some families are a bit dysfunctional...

So today let's take a dive into my dysfunctional family, shall we?

When I was 8 my mom's sister passed away. She left behind my 18 year old cousin Jen, my four year old cousin Megan, and my 2 year old cousin Sean. The death of my Auntie Bee devastated my entire family. It was one of the most awful times I can ever remember. The story gets worse...my aunt's husband was a lousy parent and a hardcore alcoholic. Basically even though everyone tried to help with the kids, it wasn't enough. They were raised by freaking wolves. Sean has had an especially tough time. He never knew his mom. He has not one single memory of his own about her. He started drinking, drugging, and being promiscuous and the ripe old age of 12. This has led to screaming matches, my cop brother almost having to arrest him, him running away, becoming an addict, and then being in and out of juvenile hall many, many, MANY, times. It was hard, to say the very least. After his last bought in the hall, Sean came out with a different attitude. He started attending Juvenile Drug Court and counseling (at the place where I work). His girlfriend Rachel has pretty much the same story, only difference is she is also in a foster home. One day at work I went out to see Sean, and he told me Rachel was pregnant. I could have killed him. Here we had two SEVENTEEN year old recovering addicts who were in the juvenile justice system, and now they are going to have a baby. I was pissed. I also wanted the kids to get a paternity test. Let's just say I was NOT supportive in any way shape or form. I was straight up mean to Rachel, I acted like she did not even exist. I honestly did not want to deal with the situation. Plus, she is a snotty 17 year old, and if she would have rolled her eyes at me one more time I would have probably strangled her. After a lot of work on myself I finally decided that it was best to just love Sean and welcome Rachel and their baby into the family. That is what they needed. They didn't need judgement, they didn't need anyone unsupportive, they needed love and acceptance. Might I also mention that ever since they found out a baby was on the way the have BOTH stayed clean and sober and out of trouble. I am very proud of them.

So after all the growth and change I saw happening for both of them I started trying to be more supportive. I started by taking them to get belly pictures taken before Baby Jayden arrived. Rachel really wanted to document her pregnant belly, but they couldn't afford to get pictures done. Even though it was last minute I booked an appointment at freaking WAL-MART (which was the only place available) , picked them up, and off we went for a photo shoot. A few hundred bucks later (yes. expensive) we had some beautiful pictures. Although, I hated they were from Wal-Mart, I have to admit they turned out better than I expected, even though I felt like I was on an episode of '16 & Pregnant'. I am going to share a few of them here...

{1.} Rachel and her big ol' belly.

{2.} This little idea was Sean's. He wanted to do the typical heart on the belly, but with each side of the heart being one of their hands. Rachel freaked because she didn't paint her nails. Oh, to be 17...

{3.} This picture is my absolute favorite out of all of them. It is beyond precious.

{4.} I wanted to smack him for leaving his hat on, but at least it matched her outfit...right?!

{5.} This is another of my favorites. They look so cute.On March 21st Baby Jayden was born. After 20-something hours of labor, Sean and Rachel welcomed their handsome baby boy to the world. A post of pictures of the handsome little man will be coming soon! I would really appreciate some prayers/love/positivity (whatever you believe in) sent to this new family. The three of them will need all the help they can get.

xoxo