This post is dedicated to our first born child, Bella Pancetta Destello.
Babies
Bella has been such a good big sister to Finn. She tolerates all of the hair, ear, and tail pulling, getting blocks thrown at her, the long, slow, interrupted walks around the park. She’s also a really good nanny – Finn cries and she goes to comfort him, she has a million kisses for him when he wakes up in the morning, or comes home after a trip out of the house. She even gently plays tug-a-war with him.
Bella hearts Finn
She’s such a good little nanny, but she takes her responsibility for Finn to the extreme, and I don’t believe she trusts us as parents. I’ve seen her look at me as if I’m the worst parent ever when I do something like spin Finn around or flip him upside down. I feel her judging me when I encourage Finn to try new and scary things like going down the stairs on his butt. And the incredulous look she gives us when we let him cry it out (her eyes saying: How could you…). When we’re at the playground, she keeps a steady eye on him from her position at the stroller. She watches his every move, and occasionally barks to let us know that although on the side, she’s still watching.
Bella watching from the sidelines like the recess lady
Despite her judgement, disapproval, and right out distrust of my parenting skills, she is the best dog I’ve ever had. I feel even closer to her now as we both go into our middle age together – she’s turning 7 and I’ll be having the 19th annual celebration of my 21st birthday. Maybe I will buy a muscle car and the two of us can take road trip down Route 66 looking for trouble… if only she liked car rides…
This is so sweet it was making my eyes water a bit… a nice tribute to our first born. I love you and our kids!!!
good lord, you freaked me out. I raced to the end because I was worried something happened to her! Phew! I’m glad you are taking time out to acknowledge sweet Bella. We love her too.
This totally made me cry she totally is the best wonderfullest doggie!
She is so precious! I love her. ((hug)) Great post. P.S. I was also thinking what Katherine was….
Eek! Sorry! Bella is doing great, she is very well, and super bossy these days.
I loved this, but I got stuck at the part where you’re turning 39 + 1. We’re all entering our vintage years. Seriously fashion from the 70s is vintage?! I can feel myself turning into one of those blue haired ladies who doesn’t adapt to new technology. But alas, this post isn’t about me! It’s about your beautiful Bella. I agree, she’s the best ’cause she uses telepathy to let my boys know how you’re all doing and we get minute by minute updates from her. Psst, she’s got you scammed, she’s acting all judgmental in order to get more t-r-e-a-t-s (in case she’s reading my mind). She believes that the more judgmental you perceive her to be, the more you’ll try to buy her off. You dig?
Kelly, you might be right. Her stare is so serious, it might be “chiiiiiiickeeeeeen” and not “stuuuuuupiiiiiiid” which is what I tend think she’s saying. Maybe I’ll give her more treats and see if she lightens up!