Not Just the Greased Chicken.

Four months later

Four months ago I met Mindy’s kids for the first time. She had undergone the same vetting with my kids when she came to Alabama in July. She hit it off with my oldest (Hayden’s mom), but wasn’t exactly sure how well the other two accepted her. We ate with those two again when she was back out in September, and came away feeling much more comfortable with them (she even received hugs from each of them).

So a couple of weeks after that, it was my turn. Mindy decided to have us all eat lunch at their favorite Brazilian restaurant. The Girl and I seemed to connect pretty quickly during that lunch, but then again I think she connects quickly with just about everyone. The Boy, though…

I was a little concerned with The Boy. He didn’t really say anything at all when we picked them up, and when we reached the restaurant he took out a book and started reading. He didn’t really interact with me at all. Needless to say, that made me nervous.

Today is his birthday, and last night Mindy and I took him to that same restaurant for his birthday dinner. What a difference in those four months! Last night he was active and talkative, telling jokes (he was responsible for the turtle joke last night) and just generally enjoying himself. He and I have been getting along fine since I moved here, but being at the same restaurant really highlighted it all for me.

Since my kids aren’t really kids any longer (the oldest is 28 and the youngest is 22), we aren’t blending families like so many other remarried couples. However, we are still presenting them with a new love in their parent’s life, and that can be tricky at best. I am so very happy to see *our* kids accept the new person and make them feel like a part of the family. And being a part of this family here? Hell, they’re all so much smarter than me that I am definitely being kept on my toes, and I’m loving every minute of it!!!!