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Post by Ellie on Jul 24, 2014 12:47:00 GMT
A great update! So happy to hear. Am also happy you didn't barf.
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Post by Fairlyoddparent on Jul 24, 2014 12:51:07 GMT
What a great story! I am glad that the first meeting went well. It sounds like both of you moms handled it very maturely.
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,960
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Jul 24, 2014 13:26:36 GMT
Thank you for the update. It sounds like it all went well. I hope they do continue with their relationship, what a blessing.
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angie w
Full Member
Posts: 107
Jun 26, 2014 2:35:35 GMT
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Post by angie w on Jul 24, 2014 13:38:36 GMT
First, I am glad to see you here - I mostly lurked at 2peas but always enjoyed your posts. I think you did such a good job with this situation. It's the whole grace under pressure thing and I think you showed it so well.
I had a similar situation because my daughter had always known she had a half-sister but apparently the half-sister didn't know about my daughter. So when my DD contacted her on fb to say hi her half-sister kind of freaked out. nice job,ex. anyway our situation has worked out just fine and I bet yours will too.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 24, 2014 13:40:14 GMT
What a great day it turned out to be. You are a wonderful mom!
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Post by DinCA on Jul 24, 2014 13:47:07 GMT
I love the photo of the three of them. It's such a fantastic update. And I am glad you didn't barf, too. I have two half brothers who live in the UK and we have never met. My sister and I are planning to meet them for the first time in the fall so I know a little about this kind of anxiety. We had no contact with them until about six months ago and they were born almost 40 years ago! I wish we had met when I was 16 but the adults in our lives didn't find it important. This is a wonderful thing you have done for your boys.
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Post by Frazzled Mom on Jul 24, 2014 13:54:25 GMT
So glad it went well! And like many others, I feel like I've watched your boys grow up on Two Peas and for what it's worth, you still impress me, Steph, with the dedication and care you show raising your kids. Kudos to you, for taking their lead and being there for them.
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Post by Miss Ang on Jul 24, 2014 13:58:23 GMT
Loved that update! Great news that it went so well!
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Post by *christine* on Jul 24, 2014 14:03:03 GMT
I'm glad they all reacted well and want to pursue a relationship with each other. A true testament to their moms who have raised them!
Why don't they put you on a show about teen moms instead of those derelicts they have on MTV. Show them how you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps and raise respectful, educated, fun kids with lots of love and hard work.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 24, 2014 14:18:29 GMT
I'm glad it went well. They are adorable!
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Post by tinafb on Jul 24, 2014 14:18:40 GMT
I'm so glad it went well!
My husband has half siblings who he just reconnected with after 16 years. Unfortunately, it was because their father was dying. They hope to continue the relationships now.
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Post by cynipidae17 on Jul 24, 2014 14:23:01 GMT
wow, it sounds like it went well. I hope they continue to stay in contact.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 24, 2014 14:25:20 GMT
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear how well it went.
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Post by gizzy on Jul 24, 2014 14:26:58 GMT
Sounds like they hit it off & had a wonderful visit! Woo hoo on no barfing.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
Jun 26, 2014 20:10:29 GMT
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Post by raindancer on Jul 24, 2014 15:19:22 GMT
I'm so relieved for you that it went well. And I love the pic.
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Post by jenn on Jul 24, 2014 15:21:20 GMT
I have always admired you, and your update demonstrates what a wonderful mother and person you are.
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Post by fiddlesticks on Jul 24, 2014 15:36:43 GMT
Fantastic update! I am glad it went so well!!
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Post by marmargirl on Jul 24, 2014 15:38:23 GMT
You did a good thing! I'm so glad everything went well and I am so impressed by your (and the other mother's) maturity and kind-heartedness. The kids will only benefit from seeing and experiencing first-hand what being a mature, forgiving adult is like.
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Post by SabrinaM on Jul 24, 2014 15:48:10 GMT
I'm glad it went well, Steph! You're a great mom!!
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Post by Pahina722 on Jul 24, 2014 15:51:35 GMT
I'm so glad that the meeting was a positive experience for all of you. It gives me hope that if my adopted DS ever decides to try to connect to any of his (five or six?) biological siblings, he will find it equally positive. So far, at 16, he's made no mention of wanting to, but that could change.
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Post by leftturnonly on Jul 24, 2014 16:16:06 GMT
It's a day late, but I just want to say that I think you've handled this absolutely beautifully.
I'm so happy the meeting went as well as it did.
Your boys have a strong, loving, wonderful mother in you.
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Post by Merge on Jul 24, 2014 16:18:43 GMT
What a wonderful outcome. So glad it went well for all of you.
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Nicole in TX
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,951
Jun 26, 2014 2:00:21 GMT
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Post by Nicole in TX on Jul 24, 2014 16:25:39 GMT
OMG your boys are huge! Do I see the same nose and mouth in all three of them?
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,692
Location: Ohio
Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Jul 24, 2014 16:41:47 GMT
I'm seriously going to have to print this entire thread when i get home. 1.) to read when i'm having a rough day 2.) because i'm seriously blown that y'all are so incredibly supportive- I was bracing my self when I posted for a few nasty replies. I'm not sure if the trolls decided to turn over a new leaf or if they didn't make the transition but it's really cool- almost like the super old school 2peas we all loved Your support is seriously beyond amazing and you helped me so, so much with processing it and letting things out so that I could make clearer decisions and have a little more trust in myself. One of the funniest things are our moms-- at first my mom was like 'you're doing what? what if he wants to come around? This just might not be a good idea- what if i end up having to share my babies with his mom, they're mine!' and then as we talked and she got over the initial reaction she was kind of excited about it but I felt like she was still nervous (she's protective of her grandbabies! ) The other grandmother of course had a million questions, was supportive but still nervous also. (all 3 of these kids have so many 'mama bears' it's like they're walking around in an emotional bubble suit sometimes...lol! ) We both grabbed our phones as we were leaving to check the time and had 10+ texts from the grandmas. How is it going? What is she like? How is the mom? She didn't bring drama did she? Do I need to come down there? How are the babies, etc etc etc. Funny. My mama and I talked for an hour when we got home and i'm pretty certain she had the same thing and probably a pretty similar conversation outline. It's kind of crazy how the basic dynamic of our families is so similar, they even went to the same church until 3 years ago. I'm scheduled all day today and was planning on heading home early tomm morning but i'm having a dress altered and it won't be ready until 4 so her mom and I have been chatting today and I may be picking her up tomm for the promised chuck e cheese lunch date- the kids are all down for it and we're thinking that being able to get to know each other more independently on this trip will probably be a good thing as far as continuing the relationship. If they know a little more about her before we go it'll be easier to communicate on the phone and whatnot when we get home- they live 9 hours from us so it might be difficult to have a 'long distance relationship' The best we can do is to put it out to the universe that this is a healthy nurtured and productive relationship and know that it will happen the way it is intended. It's out of all of our hands to a degree. The comments about being on Teen Mom cracked me up by the way- I always joke that I was Teen Mom before it was 'cool' It would've been filled with bad decisions 18 months of nonstop breastfeeding and then down the road you would've been shaking your head saying WTF for a year or so and then it would have been so boring, work, work, work, move, layoff, and then finally semi-fully getting our shit together. There is actually an amazing Teen Parenting program in this area that had a huge impact on me when I was pregnant. They came into the schools and had a little support group one or two days a week, gave me someone to talk to and other people to share my experience with. I took a teen lamaze class at their center that I would've never taken with all adults and couples, they hooked me up with le leche league and support after they were born and I volunteered to help teach lamaze there and in some other offices once the babies were old enough to be left with grandma for a few hours a week (I think it took me a year! ha) When I look back it made a huge huge HUGE difference in our lives and i'm forever grateful. The last few months i've been talking with some people in my county to see about modeling a program after this one or at least doing something other than recommending abortion and adoption. Now it seems like a lot of times the girls who decide to parent are kind of left out. Parents turn their backs, family doesn't acknowledge them, they're shunned at school, even teachers are mean about it (mine were!) etc. It's almost like the idea a lot of times (and I acknowledge that there are also girls who have the exact opposite experience and every point in between the extremes, each experience is totally different) people seem to make it their personal mission to not make things any easier on the girl, to make sure she realizes how hard it's going to be and step back so she's truly on her own. Reality is every parent deserves love and every mom needs support. I'd love to be able to help establish a support system- just one person not judging and saying 'i believe in you' can impact that babies entire life. More young parents should have that in their lives. It's my passion and something that will come to fruition before i'm gone. I'm so excited that I have more free time as well as a husband that was never in my situation but is the kindest, most honorable and caring man I have ever met and supports my goal 100%. if anyone is curious if there is something in your area or wants to volunteer here is the posted outline of the program that changed our lifes Program for Teen Parents Program for Teen Parents serves pregnant and parenting teens in Spotsylvania County. The program assists teens prior to the birth of their child and offer continued support until the child is three years old. The programs encourage a healthy pregnancy and a positive nurturing relationship between parent and child. Groups meet in all area high schools, and home visits are available, too. Additional services such as Teen Lamaze, First Aid/CPR training, childcare assistance, and playgroups are also available. There is no charge for the programs. Click here to learn more. The Teen Parent Program offers educational groups and home visits to discuss: labor and delivery academic issues local resources prenatal care (nutrition, exercise) child development how to nurture your child local resources Parent Educators are certified car seat installers and inspectors. They provide this service free of charge to participants. Participants meeting certain income guidelines may qualify for free car seats. Program for Teen Parents Spotsylvania County: 540-582-3980 Damn, life is good! <3
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Post by moosedogtoo on Jul 24, 2014 17:42:17 GMT
I have an older half-brother that I met at his wedding. His mother never should have been a mother and kept him from our dad after they were divorced. I always knew about him. My dad kept the few pictures he had in the top drawer of his dresser. Even today, thinking about that makes me sad. I'm so glad my brother is part of our family now.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 24, 2014 19:24:06 GMT
It looks like, as usual, you handled it beautifully.
I'm glad that the meeting went smoothly. Great pic.
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Post by lovemybabes on Jul 24, 2014 19:31:53 GMT
I am so glad it went so well. YAY!!!
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,062
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Jul 24, 2014 19:34:45 GMT
Aww, this. I agree!
As usual, your updates are heartwarming. And how cute is she!? Oh Lord, those boys are suddenly gonna be real popular among their friends, lol! "Did you see the twin's hot sister!? Woah dude."
Stephanie you are awesome, thanks for sharing that story with us!
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