I tend to write about things that I have learned through my experience as a Mom, but this topic I have not yet encountered. Although, Sean has recently started dating, there has not been a serious partner in his life that I have had to meet or worry about. Many of you have had to go through knowing your child is spending time with you ex and their new partner, which quite frankly for most, would be a scary thing.

Here is how I look at it, all that I can do is believe in Sean's good judgement, that the person he eventually chooses to date and to bring into our sons life, is a good person. Worrying wont do me any good, and hiding in the bushes to ensure that this person would be a great role model to Owen (has crossed my mind) but would take up too much of my time. ;) I would rather get to know his new partner myself as much as I could, if not be friends--to be friendly. I believe that is the best for all. 

Below is an article on Sharing your Kids with your Ex's New Love. I found it to be helpful-- I hope you do too!

Sharing your Kids with your Ex’s New Love

by RHODASOMMER • APRIL 1, 2012

I’ve been through this process with many clients & it is not easy. First there is the jealousy that the new love may have something cool to offer your kids; like a swimming pool or they never seem to lose their temper. This is a very normal reaction because it’s hard to share your kids.

Because my kids are adopted I’ve been sharing my kids since they first arrived. Even though they’ve never met their birth parents I’ve never been one to pretend they don’t exist. The most important part of my life has always been shared & that reality matters for the well-being of my children.

When the family breaks up there is a new reality to endure that sharing your kids with people you don’t know will be part of the new deal.

I believe in the african proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child.” I believe it’s important for children to experience different ways of doing things & different rules. Experience teaches children a lot. They can learn to roll with things & be more flexible. These are ideas with which to soothe yourself.

It’s important to reassure yourself that your relationship will always be unique because of who you are. In all likelihood there will be things that the other person is better at than you. Balance this hard truth by knowing there will also be things that you will do best. Try to give up your own competitiveness because it’s not useful in this situation.

The first time your kid says the other person’s name with a positive enthusiasm will hit you like a small earthquake tremor. You must learn to live with knowing that it hurts your own heart; without demanding that they reassure you about loving you more. That’s your job, not theirs.

Transitions are part of every major change & adjusting to someone you don’t choose & have no control over is tough to be generous about. It’s good practice for being a future in law, which is another relationship you have no choices about.

The goal is acceptance. You have to learn to live with it. It’s an opportunity to add an element of grace to your life.

It’s not always what they say, it’s how they say it.

The best part of making my son’s lunch in the morning is adding in a little love note. I have written one each day and stuck it inside Owen’s lunch pail and each day he comes home and tells me he found my note. I know it means something to him, and it means a lot to me.

The other morning as I was getting ready for work and Owen was sitting on my bed, he walked up to me with a little note he had scribbled for me, and said: “Here Mom, I have written you a love note, it says: Dear Mommy, have a good day. Love, Owen.” Of course, this melted my heart and I placed it in front of my bathroom mirror so I could see it each morning.

 Now, as you can see if this photo below, I have a collection.

Being a good example really starts with you, the parent.

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.--James Baldwin”

The trip I took with my best friend to Chicago was incredible! I could have stayed a few more days, but my little boy was at home waiting for me and I could not wait to see his darling little smile. We ate A LOT, walked around the city; saw the tourist spots and spots that only the locals knew about. We met a lot of new people some we hope to stay in contact with. Went to a cubs games, shopped (mostly for Owen), went to pubs and nightclubs, we did it all!

Some of the spots that we tried and loved while we were there: RPM Italian, GINO’s Pizza, Grand Lux Café, Chuck’s Manufacturing, The Underground Night Club (where we met some and spotted some celebrities), Paris Club, Violet Hour, and we had some really amazing tacos in a really fun and trendy neighborhood called Wicker Park .

We had a wonderful time, and we’re already planning our return! See you again soon *Chicago*! :)

A little bit of our trip in Chicago! :)

Last week  Owen was lucky to have received a BROBO DOG sent to us by Kim Blair, she along with Jeff Lai are the creators of BROBO huggable nightlights.

We opened the package and Owen’s face lit up with joy! Not only has this huggable nightlight brought so much happiness, bedtime has been much easier. Owen is comfortable knowing he has his little friend beside him.

With one little swoop of this doggy’s tail, DOG lights up for bright mode, bedtime mode, and will automatically turn off after 5 minutes. Owen and I have been watching BROBOs cute animation cartoons online http://www.youtube.com/watchv=LE4O6hKWpBg&list=PLJNC_cT3_VVKEjvETA3jkBj4raheRAitT and with his birthday in mind, Owen has already been planning to collect the rest of the BROBO superheroes.

BROBO has received many awards such as:

“2013 Top Toy of the Year Award- Creative Child Magazine

"5-Star Certified (highest rating) for Ease of Use, Durability, Visual Appeal, Functionality, Cost Efficiency, and Originality." -WTSToyReview.com

"Parenting Toys of the Year 2012 Playlist" -Parenting Magazine

"Brobo and his robot friends are unique, high-quality plush toys that are so soft, cuddly and adorable! Just rub their hand on their belly and the light turns on as a “Shine Force” to scare away any night time frights the child might be having. Watch your children get braver at bedtime now that they have this buddy to keep them company." -Parent Tested Parent Approved Media

"When it comes to calming that anxiety, BROBO pulls double duty by providing an immensely cute and huggable plush character with a built-in nightlight... with large eyes and quirky, colorful design, quickly becomes the object of your child's affection." -Tillywig Toy & Media Awards

With many other Testimonials that you can view here:

http://brobo.com/pages/testimonials

BROBO dog comes with us everywhere! To school, to the grocery store, to his father’s, back to mine, BROBO dog is a huge hit with all!

To find out more about BROBO Please visit their website here:

http://brobo.com/

Find Kim Blair on Instagram here: @thetoykid

I know you will enjoy your BROBO as much as we have! :)

Happy 1st Day to the little ones starting JK today, and to the kids returning to school, have a great year!! :)

 Last week, Owen and I were late getting to daycare as I took extra time with him at home each morning. On Friday I had forgotten it would be his last day until we dropped off his blankie and monkey to his cubby and tucked inside was Owen’s good-bye binder that his school made for him as a departure gift. I opened the binder and looked through the pages of documented observations they had made. Pictures of Owen, stories, his learning, creativity, was all documented in this binder. I teared up and told Owen how important this was to me.

While flipping through these pages, I can’t tell you the guilt I feel for missing out on these moments, I guess I don’t want to miss one moment of his life and learning, I wish I could have been there during the day to have witnessed all these times. I could not be grateful enough to his teachers for putting this binder together for us. It will always be treasured.

Below are some of the cute stories and observations of Owen at daycare.