Update on Step-Daughter

[ShelbyAD]

Hello Everyone,

I know I haven't been here in a very long time. Things have been hectic at work (doing alot of OT) and home.

As alot of you know, my step-daughter is Anorexic. She's was having a real rough time. The specialist had virtually given up on her. The therapist would only talk to her about "school life".

So DH & his ex decided to stop taking her to all of these doctors. We were just wasting our time and money. Everything everyone said would go in one ear & out the other.

WELL, Things have gotten much better since we stopped taking her. She's gaining weight, she's healthy, is a "woman" again, she's happier and more outgoing now!!!!!!!! We are totally thrilled!!! She's getting back to her old self.

She did not really give us a hard time about taking our family Christmas pictures. Last weekend the girls & I were at a baby shower. They had fun. "H" actually posed & suggested a picture w/ her & her sister. I was amazed - and it came out good!!

She's taking French in HS (she's in 10th grade). She's in the French club and was even elected Vice President. She's taking a marketing class and is in that club. She's making friends again. She went to a birthday party last week. Can't remember the last time she went to one. She's also in Drama.

She's looking into colleges. Of course they are far away. Her top 4 choices are: UCLA, USC, NYU and UCONN.

We are soooooooo happy. I guess not being under a micoscope helped. Maybe b/c there were too many people "harping" on it and that's all that she was talked to about - made things worse. Now that we have stopped harping she's doing extremely better

[SBETigg]

Wow, that's great news! Sounds like she's really thriving now. Thanks for the update.

[TinkerbellT421]

Wow shelby thats amazing! I am so happy to hear shes doing so well! I am very happy for you and your family. That must be such a stress relief for you and your family.

[Magic Smiles]

Fantastic News! It is so hard being a teen nowadays. for continued progress.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Oh my heart is bursting with joy for you and your step daughter. Dealing with these issues with a child have to be one of the most difficult things for a parent to go through. I am so happy for all of you.

[RedSoxFan]

That is wonderful news. So glad she is doing better.

[WDWFanatic]

I am so happy for your DSD and your whole family. Who would ever guess doing nothing would be the cure .

Pixe dust for only continued success and harmony for your family.

[DizNee143]

such wonderful news!!
hope everything just continues to get better and better for you her and your family!

[tinksmom02]

I remember your earlier posts and have been wondering how your stepdaughter has been doing. I'm so happy you're able to report such a turnaround!

[PirateLover]

I remember this saga well. I am so glad that things have turned around for her finally. Being active in clubs is a great way to gain self esteem! Plus it's great for her applications. for continued success.

[princessgirls]

Thanks for sharing. That is wonderful news!!

It sounds like things are looking up.

Julie

[kakn7294]

I'm so happy to hear that she's doing much better!

[pianobabe]

It sounds like things are really starting to shape up. I'm glad it is going so much better.

[ShelbyAD]

Thank You. Yes - our stress levels have definately come down.

Now we just have to deal with her turning 16 and wanting to drive.

[mouseketeer mom]

As a nurse who has worked in an Eating Disorder Unit at a hospital for close to 10 years before having children, I can tell you eating disorders are the most difficult addiction to conquer. Our unit was like a revolving door. The girls would gain weight, leave., then many of them would be back in in a matter of months. These are tough issues. I'm happy to hear that your step daughter is one that is doing well! Sounds like getting involved was a big plus for her. I wish her continued health. Thanks for sharing this story!

[Cinderelley]

I was just thinking about you guys the other day. I'm glad to hear that things are going well.

[daparish]

Sorry I am late with this but just wanted to say I am so glad things are better.

[ShelbyAD]

Things are still going fine. Her 16th birthday was this past Monday . She wanted to go to the library (public). I asked her why, she said she loves the library. She loves to read. My mom gave her a gift card to Barnes & Noble. I'm sure she will use it right away.

She has even started to say "I Love You" to her father. This is a BIG thing. Their mother doesn't say it to them (or not often enough) so they didn't "learn" to say it. When we would say it to them (both her & her sister) they would answer with "ok" or "I know". They would not say it back. Her sister "E" doesn't say it - yet - We're hoping one day she will.

Still a milestone for "H". They will be over our house this weekend - we are taking them rollerskating. We asked what "H" wanted to do for her birthday weekend. She said go rollerskating and walking around the Opryland Hotel. For those of you who have never been there - it's HUGE it can take you literally hours and hours to walk around the whole thing. It is quite beautiful.

Thank you for all your pixie dust, thoughts and prayers. We are just over joyed w/ how she is now. We never thought this day would come.

Oh - and she wants me to teach her how to cook "basic" foods. She needs to know when she is on her own. Her mom doesn't cook, so she asked me to help her. So, when I am cooking dinner this weekend, I will ask her to help. Have not clue as to what we are having, but we will think of something.

[TinkerbellT421]

Wow, I am so glad to hear these updates from you. I am so happy for you and your husband and of course "H" herself. That is so HUGE!! What a long way! Especially when you explain all the things their mother doesnt do. It can be very difficult to teach someone these types of things your supposed to learn while growing up. It can be difficult to learn these things when you already are "grown up"...Wow, what huge progress. I can see it only getting better. I am so happy for you and your family. Hopefully "H" is looked up to by her sister "E" and will start to learn from her....

[WDWFanatic]

I'm so glad things are still going so well. I'm also very encouraged that she want to cook with you. What a great way for the two of you to have a bond.

I know things have been so hard on you and DH and I just want to say kudo's for sticking it out. Not that you wouldn't have, but you know what I mean.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.