We’re 1 day away from Chris and I’s 2nd Wedding Anniversary. I wanted to share the precious moment when Crystal, my Bonus daughter, said yes to her dress. Chris and I thought it would be a great idea for Crystal to have a day with all of the attention on her. We wanted to do this because she was so sad that she couldn’t stay at my bridal shower because it was for adults only. She was so excited to see her friends Heather, Kate, Breanna, Sami & Willisa, that she wasn’t ready to leave. Throughout the planning process of our wedding, Chris made sure that Crystal understood that our wedding day was about her as well. We made sure she had key moments such as being my miniature bride, as well as her having a dance with her daddy.

Before this magical moment could even happen, she had to say yes to her dress🤗. At the suggestion of my coworker Ashlee, I planned a day just for us girls, full of surprises. We started at David’s Bridal, where she tried on several dresses until we found the one. I could tell she was so uncomfortable trying on these dresses, so I tried to make it as much fun as possible. It was sweet that other mothers were chiming in letting her know that she looked so pretty in her dresses. She eventually got more comfortable and started twirling around like a princess. We eventually found THE ONE and she was able to “ring the bell.” It was perfect and blush like my wedding dress. My favorite part of her dress was the heart shape in the back.

We left the bridal shop and headed to her scheduled mani and pedi. She was so excited and explained that this was her first mani/pedi. I could tell she was enjoying being a girly girl and for once being seen and heard. She chose a bumble gum pink to match the dress she was wearing. Next, it was time to get some grub. We stopped at a cute pizza place and enjoyed a pepperoni pizza, her favorite. The whole time at lunch, she kept telling me “thank you for spending the day with me and making me feel pretty.” She began to cry and told me she loved me. Crystal is such an emotional child, and she doesn’t mind letting you know how she is feeling, after asking lol. I’ve always made an effort to let her know how I felt about her, regardless of what her mother may have been telling her.

Our day was almost over but I couldn’t dare end it without taking her to her favorite place, Urban Air Trampoline Park. Before heading that way, we stopped at Target to get her a new outfit for the trampoline park. I began driving to the park and she screams, “we’re going to the trampoline place.” Her little innocent face lit up like I was Santa Claus😂. It felt so good making her smile and giving her a reminder that she matters. The most important lesson, that I wanted her to learn, was just because your daddy is marrying someone else, you’re not getting replaced. In so many second or third marriages, the kids are left out and not even thought of. To them, it’s all about the bride and groom. However, it’s imperative that you include the children in your union.

Fast forward, Crystal had no clue that her dad added the father/daugther dance to the program. The dance was so cute and meaningful. They danced to “Love Is an Open Door” (from Frozen) by Kristen Bell. Crystal and I have a bond that has been through so much, but I’m happy to share that it is still thriving. No weapon formed against us will prosper😃.Writer: Mrs. Robinson
Editor: Mr. Robinson