Natalie Bell Photography Blog

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! After you have taken your last bite of dessert, savored your last piece of chocolate from the assorted box, and swept away the last rose petal, I hope that you go out and love with full abandon. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth the time, the risk and the commitment.

And, of course, I couldn’t end this post without a shout out to my lifetime Valentine, John, who wakes up every day ready to love me to pieces. I love you, sweet husband!

Besos,

Natalie

The countdown has begun. In a little less than three weeks John and I will be welcoming a furry bundle of pure joy, curiosity and love into our home. Yes, we are getting a puppy. But not just any puppy. We are getting a Havanese puppy.

Now if you’ve never heard of the Havanese, you are in for a real treat. Havanese love to be around people. They are curious, smart, eager to please and have the cutest little bounce when they walk. Considered part of the Bichon family, they are also known as the “Havana silk dog” and remain, to this day, the national dog of Cuba. They were a favorite among the Cuban aristocracy and were first brought to the U.S. during the time of the Cuban Revolution.

I was first introduced to the breed when I was fourteen. Our family decided, after many years of deliberation, that we were going to get a dog. So in true Natalie fashion, I started researching and gathering information. We knew we wanted a smaller dog, but it couldn’t be too delicate or prissy. We also needed a dog that was hypoallergenic and, hey, while we were being picky, it would also be great if it didn’t shed.After reading about a lot of different breeds, I stumbled upon the Havanese, and it just seemed like the perfect choice for our family. So in March of 1998 we welcomed Paco into our home. Paco is now thirteen, but he’s still as snuggly, sweet and perceptive as ever.

Now fourteen years later John and I are getting our own little guy. Our family is growing, and if he turns out to be anything like Paco, we are sure to be blessed beyond words.

Here is Paco waking up from his morning nap. Gotta love that face and the 85 1.2!!

Un abrazo,

Natalie