the modern woman's divorce guide

I woke up this morning after a crazy dream and realized my conscious self and not so conscious self are in-sync about my soon-to-be stepdaughters. I’ve never had a burning desire for children, so when I fell in love with a man who already had two daughters, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I got to skip pregnancy, diapers, the terrible twos, and everything that happens before a child turns 7. On the other hand, I had no training, no maternal bond, and I missed all of the good things that happen before a child turns 7. Irrespective, I jumped in with both feet. I encouraged my fiancé to spend more time with his children. I suggested I would help by being their chauffer and camp director every afternoon until their father got home from work. I also agreed they could be here four weeks in the summer, instead of every other weekend. I did all this before I new what I was getting myself into.

A year later my head is spinning, but I realize I’m getting the knack of being a step-mom. That, and I’ve skillfully put their father on the straight and narrow daddy track. (He’s become a very talented cook, dishwasher, launderer and artful disciplinarian.)

Thankfully as time passes so does the girl’s moodiness and dislike for the outdoors. They’re becoming more active, mentally and physically, which makes them more upbeat. They’ve also cut back on correcting me whenever I do something their card playing full-time student (a.k.a. non-employed) stepfather would disapprove of. Unfortunately, however, fighting with each other has become one of their favorite pass times, which reminds me of my own childhood and sister, four years my senior. Boy how she could pinch! OUCH!

At times, being a soon to be stepmom is a tough job, but because I love their father and have actually seen the girl’s sweet souls from time to time, I can live with the occasional Alison in Wonderland like dream.
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