Almost Step-Mom

Time is sneaking up on me.  If you ask Robert, and please don't, he will be able to tell you how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds before we are married.  As that time draws nearer, I'm reminded of one of the best parts of this marriage thing...I'm becoming a Step-Mom! 

Every time I hear Step-Mom I think of the movie.  That movie mashes buttons in my soul.  Now, more so, that I'm actually experiencing some of the exact same things it portrays.  Each character resonates with me, although I never thought I would be a Step-Mom.  I have even thanked and talked to my own Step-Mom, Tanda, letting her know how much I appreciate her and the role that she plays in my life.  I have also apologized for the things that I might have said or done because I was not always a nice Step Daughter.  Thank goodness I have a wonderful relationship with her now and she seems to only remember me as "good" (stop rolling your eyes!). 

There are so many times that I have felt left out of moments in time with friends and family because I was unable to grasp this entire parenting/living for someone else/responsibility/trying to do the right thing by your kid.  I totally get it now!  I'm not even really parenting...just driving slower, trying not to cuss, when I do cuss trying to use words that aren't too bad, being mindful of my actions as they might be copied, reminding Delaney that she shouldn't say/do the things I just did because that is naughty, bribing her not to tell her Dad how many times I cuss, and trying to figure out how my Mom was such an awesome Mom when faced with so many challenges.  One of which was raising me! 

I have the blessing and fond memories of holding Delaney at half a day old (she was so tiny, looked just like her Daddy and had the most perfect skin) and watching her grow into this amazing teenager.  I can't say that it has been easy, but I can say without a doubt, that it's the best thing that has happen to me in an extremely long time.  The love I have for Delaney only grows and I cherish the relationship we have.  Now, if I can just convince her a little bling bling is a GOOD thing...