So, in case you missed it, I am getting MARRIED! haha, just kidding, I know that the press release was wide spread 🙂 But, what I have not shared too much about is that not only am I trading in Miss for Mrs. but I am also becoming a Step-mom! Dating is a funny thing. In your 20s you swear you would never go out with anyone divorced. Then in your early 30s you say that divorced is ok but definitely no way to kids. Dating after 35, particularly in the South? Forget trying to find either, ha! When John and I first met, he was newly divorced and had an adorable little three year old son. The three of us spent many weekends at the park or bounce house (as just friends) which was really my first introduction to life with kids. When we decided that would actually be a good fit for one another for the long haul, the whole kid thing was definitely a consideration. I have always wanted to be a mother but at 36 and single, it definitely didn’t seem like it was going to be in cards for me. Having spent time with John and his son, I could really see a future with them both! Since we have started dating the three of us have really increased our time together, including going on a “family” vacation to Maine. In that instance I learned that traveling with kids is called a trip, not a vacation! haha
Once we are married, the plan is for John to move into my house and then we will have his son there half the week. So while we still have about 9 months before that happens I have definitely started “nesting.” I first started with clearing out one of my closets for John. Well, I was semi-successful at this. Some of my clothes have already started creeping back in there 🙂 Oops! Next was making a room for Drake. While I love my super girly office decorated in pink and gold, it is not the most boy-friendly environment. I cleaned out the room, sold off the furniture and bought new bunk beds! Growing up I always wanted to have bunk beds so I am probably more excited than he is about getting them! The biggest change is that the room was also home to my notorious shoe collection. They say being a parent is about making sacrifices and in my world it really doesn’t get much bigger than this! I boxed up the out of season shoes and moved the rest into the hall closet (no room in my actual bedroom) and donated the rest. I know what you are thinking, I’m just like Mother Theresa! I hope one day these boys know the sacrifices I have made for them! j/k (kind of) It might seem silly to start doing all this now but I want to make the transition as best as possible. So now when they come over to hang out at my house Drake will have space that’s “his” and some toys here and feel comfortable.
Oh, and not only am I getting a new husband and a step-son, but I am also getting a second dog! Yes people, this house is getting FULL! Thank goodness Jackson is a little dog, because I am pretty sure I would go insane if he and Sully were the same size! Jackson has pseudo moved in already. It’s nice for him and Sully to have a buddy to hang with during the day, plus he can go in and out all day long and play in the fenced-in backyard at my house. I could do without their Wrestlemania antics at 3am but for the most part, it’s good for them to be together! We just need to get the sleeping arrangements figured out still.
Last week Drake turned 6! Along with several other celebrations, we did our “family” celebration with the three of us. John and I thought a lot about what we were going to do and I am really excited to share this special occasion with them. Plus, who doesn’t love birthdays?! For whatever reason, this boy loves monkeys and bananas so that was the theme of the party. I know a lot of the details were probably lost on Drake, but maybe one day he will look back on it and smile!
