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Wish We'd Known: 18 Things No One Told Us About Being a Same-Sex Parent

From what your kids call you to how you will reinvent story time, here's what no one told us about being a same-sex parent (19 Photos)

Patty Onderko on Feb 4, 2013 at 9:38AM

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18 Things No One Told Us About Being a Same-Sex Parent

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a Patty Onderko on Feb 1, 2013 at 11:19AM

Thinking about starting a family with your same-sex partner -- or already on your way? Congrats! While you may face challenges as an LGBT couple raising a child, the rewards for the two of you -- and your kids -- are immeasurable. Excuse us for being all sappy for a moment, but it deserves to be said and heard by everyone, straight or gay: Love conquers all. One day, your children will tell the exact same thing to their own kids.

The Arrival of Your Child Will Be Especially Momentous
Creating or expanding a family is an incredible time no matter what. But for same-sex parents, it can be even more so. After all, you probably went through a lot to get to this point: donor and/or surrogate selection, IUIs (intra-uterine inseminations), IVF (in-vitro fertilization), adoption, legal and financial roadblocks. Which is why the moment you hold your child in your arms for the first time will be transcendent.