Things I Want My StepDaughter To Know

Okay, so I'm not married, so she's not "officially" my stepdaughter, but in my heart she absolutely is, no matter what. I've compiled a list of things I want her to know; and this is only the beginning...

1. I love you.

2. I will never replace your mother or try to be your mother. You two have always and will always share a special and unique bond, just as all lucky girls get to have with their moms! You and I will have our own relationship that does not compete with your Mom, just like how you can have a relationship with your Aunt or your Gigi... I'm another person to love you and be there for you in every step along your life journey! I play a different role in your life than your Mom, and that's okay! :)

3. I used to despise the word "stepmother," because there are so many evil portrayals of it. I never want to be the "EVIL stepmom!" But in building a relationship with you over these past four years, I've come to know that it doesn't matter what you call me, or what anyone else calls me. What matters is our relationship; not the title. And actually, when you call me your stepmom, my heart actually plops out on the floor into a giant puddle of  happiness. You're my family, too.

4. I love your Dad. I love him so incredibly much; just like you! You never have to compete for his attention, affection, or time. You two will always share a Dada-Daughter bond that is irreplaceable! Nothing and nobody will ever compare to your relationship; we can both love him in different ways. (He needs lots of love... From us both!)

5. I would do anything for you. (Okay, I lied. I won't give you my beans. Bwahaha) Almost anything though. I am here for happy and sad and mad and glad and terrible horrible no good very bad days.

6. You teach me more than you could ever imagine. Not just the fun trivia, new hit lyrics, poems, new jokes, how to draw, etc. I mean you REALLY teach me about life and love and all the inbetweens.

7. I am so thankful to be a part of your life. And I could only hope you are thankful I am in yours as well. Even when I'm hangry.

8. I hope you will continue to discover and learn everything you possibly can in your lifetime. Never lose that curiosity for life that you have.

9. Boys are stupid. Okay.... Sorry. They're not all bad. But when you do get your heart broken one day by some idiot, I hope you will find it in your heart to let love in again. Find someone who truly cherishes everything about you; you are an absolute gem! "Find someone worth melting for" -Olaf.

10.  I hope you take opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. It will feel uneasy at first, but it will be worth it.

11. The power of giving is magical; never stop thinking of the people who need your help. But never stray from thinking of yourself as well.

12. You can always, always fall back on family. You have been blessed with so many people surrounding you that love and care about you deeply; never hesitate to ask for help. With anything!

13. I'm always dreaming for you and the beautiful life you deserve. Make a life you're proud of, and make it your own!

To all the evil stepmothers out there, here's to our beautiful, rambunctious, intelligent, spunky, and gorgeous stepchildren... Cheers to being a "step" above the rest!