My Best Friend

Everyone has heard of the wicked stepmother. What about the good stepmothers? The ones that actually love their step-kids and form bonds with them that extend beyond a friendship and into an actual parent-child relationship? I'm sure you're thinking, "They don't exist!"

Wrong.

I'm living proof that they actually do exist because I am one of those good stepmothers! Yes, that's right! I LOVE my stepdaughter, and she is absolutely my best friend. I'm sure at this point you're making the common assumption: bio mom is not in the picture.

Wrong again.

My stepdaughter comes home for half the week, every week. The other half of the week she spends at her other home with her mother and older brother. Despite that, she and I have formed a relationship that is just like any other mother-daughter relationship. Not only does she call me "Mommy," which was her decision by the way, but she also comes to me for love and comfort. Bottom line: she is my daughter, and I am her mom.

At this point, I'm sure you're thinking to yourself, "That is a bold statement." You're right. It is. But it's not a false one. A child does not need to be biologically yours for you to love them like they are. A child does not need to be biologically yours for them to see you and love you like a parent. What's my secret?

Love.

Love is what unites her and I. Love is the foundation of our relationship. Love is what will continue to keep us together and further solidify our relationship as she gets older. Ever since we have known each other, I have done nothing but love her, care for her, and gone above and beyond what the wicked stepmother narrative has taught me to do. Because of this, I have earned her love and respect.

My Mini-Me

So let me tell you about my beautiful, best friend. She is 3 years old, but has a big personality. She’s just as clumsy as I am, but is always okay ;). She likes good morning kisses, and goodnight hugs. She loves karaoke and making quesadillas. She can be a total girly girl who is into dolls, nails, hair, and makeup, or she can be a tomboy who would rather wrestle with Daddy, and chill with him in his game room. It all depends on the mood she is in, but never forget the selfies! She’s shy when you first meet her, but really outgoing once she gets to know you. She loves looking at our wedding pictures, and seeing us in love. As a matter of fact, she likes to grab our hands and join them together when we are laying in bed. If she hasn’t seen us kiss good morning, she looks at my husband and in a very stern voice says, “Daddy, kiss Mommy.”

This bond that we share cannot be broken. One of our favorite activities is to make quesadillas together, and have dinner on her bed. She brings the juice; I bring the plates. We close the door, and start playing our favorite songs so we can belt out the lyrics. We dance while we eat, and then clean up when we’re done. We sing a little longer, while getting ready for bed. By the time the song ends, she’s laid down her head. I give her a quick kiss and tell her I love her. She whispers, “Love you,” before I leave the room to go to bed.

And you know what the best part is?

I get to walk into her room the next morning and be greeted with a big hug, kiss, and "I love you Mommy!"