It wasn’t until the baby shower and I had a chance to talk to Stephen-Dad, that I realized the significance of the family my daughter and daughter-in-law have created. Stephen-Dad is what my grandson, Skyler, calls his father. He always loves to go to Stephen-Dad’s house and play with his 4 year old brother, Landon! 

When Rachel and Marissa were looking for a donor dad for Skyler, (then a twinkle in their eyes,) they found Stephen through a friend of a friend. Stephen and his husband, Tyler, had already helped another lesbian couple conceive a daughter and were open to helping one more. 

As Rachel and Marissa’s relationship with Stephen deepened, it was decided that Stephen would take on the role of Skyler’s father. After all, the more people to love their baby the better! 

Stephen-Dad & Skyler

And Stephen and Tyler were thrilled to extend their family! They were already so grateful to not only be dads to Landon, an amazing gift from Stephen’s high school friend who was the surrogate, but also that Landon has a beautiful relationship with his biological mom. And yes, gratitude that their  daughter for whom Tyler was the donor is in their life. 

When Marissa and Rachel were ready for another baby, it just wasn’t in the cards that Stephen would be the donor again. They found Blake through an online forum. Blake just wanted to give back and had already been the donor dad for several couples. 

But this is the first time he has been asked to be a member of a family which he has taken to heart! Through open communication all the details of what that means are being worked out. What will he be called? What role will he play? What about his son’s relationship with everyone?

Since Stephen-Dad is going to be the main father  for both children, he will be at the birth. Everyone wants to ensure he has a deep bond with the new baby. And of course Blake will be one of the first ones to hold his new daughter! 

When I saw the interactions among everyone at the baby shower it just struck me that Rachel and Marissa have truly created a Nova Earth Family! A family where all preconceived ideas of what it means to be a family doesn’t really matter. It is only Love that does! 

From Left to Right: Rachel, Marissa, Blake, Stephen

And yes, that Love expresses itself as mutual respect and trust, heart listening and heart speaking. Certainly a family I am blessed to be a part of! 

Lee & David – Happy Grandparents

Love, Lee

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