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Informing SM of pregnancy

Lotsoflovetogive's picture

Good day all.  So my stepson called  DH yesterday  to tell him that him and his wife  are expecting  their first child. We have been expecting  this news for a while now. I was not at home so I cannot say  exactly how  the conversation went, but SS congratulated DH on soon becoming a grandpa.  I did not receive  an  email, text or call to congratulate me on soon becoming a grandma.  

I could see that this bothered  my DH as well, since he expects his children to include me in everything.   SS and his wife are very stable and have never asked us for anything, so I know they won't  need us to support  this baby, that is not my concern.  I'm  worried that this is a sign  of things to come in terms of how I will be excluded.  

Am I wrong to feel disrespected? DH says he will talk to SS about including me more. I also find  it hurtful  that SS's wife is almost 5 months along and we're only hearing about the pregnancy now. Especially since my husband specifically asked weeks ago if they're expecting and they said no.  I'm sure she would have told her own family  weeks ago and possibly BM as well.  

Comments

STaround's picture

Trying to integrate this post with your first one, where you said you told the kids you were Dad's wife, not a mom replacement, and that  you and Dad lived overseas for many years you two lived overseas and had minimal contact with his kids.  I think given that, your SS's actions are not unreasonable. 

I do not know if they have picked up on your secret desire that you would like to be primary caretaker for their child.  They may know that you are unhappy about not having your own kdis. That would be VERY, VERY scary to me as a new mom, if I thought that you coveted my child.  

Lotsoflovetogive's picture

I don't  actually expect  anyone  to hand over their child to me, I realise that's a little bit  crazy.   But yes, I can admit than I'm  jealous.  Everyone seems to have a defined  role in this family except  for me.

 

tog redux's picture

You are not your SS’s mother, therefore, you are not his children’s grandmother. He owes you nothing except the basic respect everyone is owed, IMO. 

As long as SS is respectful to you in person, don’t push this and DH shouldn’t either.  

fakemommy's picture

It isn't your decision or right to decide when they should tell and in which order. For my pregnancies, I only told those who I thought I'd need if I ever had a miscarriage. Asking is rude and probably put them in a weird position. Are you sure they don't think of you and DH as a unit and that's why they told only you? There are plenty of things I tell just my mom, but I expect she brings it to my dad. 

twoviewpoints's picture

Yeah, I have to agree with what has already been said by others. 

Don't spoil this for your SS and his wife.This is a very happy time for them, as it should be. You can't live your life through the life of others. While I'm not unsympathetic to your desire to have always had a child of your own, your "secret wish" that this young man and his wife would give you their child to raise? You've had 20yrs to have found ways or your Dh and you to have brought a baby into your household. Don't blame your SS or try and make him and his wife feel guilty over their first child.

And yes,I find it pretty odd to hold yourself nothing more than 'Dad's wife' all these years , to now suddenly expect to be treated as if you are the biological grandparent due all  'rights'  and find it somehow disrespectful they did not race to tell you about the forth coming child first with due congratulations. 

My suggestion is to a professional therapist (with experience in stepfamilies) and try to sort your feelings and put them into perspective. Several totally different things occurring here that do intertwine but each with it's own significance in role.

 

Lotsoflovetogive's picture

I never wanted to replace their actual mom.  I thought it would be easier to establish a relationship if I tried to be friends with these kids rather than a mom.  That being said, I also thought I would have children  of my own some day. 

So I recognise that I lost out on an opportunity to be a mother.  I can accept that.   But I will be part of this new  baby's life from day one.  I will be involved as much as DH.  So why shouldn't I expect to  be treated as a grandma? The baby  won't know any different surely

 

STaround's picture

You will be involved as much as you and the parents agree upon.  I would not expect to be at the hospital on Day One, unless you are asked.  I would beg you, do not stop DH from seeing his grandchild if you are not invited.  

To complain that the two mothers were likely informed before you ignores the relationships here.  You say you and DH were living abroad many years, there is likely not much of a connection with you.  

TwoOfUs's picture

I really feel for you, OP...because I have also not been able to have a child while having 3 stepkids. Sometimes it feels like torture to be with a man with kids when I don’t have any of my own...like last night when he was waxing eloquent about how great it is to be a dad to a mutual friend whose wife is expecting their first. I mean...it’s not like I expect my husband to never talk about his kids or the joys of fatherhood...but it definitely stings...

So yes...I’m very, very sorry. I see myself in your position soon...since DHs kids are now 22, stb21, and stb19...

I will say...I think the best route for you and your DH to take is to not be pushy at all. Let your SS and his wife have this moment...and then be there for them. Trust me. They will come to you for child care and they will appreciate you for being a loving presence in their kids’ lives even if they don’t feel close to you themselves...if they’re like 95% of parents I know. 

My sister can’t stand her MIL for example (I don’t blame her...the woman is really rude and aggressive) but her 3 boys love their grandma and she would never take that away from them. Same with my other sister...she’s always had trouble with our grandma (also for good reason)...but her youngest went to visit and just fell in love with her and talks about his great grandma all the time (he’s 5 now...has been talking about her since he first visited at 1). Whenever one of us are going to see our grandma...she lets us take the kids. 

My poiny in this is...be good to the kid. Take an interest...don’t plop the kid in front of the TV. Talk to him/her. I really think this is the main thing kids are craving that they aren’t getting enough of...actual conversation...

If the kid loves you and thinks of you as a grandma-type figure...I doubt the parents will take that away from their child. 

Also. If you’re grieving and really need a child...perhaps you and DH should adopt/foster. There’s no reason not to have a child if you want one, 

tog redux's picture

It's not your decision what role you play in this baby's life, it's your SS and his wife's decision.  They may be fine with you being "Grandma lotsoflovetogive", or they may not be.  It depends on a lot of factors that we don't know anything about, such as how he feels about you, how his wife feels about you, how SS's bio mother would feel about you being grandma, etc.

My advice would be just take a back seat for now. Be loving and caring if and when you get to see the kid. Ask SS what he would like the child to call you and don't challenge it if the answer isn't "grandma".  Don't start expecting to be seen and treated as grandma, if that develops, great.

notarelative's picture

It's a little too soon to be upset. You weren't home when SS called. You, yourself, said that you don't know how the conversation went. They didn't wait to call when you weren't home. They told DH. DH told you. Don't look for things to be mad at. 

When SS and his wife tell people about the pregnancy is their decision. Yes, she most likely told her mom right away. BM may have known before DH and you. But, don't make this a contest or you will definitely lose. 

They told DH. DH told you. Ball in your court.  Rise above your feelings and tell them how happy you are for them. And then step back. Realistically, step mothers, who did not raise the children, are often low on their priority list. You need to accept that your relationship with the SGC is contingent to DH's relationship with his child.

lieutenant_dad's picture

I think everyone pretty much covered it. You never acted as a mother to the kids, which means they may not treat you as a grandmother. That is their right, and you and DH need to accept that. If your DH runs in there demanding you get equal grandparent status, he may find himself not being a very involved grandpa.

Also, if SDIL has suffered miscarriages or issues getting pregnant, or had an early pregnancy scare, she may have waited longer than usual to tell folks about the pregnancy so that she didn't have to tell all those people again if something bad happened. Especially people who only see themselves as "friends" because they happen to be married to a bioparent. Or, they just didn't think you guys were a priority to tell. Again, their decision.

Overall, sit back and let it all unfold. Unless they are overtly disrespectful, you and DH have little to address with them, and any addressing may just result in less communication.

Be happy for them. This is THEIR child.

hereiam's picture

I did not receive  an  email, text or call to congratulate me on soon becoming a grandma.  

I find it very odd that you expected this.

Winterglow's picture

Do you realize that this could be your big opportunity to be more involved in their lives? As you were absent when the call came, this is the perfect opportunity to call THEM and tell them how absolutely thrilled you are for them and to remind them that you are there, ready and willing, if they need anything. 

I know that you probably don't feel at all like doing that but think how much potential good it could do for your relationship with them. You want them to think about YOU not about dad's wife, right?

lieutenant_dad's picture

I think this is an excellent idea!

"SS and DIL, how exciting for you both! Congratulations, you will make excellent parents. If you need anything, just know that your father and I are here to help."

Lndsy747's picture

My grandparents on my mom's side were divorced when I grew up and each had significant others in their lives. My grandmother outlived 2 husbands and my grandfather was with Carol as long as I can remember. I never called them grandma/grandpa they were always called by their first name but they were always involved as much as my actual grandparents and I never thought anything of it. As a child I didn't really ever think about their relationship to me. They were always important people in my life and that's all that matters to a child.

If your true goal is to have a relationship with this child don't worry about being offended right now. I wouldn't expect my SD to treat me the same as her mom in this situation it'&s just unrealistic. If you have a good relationship with SS then I'm sure you'll have a place in the child's life. 

bananaseedo's picture

I honestly find it absurd that you expect this and find it incredibly selfish and find your approach incredibly narcissistic to be honest.  YOU are to call and congratulate THEM on becoming parents/being pregant.  In what world is this about you???  You convey you were an uninvolved step-parent....and expect a 2nd call to congratulate YOU?   I can see w/good reason you may find them keeping some distance between you and the child. I sure as hell would.  If a stranger on the internet sees through your behavior i'm sure your SS and his wife do too.  Your dh's expectation is pretty absurd too.  This is about their pregnancy and starting a family.  Don't push/force yourself on them.  Call them with a sincere congratulations and you are happy for them and there for them if they need you and that you are thrilled to meet the new little addition.  Shows you are excited want to be a part but also respects it's their child/decision.