog. And it was, quite possibly, the most adorable thing ever.

Ankur and I always say, “You know what’s cuter than a baby? A baby with a dog.”

And, yesterday, there were TWO babies with a dog so that was cuteness overload. The 11-month old was so fascinated with the pup. And Ishu was so fascinated with the 11-month old. The sweetest love triangle.

Anyway, I think we’re going to stay here for the day. And then figure out what the rest of the week looks like.

But, for now, we are headed to the playground in search of more “bebes” for Ishu to play with!