Not everyone understands what it is like to have children in your family that did not come directly from your body. Not everyone understands how hard it can be. The good and the bad. I know these things all too well. I grew up in a family where I had a stepparent and then I married someone and became a stepparent myself. Basically, I learned from the best.

Having stepchildren is HARD. But it is also very rewarding! I constantly worry if I'm stepping on the other families toes, wondering if I am helping or hindering my girls. Oh, did you see that? I said, "my girls." Yes. When I chose to marry their Dad, I CHOSE to be their parent. I CHOSE to be their stepmother. I CHOSE...THEM. Growing up, my stepfather never treated me as anything other than one of his kids. Yes, there were times when immaturity made me think otherwise, but he loved me just as one of his own. I was and still am to this day, his kid.

I have been in their lives longer than I have not and I would not change anything about them. I hope they know how much I love them. How much I hurt when they hurt. Or get excited when they get excited. These are all the same feelings I have when it comes to the children I physically felt inside my belly while I was pregnant with them. I will fight for my girls, just as I would for the other two.

Before their brother was born, they taught me love, compassion, and patience. They taught me how to deal with situations I never thought I would be put in. Even though they didn't come from my body, they taught me how to be a Mommy.

I may not be their biological mom, but no matter what, I will always be there for them. They are MY girls no matter what anyone says. And that is what a stepparent should be. Get rid of the STEP, and be a PARENT.