The Love of a Stepmom

     Everyone always says how hard it is to be a step-parent. And of course, they are right. But it is also absolutely wonderful! I truly love my two "stepchildren". I do not see them as being step-kids though, I see them as my children. I always felt that I love Jessica and Dylan as if they were my own. I sacrifice for them as if they are my own. I care about them deeply and I truly want what is best for them. The moment God showed me the need for those children to have a mom, I feel as though I jumped in willing to be used by the Lord, and I have never looked back.

     However, I was a little worried that when I actually gave birth to my own child that things would change. I felt that it could easily change for the worse, because of a new addition to the family and just the dynamic between Christian and them or them and me. But I also felt that maybe, just maybe, me having a baby will be beneficial to the relationship between us. I mean, I loved them the best I could, but I was constantly learning. I wondered if the birth of Sophia would help me be an even better mom to the kids! I hear all the time how strained relationships can be between the step-children and the new child or the parents, but my goal was and is to not allow that to happen!

     And now, since Sophia has been born, I think the Lord has truly blessed this family. I feel even more connected to Jessica and Dylan. It is as though I love them even more now. There are definitely still moments of frustration, but that is them being "teenagers" more than anything. :) They see Sophia as their sister, not their half-sister. I have 3 children, 1 whom I gave birth to. Our family is wonderful and I am truly thankful for the closeness that has come through the birth of Sophia. In addition to the dynamic between the kids and I being great, every time I see Christian with Sophia, I fall in love with him more and more.

     Our first family outing since Sophia has been born, other than church or the store, was to the Pumpkin Patch at EZ Orchards. It was so fun!! Christian had been up since 3 for work and still went with us! Dylan did not act "too cool" like I was worried he might. Jess was just as excited as I was about everything! :) Sophia just hung out, looked around, did not cry once, and totally passed out. We went to the petting zoo, picked out pumpkins and gourds (or "orgs" as Jess kept calling them LOL), ate yummy apple cider donuts, went in a corn maze, and laughed a lot! Pretty sure my cheeks were sore from all the laughing. It was so refreshing and fun to spend an afternoon with my family.

Obciously thrilled to be posing in this thing

So excited!!

All muddy and happy as can be!

I tried to get that large munchkin head in there with me

Long day for babygirl

Posing for more pictures and not complaining one bit

Adorable

My favorite one of those 3

Sophia's first little pumpkin

In the corn maze

I wanted to climb to the top but we felt that would not be a good idea

There's my pumpkin!!