Inside Braunwyn Windham-Burke's Complex Living Arrangement: Balancing Life with Fiancée Jennifer Spinner and Ex-Husband Sean Burke
Braunwyn Windham-Burke and her fiancée Jennifer Spinner open up about the difficulties and complexities of cohabitating with their children and Braunwyn's ex-husband, Sean Burke
When Braunwyn Windham-Burke, the former Real Housewives star, relocated from Orange County to Franklin, Tennessee with her fiancée Jennifer Spinner, she anticipated a time of joy and bliss. However, it evolved into a situation where she found herself living with a household of 10 individuals, including her seven children and her ex-husband Sean Burke. In an exclusive interview with We, Braunwyn shared the challenges she faces.
"We experience some really difficult days. There are moments when I find myself unsure of what to do," Braunwyn, aged 45, admitted. "Going through a divorce, moving across the country, leaving my family, and getting engaged—it's a lot to handle. Thankfully, Jen contributes greatly to making it easier. We complement each other and strike a balance. However, when it comes to the children, we are doing the best we possibly can."
The couple had hoped for a fresh start with a cross-country move into a rental home last spring, but things didn't go according to plan. The former reality star explained that the original intention was for them to move with their four little kids, and for Sean to stay in the guest room for 10 days a month. However, Sean ended up staying longer after his visit, much to their amusement.
Courtesy of Braunwyn Windham-Burke/Instagram
Upon his arrival here, I don't believe he anticipated staying permanently," Braunwyn asserted. "He envisioned a back-and-forth lifestyle and the possibility of establishing connections and potentially embarking on a romantic relationship locally. I believe that would be wonderful because, for the time being, he remains an integral part of our lives. I truly admire his adaptability and willingness to navigate through this transition."
Jennifer, 39, commended him for gracefully handling a highly unusual predicament. Braunwyn currently acknowledges that their separation arrangement deviates significantly from the norm.
"It's not your typical blissful engagement, but it's pleasant. For me, it's nice to have Jennifer as a part of my life and to solidify our commitment to each other, especially for the sake of our children and my family," Braunwyn expressed. After one year of dating, Braunwyn proposed to Jennifer in July. "Especially with young kids, there's always that uncertainty of whether Jen will stay or not. But now they have stability, and that's the most important aspect for me – that the kids perceive Jennifer as their stepmom."
In fact, Braunwyn's children – Bella, 23, Rowan, 21, Jacob, 17, twins Caden and Curren, 9, Koa, 8, and Hazel, 5 – already refer to Jennifer as their stepmom.
"I adore them. In my eyes, they are like my own children," Jennifer expressed. "By that, I don't mean to say that they solely belong to Braunwyn and me. For nearly eight months now, I have regarded them as my own. Therefore, it is heartwarming to hear them acknowledge it."
She went on, "I believe they understand that I am here to stay, and that sense of stability is crucial as they navigate their parents' separation. Their bond with me will always remain constant."
Jennifer acknowledges that their unconventional living arrangement with Sean is not a permanent situation, especially since Braunwyn is currently going through a divorce that she initiated in October. However, at the moment, their children are benefiting from the best of both worlds.
"I don't expect this cohabitation to last forever; it will likely end soon," Jennifer stated. "Despite the challenges and potential pitfalls of divorced individuals living together, Braunwyn and Sean are actively learning how to coparent in a unique and real-time manner."
Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Jennifer Spinner Sean Zanni/Getty Images
"Last night, I found myself in the position of facilitating a discussion on establishing boundaries for coparenting with them," she shared. "If they were living apart, this conversation wouldn't have been necessary. It's beneficial for both parties involved and especially for the children. Although I don't believe this arrangement can last indefinitely, it currently serves as a positive factor."
Additionally, having numerous roommates can lead to occasionally uncomfortable encounters.
Jennifer disclosed, "His underwear and mine, well, they find themselves intertwined. And now they find themselves in Jake's possession as well." Despite the occasional discomfort, Jennifer finds solace in this unusual occurrence as it allows her to observe the children's interaction with both Braunwyn and Jake, aiding her in determining her own place in the dynamic. Jennifer is adamant in acknowledging Sean's unwavering support throughout her journey as a coparent.
Jennifer praised the coparent's efforts in making her feel comfortable. Despite their amicability, she acknowledged that it could be anxiety-inducing for him to know that their children are living with another person. Jennifer also mentioned that she spends individual time with each child, allowing the coparent to observe her parenting style and easing his concerns about the future when the children will live separately. She viewed the difficult aspects as learning opportunities and appreciated the unique chance to coparent with their children's father, recognizing that not many people have that privilege.
"And what's great is that the children never feel pressured to pick sides," Braunwyn added. "To the kids, it's just one large, joyful family. I adore Jen, I adore dad, I adore mom."
Despite Braunwyn's expectation that her divorce will be finalized "soon," she has encountered a few obstacles along the way.
“It’s really wonderful to have the additional parental figure around. It truly makes things easier... However, the challenging aspect lies in the current issues related to the divorce," she expressed. "There are certain matters concerning finances, particularly Sean's failure to fulfill his obligations of child support and spousal support. So, while I am striving to create a joyful and harmonious household, I find myself juggling this responsibility alongside the legal process, as my lawyer delivers court summons to our home and says, ‘Here, this is for you.’”
Courtesy of Braunwyn Windham-Burke/Instagram
Braunwyn stated that the divorce process is straightforward and uncontested. Once the divorce is finalized, they will proceed with their wedding. The couple has already begun organizing their upcoming marriage celebration, which will have a southern hoedown theme and is scheduled for October 19, 2024, in Tennessee. Additionally, they intend to purchase a home together in the following spring.
“We want our own space,” Jennifer said.
Braunwyn added, “I would like to have time to be not just parents with her all the time, but a couple to have that intimacy at home.”
“Right now, we’re able to do [that] when we travel, but we’ve never had that at home,” said Jennifer.
“And I want that,” continued Braunwyn.
Moving the family away from Newport Beach, where she gained fame, is a decision she does not regret. The greatest advantage is the lack of attention towards her reality TV celebrity status.
"I adore this place. The kids' school is amazing. Engaging in activities that used to bring me immense happiness brings me joy," Braunwyn expressed. Her eldest daughter, Bella, recently moved into an apartment nearby with her fiancé. "Leaving Orange County, where everyone was aware of my entire story and whereabouts, and coming to a place where no one follows the show and has no idea who I am is truly blissful."
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