the forbidden fruit

We have a dog named Bella who had been the center of attention for YEARS. It's somewhat embarrassing how much we adore that little girl and literally obsess over everything she does, and yet we love it. While in High School we cuddled all the time, took pictures, played in the yard, etc. And even though each of us went off to school or on a mission, when we came back, it was like we never left. Bella was still family and a best friend.

Well...along came Kellan. Suddenly Bella had been put on the back burner and started to feel left out. She was shooed away when she came near the bundle of blanket we were always holding and she wasn't allowed in Mandy's room. Now, Bella still got lots of loves and cuddles, just not as much as before. Now that Kellan is older, he's been on the floor more and Bella had been slowly inching herself closer and closer. We would promptly shoo her away and have her go to another room or outside.

After a few weeks, Bella had her first lick and it hasn't been the same ever since. Seriously-every day it's like a new game for her to see how close she can get to lick his head or toes or even hands. I've been a little harsher with her b/c Kellan's new obsession with putting everything in his mouth and I don't want him to have dog germs!

Yesterday we were visiting with grandma and played with Bella together. I let Kellan pet Bella softly, and give her loves so he could get used to her. This obviously meant that they were now bff's, so while Kellan was in his johnny jumper minding his own business later that day, Bella realized that he was at her level and did a sneak attack. I just happened to round the corner to see Bella licking Kellan's lips and cheeks with glee and Kellan just as happy. As upset as I was, I was kinda happy because I knew that they would soon become best friends. Another joy of parenthood...with a dog in the mix.