Hi, my name is Katie. My living situation is a little different, I live with my husband, my ex-husband, his girlfriend, and all six of our kids.
It might sound crazy, but for us, it works. We’ve made co-parenting and blended families something we’re really proud of.
Stephen and I met at 18, and we were best friends before dating. We married young at 20 and soon had our three amazing kids, Gracelyn, Kaylynn, and Colston.
Over time, our relationship changed. We became more like roommates raising kids. Over time, we drifted apart as a couple and eventually choose to go our life paths away. We decided to get the divorce.
At first, things were tough. We argued all the time, even about the smallest things. It was draining, and I knew we couldn’t live like that forever. In 2016, I married Ben, who had a son named Hunter. Our families blended, but things with Stephen were still rocky.
Our daughter’s softball schedule kept bringing Stephen and me back into each other’s lives almost every day.
We had to learn how to get along for her sake. Slowly, things got better. By 2017, Ben, Stephen, and I were spending time together, dinners, games, holidays. We even stopped following a strict parenting plan. The kids were happier, and life was smoother.
Then came one of the scariest moments of my life. Stephen and his brother were in a terrible car crash. They were both in critical condition. I rushed to the hospital, terrified.
All I could think about was our kids. I didn’t leave Stephen’s side.
When doctors said he could go home but needed care, Ben and I knew right away—he was coming home with us. Stephen needed help, and more than anything, he needed to be near his kids. Ben and I took care of him together. After a long recovery, Stephen knew he had a place with us.
That same year, Stephen started dating Brandy. I had gone to school with her, and she had two kids of her own, Jaxson and Kayleigh. Soon, they were spending more time at our house, and eventually, they moved in too.
Now, all of us live together. It’s a full house, and yes, it gets loud and busy, but it’s filled with love. The kids have a huge support system. We eat dinner together, cheer for each other at games, and handle life as a team.
Things aren’t always smooth, but we solved all the problems together and always do what best for the kids. I never pictured my life like this, but now, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
