How did this happen? To clarify, I have only been a regular part of Girl's life since 2001. Her Dad and I met and started dating in the Fall of the year 2001. We got married in 2005 and that's when I became the Step-Mom the the Redheaded Step-child. For the record, I have never beaten her like a redheaded step-child, or like any child for that matter. Not that she probably didn't deserve it a few times...
When I was in my 20's, I was single and hanging out at the gun clubs with my Dad, cause heaven knows a trap club is a great place to meet guys. You would think that would be the case, but it isn't. Unless you're looking to hook up with a 70 year old. Dad and I would shoot together and drink beer in the evenings, we were better at the latter. I used to run into this cute little boy whose parents were somewhere on the grounds but never seemed to be with him. He would catch frogs and polywogs and hunt me down to show them off. He would tell me all kinds of interesting things that 6 year-olds know. One day, Boy had this fat little redhead along with him and introduced me to her as his sister. That was the day I met my future step-daughter.
Jump ahead 6 years and Brown-eyed Man and his wife had divorced. We had some mutual friends who introduced us. When they brought up the idea of me meeting this guy, all I could picture was the previously referenced 70 year old shooter. To my surprise, it was Brown-eyed Man whom I had admired from afar for quite some time but had never had the courage to speak to or even make eye contact with. He was kind of intimidating.
So we met, we talked for about an hour. I gave him my number he gave me his. He said he might be at another shoot the following weekend. I went there and shot all by myself for two days waiting for the Brown-eyed Man to show up. He didn't. Nor did he call me. For two whole months! Finally, some time in November, he called and asked me out. We've been together ever since.
On our first date, he showed me pictures of his kids and I said "Hey! I already know them!" Has this story gone off track? Yes it has. So, my point here is that Girl and I met again when she was about 9. I've been blessed to have a great relationship with both Boy and Girl and I feel like we've become even closer due to some circumstances which I won't get into here, but let's just say they have affected our lives GREATLY. GIrl lives at our house full time and today we will celebrate her 18th birthday! I'm so proud of her. She is the only daughter I will ever have and I'm so fortunate.
Now, let's look at some embarrassing photos of her...
Three days old and they made her a Raider fan. This is blatant child abuse.
This photo embodies both of their personalities. Boy is happy as a clam about lord-knows-what and Girl is scowling about whatever is making Boy happy.
7 months old and 21 pounds. This kid never missed a meal.
9 months old and does anyone wonder why the baby is sitting next to a bag of fertilizer?
About age 6 they decided that they would have rather had a boy so they cut her hair into this ridiculous pixie. This unfortunate haircut lasted for about 4 more years until Girl got tired of everyone calling her "Him".
The scowl again. Nice boots. I think one of my nephews wears that jacket now.
I skipped several years so now we're at age 16. The scanner in my office sucks so that's why these pictures aren't that great. I look like a Schmoo.
And here she is today. I didn't think it was fair to wake her up at 5:30 when I left for work so I just took her picture instead. I'll update you later on her appearance as the day progresses.
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