Proud as a Peacock

As a mom there were times when I would be in the NICU with Zoe, holding her, rocking her and thinking of what she'd be like when she was 6 months old.  Then 2 years old.   Then 10 years old.  What would her hobbies be?  Would she be optimistic or pessimistic?  Would we share common interest?  All those things ran through my mind.

It is a bit different as a step-parent.  I came into D's life when she was 4 and E's life when she was 2.  They had gone through the teething, learning to eat solid foods and they were already potty trained and sleeping through the night.  It was glorious!

My role with them is more backseat.  I'm not a primary parent, yet I love them the same as though I was.  I'm not the one that took them to their first day of school or who takes care of them when they're sick.  Our bond has taken longer to build simply because of my role in their life.

I will tell you, after 6 1/2 years of being in their lives and being able to love on them, the bond is there.  It's a blessing that I can't quite articulate into words.  They love and accept me as a mom in their lives.  It is an honor to say the least.

I've watched them grow from toddlers into children and now, D is becoming quite the young lady.  Yesterday she had her second assembly.  She got to play a ladybug in a skit.  Over the last 6 months or so, I've seen a change in her.  She's growing up and becoming teen rather than child.  It's gone rather smoothly for the most part.  She's become more responsible, more compassionate, more confident without an attitude.  I can't say enough things about how amazing she is or how proud of her I am. 

It took me by surprise yesterday when the tears started to flow as I watched her perform her skit in front of the entire school.  She was breath-taking.  I was mesmerized by her.  I still saw the 4 year old I first met all those years ago, but I also saw this new young lady.  She was everything I have been praying she will become.  I couldn't describe the feeling except that I was one proud mamma.

D has always had a leadership quality to her and she's always been a compassionate girl.  This year, now that's she's on Cabinet, I'm seeing it blossom in a way that can only come through the opportunities she's been given.  I'm so proud to be in her life.  So proud that she allows me to be a "mom" to her.  My heart runs over.