It has a name, Chase’s piano teacher, Mama and babies

I got the call yesterday about 8:30 a.m. that the dog was on her way home. Its name is Bella, which in both Italian and Spanish means “beautiful”. I am not sure if I agree with the title but Mama, Grandma, Grandpa and Victoria seem to think it fits. She does have a very laid back personality and, unlike Rosie, is not prone to bark at everything. (Like Mike said to Sully in Monsters Inc., “It has a name? You never name it because once you name it you get attached to it!”) I suppose its too late now.


Grandma and Grandpa are excited to have her. Mama got them pretty well outfitted for the adoption. Bella should do well with them since they are homebodies. It will give Grandma some of the attention she craves - so it should be mutually satisfying.

Grandma said yesterday when they came to the house to collect the dog – who was visiting Rosie – that she was going to make the perfect farm dog; didn’t I think so? “Well”, I answered, “It seems a shame to have to buy a two hundred thousand dollar farm for a free dog.” My most expensive pet yet; which will be easily surpassed if Mama ever talks me into getting a horse.

Chase really likes his piano teacher. I have not met her but Mama and Chase are really impressed. Yesterday Maggie asked to start taking lessons for the time she will be here. Maggie said she loved the way the piano teacher explained certain things to her. She asked if it would be a good thing to continue lessons while she was here. I told her that’s kind of a “Duh!” question.

The momentary excitement of having a new charge to labor over has temporarily soothed the ache of maintaining the mundane. Mama does not do well in the ordinary. Coasting along has never been her strong suit which is why we have always had little ones around us. The constant needs of the very young keep her mind stirred and her body in motion. Sitting still grows old for her very quickly. We are both like that.

She met a woman several weeks ago somewhere in town. The woman was very far along in her third pregnancy; obvious from the two little ones she had with her. As she and Mama talked she mentioned the need for help when she went back to work. Of course Mama offered her help and gave the lady her number. Nothing happened after that until they bumped into each other in the mall a week or so later. The young lady had lost Mama’s number and was thrilled to see her again.

Two days ago Mama got a call from the young mommy. She was in the hospital delivering her third little one. Mama and Victoria rushed right over. They met the newest little one and the daddy of the brood. They had a wonderful visit and the two older siblings loved Mama right away. Mama encouraged them to come to our church and mentioned that she was still available to watch the three children when needed.

We’ll see what happens now.