Family

I don't think I've mentioned that I come from a somewhat complicated family. I often refer to myself as the "youngest only." I am the only child of my two parents, but they both have children from previous marriages....5 total. So I have 5 half siblings ranging from 6-15 years older than myself. My mother had 2 sons in her previous marriage and my dad had 2 daughters and 1 son. Over the years my mother shared custody of her sons but my dad had full custody of his children. I know this is odd.

My mother refers to us as the Brady Bunch. Whenever I hear her say that I cringe. We are nothing like the Brady Bunch.

So yes I have all these siblings but from the time I was about 9ish I was all on my own with my parents and that is why I say I am the "youngest only." I think I have a bit of both mentalities.

I don't know if I have mentioned it here before and I am too lazy to check but my niece has made me a Great-Aunt. Last summer she and her boyfriend came to Edmonton for a couple of months at which time she revealed she was pregnant....an accident.... she was 16 at the time her b/f about 21ish....but a very immature 21.

When I found out I was a gamut of emotions. I was already pregnant with Brennan at the time but my infertile side got the better of me. I was so jealous, and even a bit angry. I couldn't begin to comprehend how she had an accident and I couldn't even hope to get pregnant the natural way. Unfortunately, jealousy is an emotion that gets the better of me and I know it shouldn't. When she came back to visit at Christmas Brennan had already been born....I was still jealous....jealous of her bump. Then when she finally gave birth in March 10 days overdue a smooth vaginal delivery to a good sized baby girl (heavier than Brennan). I was beside myself.

Here I was a married, "stable" (whatever that means) woman.....who couldn't get pregnant without a Doctor, delivered 2 1/2 weeks early by c-section after a really $hitty labour with no chance for a vbac and she did it perfectly with no issues.

Well my niece should be arriving tomorrow. I am not jealous anymore. I know her situation is not easy. My brother informed us on the weekend that she and the b/f have broken up and likely for good (although you never know). My brother would like her to move back here. She has little to no support where she is. She will have plenty here. I lent them some of my baby gear that Brennan is not using or that he can do without for a bit. As much as the bitter infertile and incompetent side of me was jealous I would not want to be in her shoes.

I can't wait to meet my Great-niece. So far I have only see pictures.

Will's family is not nearly as complicated as mine...of course the extended family does have their quirks. We have planned a trip to "home" for Thanksgiving. We haven't been "home" in three years. It should be an interesting trip.