A New Adjustment
SS by Stacey

Here I am, relaxing in my large living room, still "decorated" with

carboard boxes that haven't been unpacked, in the new house that Kevin and I

recently bought. We had a big discussion about this almost a week ago. At

the time, I still had my apartment in NYC, and my condo in Santa

Monica...Kevin is originally from California, so I could understand him

wanting to stay in his home state. There are sometimes that I wish I could

have a big house and raise a family back home in Louisiana, but I know I

have to make some sacrifices concerning this family Kevin and I will be

raising. Only a month after I had started dating Kevin was when I found out

he was a father and any day now, expecting a second child. He loves his

little girl more than life itself and I know he will feel the same for the

newborn, when he or she arrives. His kids have a lot to do with our decision

to stay in California. He wants to be there for his kids when he can, so he

didn't want to move to a house too far from them. Which brings me to my

newly purchased house in Malibu.

As I stay in the same position, sitting up with my back resting against the

arm of the couch, I watch Kevin play with his 2 year old daughter, Cori. It

reminds me of the times my dad would play with me when I was a little girl.

I am in awe at the site before me and can only hope that he is the same way

with our kids someday. I love little kids. I've said this so many times, but

if I weren't a singer, I'd definitely be doing something involving children,

whether it be a music teacher or dancer teacher. Though, I will admit that I

was a little skeptical about getting into a relationship when there are

children involved already. It's a big responsibility and I think I'm finally

ready to commit to it. I've always wanted to live in a big house with a lot

of kids. I guess you could say that I'd go for that minivan type of gig.

Suddenly, I'm interrupted by little fits of giggles and the occasional

scream of the phrase "Daddy stop, that tickles!" Kevin is sitting on the

floor with Cori and he just brought out the tickle monster. It really warms

my heart to see this. I hope Cori and her baby brother or sister accept me

with open arms. Although they are not my children, I will love them with all

my heart because of the man I will be marrying in about 4 months. It's just

a matter of Shar, their mother, letting me become a big part of their lives.

I just want things civil between Shar and I so I don't end up being the evil

stepmother.

The phone rings loudly 3 times before Kevin gets up to answer it. He has a

serious, yet excited expression on his face which can only mean one thing.

His new baby daughter or son has just been born or is on her or his way. He

explains the situation to me and asks me if I'm ok with watching Cori for an

hour or so. I look at him with an expression that reads "piece of cake!" He

just laughs slightly and pulls me up from the couch to give me a kiss. I

congratulate Daddy, tell him to give my love and best wishes to Shar, and

assure him that everything here will be just fine. Kevin goes back over to

Cori and gives her a kiss on her head and a hug and whispers something in

her ear. I follow Kevin to the foyer as he heads for the door, he turns

around smiling and winks at me. I'm very curious about the little exchange

that just went on between father and daughter.

Once Kevin has left, I walk back into the living room and sit back on the

couch. Before I make a move to catch up on reading or turn on the tv, Cori

walks over to me and clims up on the couch. The next thing that happens I

will always cherish...Cori leans closer to me and wraps her little arms

around my shoulders. At this moment, I know that everything is going to be

okay. My future family, although somewhat complicated, will be filled with

so much love.