Where to start. The featured post of the year, or maybe not. “Heaven only knows” in the wise words of John Legend. It’s been a wild year in Wildwood. I feel like only my son’s father would get that joke. It’s been 2 years almost exactly. Amazingly, Kyle and I have grown closer than ever. Through all the incredible highs and terrible lows, we have been able to persevere. We are a true testament to what forgiveness and a lot of listening can do to support the will of God. It has no cakewalk, to say the least, but I have grown and I know he has too. I timidly mention the will of God because sometimes it’s hard to know for sure. Especially when after each storm there’s an even brighter day. The storms haven’t stopped but the days are getting brighter. So I look to the future with optimism. And here we are. We are both committed to doing better for ourselves and our son. I truly believe anyone who is growing within themselves is on the path God destined them to be on. Stagnancy should never be an option. Kyle and I both see life as a gift, we both want to live for something or someone bigger, primarily our son and legacy. All in all, we made it this far. He claims he believes in God more in more each day just because of how deep his love has grown for me and I feel the same way. Our actions prove it. Storms will come, this we know for sure but we know how to stand the rain.

Back this fall, a beautiful friend gifted our family with a Lisa Rossi photography session. I mixed up our shoot times so thankfully we were running about an hour early. I’m pretty much a pro at getting up and out of the house with the family. All I must do is get up about two hours earlier than everyone else. No biggie! Kyle whipped out his inner Kanye and approved my outfit as I adjusted his shirt. Noah sat quietly watching his shows. I am just head over heels for my little boy. Noah has the best energy. Just a loving, calm & gentle spirit. Noah is almost two years old! I can barely believe it. Talking, babbling, and throwing the occasional tantrum. We decided to opt for bagels and coffee. Yum! We tried out a new bagel shop on the way with some quality locally sourced items. The bagels sandwiches were bomb but our order was ridiculously expensive for bagels and coffee. Oh well, I guess you get what you pay for. I enjoyed every bite of the gooey cheddar, crisp bacon & steamy eggs. Delish!

We pulled up to the rose garden. The air was cold and crisp, you could smell firewood in the air. We sniffled and quickly gathered Noah up and out of the truck. Lisa’s big warm smile met us as we turned around. Such delightful energy. She easily captured Noah’s attention and needless to say from the photos, ADORABLE. I just love our little family. Lisa was snapping away behind us as we walked down the brick-lined sidewalk. Each step took careful intention to avoid the muddy puddles. I paused from eyeing each step to look at Kyle. He was already looking at me. “I Love You So Much,” He said with such a grin. My shoulders relaxed and I smiled right back. ‘I love you too’ I said and I meant it. Growth. I never would have thought we would get here. You are might know our story but our son brought Kyle and me together. We had not been dating long before we got the news we would parents and from there things got tough. What began with parallel parenting has grown into a romantic committed relationship. I believe it could only be God at work in our situation. We faced all sorts of adversity and in some way, we pulled through closer. More in love. More committed. We have relied on therapy, prayer, and active listening skills to grow in becoming better partners and people. It takes energy and effort but it’s the only real way through. Healthy relationships come with a price, but sometimes it’s worth the fee!

Leave me some love in the comments! Have any of you been able to rekindle the romantic connection with your co-parent?