Been a while...

Okay, so 'a while' is quite the exaggeration. It's been too damn long. Time for another blog. Time for me to get back to blogging more. It was so damn great to do that before, so it's time for me to start up again.

Man, there's been lots of changes. First, I've been in a relationship for 10 months now with an amazing man! He's a wonderful father, great with my daughter, makes me laugh and smile, and he's sexy as hell! He's kind of arrogant and feisty, but also very caring and compassionate when I need him to be. He's definitely a ladies man, and knows how to treat a woman. He's the best I've ever had in bed, and makes me feel more comfortable than ever. He's stubborn and has a bit of a mean streak. His words can really cut. He's smart and cunning and witty and humorous. He's very masculine, but also has a softer side that he tries to hide. He loves and respects his momma. He's insecure about some parts of himself, but doesn't want anyone to know it. As we've grown to know one another, I've seen him confront his feelings, both good and bad. I've seen him cry and he's certainly seen me cry. We've had our ups and downs, like any other relationship. But this one is just different. I knew it the first time I laid eyes on him. He took my breath away! I didn't know what I was feeling, as I'd never felt that way before. It was honestly the most amazing and scary feeling at the same time. So intense, so exciting, so wonderfully different. For the first time in my life, I felt true, unconditional love.

A love like this is a once in a lifetime kind of love. A love that stands the tests of time. A love that is a forever kind of love. But with this kind of love, of course, came a multitude of challenges.

I've learned a lot not only from him, but from our relationship in general. For one thing, what is right is not always easy; what is easy is not always right. And we've both tried really hard to separate the two. We've had plenty of hard times and have always tried to do what is right. We have struggled with baby momma drama, blending our families, dealing with parents, dealing with money, dealing with bigger issues such as prejudice and cheating, and learning how to love each other. Communication is the key, and we have both worked hard on this. I must admit, he really does a bang up job at communicating. And he's helped me realize when I am not being 100% honest. There's a say, "If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best." Well, let's just say that we've both tried out this theory, and it's true.

Relationships are not all butterflies and rainbows. Sure, a healthy relationship should hopefully have more good than bad. But it's learning how to deal with the bad that seems to be key. If you can talk openly and honestly with each other, then it's easier to get to the root of the problem. Finding a solution together, instead of a 'my way or the highway approach' is crucial. We're learning that we're a team, and much better off if we work together rather than alone.

We want to build a life together, a good one. Good to me means having a happy home, where the kids feel and see love, honesty, respect and kindness. However, happiness is something that each person tends to define very differently. I don't feel the need to be rich. I want to be comfortable. I want to have enough money to pay the bills, save for emergencies, pay for college and weddings, and our future. I want to take family vacations. I want to travel and live in a nice home where the kids' needs are met. I am confident that Matt wants these same things, just on a larger scale. I think he aspires to be rich. To be extravagant and luxurious. And that's okay, so long as he doesn't have unrealistic ideas of how to reach his goals. The good thing is that we both tend to keep each other grounded. We both support each other's goals and dreams. And that is so wonderful! He believes in me, and I believe in him!

Don't get me wrong. He's not perfect and neither am I. There's lots of things that annoy the shit out of me about him. For one, his dipping. It is not only unhealthy, but it's expensive and nasty. I'm so tired of finding his spit bottles and fallen dip all over the counters and carpet. It's everywhere! He doesn't even seem to notice it. And I hate that I can't get a kiss spur of the moment. One of the things I love about him is the way he kisses me, so I don't care for the tight lipped peck. He's also very good at pretending to be oblivious. He somehow doesn't notice when dishes need to be done, or laundry is piling up, or the floor needs to be swept. He tells me that I need to tell him when I want help. But then, I feel like a nag, and he hates when I ask him to do things. He is also perfectly content to 'ignore' the cries of the kids, or bath time, or meal time. He knows that I will do it, so he lets me take care of it all. I get out of bed in the middle of the night to calm a crying child, or wake up on weekends to change diapers and make breakfast. I do wish he were more aware and helpful. Having to constantly ask for help is frustrating and annoying. I may as well just do it myself. He doesn't want to volunteer to take over a particular chore. I think it's because he knows he less likely to be held responsible that way. You know, the whole, "but you didn't tell me the dishes needed to be done" thing.

And, on a more personal note, I have some issues. I wish he were more flirtatious and complimentary. He rarely tells me that I look sexy, or beautiful. I flirt with him all the time with nothing in return. And, 9 times out of 10, I'm the one to initiate sex. And I only get it about half of the time that I would like it. I want him all the time. It's like our roles have been reversed. I hear all kinds of excuses: he's too tired; he wants to take a bath and relax; he has a headache; his stomach hurts; he's just too mentally drained and doesn't feel like it; he's too drunk. Talk about a blow to your ego! But when we do get to have sex, it's great! The most and best orgasms of my life! I just wish we had it more often. I joke with my girl friends and they think I'm every man's dream. They say they're the ones coming up with excuses to their husbands, not the other way around. So it's a bit disappointing to hear.

He used to do sweet things for me, too. Like surprise me with lunch, or a book I wanted, or bring me flowers. He used to write me long love letters via email. Or send me daily texts saying he loves me. I know that he can be a romantic, if he puts his mind to it. He's a thoughtful and caring guy when he wants to be. I just wish he would be in the mood more often. Even his mom tells him he needs to be nicer to me and show me more affection.

Speaking of his mom, she is awesome! I absolutely love her! We get along so great- better than I get along with my own mom. She is wonderful to me and my daughter, and goes out of her way to show us how much she loves us. She wants us to be happy and has even taken my side many times and defended me to her son. Who does that? He often jokes that his family loves me now more than they love him. And you know what? I think so! Good thing is that the feeling is mutual - I love them all! I am so blessed to not only have found my soul mate, but to also gain a loving and caring and supportive family to boot!

We moved in together recently and it's almost been 3 weeks. Sure, there have been some issues and quirks to work out, but I think it's gone reasonably well. The kids have adjusted just fine and love it. They help around the house as asked and get along so great. His youngest has made great progress in potty training since they moved in, and she even gave up her prized possession, blankie! I joke around that his son is resistant to change, but honestly, he learned it from his dad. He's the most stubborn, mule-headed guy. Very resistant to change! He's the biggest excuse maker in the book! But he's really given this his all and I have been very happy with his efforts thus far.

It's had a lot of pluses, I think. For one, we're all so much closer now. It's easier to work on things, like potty training, when I'm with the kids more often. They seem much happier and content. Having their own rooms, their own stuff, but in our house has made it home. We do more as a family now. Going to bed with him and waking up with him is the best thing. (Unless he's being a crabby butt in the morning). That is not a side of him that you want to see that early in the day! But having meals together, going places together, doing chores together, just being together, is so wonderful! I never imagined having such a big family, and it's been the best thing to happen to me in a long, long time!

No, we're not the Brady bunch. We're better! We're one big happy family, and I am very happy with the direction my life has taken! I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful man by my side; such a wonderful family to love.