Blogging for LGBT Families Day

Today is "Blogging for LGBT Families Day". It's a day where people from all over use their blog to celebrate their Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered family. So, I attempt to join in the fray with this little contribution...

For folks who are stumbling across this blog for the first time, welcome to the House of Chreblett! We are a house of 3 gals: A lesbian couple, Lori (that's me) and Vera, and our daughter, Zoe. We live in the San Francisco area. I use this blog as a way to to keep friends and family in touch with what we're up to. I try to post things once a month or more. So, please read through and enjoy -- post a comment if you like!

Zoe is a little over a month away from her 2nd birthday. As so many people have said, time flies, they grow up very fast. And other times, it goes by sooooo slowly. (Like last week while Zoe and Vera were both sick with a nasty cold... I was up with Zoe all night while she coughed, running the shower every 90 minutes to help her cough loosen so that she could sleep.)

She's definitely growing and I just can't seem to keep this blog up to date with all the things she does. In the last week she has finally started saying her name. She'll cover her face and say "Zoe?" - this is her way of getting you to play "Where's Zoe?" like peek-a-boo. The word explosion continues - including putting multiple words together. "Mommy, 'mere" (that's Mommy come here) or "Toys, open please?" (Asking to open the tinker toys can).

The photo above is a recent shopping trip. Zoe got some new sandals and had to wear them immediately. This photo was so much like a "paparazzi" shot that I had to post it.

Because it's LGBT Family Blogging day, I feel that I need to write something to acknowledge this day. I knew that having a child would challenge me in ways I never expected. I have been out of the closet in just about all aspects of my life; at work, my doctors, dentist, etc... I didn't realize, however that I would have to come out in an even bigger way once I became a parent... At baby n' me classes (of any sort), the grocery store, the play ground, day care and anywhere where there are other parents and their kids. "I'm one of Zoe's mom's" always get's me a blank stare from the other parent, then their eyes focus with understanding, followed by a brief pause, then different reactions.... awkwardly finish the conversation and move on, or ask a ton of questions that they may not ask any other parent, or continue talking because it's a non-issue. But I ALWAYS anticipate a very negative reaction. I struggle with that every time I go into a situation where there are parents and their children that I don't know. Internally I ask myself, "How do I deal with this?" and "Why do I feel so awkward? " I think about Zoe and what my behavior models for her. In the end I try to work out what is comfortable for me in that moment and at the same time helps teach Zoe to be proud of her family. Sheesh, this parenting thing is hard!