Last month when I took a survey, I got over 450 responses (thank you!). I hesitated doing it at all but, ultimately, I absolutely loved reading your answers and was really glad I did it. These days, a lot of the time anyway, I hit publish and it’s just crickets. I miss the days when the commenting thread became a conversation–or, at the very least, a place for some feedback for the blogger. Even though commenting on blogs has all but died, you’re still reading, and I’m really, really grateful.
This doesn’t mean I don’t still worry about it, and usually my worry is more centered on, “But what are my readers thinking?” I know that I love them like my own, I know that I am fully committed to them, to our lives together. They know this too.
But do you?
And, as an aside, don’t most bloggers feature their kids less as they grow up? (And, if they don’t, shouldn’t they?)
I wonder if she’d have felt compelled to leave that comment were they all my biological children. I suspect she wouldn’t have. I’m really protective of us, of them. While all the kids require different things from me and I spend way more of my time with Parker and Anders, of course, I am here for each one of them. Where Nathaniel and Jordan call me “Bridget” (or usually just “Bridge”), William and Lindsey just call me “Mom.” With them in particular the word stepmom or step kid isn’t even part of our vocabulary. So you can imagine how I felt like I’d been punched in the gut when I read this comment.
Parenting has been so unique for me and there’s virtually no one who fully understands it. It’s one foot in front of the other, figuring it out as I go. Sometimes I’m really pissed at my kids (all of them!) and other times I’m madly in love with them (all of them!). I’m always questioning myself, “Is the way I’m disciplining William right now the way I’d also discipline Parker if he does the same thing in ten years? Will I be just as pissed at Anders for doing xyz one day as I am at Lindsey for doing xyz right now?” I do not have all the answers and I am in a constant state of self-evaluation. I married young, I’ve been a parent for almost nine years, and yet I’m a new(er) parent all at the same time. It’s confusing and strange and beautiful all at once.
So, while I fully understand that sitcom analogy I got in my survey, I don’t think there’s a way around it. Simply put, I’m not comfortable sharing a lot about my older kids. And so, a picture in which I’m professing my love for Anders does not take away from the love I have for any of my other kids. I know it doesn’t, they know it doesn’t. The love I have for each will change over time, I know it will. My love for Parker already has changed. Not lessened, but it’s not as hormonally charged, it’s not tinged with as much you’re-changing-before-my-very-eyes heartbreak. My love for all the kids has changed in the nine years I’ve been in their lives.
And so, I am going to continue as I have. I long ago discovered there was no pleasing everyone when I received a comment that I was exploiting my stepchildren (the reader’s words) by having them on the blog at all. There is no winning. So I’m bailing on that race.
But I do want each and every one of you to know that I am invested in our life, in each of my kids’ lives. While I’m far from perfect, day in and day out, I am here. They know it, I know it. I wish that commenter had known it too.
Bridget, you are one of my mom role models. I mean that. I admire what you're doing. Love what you said about being in a constant state of self-evaluation. I aspire to that. All of those kids are lucky to have you, and you are lucky to have them, and everybody knows it, and that is the good stuff right there. Keep on doing what you're doing. Love you.
People can be so mean!
You're doing a great job. I love reading about any part of your family you feel comfortable sharing 🙂
Really great to hear the feedback. I often struggle NOW with the question of children's privacy, specifically that, "Is what I'm posting now something that's going to be googled when Aaron is 16?" It's a tough call and we just have to do what we do.
Also, to the commenter who said you don't love your stepkids as much, that's just BS. Similar story to yours, my mom is also my stepmom (my biological mother died), and I never once feel like she loves me less, but its true she focused more on my sisters when they were young just because they were young, and that's what you do when kids are young.
I've never commented on a blog before (ever!) but I just want to say that I've been following along for quite a few years and I never for even an instant would think you didn't love all of your children. Keep doing you. It's working!
I know I'm your sister and all blah, blah, blah but I'm not sure I could ever walk in your shoes. You have chosen a blessed, difficult at times, but beautiful path. I admire you and the life you and Steve have created. I love all six of your kids and am pretty sure I'm their favorite aunt (ohhh Meghan and Erinn…I kid, I kid). And it's always a work-in-progress no matter what. Glad I'm on this journey with you.
You're a remarkable woman (I know! I've met you!). What a bizarre comment. Clearly she doesn't truly follow you on social media or the blog. Nor does she know you. She's an unhappy person. I'm so sorry you had to hear such drivel. Xo
Your blog oozes love for your whole family (and did pre-Parker and Anders as well). Teens deserve privacy and the right to make their own (hopefully good!) decisions about what of theirs is on the internet. I have always appreciated your honesty and transparency about mamahood being tough and beautiful- no matter what makes up your version of family. Keep up the good work!
i love your honesty, and i love the point that a few posted pictures is not a life. it's snippets. (things that i hard to remember when i'm like, WOW girl has it all put together and probably has zero struggles!) which is why your truth-telling is so refreshing.
oh bridget. this was great! wonderful! i've loved following along for the last five years and learning so much about you and your family. i look up to you so much! i'm very sad for that commenter that she doesn't seem to "know" you like i feel like i do. otherwise, she'd have never left that comment. you're a great person. truly, admirable.
Hi Bridget, I'm a long time reader, but I've only commented, maybe a handful of times. I would just say that 1) this person who left this comment is a soul sucker – don't listen! 2) You don't owe any of us an explanation for why you choose to post or not post certain topics/photos etc – those of us who have been reading here for years would agree that your writing is beautiful and consistent, two things that keep us coming back. You're honest and open about your relationship with your family in a way that is unique and admirable – since you're in a situation most of us cannot come close to understanding, it's truly a honor to be let into that portion of your life….in essence – keep doing what you're doing, you can't please everyone, but don't let that get you down. You're an inspiration to so many!
Hi Bridget, I've followed your blog for a couple years now and have loved every post. You have always balanced sharing and privacy so well! I've always been impressed with that. I'm sorry that we, your readers, don't comment more. I often wish I could sit down with you and hear more of your parenting journey, because we're discussing the possibility of adopting a teen (!!) and your insight is valuable to me. Cheers and happy (almost) weekend!
Why can't mean people just keep their thoughts to themselves? I just want to give you a hug!
I just want you to know that I'm sorry for what that commenter said. It just really sucks and I'm sorry it hurt you. Thanks for writing and for sharing your life. I love checking in every day.
You're awesome, Bridge. (Can I call you Bridge? Ha). You're beautiful and happily married and seem to have figured out how to actually love and care for your kids of all ages, biological and not. I'm not surprised to hear you received this mean-spirited comment, but I am sorry it reached you this deeply. I don't doubt you're always conscious of your role in all your kids' lives. I admire your thoughtfulness and your maternal instinct, however fresh or new—even I (a not-yet-Mom nor -wife many screens away) can feel it. Keep on keepin' on, lady.
I'm usually not a commenter but that doesn't mean I don't read every post! I also married young(ish) and my partner is 15 years older than me so I'm always interested in finding someone in somewhat similar circumstances. And we also live in MA (but western MA). Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you do have many supporters, even if they're not always vocal about it 🙂 And I can't wait for what's to come when you make your trip to Italy!!
I've been reader and not a commenter for the past couple of years. I think you are doing an awesome job both with the blog and what we see of your family life. There is no doubt in my mind that you love your children. All of them. I've always respected and admired your dedication to posting every day. You have your hands full and you have explained to your readers in an earlier post about your children's privacy. I quickly accepted it and kept reading. You even made me question whether I want my future children's birth and day-to-day posted on Facebook. When it comes to commenting, I feel like if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it. F them and keep doing what you're doing.
I constantly evaluate what I post on my blog and make sure I don't 'exploit' my children's privacy… so you're not the only one. Do what you think is best for your family. keep on keeping on! 🙂
~Sarah @ disisd
Gosh, I'm so sorry you experienced that kind of judgement and negativity! As a long time reader, I have never felt in any way that you were showing or coming off as loving one child over another, biological or step or otherwise. In fact, with the way you write about your family, I sometimes forget the small detail that the older ones are not your own. Your family is beautiful and inspiring and I have loved your genuine honesty with every aspect of your writing on this blog. Keep writing!
I think it's a shame you felt the need to write a post like this. I did like it anyway, though it feels pretty close to home. (I can't believe the evil stepmom is still a thing these days) I'm sad you had to read such a thing. Knowing better doesn't change the fact that it still hurts. I don't know you in person and whereas sometimes it feels so different for me because your blog and social media has become a part of my life for the last years and I can relate to many things you write and while reading it I feel very close to you (I hope that does not sound too creepy), I'm well aware of the fact that this is only one part of your journey through life. I already wrote it on instagram, but as I still like commenting on blogs, here I go again, you often put in wonderful words, what motherhood and parenting is about, I do really like you for that. And for me, having your blog in my life, helps me through my very own journey. Because you do point out the highs and lows so well and put in all in perspective, for that, you are a role model for me. And for what it's worth, I am pretty sure you love your kids, and I can't imagine why one would assume otherwise, just for the lack of pictures and anecdotes on a blog..
I have NEVER noticed you having a greater love for the children you birthed over your "step-children" – and even writing the words seems odd, since I feel you all have such a great bond, and that they love you as their mama, just as you love them as your own (because they are). The younger boys aren't in school yet, so naturally, we'll see more photos of them. You're doing fantastic as a mama & a blogger! Keep it up!
People can be so ridiculous, can't they? You're wonderful. I'm a long-time reader, and not a big commenter, but I just wanted to tell you how GREAT you are! F*** the haters. Hopefully they go to therapy someday and deal with the control issues they're obviously having in their own lives.
Hi Bridget. I am saddened for the fact that you had to take the time to justify your love for your children on today's blog post. My son recently turned 13 and won't let me take a pic of him for fear I may post it somewhere and I have to respect that. I grew up in a blended household and although not easy, we loved each other. We are brothers and sisters. As the survey said, keep doing what you are doing. Not many could or can do what you have. You are an awesome mom. We need to raise each other up and not tear each down, because this mom job is not easy. Best of luck to you and your family as you embark on your journey.
Bridget, I think I've been reading your blog since near the beginning, but I don't often comment. And by that I mean practically never. However, I think you're a kick ass mom. Even though blogs (and social media in general) are only a small glimpse into someone's life, I've always admired the relationship that you seem to have with your family. I hate that someone felt the need to make such a comment to you, but I think that those that really pay attention to your words and what you post and have followed for some time know that you have a deep love for your children – whether or not you gave birth to them! Keep on doing you, sister!
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. Some people just don't get blended families and they can't wrap their minds around the fact that there's plenty of love to go around for EVERYONE. Also, posting pictures(or not) of kids is no indication of love. I find you (and your writing) inspiring. You are an awesome person (and mom!), please don't let those meanies convince you otherwise!
{{{Hugs}}}
I loved reading this! I learned so much more about you and your heart and it is beautiful! You really cannot please everyone! I love the glimpses of your family on your blog and I love everything else you post about! You are beautiful and fun and bring so much light to the world. XOXO
Yeah people see snippets of our life, and think they have the whole story. This occurs in real life too (my dad and his wife are perfect examples of this – they see something, make an assumption, make a judgment, cause a big commotion, and don't find out until after the fact that they're entire argument was based on "false information" since their silly little minds decided to fill in all the blanks with their own version of a story that didn't really exist – SIGH). I have an older child (11) and she isn't featured much on my blog (hasn't been for awhile) because I try to respect her privacy. I DO force her to take pictures often (because I know she'll appreciate them later, no matter how begrudging she is now) but I don't even share the majority of them online.
I recently discovered a stalker, which is bad enough in and of itself, but this person was not JUST stalking me but mimicking nearly every aspect of my life. Then I come to find out that my dad's wife (the same one mentioned above) continues to frequent my blog, even after I had to block her on Facebook because she's such a horrid, interfering person. More and more every day, I become more and more paranoid about having so much of our lives "out there" and want to retreat a bit from it all. Maybe not fully, but maybe making the blog more about ME (MY personal goals, MY self-reflecting thoughts, how I'M doing in school, etc.) rather than about US (OUR photos, OUR adventures, etc.). I don't know where the happy medium is – but I do know that I don't, not even for one minute, let anyone else's opinion affect me. Just keep doing YOU, and don't worry about what those random commenters (who don't even really know you) think!
You're doing a great job with your kids! Hugs!!
I think this negative comment reflects in large part the (insane) culture of over-sharing in which we are living, and the fact that so many people seem to forget that EVERYTHING we put on the internet is there FOREVER and can significantly impact our lives for years to come. Employers, prospective employers, college admissions counselors, etc. etc. etc. are all searching the internet for public information about us. I think your exclusion of the details of your older children's lives is appropriate, and protective, and extremely loving.
I posted this comment for you a few years ago, but wanted to reiterate the original statement. I was the youngest child in a stepfamily and, like Lindsay, I was very young and had few memories of my mother.
When you fast forward 33 years and with three of my own children, I very much realise and appreciate exactly what my (step)mum did for me and my brothers. She could not possibly love us the way that she loved her own biological children… it's simply not possible. She loved us more. She loved us enough for her *and* for my biological mother.
So, the hardest job in the world isn't being a parent… it is actually being a step-parent. You have to love the kids as much as you love your own, all with the knowledge that there is not a biological connection. It's an active choice for the adult to love the child and for the child to reciprocate that love.
More power to you. 🙂
I used to love what blogging was before sponsors and all that jazz when people had conversations in the comments. it was like a bonus read!
but to the topic at hand. i've been following your blog since before you were pregnant with Parker. I don't think someone just stopping in would ever know two kids are "yours" and the rest are step kids at all. i think you walked that part of your life in the most sincere way possible. all of your kids will be proud to read what you wrote. You share tidbits, but I don't know everything about your kids, which is the way it should be. i applaud how you did things, and always assumed stories of the older bunch tapered off with age.
thanks for sharing your feelings on this one.
You already know that I just adore your sweet family and LOVE your honest blog, at least I hope you do! I think it's only fair and natural to slowly not share as much about the older kids as their lives are just that, theirs! Of course you love them but as they grow up and especially into adults it only makes sense to not share as much about them. Even though I don't know you in person and only know you from what you share, I think you are an amazing mom and one heck of a writer! I admire you for your honestly, always, and enjoy coming to this space daily!
nailed it.
you have a way of saying what i'm thinking. it's so hard to have a public blog nowadays. i actually just took mine to private because someone STOLE pictures of my son and were posting them as if he was their child.
the world is a scary place, i don't blame you for filtering what you put on there. regardless of your filtering, i never once thought that you didn't love each of your kids equally and with every bone of your body.
Keep doing what you're doing and, most important, keep doing what you and your family needs!
We're just luck you chose to share some of it with us.
(Hope I didn't publish this multiple times – google issues!)
I absolutely love your writing! You have such an ease with words and description that is so beautiful. Its like talking to a friend you've known for years. You need to write a book!! 🙂
Great post!
I'm so sorry to hear that you received such a negative comment! It's so hard to see a comment like that and not have it affect you. But, you know your truth, you know how much you love ALL of your children and that's what matters. People are going to make judgments no matter what, unfortunately… but it would be so much better if they kept it to themselves!
All of us have different ways of approaching things and you shouldn't let other people's opinions make you second guess yourself. I only know what I see on the blog, and know that there's so much more to you and your life, but from what I can see, you're an amazing mother. Don't let anyone ever tell you that you love your children any less because your blog doesn't equally share information about each of your children. You have the right to take creative liberties and to respect the privacy of your older children. 🙂
i am but a babe to this whole blogging world, but i want comments, and community, and discourse. it's not all about white walls, chevron, hard wood, and mason jars with me.
i hear you, B, i really do. your kids are your kids.
in the words of taylor swift, haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, but i'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, i shake it off.
jojojewel.wordpress.com
I am one of those readers that reads EVERY post (for the last 4-5 years) and rarely comments. I love your authenticity and voice. It's the crazy thing about the blog world, in that the relationship is one-sided often. Thank YOU for introducing me to your sister's skincare line and Leon Bridges. I love both.
I am shocked that someone would be so bold to say something so judgemental to a stranger. I think it's so wrong. I hate that there is so much hate and negativity on the internet. We should all be supporting each other! Great post.
i love your posts but especially love this one. This line, this line right here spoke to me and I think its a good reminder for any and every one on any kind of social media outlet: "We see some pictures, some smiles, some fancy shoes or an expensive trip, and we sort of connect these dots in our own head and, with a broad sweeping brush, think we've painted the whole picture. And somehow, a lot of us, are really certain that we got it right. It's not only irresponsible but I'd also argue that it's wrong. A blog is a narrative, but it's not the whole story. It's not a life."
You are such an inspiring mama and I cannot wait to read about your journey in Italy. xo.
PS. The Target posts are my fav. I thought target was made for the classy folk? 🙂
Very well said! I really enjoy your blog…your honesty and openness is very refreshing.
Great post! I agree, it's too bad commenting on blogs has all but died. So hello! I'm reading. And congratulations… for being a great mom to ALL your children.
It stuns me that people, still to this day, want to comment on blogs as if they are the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth. Blogs are a space to share, but they never tell the whole story. Who has time for that? Who would WANT to do that? I love reading your posts but fully understand that your life includes so many more layers and stories that are private to your family. Keep on keepin' on, Bridge. 🙂
I think this is my favorite post you've ever done. Beautifully written by a very LOVING Mother. ( :
We always remember the lyrics to sad songs more than those of happy ones, but we can try to change that! I feel like I'm having tea with a great friend daily when I read your blog… Thank you!
Oh, I love that!
Trouble Spot Nutrition Review – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trouble-spot-nutrition-review-pdf-free-download-meghan-g
Wonderful to be so impressed with your own flesh and blood — yet again! Thanks Bridget. One more time, tears as I read your blog!
That commenter clearly has their own issues, and a screw loose.
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
But don't mess with mister inbetween
yes yes yes! You rock!
Really REALLY adore your blog in all of it's real life stuff that it is. And that comment? Eh. I think people are able to recognize that what you present is a small piece of your real life. And though it's small it probably still makes you feel a little vulnerable. At least I feel that way. Cool people recognize that and applaud and thank you for sharing it with us. Lame people recognize that and use it for their advantage and to be mean…and to basically get a reaction. I get the older kid thing. And let's be honest…people would rather see pics of babies rather then teenagers. 🙂 Shoot even my two year old has been usurped a bit on social media by this 2 month old sister because hello? Cute tiny squishy baby!
Well said! Love your blog. 🙂 Can I just say "shake it off" about the mean comment? lol. Play the song, do the dance and have a blessed day.
I love your blog! And I think that comment was awful, mean, rude, etc! And she only said it because she could be anonymous! You're a great mom, wife, stepmother! Keep doing what you're doing and ignore the negativity!
Kate Fagan of ESPN recently wrote an article that addressed how social media is just a glimpse into someone's life. She challenged people to add to their instagram description "These are the highlights, not the whole story." I think that description is perfect. These images blog posts, etc. are a highlight you share with us (even though you dont have to! thank you!) they are not the whole story. So keep on doing what you're doing, we love it!
One of the last things you said really resonated with me:
"The love I have for each will change over time, I know it will. My love for Parker already has changed. Not lessened, but it's not as hormonally charged, it's not tinged with as much you're-changing-before-my-very-eyes heartbreak."
Yes. Yes! I often look at my 13 month old son and am just SO in love with him in that can't-get-enough way. And I don't necessarily feel that way any longer about my 4 year old daughter. It makes me sad to even think or type that, but it's true. And I appreciate you articulating what I have been feeling and wondering about. My love for her has changed (not lessened!), and yes, the baby loving is hormonal! It's just like a romantic relationship, where that initial hormonal flame lessons over time, but the love is still there, just different. Thank you for that.
I like your blog and all the various things you write about. I totally get why your older kids are not on here as much and think it's normal to share less as they grow. Keep doing what you're doing.
I read your blog fairly regularly. You and I are similar ONLY in that we're both mothers. Oh, and we're both married. I couldn't possibly expect you to understand my situation nor can I know all nuances of yours. It's ridiculous to even assume that I could know what goes on "behind the scenes" and am sad that anyone would make an assumption that they do. You seem to be a fun person, full of love, and just cool to be around. As all the cool kids are saying these days, haters gonna hate. Just keep being you – which seems to be why all of your family loves you!
I just like you, your honesty and candidness which is why I've kept coming back to your blog. Keep on keepin' on lady 🙂
What a great post. I think, to some extent, that we all face this in our lives, just by being active on instagram, facebook, twitter, etc. It's really not the whole picture. For what it's worth, I still love reading your blog (have read every post) and think your narrative is a beautiful and authentic one, which is why I keep coming back. 🙂
You. Are. Amazing. I feel lucky to know you even the tiniest bit through our email exchanges, and to have been inspired by you since day 1 when I set out to blog years ago. Even though you didn't know it! 😉 your babies (ALL of them) are lucky to have you. Keep on, mama bear. x
Sooo good. I'll admit, I'm one of those blog readers who don't always comment as often as I'd like, but I've always admired your ability to share your life so beautifully and honestly (and at the same time, too!). I do agree with the first reader (the sitcom analogy) because I do wonder about your older kids, BUT as someone who's somewhat close to their ages, I completely respect and agree with your take on blogging about your family. I'm not a mom, but have always wondered what my blog will be like when/if I have kids–and I think that like you, blog post content changes as life changes and people change, too. Your kids are lucky to have a mom who's so respectful and aware of their privacy! 🙂
Oh, Bridget. You handle things with so much grace. You acted and spoke far better than I did in a real life similar situation. You see, my husband is the stepfather to my oldest son (14 yrs.). My husband took over the father role when my son was just 3 years old and my husband the ripe age of 21. First of all, what my husband (and you!) do is not easy. And secondly, he is like you. He loves that child as if he were biological. He never claims to be a step dad unless he is specifically asked. To him, he is simply, Dad.
One day, when we were living in Utah, my neighbor stopped by to have girl chat. Somehow the conversation took a judgmental and religious turn and she made the statement that my husband would never love Nathan as much as his own and blah, blah, blah.
This lady had some nerve to come over to my house and pass judgements on something she knew nothing about, and I let her know it. I can't remember the exact words I said unless I flipped through my old journal, but I do remember kicking her out of my house with profanity to see her across the street back to her house.
It took a couple of stubborn days before she came over to apologize, but at least she did.
We are friends to this day, too!!!
Some people are just naive and until they see it for themselves, they won't be believers.
She now has step kids of her own…funny how the tables turn, huh?
Sorry for this long story. I hope it didn't bother you. I wanted to share it in hopes that you know that whatever this person said to you isn't true or right and that you're not alone in dealing with the hurtful comments that people say to one another, blog or in real life. So yes!! Keep doing what you're doing. You're obviously an inspiration to hundreds, if not thousands of people. 🙂
I love this post! I'm most definitely not a commenter but I have always loved your honest way of blogging and never miss a post. I have honestly always been so impressed with the balance you show when it comes to your children. I am 24 and married. My Mother passed not so long ago and I now have a Stepmother. I'm just understanding what the mixed emotions and awkwardness that you must have entered into when you married. It looks as if you have done such a beautiful job of loving and pulling everyone together. I pray my family will eventually find that place too.
I love this post! I'm most definitely not a commenter but I have always loved your honest way of blogging and never miss a post. I have honestly always been so impressed with the balance you show when it comes to your children. I am 24 and married. My Mother passed not so long ago and I now have a Stepmother. I'm just understanding what the mixed emotions and awkwardness that you must have entered into when you married. It looks as if you have done such a beautiful job of loving and pulling everyone together. I pray my family will eventually find that place too.
I think you are totally right in keeping older kids more off your blog. Cute pictures of toddlers walking: harmless. But when you are a teen, nothing you do is that harmless, you are becoming your own person and it's better not to have the internet looking over your shoulder as you do that! So, just want to say, GO GIRL!
As for the non-biological element, my brother is adopted, and people can be so dumb. He is my brother, and that's that. Your kids have two moms (or an equally important Bridge)–end of story. I'm sorry someone was so mean.
What an awful thing for someone to say. Obviously this person doesn't know what she is talking about because it's always been obvious that you love each and every one of your children. I have a stepdaughter (not married yet but I've been dubbed stepmommy for awhile now) and I love her to death and would do anything for her. I totally get it. Everyone's story is different. Some people don't realize what you go through as someone who gets into a relationship with a person who already has children. It's really hard but also really rewarding.
Erika
http://www.partofherlittleworld.blogspot.com
Hello, I have admired your blog for a long time. Although, I never comment it blows my mind how inconsiderate and rude some people can be, especially when they are not in your situation. My husband is 18 years older then me and has a daughter who is now 16 years old. I feel like when we have children I don't want anything to change the relationship with my step-daughter. I feel like I would love her just the same and would do anything for her. Thanks for sharing bits and pieces of your life with us, I enjoy reading your blog weekly.
Casandra
I just want to add my voice to all the readers who used to comment occasionally but now, as some of our initial honeymoon phase with blogs is fading, no longer do. In fact, as I'm the sort of person who tends to do things in fits and starts, I barely read any blogs either. But I DO continue to check in with your blog! Partially because of my sort of knows someone who knows someone situation, but mostly because I genuinely think your writing is great. (And I barely read adult fiction because most of the time I'm like blech, who published/edited this?!) In an effortless, meaningful, funny way. That's what I love about it. I don't have the life connections that other commenters here have… our lives are dissimilar in most ways, but I somehow feel like we're sort of…on the same team? While I'm at this, since I never comment, I remember you mentioning once that you had considered/had the ambition of writing something to be published one day. If one day ever comes, I'm reading that book! Thanks for all your hard work and care for your readers!
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Love your posts the beautiful lady. Will continue to visit your blogs.
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Just reading this now, over four months after you wrote it, but I think it's wonderful. I have five kids, the eldest is 16, and the youngest 6 months. I'm wrestling with how to write and share about my kids, because they are such a huge part of my life, while deeply desiring to protect them and their privacy. It's definitely tricky ground to walk, and it's a lot of figuring out as you go. I think your blog is wonderful. I can't imagine what would possess a person to say something so awful as that woman did, but you're doing a great job. Keep it up!