all things new

It all began with a little google search.

My husband and I were just starting to research getting a puppy

as a Christmas surprise.

I was going to put my name on a list for cocker spaniel rescues.

Among the many listings Thursday afternoon, I happened upon this picture.

And it was all over.

Though I didn't intend to set out looking for 

a cocker spaniel that so very much resembled our beloved Bella.

Something about this picture just grabbed me.

And her story.  

Five months old.

Left at the shelter for over three weeks.

And regardless of her age or cuteness, 

she was set to be put down due to lack of space.

Except a rescue agency scooped her up that very day

I happened upon my google search.

And when I got a return call, learning she was still available

I know puppies like this don't come around at shelters very often.

And I had this gut feeling.

She was meant for our family.

I apparently stink at keeping secrets.

Even my seven year old said, 

"Mom you have that smile on your face when you're hiding something."

And she described how my head sort of tilts and my lips sort of curl.

And how she knows it means I'm holding in a secret.

And then the others said, "Yea, you do.  What is it?"

And I was bursting inside.

I told them about the puppy.

And we unanimously decided to go meet her.

All the way to Culver City.

Regardless of unfinished homework,

or that Daddy was working late and couldn't talk or text.

I figured by the time we got there I'd surely get to talk to him.

So we all met her and loved on her.

And yet, we never were able to talk to my husband.

I couldn't commit to this big of a decision without his approval.

So we had to leave, letting the rescue agency know

that if he said yes, we'd be back in the morning.

I knew full well, we could miss the chance of bringing her home

if someone else came to get her first.

I texted them late that night that he said yes.

And when the kids woke, they asked, "What did Daddy say?  What did Daddy say?

When I told them he said yes, my daughters jumped and cheered, "It's a miracle."

You see, they've been praying every day for nearly two years for Daddy's heart

to be open again to having another dog.

When Bella died, it was hard on all of us.

She was our baby before babies.

And my husband said he needed two years before he'd be ready to replace her.

But we all knew it was time.

And the kids,  as surreal as it all felt in how quickly it happened,

their prayer was being answered.

So we trekked back clear across town.

Past the set up for carmaggedon, 

which added to the already heavy flow of morning traffic.

But it was ever so worth it, to add this new little lady to our family.

Since Friday morning, our days and nights have been filled with so much of this.

and this.

These,

and these.

With this sweetheart who has already chosen her favorite toy.

And is quite often tired out by our kids who just can't get enough.

And honestly, neither can I.

It sort of feels the way the grinch's heart kept growing.

This swell of love so quickly.

Neither of us would have thought it possible.

And though we never intended to get a puppy 

that is so remarkably similar to Bella.

There's something very cathartic and healing

in beginning again.

He truly does make all things new.

New, and yet different and special in its own way.

Oh and you might be wondering...

her name.

It's Piper.

Sweet.  Spunky.  So fitting.

Did I mention, we're in love.

So in love.