The progression of becoming a Steph-Mom

Even though I love Gracie more than anything in this world, our relationship hasn't always been easy street.  When CJ and I first got together she was only 4 and was used to having her beloved and very caring Dad ALLL to herself.  And while we got along there were still challenging times.

Both Gracie and I are two very strong willed girls, and certainly have that in common.  We both like things the way we like them and although that combination can be great, it can also be challenging.  To her credit, I'm sure being a 4 year old and having your world changed and having another adult coming in to tell you what to do was not easy.

There would be times where my feelings would be hurt by of the things that she would say or do, but CJ would always remind me that she was only 5 and she is trying to find her way.  Now when I look back and reflect, he was so right.  In the moment its easy to say, what am I doing wrong? and I don't want to make her life harder, I want to make it easier. The more I thought about it I realized that life is hard these days to figure out at 35, far less at 5.  I spent a good deal of time working on my patience, and stood firm on trying to be the best steph-mom I could be...always reminding myself she is 5 and trying to figure life out herself.
 
The other night while making dinner together, CJ and I were talking about Gracie's day and he said to me "It's really amazing how far you and Gracie have come".  His comment really took me back for a minute, because now things are great.  Our relationship is very natural and is very strong.  As we talked about it I realized how right he was.  I'm proud of the hard work that both Gracie and I have put into our relationship and how it hasn't taken us much time to be great! She said to me this morning as I was getting her ready (in a rush as usual and frantically looking for socks)  "Stephanie??" and I said "yes".  silence.  I then said "yes sweetie, what is it we are in a hurry." and she looks at me and says "I really love you".  Those little words make any kind of struggle so worthwhile.